Employers were impressed by students’ knowledge and enthusiasm at the Lancaster Environment Centre’s first dedicated careers fair.
The Centre’s courtyard and atrium were buzzing as over 250 students and postgraduates converged to talk to representatives of more than 20 companies and organisations.
Multi nationals like EDF Energy, were joined by charities and professional bodies including Christian Aid and the British Ecological Society. Small to medium enterprises and more-than-profit organisations also took stands for the two hour event.
“This was the first time the Lancaster Environment Centre had hosted a careers event geared solely to our students instead of them going to a wider University event,” said Dr Paul Young, the department’s Careers Tutor.
“Targeted careers events such as this have long since been thought to be more effective for students in helping them to identify opportunities which are relevant and of interest,” said Pam Pickles, Student Employability Manager.
“They also represent better value for companies and organisations as the majority of students they see are interested in working for or with them” she said.
The employers described the students as “very enthusiastic”, “very engaged” and “extremely knowledgeable and actively looking for ways to improve their employability”.
Many email addresses were exchanged to enable further discussions and University staff also took the opportunity to network and make useful business contacts.
An even bigger event is now planned for next year, with a new committee of staff and students being formed to make sure it offers students and businesses the contacts they need.
We are grateful to everyone who made the event a success. We were pleased to welcome the following companies, organisations and alumni:
Centre for Ecology and Hydrology
Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA)
Witchcraft Human Rights Information Network
Natalie Broughton (alumnus; working for EDF Energy)
Rosie Convoy (alumnus; working in offshore wind farm development)
Amy Dickinson (alumnus; now working for the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology)
Sarah Garlick (alumnus; working for Shropshire County Council: www.ngdp.org.uk)
Jemma Kearns (new Lancaster employee, representing HE research)
Alex Patrickson (alumnus; studying for a masters)
Paul Rowden (alumnus; working for Crossrail)
Freyja Scarborough (alumnus; studying for a masters)