One unique characteristics about the University of Surrey which I have always highlighted in some of my previous blogpost is the career and employability support services provided to current students and final year students. This attribute was solidified when the university received the prestigious national award for the best university careers and employability service in the UK in 2022. The University also earned a remarkable distinction, ranking first in the UK and 12th globally for work placements and research collaborations with employers according to the 2020 QS World Employability Rankings.

Last Thursday (18-10-2023), I was privilege to witness one of the biggest events that makes the University of Surrey stand out; University of Surrey’s Autumn Career and Placement Fair 2023. The 2023 fair was a remarkable success, attracting over 125 exhibitors from a diverse range of industries. The fair provided an invaluable opportunity for students to connect with potential employers, gain insights into various career paths, and explore placement and graduate opportunities.

The atmosphere at the fair was filled with excitement and anticipation as students eagerly engaged with representatives from various companies. From multinational corporations to small and medium-sized enterprises, the fair offered a comprehensive overview of the job market.

I, alongside a substantial number of other students took advantage of the opportunity to have informal conversations with recruiters, learn about specific roles and positions, and gain valuable advice on our CVs and interview techniques. As a student who attended the fair, I was struck by the sheer breadth of opportunities available. From graduate roles to internships, there was something for everyone. The fair also provided a valuable opportunity to network with professionals from various industries. These interactions were both informative and inspiring, as they allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the different career paths available. The fair also provided a platform for students to build professional relationships that could prove beneficial in their future job search.

The companies and businesses present at the fair spanned a wide range of sectors cutting across:

Public sector and charity
Pharma and Healthcare
Tourism and Hospitality
Retail FMCG
Sales and Marketing
HR and Recruitment
Law
Accountancy and Finance

And a number of others as reflected in the image below.

The Autumn Career and Placement Fair was a valuable experience for all students who attended. The event provided a unique opportunity to gain insights into the job market, explore career options, and make connections with potential employers. For many students, the fair was a significant step towards achieving their future career aspirations.

For more information about employability and career support at the University of Surrey, visit Employability and careers | University of Surrey