University’s first virtual careers fair ‘a great success’, say organisers

The University of Bradford’s first ‘virtual’ careers fair has been hailed a success by organisers after taking hundreds of bookings from students and graduates.

The event is normally held on campus but was this year held online due to restrictions imposed because of the coronavirus outbreak.

Joanne Beaumont, Head of Careers & Employability Service (CES), said the first virtual event had exceeded their expectations.

“This was our first experience of organising a virtual career fair and the first for the majority of our employers, students and graduates. Feedback indicates the event was very well received and fulfilled its aim of connecting our student/graduate talent with potential employers in meaningful conversations. The career planning and skills sessions delivered by the Career and Employability Team were very popular and provided a great way for students/graduates to engage in groups and individually.”

On the day, there were 369 student bookings, a total of 988 web views, with 105 students/graduates registering for an activity with one of 16 employers taking part, 152 students/graduates attending a CES webinar and 27 one-to-one appointments.

Employers included the Army, NHS, Civil Service Fast Stream, Santander, ScreenSkills, Covance, university ‘spin-out’ medical technology company Crystec Ltd, teacher training with Bradford Birth to 19 and others, plus ‘gateway’ services such as Opportunity China and the start-up entrepreneur programme for graduates.

The event was run across the CES website, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn & Twitter, direct emails, with coverage in TeamTalk & Campus Connect, T&A and an interview with Joanne on BCB radio.

All students and employers who attended a webinar were sent a feedback form either during the webinar or immediately after. One employer commented: “Thanks for setting this up! It was great to try this out, especially given the situation that we are unable to do an in-person event.” Another said: “Really glad to be involved… thoroughly rewarding and enjoyable experience, well supported, so thank you.” A third dubbed the event “excellent” and a “value adding experience”.

Joanne added: “We’ve learnt a lot from this and the Career and Employability team are excited to bring that learning into the planning for our next Career fairs which will take place in October and November.”

In the meantime, throughout the summer, the CES team will be hosting weekly online webinars/live chats, open to all students and particular sessions aimed at 2020 graduates. One-to-one appointments will be available each week and can be booked via My Career and Employability Centre or https://www.bradford.ac.uk/careers/.

The virtual careers fair took place on Wednesday May 20 from 10.30am-3.30pm. The University’s next virtual event will be the Virtual Open Day on June 20.