The Career Changer of the Year Award

Are you the Career Changer of the Year?

For the first time, we're searching UK universities for outstanding Career Changers.

We're looking for individuals who have turned (or returned) to higher education to make a significant career transition, demonstrating courage, resilience, and determination along the way.

To enter you need to:

  • Be a current undergraduate or postgraduate student at a University in the UK 
  • Be in the process of studying to pursue a career change
  • Be able to demonstrate the steps you've taken to pursue your career change and the impact and progress you've made so far

Applications are welcome from students from all backgrounds, regardless of year group or degree subject.

Please note that you do not need to be interested in pursuing a career in law, or with Clifford Chance, to enter this award.

This award seeks to recognise lifelong learning and the unique perspectives and broad skillsets that career changers can bring to organisations employing graduate talent. We want to shine a spotlight on those who have decided to pursue a new challenge and to celebrate the journeys of those making a leap into the unknown.  

At Clifford Chance we believe diverse teams working in an inclusive culture is good for our people, our clients and the success of our firm. Our many career changers within the organisation contribute significantly to our culture and the diversity of thought across the business.

Apply

PRIZES

What could you win?

Win a one-week paid placement at Clifford Chance tailored to your career interests!

You'll also receive £1,000 towards a professional development course to enhance your skills.

Finalists can also connect with other career changers at Clifford Chance to share experiences and build valuable relationships.

WHAT IT TAKES

What makes an award winner?

Are you a dedicated lifelong learner who is currently studying to change careers?

If so, we invite you to apply for the 2025 Career Changer of the Year Award.

What we're looking for:

  • Courage and resilience: Can you demonstrate your ability to overcome challenges, persevere in your career transition, and adapt to new circumstances?
  • Commitment to lifelong learning: Can you explain how you have managed your transition to (or back to) higher education and articulate the skills, knowledge, and perspectives you have gained or developed along the way?
  • Unique perspectives and broad skillsets: Can you share your diverse experiences and skills to your new career path, offering a fresh and innovative approach?

The application process is designed to help you share your unique journey with us.

You will be asked about:

  • Your career journey to date and why you have decided to transition to a new path
  • What you are hoping to achieve and what unique insights and transferable skills you will bring to your new career
  • Any challenges you have faced and how you over came them
  • The possible barriers that might exist to the inclusion of career changers in large organisations
  • An achievement of importance that you are most proud of

Good luck!

FROM OUR PARTNER

Clifford Chance and the Undergraduate of the Year

Clifford Chance is a leading international law firm with a global presence. We are known for our exceptional legal services and our commitment to fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment.

Our firm operates across multiple jurisdictions, cultures, and languages. This global perspective enables us to provide clients with comprehensive and tailored legal advice that addresses their international needs.

Clifford Chance offers a wide range of legal services, covering a broad spectrum of practice areas. Our expertise spans various industries and sectors, allowing us to provide clients with the highest quality legal advice.

Our people are our greatest asset. We are committed to attracting, developing, and retaining top talent from around the world. Our collaborative culture and commitment to diversity and inclusion create a rewarding and stimulating work environment.

We're delighted to partner with the Open University on sponsorship of this category.

The Open University’s (OU) annual Business Barometer report reveals only 7% of organisations have specific initiatives for recruitment, retention, or training to support career changers. With 62% of employers reporting a skills shortage, enabling career changers is crucial to addressing the UK's workforce skills gap.

The OU, with over 55 years of experience, allows career changers to pursue their ambitions without requiring prior qualifications for most courses, benefiting over 2.3 million students. As a pioneer in supported distance learning, the OU enables individuals to balance earning and learning, particularly aiding those with disabilities—37,000 of its 199,000 students declare a disability. It also serves rural and deprived areas, with 28% of undergraduates from the 25% most deprived UK areas. The OU is a key option for armed forces personnel and veterans

Since 2017, the OU has provided higher and degree apprenticeships to learners in over 1,100 organisations, enhancing its solutions for upskilling and reskilling employees.

GOING ALL THE WAY

How do I win?

Register

Deadline:
27
January
2025

Online tests

Deadline:
27
January
2025

Submit by

27

January

2025

Your details must be submitted and all questions answered by 9am on Monday 27 January 2025

If you are successful in getting through to the next stage, you will hear from us by 28 February 2025

Assessment

If you make it to the next stage, your application will be reviewed by Clifford Chance

This may involve an in-person or virtual interview with Clifford Chance

Grand final

The final shortlist of ten students will be invited to the awards ceremony on 25 April 2025, where the award winners will be announced.

Review application