Careers fairs offer a valuable opportunity to meet employers, learn about different industries
Content provided by Edinburgh Napier University's Employability & Careers Team.
Why attending a careers fair should be on your to-do list this trimester
As the new academic year begins, it's easy to focus on lectures, assignments, part-time jobs and everything else that comes with student life. While graduation might feel a long way off, now is the perfect time to start exploring your future career options. One of the easiest and most effective ways to do this is by attending a careers fair. Whether you already have a clear career goal or are still figuring out what comes next, careers fairs offer a valuable opportunity to meet employers, learn about different industries and discover opportunities you may never have considered.
Explore a range of employers and career paths
Careers fairs often include organisations from different industries. This gives you the opportunity to speak with employers you are already familiar with as well as discovering new organisations. These conversations can help you learn more about the job market, understand the opportunities available and explore career paths that match your interests and skills. Employers attend careers fairs because they want to meet students and share information about opportunities they have available now and in the future.
Build your professional network
Networking doesn't have to mean collecting business cards or delivering an elevator pitch. It can be as simple as having a conversation and asking questions. A careers fair gives you the opportunity to practise speaking with employers, learn about their organisations and make professional connections that could benefit you in the future. Developing your networking skills now can help build confidence and prepare you for future recruitment processes.
Gain insights directly from recruiters
Who better to learn from than the people responsible for hiring? Recruiters can provide valuable insights into the skills employers are looking for, current industry trends and the challenges facing different sectors. These conversations can help you understand what employers value and give you ideas about how to develop your skills and experience while you're at university.
Not sure if a careers fair is for you?
Many students think careers fairs are only for final-year students or those who already know exactly what career they want. In reality, careers fairs can be beneficial at any stage of your university journey. Whether you're looking for part-time work, internships, graduate opportunities or simply exploring your options, attending a careers fair can help you feel more confident about your future.
If you'd like support preparing for a careers fair, book an appointment on myFuture with one of our Career Development Consultants. We can help you make the most of the event and feel confident approaching employers.
Join us this trimester
We'll be hosting several careers fairs this trimester. Join us to make connections, explore your options and take a positive step towards your future career. We look forward to seeing you there!
All fairs will run from 12pm to 3pm with the first 30 minutes being a dedicated quiet session (excluding our Law event). To learn more and to see a list of the employer attending, follow the links below:
Employability & Careers are dedicated to providing tailored support for all students. If you would like to book a careers appointment, you can do this on myFuture.