Trinity student wins 2018 gradireland National Student Challenge

Posted on: 04 April 2018

Ceithleann Ní Chonluain, a final year Trinity Politics, Philosophy, Economics and Sociology (PPES) student, has beaten 50 of Ireland’s best and brightest students to be the winner of the 2018 gradireland National Student Challenge.

The gradireland National Student Challenge is a series of events hosted by some of gradireland’s top employer partners (Lidl, gradpublicjobs, Glanbia, PwC, EY and AbbVie), with the events themselves created and run by Orangeworks.

The final day of competition held on Thursday, 22nd March drew competitors from those ranked highest in the online National Student Challenge, which numbered in the thousands. Overall, there were 14 contenders from Trinity on the day from a total of 50 shortlisted.

In terms of what it means for her CV, Ceithleann is very proud to be able to add ‘Winner of National Student Challenge’ to her credentials and stated: “It’s a huge boost for my confidence and obviously for my CV, as it’s sure to be a conversation starter with future employers. I’d like to thank gradireland for the opportunity, and I look forward to making the most of it. As for my advice to others, take the National Student Challenge, you won’t regret it and you never know where it will take you, I certainly didn’t!”

Another of our students, Daire O’Muirgheasa, a 4th year Electronic and Computer Engineering student, was awarded an individual prize to reward excellence in a core competency, leadership in this case.

This year’s Challenge was more ambitious than ever before with the students tested on their teamwork, communication; leadership and listening skills. Some of the events included building and racing your own car, disposing of  hazardous waste, guiding a steel ball through a maze while blindfolded and navigating a giant ‘robot’ through an obstacle course. The students compete in teams, yet were judged individually by assessors from each of the companies involved.

Next year’s Challenge will open in September 2018.