We caught up with George Georgiades, one of last year's winners for the Student Challenge.  His team, The Innovators took out the prize for the Best Presentation category and won a new Apple Macbook.

Q. Why you entered the Student Challenge?
The accounting profession is a highly competitive one, and there are tons of really gifted students out there for companies to choose from after graduation. I entered the Challenge because I was interested to see the kinds of problems that Chartered Accountants would typically be faced with - since I'm keen to work in that area. The great prizes on offer definitely kept the motivation up as the deadline drew closer. Having had interviews with companies like Deloitte and IBM I've found that employers are looking for students who find ways to differentiate themselves from just academically talented ones - and this Challenge provides that chance to shine outside of your studies!

Q. What you got out of the Student Challenge?
1 month in Europe and some truly unforgettable experiences...but on a more professional note, I got to experience working on a problem that Chartered Accountants might typically be involved in. I also got to test my group work ability, my ability to meet deadlines and do so against strict marking criteria. I also got to see what kind of ideas other people with similar interests can come up with.

Q. If/how winning the Student Challenge has helped you with your career prospects:
I definitely think it has helped me. Soon after the winners were announced for the Challenge I had my vacation work interview with a partner at Deloitte. He was really interested in the Challenge, my involvement in it, and the fact that we won the 'Best Presentation' category. I ended up being offered a position with them which for this coming summer which will hopefully lead to a full time position when I graduate.

Q. If you would recommend this competition to other students and why:
This competition is a great chance to test yourself. It takes a lot of work to get the Challenge completed while studying and working as most students would be - but the rewards are significant and the experience is worth the effort. If becoming a Chartered Accountant is something that interests you, give this challenge a go!