University of Exeter mathematician crowned UK's best and brightest student

Second-year maths student Emily Burton, 19, saw off competition from more than 4,000 students from 149 universities nationwide to win the National Student Challenge 2013.

Her prize for winning the coveted accolade is a paid internship with leading global engineering and technology services company, Siemens.

For the competition, Emily had to take part in a variety of practical tests which included individual and group exercises, to test her decision making, communication and business awareness.

Emily, from Royston, Hertfordshire, described the event as “one of the most invigorating days” of her life.

She said:“Working and competing with such a talented group of people really pushed me to make the most out of such an incredible opportunity. Now it has sunk in, I am absolutely thrilled to have won and very much look forward to working for Siemens in the near future.

A record-breaking 4,332 students, studying a wide range of undergraduate degree subjects from universities across the country, entered this year’s National Student Challenge, initially completing an online intelligence test.

The 60 students with the highest scores were then invited to participate in the final tests, which took place at the Crystal Building in London.  Here, they were pitted against each other in a series of demanding tests which echoed some of the challenges they will expect to face at assessment centres in their final year of study.

This year was the first time that the winner and runners up were all female.

Professor Ken Evans, Dean of the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences at the University of Exeter, congratulated Emily on her achievement.

Professor Evans said:“This is a wonderful achievement and we are absolutely delighted for Emily.

“To make the finals against some of the brightest students in the country was a success in itself, yet to emerge as the winner is a real credit to Emily’s confidence, belief and hard work.  It is thoroughly deserved and we are all extremely proud of her success.”

Emily added:“My recommendation to anyone that is thinking of taking the Challenge would be to apply and go for it - what have you got to lose? It's been one of the most invigorating days of my life and I doubt I will ever forget the experience.”

Claire Williams, Marketing and Communications Manager, Graduates and Skills from Siemens said: "We are delighted to be able to offer the winner, Emily, an internship as we feel this is the most valuable prize of all: gaining industry experience prior to applying for graduate positions."

The TARGETjobs National Student Challenge is organised in partnership with Siemens, eBay, Smiths News PLC, Cognizant, BDO and Norton Rose Fulbright.