Student Futures Careers Expo
The Student Futures Expo
The Student Futures Expo is BACK – and this year, we’re bigger and better than ever – expanding from one incredible day to three action-packed days! From 14 – 16 October 2025, UON’s campus will be buzzing with opportunities designed to kickstart your career journey. Whether you’re new to UON, preparing to graduate, or somewhere in between, this is your chance to gain confidence, expand your professional network, and explore exciting possibilities for your future.
Looking to meet and connect directly with employers from various sectors offering part-time jobs, internships, placements, graduate roles, and volunteering opportunities? Eager to meet real employers and gain authentic career advice? With interactive workshops, employer panels sharing valuable industry insights, and two full days of engaging directly with companies from various sectors. Mark your calendars – your future begins here.
The Expo is not just a careers fair – it’s a launchpad. It kick-starts our year-round programme of events designed to help students develop the employability skills, confidence, and networks they need to thrive.
Career Expo Schedule
Make the most of the Expo by taking part in these ongoing, high-impact activities available across all three days:
LinkedIn Headshot Booth
First impressions count, especially online. Visit our professional LinkedIn Headshot Booth to get a high-quality photo taken for your digital profile. A polished headshot can help you stand out to employers and elevate your professional presence, no booking needed – just drop in!
CV Drop-Ins
Our expert Career Coaches will be on hand throughout all three days to review your CV, offer practical tips, and help you tailor it for different roles and industries. Whether you’re starting from scratch or refining your final version, this is your chance to get real-time, personalised support that boosts your confidence and employability.
Expo Prep Day is all about ensuring you’re fully prepared and confident to make the most out of the Student Futures Expo. Featuring interactive workshops, practical CV drop-ins, and insightful sessions, you’ll get everything you need to stand out to employers and secure your next opportunity.
What’s Happening:
- 10am – 3pm | Workshops & Drop-ins
Interactive sessions on networking strategies, making AI tools work for your job search, effective employer engagement, and more. Plus, personalised CV reviews and application support to help you shine!
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10:30am – 11:30am | Leveraging LinkedIn To Create Your Future
LinkedIn is more than just a place to upload your CV — it’s a platform to shape your future. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to leverage LinkedIn to build your personal brand, connect with the right people, and create new opportunities. We’ll cover how to optimise your profile, plan your presence, and use LinkedIn to become known, liked, and trusted. With practical do’s and don’ts, plus a challenge to make the most of the expo, you’ll leave with the tools and confidence to turn LinkedIn into a powerful career asset.
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11:45am – 12:30pm | Maximising AI for job applications
AI tools like ChatGPT can boost your job applications, but only if you use them the right way. In this practical session, you’ll learn how to use AI to enhance (not replace) your CVs, cover letters, and interview prep, while keeping your personality and voice front and centre.
Employers are already spotting copy-paste applications, and many won’t shortlist them. Learn how to stand out for the right reasons.
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12:45 – 1:45pm | Confidence to Connect: How to Talk to Employers Like a Pro
A degree shows you know your stuff. But can you communicate it? 90% of employers say soft skills like confidence, communication, and professionalism are just as important as qualifications. In fact, many employers tell us that it’s these human skills, not just degrees or experience, that shape their hiring decisions.
This session is designed to help you develop exactly that. Led by a high-energy speaker and experienced showman, this is not a lecture; it’s a practical, honest, and empowering workshop that will help you:
- Start conversations with confidence and authenticity
- Avoid common mistakes like “I need a job”
- Understand what employers really want to hear
- Communicate your skills clearly – even if you’re nervous
- Practice live in a supportive, fun environment
Whether you’re in your first year or final year, this session will give you tools you can use immediately and for the rest of your career. You only get one first impression. This is your chance to make it count.
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2pm – 3pm | Confidence to Connect: How to Talk to Employers Like a Pro
A degree shows you know your stuff. But can you communicate it? 90% of employers say soft skills like confidence, communication, and professionalism are just as important as qualifications. In fact, many employers tell us that it’s these human skills, not just degrees or experience, that shape their hiring decisions.
This session is designed to help you develop exactly that. Led by a high-energy speaker and experienced showman, this is not a lecture; it’s a practical, honest, and empowering workshop that will help you:
- Start conversations with confidence and authenticity
- Avoid common mistakes like “I need a job”
- Understand what employers really want to hear
- Communicate your skills clearly – even if you’re nervous
- Practice live in a supportive, fun environment
Whether you’re in your first year or final year, this session will give you tools you can use immediately and for the rest of your career. You only get one first impression. This is your chance to make it count.
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3:45pm | Panel Event Opens
Grab a refreshment and seat, get ready for the panel!
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4pm | Employer Panel – “Inside the Hiring Mind: What Employers Really Look For”
Join a dynamic panel of professionals as they provide honest and practical insights into employability. Learn directly from hiring experts what truly makes a candidate stand out in today’s competitive UK job market – covering everything from communication and adaptability to commercial awareness and unique skills you might not expect.
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4:45pm | Panel Q&A
Your chance to ask direct questions and gain deeper insights.
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5pm | Continued Networking
Build on conversations, make meaningful connections, and prepare yourself for the next two employer-focused Expo days.
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5:30pm | Close
Wrap up and reset, ready for the exciting opportunities ahead.
Detailed workshop schedule coming soon!
Our first dedicated employer day, designed to connect you directly with employers from a range of sectors. Whether you’re just starting your university journey, seeking placement opportunities, or preparing for life after graduation, these Employer Days are your chance to explore diverse career paths, build your professional network, and unlock new opportunities.
Explore employment opportunities and connect with employers eager to meet talented UON students.
What’s Happening:
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10:30am–2:30pm | Careers Fair
Meet and connect directly with employers from various sectors offering part-time jobs, internships, placements, graduate roles, and volunteering opportunities.
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3:15pm | Panel Event Opens
Grab a refreshment and seat, get ready for the panel!
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3:30pm | Alumni Panel – “From Northampton to Now: Alumni Career Journeys”
Hear inspiring real-world stories from UON graduates about their journeys after graduation – successes, unexpected turns, challenges faced, and invaluable lessons learned. Gain practical advice and relatable insights for your own career transition.
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4:15pm | Panel Q&A
Engage directly with alumni, asking your burning questions.
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4:30pm | Continued Networking
Further your connections and discussions.
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5pm | Close
Our second dedicated day employer day, designed to connect you directly with employers from a range of sectors. Whether you’re just starting your university journey, seeking placement opportunities, or preparing for life after graduation, these Employer Days are your chance to explore diverse career paths, build your professional network, and unlock new opportunities.
Discover more exciting career opportunities and hear firsthand stories of unconventional paths to success.
What’s Happening:
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10:30am–2:30pm | Careers Fair
Meet and connect directly with employers from various sectors offering part-time jobs, internships, placements, graduate roles, and volunteering opportunities.
-
3:15pm | Panel Event Opens
Grab a refreshment and seat, get ready for the panel!
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3:30pm | Employer Panel – “Breaking the Mould: Career Journeys That Defy Expectations”
Discover bold, unconventional career paths from professionals who challenged norms, overcame barriers, and redefined success on their own terms. Learn about resilience, creativity, and courage as you plan your own career journey.
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4:15pm | Panel Q&A
Ask panellists about their experiences and advice.
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4:30pm | Continued Networking
Conclude the event by solidifying your connections and making lasting professional relationships.
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5pm | Close
Opportunities for employers
If you’re an employer looking to get involved in the opportunities we have to offer, there are several options to engage with us.
Want to Exhibit or Sponsor the Careers Expo?
The Student Futures Careers Expo is your chance to connect with ambitious students from all disciplines and year groups – including undergraduates, final-year students, and postgraduates. Spanning over 2 days, this flagship event is a unique opportunity to raise your brand profile, showcase your opportunities, and engage with future talent who are actively preparing for their next steps. Attendance is free for exhibitors, and sponsorship options are available for those looking to enhance their visibility both on and off campus.
Interested in getting involved?
Contact our Events and Communications Officer, Jordan Russell, to register your interest on jordan.russell2@northampton.ac.uk