Think the Surrey Autumn Careers and Placement Fair is just for undergraduates – think again
A range of Guardian 300, Times 100 employers, SME’s, charities and Research Park companies will be coming onto campus.
When: Wednesday 9th October 11.00am – 3.00pm *
Where: Marquee on PATS field
Whether you are looking to complete your PhD soon, or in the early stages, the University Recruitment Fair can be a great place to start making connections and finding out about possible career paths. It can also be a good place start having conversations with companies who might also be open to offering you an invaluable placement or internship.
Over 55 organisations have indicated that they are open to considering PhD candidates including AECOM, Mondelez International, Ministry of Defence (MoD), National Physics Laboratory (NPL),PwC, Researchers in Schools, and not for profits like the Jigsaw Trust.
Some helpful pointers
Prepare –The Fair Guide, will be published in late September (available electronically through Pathfinder with paper copies available from the Doctoral College (5th Floor of the Library). Take a look at the companies who have indicated they are open to considering PhD candidates and any relevant subject areas
- Look at the organisations website to find out more about them and to find out about the opportunities.
- Short list those that you want to talk to and have a strategy in place.
Pitch – Think about what you want to say about yourself and what questions you want to ask. Develop and rehearse a short pitch about yourself – a very short verbal biography including your PhD subject area, in simple terms.
- What might differentiate yourself from other candidates, what transferable skills has a PhD helped you develop, for example?
- Go beyond the obvious questions that could be answered by taking a look at the organisations website.
You may not actually use it, but by having it ready and in your head it can give you confidence when you approach a recruiter.
Remember that they are keen to talk to you and that it should be a two way dialogue.
Presentation – Think about what you will wear, it doesn’t need to be formal business attire but you do want recruiters to know you have made an effort and it demonstrates that you are taking the ‘meetings’ with the recruiters seriously.
You can book to attend by visiting https://pathfinder.surrey.ac.uk/leap/event.html?id=515&service=Careers+Service (going to this page will also enable you to see the companies who will be attending)or turn up on the day but you will need your student card.
Additional Support
If you would like any support in preparing for the Fair please do drop Clare Wunderly (Researcher Employability & Engagement Manager an email c.wunderly@surrey.ac.uk
*Accessibility ½ hour (10:30am – 11:00am)
This year there will be will be an Accessibility half hour from 10:30am – 11:00am. This is suitable for any students with additional physical or mental accessibility requirements, including anyone that finds Careers Fairs overwhelming.
This is to give you the time and space to meet with employers in a calmer environment before the main Fair begins. Please contact careers@surrey.ac.uk if you have any further questions about the Accessibility half hour.
