Student Futures Expo
The Student Futures Expo
The Student Futures Expo is returning for three impactful days from 20 – 22 October 2026. Last year, over 2,000 students joined us across the event, and this year we’re building on that momentum to deliver even more opportunities to explore your future.
Whether you’re just starting your journey at UON, preparing to graduate, or somewhere in between, the Expo is designed to help you gain confidence, expand your network, and take meaningful steps towards your career goals.
Across the three days, you’ll have the opportunity to connect directly with employers from a wide range of sectors offering part-time jobs, internships, placements, graduate roles, and volunteering opportunities. Alongside this, we’re bringing back our popular employer panels, offering real insight and advice from industry professionals, as well as a dedicated Prep Day to help you feel confident and ready to make the most of every opportunity.
The Student Futures Expo isn’t just a careers fair – it’s a launchpad. It marks the beginning of our year-round programme of events designed to support you in developing the skills, confidence, and connections you need to succeed.
The 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
- 10am – 3pm
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
- 10am – 3pm
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.
Confidence to Connect: How to Talk to Employers Like a Pro
- 10am – 11:15am
- Exhibition Zone, Ground Floor of the Learning Hub
Get confident, get connected and get Expo ready. This practical session will help you build the confidence and communication skills employers look for, from starting conversations to talking about your skills without the awkward “I need a job” approach. You’ll then put what you’ve learned straight into practice in a real-life networking session with employers, while it’s still fresh.
Booking Opens Shortly
Level Up Your LinkedIn: Get Noticed & Get Connected
- 12:30pm – 1:30pm
- Exhibition Zone, Ground Floor of the Learning Hub
Level up your LinkedIn and get noticed by employers. Learn how to create a profile that stands out, build your personal brand and make meaningful connections that could lead to future opportunities. You’ll also get practical tips to put into action at the Expo, plus access to our professional headshot booth across all three days for an instant LinkedIn-ready photo.
Booking Opens Shortly
Confidence to Connect: How to Talk to Employers Like a Pro
- 2pm – 3:15pm
- Exhibition Zone, Ground Floor of the Learning Hub
Get confident, get connected and get Expo ready. This practical session will help you build the confidence and communication skills employers look for, from starting conversations to talking about your skills without the awkward “I need a job” approach. You’ll then put what you’ve learned straight into practice in a real-life networking session with employers, while it’s still fresh.
Booking Opens Shortly
Panel Discussion: Inside the Hiring Mind: What Employers Really Look For
- 3:45pm – 5pm
- Exhibition Zone, Ground Floor of the Learning Hub
Want to know what employers really look for? Hear directly from hiring professionals across industries as they share honest insights into the skills, behaviors and first impressions that can make applicants stand out. Get practical advice you can put into action straight away at the Expo, from approaching employers to making a stronger impression.
Booking Opens Shortly
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:
Careers Fair
- 10am – 3pm
- Learning Hub Ground Floor
Meet and connect directly with employers from various sectors offering part-time jobs, internships, placements, graduate roles, and volunteering opportunities.
The Placement Year Advantage: Experience That Gets You Ahead
- 10am – 11am
- Exhibition Zone, Ground Floor of the Learning Hub
Could an optional placement year give your career a head start? Hear from employers, students, alumni and our Careers & Employability Partner, Lucia, about the benefits of gaining industry experience while you study. Discover what placements are really like, how they can strengthen your CV and how to get started, then meet employers and placement students in 30 minutes of dedicated networking.
Booking Opens Shortly
Careers Clinic Drop in
- 11:30am – 2:30pm
- Exhibition Zone, Ground Floor of the Learning Hub
Not sure what’s next? Come and chat with our Student Futures Careers & Employability Partners. Get friendly, practical advice on everything from career direction and optional placement years to boosting your employability, improving your LinkedIn profile and making the most of Student Futures support. No appointment needed, just drop in with your questions.
Panel Discussion: How we Got Here: The Careers We Never Expected
- 3:15pm – 4:45pm
- Exhibition Zone, Ground Floor of the Learning Hub
Join us for an inspiring panel featuring employers whose careers didn’t quite go to plan. From unexpected opportunities and career pivots to taking paths they never originally imagined, our panellists will share how their journeys have evolved and the decisions that shaped where they are today.
Booking Opens Shortly
Our second 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.
Discover more exciting career opportunities and hear firsthand stories of unconventional paths to success.
What’s Happening:
Careers Fair
- 10am – 3pm
- Learning Hub Ground Floor
Meet and connect directly with employers from various sectors offering part-time jobs, internships, placements, graduate roles, and volunteering opportunities.
Sponsor Spotlights: Meet the Employers
- 10am – 11am
- Exhibition Zone, Ground Floor of the Learning Hub
Meet our Expo sponsors, Barclays and IMPACCT, and discover more about who they are, what they do and the opportunities they have available for students.
Careers Clinic Drop in
- 11:30am – 2:30pm
- Exhibition Zone, Ground Floor of the Learning Hub
Not sure what’s next? Come and chat with our Student Futures Careers & Employability Partners. Get friendly, practical advice on everything from career direction and optional placement years to boosting your employability, improving your LinkedIn profile and making the most of Student Futures support. No appointment needed, just drop in with your questions.
Explore Self-Employment: Could You Be Your Own Boss?
- 3:15pm – 4:45pm
- Exhibition Zone, Ground Floor of the Learning Hub
Thinking about working for yourself or starting a business? Hear honest stories from alumni entrepreneurs through interactive 15-minute round-table conversations, exploring different routes into self-employment and what it’s really like to run your own business. You’ll also discover our Enterprise Launchpad programme and the support available to help you explore your ideas and get started.
Booking Opens Shortly
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 Student Futures Expo?
The Student Futures 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
