Careers event supports graduate employment opportunities

Students and recent graduates from Northumbria were able to explore a range of employment opportunities at the University’s annual Careers Fest. They were also able to hear from Northumbria alumnus Michael Brodie CBE, who is now CEO of the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA), who delivered a keynote speech.

Hosted by the University’s Graduate Futures team, the annual Careers Fest encourages final year students and recent graduates to network with employers and learn how they can take the next step in their careers.

The University is committed to supporting students from all backgrounds to succeed and work in highly skilled professions after they graduate. This programme of events was designed with early careers in mind - exploring job opportunities, enabling important conversations with employers and alumni, and sharing the support available from the University to support career goals.

Attendees were welcomed by Michael Brodie who shared his experience of working across the public service sector, particularly for organisations that were vital throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, including Public Health England and the NHSBSA.

Speaking on his career, Michael explained the importance of authenticity and encouraged all students and graduates to ‘be the you-est version of you that you can be’.

He continued: “I’m happy to have the opportunity and proud to pass on the learnings from my career so far with students and fellow alumni. My greatest advice for the future workforce is to be yourself and always understand the importance of showing kindness, decency and respect to others. You also have to be passionate about why you want to do the career you step into. From a young age, I knew I wanted to work in the public service sector because I recognised the potential for public service to make a difference. So, I worked to find the right career from that passion.

“I graduated from Northumbria with a degree in accountancy in 1990 and I was supported by the University to follow a career in public service. I would encourage all students and graduates to seek the career support they need and seize the day to get the best possible start to their working lives.”

Workshops throughout the day were co-hosted by organisations including Northumbrian Water, RED Engineering Design and First Psychology as well as Northumbria University alumni, which gave attendees the opportunity to join a CV masterclass, explore how to impress employers through personal branding, discover career options for those undecided, and find out more about job opportunities in the North East.

Students and graduates were also in the audience of alumni and employer panels where they could join a live Q&A session, asking questions regarding STEM, creative, health, and public sector industries.

Professor Graham Wynn, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education at Northumbria University said: “It is fantastic to see so many students and graduates get involved in this year’s Careers Fest. We are committed to supporting our students to succeed in their careers and I would continue to encourage all to make the most of the brilliant opportunities and networks that the University makes available.  

“We were delighted to welcome back one of our most inspirational graduates, Michael Brodie, who shared helpful insights on how to become successful and follow the career path best suited to you. It is great for our students and graduates to hear from those who have excelled to the top of their career, and I look forward to seeing the impact of Michael's learnings.” 

Northumbria University’s Graduate Futures team works to enhance the employability of students and recent graduates, as they transition into employment and manage their future careers and aspirations in a global environment.

A limited number of places are available on selected courses starting this September. Visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/clearing to find out more.