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Careers, Employability and Enterprise
The bustling Careers and Enterprise Centre entrance in the Palatine Centre

Student Employee of the Year (SEOTY) Awards 2024

The Student Employee of the Year awards recognise and promote the outstanding contributions and achievements both off and on campus of students who combine part-time work alongside their studies.

We also recognise excellent employers in our Student Employer of the Year category, for a total of six awards categories.
See full list of winners and runners up
The audience sitting at tables at the SEOTY Awards 2024

Meet the 2024 winners

In 2024, we received more nominations than ever before for the Student Employee of the Year awards. Meet the winners, who were recognised at a glamorous awards ceremony on 30 April at Durham Town Hall.

Above and Beyond Award (On Campus)

Billy Stapleton’s commitment and contribution have superseded all expectations in his employment within the Computing and Information Services Team.
Billy Stapleton collects the Above and Beyond: On Campus Award

Above and Beyond Award (Off Campus)

Tarika Sodhi epitomises the qualities of an exceptional employee who consistently goes above and beyond for her employers at Tealicious Tearoom.
Tarika Sodhi collects the Above and Beyond: Off Campus Award

Step Up to Leadership Award (On Campus)

Kate Jones has displayed exceptional dedication and contribution to the team and the broader university community as a Student Community Warden.
SEOTY Step up to Leadership Award icon, person climbing a mountain

Step Up to Leadership Award (Off Campus)

Leo Thompson has earned trust and respect from the female-led team at Local Energy Systems by listening, empathising, and using his position to speak out publicly.
Leo Thompson collects the Step Up to Leadership (Off Campus) Award

Self-Employed / Freelance Award

Arabella Tagg has shown a strong commitment to her freelance work as an event and wedding photographer and founded the Durham Photographers Swap and Shop Facebook group.
SEOTY Self-Employed / Freelance Award icon, computer screen and mug

Internship Award (On Campus)

Crystal Truong has displayed passion to empower her peers as an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Intern and exceeds expectations in every task and project.
Crystal Truong collecting the Intern of the Year On Campus Award at the Student Employee of the Year Awards 2024

Internship Award (Off Campus)

Curtis Jones has taken every task in his stride throughout his engineering internship and shows incredible promise as a structural engineer.
Curtis Jones collects the Internship Off Campus Award at the SEOTY Awards 2024

Team of the Year Award

The Post-Grad Student Ambassadors have delivered events to a high standard, receiving outstanding feedback and aiding in the recruitment of postgraduate students.
The Post-Grad Student Ambassadors collecting the Team of the Year Award at the SEOTY 2024

Employer of the Year Award (On Campus)

The Student Recruitment Marketing Team are inspirational mentors for The Durham Student team, offering creative freedom and first class training and management.
A representative from The Student Recruitment Marketing Team collecting the Student Employer of the Year Award (On Campus) at the SEOTY 2024

Employer of the Year Award (Off Campus)

The Duke of Wellington offers students a warm and friendly working environment, makes them feel welcome and allows them to learn about the business whilst they work.
A representative for The Duke of Wellington collects the Employer of the Year Award Off Campus at the SEOTY 2024 square

Overall Student Employee of the Year Award

Crystal Truong was nominated in three different categories for her outstanding work across multiple departments in the university.
Crystal Truong collecting the Overall Student Employee of the Year Award at the Student Employee of the Year Awards 2024