Hosted in our 13m Tech Hub, the Department of Computer Science recently held an exciting bespoke Careers Fair. The event was aimed at current students and graduates who have an interest in a career in the information and communications technology field. This was a valuable event for students to seek graduate and placement opportunities with local, regional, and national employers.
“We put a lot of effort in preparing our students for the workplace, with both knowledge and soft skills that the industry require and expect. It is also important to get them interacting with potential employers as early as possible during the course of their studies. That is one of the reasons why the Careers Fair is a major event that we regularly organise for our students.”
Amr Ahmed
Head of Department of Computer Science
Lots of employers supported the event and were available to speak to students from a wide range of industries with over 20 exhibitors in the Tech Hub including; The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, NSG Group and The RAF.
“‘As a retailer, we very rarely get approached at the big career events to discuss our eCommerce and IT roles, so being invited to exhibit at the Computer Science Careers Fair was a great opportunity for us to share our digital and technology roles with relevant students. It’s made us reconsider our approach to events and believe that department specific fairs, particularly for STEM careers, is the way forward.’”
Melissa Parlour
Early Careers and Apprenticeship Advisor
Matalan
We were also delighted to welcome some of our Alumni back on campus who were on stand to chat to students and share their experience of Edge Hill and their career progression.
“The Careers Fair was an excellent event attended by numerous companies, it was great to connect with many talented students interested in gaining skills, and experience. The Careers Fair offered a great opportunity for students to build relationship with companies and individuals to get an insight into job roles and advice around all of the career pathways available.”
Jay Patel
Computing Alumni
Product Owner – NCC Group, Manchester
One of our most recent graduates in attendance and supporting the Careers Fair was Rachel Britton, who has secured a position as an Information Systems Graduate with NSG Group. Rachel is on the NSG Group graduate rotation programme and also completed a sandwich year placement at NSG during 2021/22.
A sandwich year enables you to apply the knowledge gained during your degree to actual business situations. You’ll equip yourself with a transferable skillset and gain invaluable work experience that will boost your employability when applying for graduate jobs in the future.
The event was a huge success. Careers Fairs are great places to start to explore opportunities and research what is available.
Some top tips for attending Careers Fairs:
- Speak to as many exhibitors as possible, you never know where a conversation could lead
- Research the exhibitors before attending and have some questions ready to ask them
- Update your CV and look presentable
- Record the details of the exhibitors you speak to
- Give yourself plenty of time and relax
- Approach the exhibitors, they attend events to speak to students
- If in doubt speak to our Careers team, your tutor or go to the registration desk
January 31, 2023
