Make your CV stand out by entering a competition, award or prize

Competitions, prizes and awards are a great way for you to gain experience for your CV and often some cash or work experience. Many competitions require you to work in a team / produce innovative ideas / work to a brief / write a report, all great skills to put on your CV even if you don't win!

Most recently added competitions at the top. Many run every year, check entry and closing dates. This page is updated regularly as new competitions open, so check back!

  • Innovation Cup Develop a business case for an unmet medical need at Merck. An offer of €20,000 for the winning team, €5,000 for the runner-up and €3,000 for third place. Takes place 20-26 July 2024, in Germany. Applications close on 31 January 2024.
  • Decrypt Your Future Solve cryptic clues. Each month a winner will receive a mentorship from Wiley Edge and £50 Amazon voucher. All entrants will be entered into a prize draw for an iPad bundle.
  • Undergraduate of the Year Various categories covering a range of degree subjects and communities. Each award is partnered by a prominent graduate recruiter who provides a fantastic prize for the winner, including a paid internship, trips abroad and other exclusive opportunities.
  • PepsiCo Dare to do more Compete for a 2-year rotational graduate program at PepsiCo by pitching your big idea to industry experts. Open to final year students and recent graduates.
  • L'Oreal Brandstorm Competition Annual competition to innovate the next generation of retail.
  • Go Green in the City Schneider Electric global business case challenge. Revolutionise energy management and gain unique insight into one of the leading global energy management companies. Open to undergraduate or masters level students studying business or engineering.

Competition sites advertising multiple competitions