21-year-old Thomas, a third-year Advertising and Marketing Communications student, combined his degree study with part-time work as a retail assistant at Next PLC, where he was quickly promoted to Office Manager. Thomas also works as a Student Ambassador for the University and is Co-President of the Bedfordshire Enactus Society.

Thomas, who was presented with his award at a ceremony at Brunel University this week, said that he was proud and amazed by his win, adding: “The competition was fierce with so many great young leaders in the country, so I was extremely surprised to win the regional award. I can’t really put into words how I feel about then winning the national award too!”

Thomas was nominated for his award by Next store manager Craig Stevenson and the University’s Recruitment Services Manager, Priya Chauhan. Craig praised Thomas stating that “his communication and team working skills are exceptional”. And Priya, who was delighted at Thomas’s success, said that he is “an excellent student role model and ambassador. Thomas is someone that fellow students should aspire to emulate.”

Fellow University of Bedfordshire Advertising and Marketing Communications student Kristina Saulenaite also shone, winning the Regional Award for Student Employee of the Year in the “On Campus” category, beating competition from students at universities across London and the South East region.

Kristina worked part-time as a Marketing and Events Assistant within the University’s Careers and Recruitment office. She was praised for her social media strategy, implementing new forms of student communication through social media.

It was the biggest year to date in the history of the Student Employee of the Year Awards, which aim to recognise and promote the outstanding contributions and achievements of students who combine part-time work with their study commitments.

The awards are organised by the National Association of Student Employment Services (NASES), the representative body supporting student employment services. 720 students from over 60 institutions were nominated for awards this year.