ENTERPRISE SU - Queen's University Belfast

The Final task in the QUB Apprentice 2012 was the biggest test either Judith or
Sean would face yet. Their task was to help in the branding of the new Simon
Community charity shop on Botanic Avenue, while increasing donations over the
course of the week and running the actual shop itself for one day.
Sean
You’re
Hired!
‘Team Judith’ - Judith headed into the final task as odd’s on
favorite to win. Having won four out of four tasks so far
who would bet against her. When selecting her team Judith
chose Paul, John and Philip. Having worked with Paul in
almost all the previous tasks he was an obvious choice and by the end, boy was she
glad of that pick. Early on in the task Judith got in touch with a friend who was a
Graphic Designer, to design logos and leaflets, while making plans for Wednesday when
she would run the store. Unfortunately after organising the branding Judith became ill.
At this point it was her team leadership which came to the fore, nominating Paul as
her stand in leader, a role that Paul excelled at. Paul ran the shop like it was his own,
helped by both John and Philip as well as family and friends. The team managed great
sales on the day coming up with innovative competitions and ideas to raise even more
money. Despite being very sick and being unable to attend the store during the week Judith was able to
orchestrate a total of almost £5,000. This was very impressive for a store which, on an average day takes around
£50.
‘Team Sean’ - Where do you even start with Sean! What a week the ‘big dawg’
had, from featuring in The Sun newspaper to auctioning off an old tweed jacket to UTV
sports presenter Adrian Logan. The final task was Sean’s opportunity to use his
extensive network which he talked about throughout the process. He certainly
grabbed that opportunity with both hands. As he already alluded to early on, Sean
looked for publicity opportunities and getting the word out and while his actual brand
was not as strong as Judith’s, he made sure that the entire UK and Ireland would know
about him. On the actual day Sean aided by Siobhan, Louise and Tony took over the
shop and made over £2500 in just seven hours of trading. Throughout the rest of the
week he ran different initiatives to get members of the general public to donate clothes, videos, antiques, generally
anything of value and in one case even brand new laptops, taking Sean’s total for the week rose to a very
‘dandable’ £10,000 an incredible amount of money.
Mr Aidan Hughes (VP Community) introduced the candidates and summarised the previous tasks highs and lows.
Back stage Mr Jim Eastwood was starting to build his case on both Judith & Sean. As they both entered the
boardroom, it was down to business for both Judith and Sean. Aided by Ms Nuala McAdams (VP Education) and
your’s truly, Jim started to go through each task with both candidates. Early on it became clear that Sean had not
been on a winning team right up-until he switched over onto Judith’s team in week 3. Judith’s impeccable record
shone through as she comfortably took questions from Jim around her leadership, communication and teamwork
skills. Sean however, didn’t let Judith have it all her own way. Sean did not let Jim forget the large part he played in
week 3 when the candidates had to give the Halloween tour. Sean in his own words, planned, sold the tickets and
gave the tour. With constant debate between the candidates, it was over to Aidan Hughes to reveal the results
from the final task.
The candidates, panel and audience learned of the amazing amount of money both candidates raised. After asking
some more questions Jim, Nuala and I retired backstage to deliberate over what we had heard and who would
eventually win. When we emerged, Jim emphasized the incredibly hard decision it was, but in the end it was Sean’s
final performance. His want and need for the prize impressed Jim and the ‘You’re Hired’ was directed at Sean.
In the end it was an incredibly hard decision for Jim to make. Believe me, I was there and I am sure Nuala would
agree. Whilst I am obviously delighted for Sean, I feel very sorry for Judith. Judith has a strong CV, strong
experience and a real track record of success in the competition. Although she did lose the final task she did win 4
out of 5 overall as she was placed number one by all the judges in the interviews. On the other hand Sean is
everything the apprentice competition represents. A grafter who simply never gave up. Like him or not, in the
boardroom never once did Sean say a bad word about Judith a favour which Judith did not repay it has to be said,
something which Jim saw as an admirable quality in Sean.
Was Jim correct? Well, that is a loaded question, one which I am not going to answer. Deloitte and Simon
Community if you ask me are the real winners, while the Simon Community got almost £15,000 overall, Deloitte
obviously got Sean for his prize and I believe have also looked to getting Judith in for a placement. Judith and Sean
represented two extremely good candidates who reached the final from a total of eight great candidates over the
weeks, congratulations to them all. The real question is - was this years finalists better than last years? Don’t ask
silly questions. Of course they’re not!
‘You’re Hired’ were the words from day one
Sean McNally wanted to hear. On Wednesday
night he got his wish. In week one Sean told
Jim he would see him in the final and Sean did
not disappoint. A show man through and
through, total comedy gold, Sean is a people
person who uses his network very well. Sean
believes business can be done on the strength
of a handshake and is a very honest individual
who does not mince his words. In the
boardroom Jim warmed to Sean’s personality
and liked how he did not once criticize his
competition. Although Sean came under fire
for his “Athletes foot” (I think he meant
Achilles heel) in the form of his elevator pitch
and how he often was reluctant to take
management roles, his final performance and
personality won it for him. Congratulations
Sean.
Judith, while I am sure was very disappointed
to miss out by such small margins at the very
last hurdle should be going away as a
champion. Although the competition has only
being running now two years, not only was
Judith the only first year student to reach the
final, she was the only competitor never to
lose a task on her way to the apprentice
Final. Even though Judith spent much of the
final task very ill, she managed to raise £5,000!
Jim was impressed by Judith’s ambition, team
leadership abilities, organization and passion
especially at the age of 18. In the words of Dr.
Trefor Campbell CBE (one of the dragons at
the interviews), I agree that Judith is a
“diamond, which will just grow and grow.”
I think I speak for everyone who followed the
process in saying we look forward to seeing
what Judith & Sean do next.
Owen McMeel,
2011 QUB
Apprentice Winner
Each week I report
on the biggest
blunders, moments
of genius as well of
course hearing from
each candidate as
they get fired. I will
also post your
comments, tweets
and reactions each
week.
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