Careers Fairs
Student events provide a great starting point to engage employers. They require a short term committment from employers and given you the opportunity to establish good relationships which may develop into other areas.
From the students perspective, events can be an invaluable way to develop skills, gather information and meet prospective employers.
“Excellent opportunity to meet future potential graduate/ post graduate employees.”WGP
Events can range from guest lectures or skills workshops to mock interviews and careers fairs.
In this section you will find:
Case Study
University of Plymouth Careers Service GeoCareers Fair
A subject specific Careers Fair targeted at students currently on geoscience and related courses. Local, national and international employers attend the event (now in its 5th year) to meet and potentially recruit UoP students and graduates. Approximately 300 students attended last year and 27 employers exhibited. The event is also supported by the South West Regional Group of the Geological Society. GeoCareers is embedded into the geoscience curriculum, so that students see it as part of their course. Students are asked to prepare for the event and comment and reflect on the conversations that they have had during the day.
Tips:
- Utilise any existing employer contacts and ask students and academics for suggestions on companies to invite
- Start planning early
- Provide employers with comprehensive information about the event
- Brief the students on the benefits of attending a Careers Fair
- Ensure details are not overlooked e.g. how many exhibitors require power supply, size of display stands, book refreshments
- Ensure that the organisers have enough help on the day to set up stands, co-ordinate car parking
Pitfalls to avoid:
- Contact employers a few days before the event to double check arrangements, which can avoid any misunderstandings, confusion re. arrangements
- Prior to the event, have a ‘site visit’ in the venue to ensure that details are not overlooked
- Do you have any quotes from employers, external examiners or students that you could use in the guide or any photographs?
Feedback from students:
“Useful talking face to face with employers”
“There were lots of different companies to talk to and I found out about summer work.”
“I enjoyed meeting people who actually do the jobs available for us.”
“It was useful to get honest opinions from employers and find out what specific jobs involve.”
“More space was needed as too many students attended.”
“I wanted to find out about postgraduate study and it was useful to talk to lecturers and employers.”
Feedback from employers:
“Very well organised. Many students and exhibitors attended.” Research & Innovation UoP
“Very good as always!” Jacobs
“Excellent. Very well organised and lots of students attended.” RPS Group
“Excellent communication and support from staff and students” Tarmac
Resources required
Sponsorship for refreshments and programme was required. In 2008 the refreshments for the employers were provided by the Geological Society and the programme was funded by INDALO International and PGS.
Publicity materials were needed and an information booklet for students on preparing for the Careers Fair was produced.
Staff time to organise the event, which involves contacting employers, publicising the event and ensuring that the event goes smoothly.
This event requires regular contact with internal and external departments and organisations.
Other considerations:
Preparing the students prior to the event is really important. This ensures that they maximise their opportunity to meet lots of employers and gain useful tips and advice (and possible work experience or job offers).
A team approach is required to organise this event, as it is too big for one person. It requires a partnership approach from academic staff, departmental staff and the Careers Service.
Details of the exhibitors who attended GeoCareers 2008 and a short video taken at the event.
