Welsh societies at universities across the UK are being challenged by graduate network Darogan Talent to prove their mettle in the first-ever Big Welsh Quiz series.
Throughout the 2024/25 academic year, this University Challenge-style quiz will tour universities across the nation, aiming to find the brightest Welsh students – and to reconnect them with job opportunities in Wales after graduation.
“Over 37% of young Welsh students choose to study outside of Wales, and this is our way of engaging with them in a fun and informal way,” explains Dr Owain James, co-founder of Darogan Talent. “By staying in touch with young people when they leave Wales, we’re opening the door for them to return after graduation and helping them find jobs with great employers in Wales.”
Launched in 2022, Darogan Talent is a graduate network and job board that highlights opportunities in Wales through its online platform and in-person events, including careers fairs, networking opportunities, and the newly launched Big Welsh Quiz.
“The response to our quiz has been really positive so far,” says Gwenno Roberts, Events Manager at Darogan Talent. “It’s a great way to build relationships not only between Darogan and young Welsh students but also between Welsh societies themselves, with a bit of friendly competition.”
Supported by Business Wales and its Big Ideas Wales initiative, the Big Welsh Quiz has already visited 13 universities. Over the coming weeks, a total of 20 societies across the UK will take part in its inaugural year.
“It’s been great collaborating in this way and introducing our Big Ideas Wales grants to young people outside of Wales,” says Amanda Keen, delivery manager for Business Wales and its Big Ideas Wales initiative, which offers grants to young people to start their own businesses in Wales. “We look forward to inspiring even more young people to kickstart their own business ideas after they graduate as the Big Welsh Quiz continues its tour.”
Currently leading the pack is the University of Exeter. After the remaining universities – including Swansea University and several London universities – have been quizzed, the top four teams will be invited to the final round later this year. The winning Welsh society will receive a £500 prize to fund future events.
“We’d love to say a massive thank you to Darogan for the effort they put into bringing the Big Welsh Quiz to us,” added Anna Lois, a third-year biomedical science student from Ruthin and president of the Lancaster University Welsh Society. “Everyone had a fantastic time and can’t wait to do it again.”
The current Big Welsh Quiz leaderboard for 2024/25 can be found on Darogan Talent’s Instagram page, and the winner will be announced at the end of the spring semester.
