Flagship careers fair to connect hundreds of students with top employers

Hundreds of students and graduates are expected to attend the Graduate Careers and Placement Fair this October – a major event aimed at connecting students with over 50 leading employers.

Based at the University of Derby’s Kedleston Road site on Thursday 16 October, the annual flagship event draws high-profile organisations from local, regional and national employers, including Lloyds Bank, Morrisons, Toyota and Müller UK & Ireland.

With roles available for all degree backgrounds, the fair offers the perfect opportunity for students and recent graduates to explore options and plan the next step in their careers.

The event forms part of the University’s ongoing commitment to industry engagement, as evidenced by its ranking of 2^nd in the country for both employability and course quality by Uni Compare 2026.

It gives students the chance to meet face-to-face with top employers across a wide range of sectors to discuss graduate schemes, placements and internships, as well as gain exclusive insights on recruitment processes and tips on making a successful application.

Dr Matt Snowden, Associate Provost for Industry Engagement at the University of Derby, said:

“Our Graduate Careers and Placement Fair exemplifies our commitment to connecting students with leading employers and ensuring they are well-prepared for the world of work.

“Events like this play a vital role in enhancing student employability by providing direct access to top organisations, valuable networking opportunities, and insights into current recruitment practices.”

The University of Derby places industry collaboration at the heart of its student experience. The recent appointment of entrepreneur and Dragons’ Den star, Theo Paphitis, as Visiting Professor of Entrepreneurship further strengthens this connection. In his new role, Theo will share his entrepreneurial expertise with students, helping to inspire and mentor the next generation of business leaders.

The recently opened state-of-the-art Cavendish Building is also designed to be a key hub for industry collaboration, with organisations located within the building, offering students hands-on experience.  

Dr Snowden added:

“We are proud to host such a broad range of organisations this year.

“We have many students who have gone on to have successful careers with the employers who exhibit, so whether you are actively job-hunting or starting to explore your options, it is an opportunity not to miss.”

The Fair will run from 11am until 2:30pm, with an option to attend a ‘quiet hour’ before the event starts for those who prefer a less busy environment. The University is also running drop-in sessions for students wanting to prepare before attending.

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