29 September 2009

Careers fair offers opportunities for students and graduates

Students from the University of Dundee will have the chance to steal a march on their rivals and talk directly to prospective employers at the Dundee Careers Fair, taking place later this month.

More than 30 companies and organisations will be exhibiting at the event, which takes place at the Bonar Hall between 11am and 2.30pm on Wednesday, October 28th.

In a difficult economic climate, it is vital that students and graduates take every opportunity to make an impression and improve their chances of filling vacancies in the future. Attendees will have the opportunity to gather information on careers and other opportunities from organisations from across the private and public sectors.

The event is organised by the University’s Careers Service. Last year’s Dundee Careers Fair attracted a large number of students, and an even larger turnout is expected this time around, according to Gus Campbell, Careers Advisor at the University.

'For graduates and students, this event is a great opportunity to network with a broad range of local and national graduate recruiters and postgraduate providers,' he said. 'Those attending will have the opportunity to ask questions in an informal setting about their career'

Prior to this event, a Law Fair will be held on Tuesday, October 6th, and a Finance Fair will take place the following day. Representatives of around 30 law firms and almost 20 companies from the financial sector will be on hand to speak with students and graduates.

The Careers Service works to ensure that all fairs meet the needs of both and employers and students. Positive feedback from participants and measurable results demonstrate a positive track record stretching back almost 20 years.

Earlier this year, the Service became the first in the UK to offer graduates an internship certificate which will allow them greater access to industry after the end of their studies and boost their CVs.

The Scottish Internship Graduate Certificate (SIGC) is a postgraduate certificate consisting of three credit-bearing Modules and offers a six month placement with a high profile employer within Scotland.

Another initiative, the Dundee Graduate Skills Award, aims to enhance the employability of graduates by providing employers with more information about the qualities they possess.

Students who register for the Award will, on graduation, receive a certificate detailing the experience, skills and attributes that they have acquired through extra-curricular activities in addition to their academic achievements during their period of undergraduate study

More information about all the organisations booked to exhibit at the various Fairs, and the events themselves, is available by visiting www.dundee.ac.uk/careers/fairs/. Companies who have not yet booked to take part, but who would like to exhibit, should contact Debra McLean by telephone on 01382 384115 or by email at d.h.mclean@dundee.ac.uk.

For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk
MOBILE: 07854 953277