Birkbeck holds its first-ever virtual Careers Fair
A total of 45 employers across a range of industries attended, inspiring students and alumni with informative talks.
The annual Careers Fair, Birkbeck Futures’ flagship event, had a different format this year – it took place virtually on Saturday 7 November due to the pandemic, and in the five days leading up to it, Birkbeck held its first-ever Careers Week.
Over 2,000 people registered to attend the six-day event, which gave students and graduates the opportunity to sign up to a series of virtual employer and careers talks, as well as connect with a range of employers to explore graduate schemes, internships, and other employment opportunities. Engaging careers talks were delivered by key employers including Ocado, Met Police, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, Christie’s, HS2 (High Speed 2), Hello Fresh and the Financial Conduct Authority.
As well as career-specific sessions, students and alumni could sign up to talks including tips for attending virtual assessment centres, the impact of the pandemic on hiring practices, and factors to take into account when starting a new business. Two tailored careers talks were delivered by LinkedIn, the event sponsor, on using LinkedIn to research careers, employers, jobs and insights, and the skills you need for success.
Mosh Aboobaker, Careers and Enterprise Manager, commented: “Our fair this year had to be delivered virtually, and the success of the event and the hugely positive feedback we have received is testament to the hard work of the team and the open-mindedness of our students and alumni, who fully embraced the changes.”
Following a session with the African-Caribbean Insurance Network on career opportunities in the insurance sector, a participating student said: “After a great session I was inspired to apply for several junior broker positions, and I have already been offered an interview. I’d encourage everyone to put themselves out there and take some risks.”
Demi Rixon the acting vice chair of The Lawyers with Disabilities Division of The Law Society of England and Wales, said: “Thank you for inviting us to participate in your annual Careers Fair - it was one of the best careers fair I have ever attended! It was an enjoyable event and it was great to meet students and alumni. Students and graduates are very lucky with all of the work Birkbeck is doing.”
Plans are already underway for the 2021 Careers Fair and details of next year’s Careers Fair will be updated here. If you are an employer who would like to get involved, please contact the employability team.