Discover all things employability
Join our workshops, seminars and activities to boost your workplace skills and get career ready
From 11-22 March 2024, join us for activities to boost your career skills and prepare you for the world of work after University.
With events from the Faculty of Business and Law as well as the University Students' Union, our Employability Fortnight offers mock interviews, assessments, and networking opportunities with external speakers. Choose the career sessions and workshops that suit you, and finish the fortnight with fresh ideas, enthusiasm and skills to bring to your future career.
Full event schedule
Monday 11 March
- 1.00pm-2.00pm Employer Insight session: From UoP student to graduate employer — with Max Morris, Associate Director, ONE Advisory London
Tuesday 12 March
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10.00am-12.00pm HIRE session - High-Impact Interviews with Real Employers (with Gattaca PLC) Online / RB1.03: Book a 20-minute appointment
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1.00pm-3.00pm International Alumni Tips for UK Career Success (Global Week)
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5.00pm-7.00pm Mr Bates versus the Post Office - Watch party, Episodes 1 and 2
Wednesday 13 March
- 10.00am-3.00pm BALFest
- 12.00pm-1.00pm Unleash your potential: ‘The Art of Self Promotion
- 2.00pm- 4.00pm Beyond study: What are my options and what should I be thinking about?
Thursday 14 March
- 3.00pm-4.00pm Relocation: The practicalities of working globally, with Grant Thornton, followed by networking
Friday 15 March
Monday 18 March
- 11.00am-12.00pm Employer Insights: A Day in the Life at B&Q (Legal and Finance teams), led by UoP Alumni now working at B&Q head office
- 12.00pm-2.00pm HIRE session - High-Impact Interviews with Real Employers (B&Q) in the Richmond Atrium: Book a 20-minute appointment
- 12.00pm-2.00pm BAL Masters career drop-in (Master's/Level 7 only)
Tuesday 19 March
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10.00am-12.30pm Mock Assessment Centre (AM session), led by RSM Accountants
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12.00pm-3.00pm Employer on Campus - Assessment Centres Enterprise Rent-A-Car
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1.00pm-2.00pm Options beyond your degree
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2.00pm-4.30pm Mock Assessment Centre (PM session), led by RSM Accountants
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4.00pm-6.00pm Mr Bates versus the Post Office - Watch party, Episodes 3 & 4
Wednesday 20 March
- 12.00pm-2.00pm HIRE session - High-Impact Interviews with Real Employers (with One Advisory Group) Online: Book a 20-minute appointment
- 12.00pm-12.30pm Volunteer to Enhance your Career
- 2.00pm-3.00pm Acing Applications
- 2.00pm- 4.00pm Beyond study: Accessing the UK job market, for international students
- 4.00pm-5.00pm AI in Business, followed by networking
Thursday 21 March
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10.00am-2.00pm Enterprise showcase, Richmond Building
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4.00-5.00pm Meet The University of Portsmouth Graduate Recruitment and Consultancy
Friday 22 March
- 11.00am-2.00pm Accountancy and Taxation Clinic Online; Book your 30 minute consultation
- 2.00pm-4.00pm HIRE session - High-Impact Interviews with Real Employers (with Safferys) Online: Book a 20-minute appointment
Key events
Explore specific events below to see what's available or book your place.
Employer Insight session: From UoP student to graduate employer with Max Morris, Associate Director, ONE Advisory London
Monday 11 March
1.00pm-2.00pm
Gain valuable perspectives, insights, and tips from professionals who have transitioned from being University of Portsmouth students to employers, hiring graduates.
Explore their career trajectories, learn about the skills and experiences they found most valuable, and discover how you can leverage your university experience to succeed in the workforce.
Mr Bates versus the Post Office — Watch party
For graduates, commercial awareness is more than just a buzzword—it's a vital skill that employers seek in candidates across industries. Understanding the commercial landscape, anticipating market trends, and navigating regulatory frameworks are essential for success in today's dynamic job market. Through the lens of Mr. Bates' journey, attendees will gain valuable insights into the news story everyone is talking about and how accounting systems play an integral role in business, today more than ever.
BALfest
Wednesday 13th March
10.00am-3.00pm, Third Space
Join the Students' Union for interactive sessions, expert-led discussions, and networking opportunities designed to equip you with the tools and insights you need to thrive in the competitive job market.
From CV writing / reviews to Q&A sessions with employers and faculty staff, this event covers essential skills for success in today's workforce. Whether you're a first year exploring future career paths or final year / masters student ready to transition into the professional world, this event offers valuable guidance and resources tailored to your needs.
Beyond study: After your Master's
What are my options and what should I be thinking about?
Wednesday 13 March
2:00pm-4:00pm, PO1.71, Portland Building
Explore your choices after your Master's study.
Explore the types of roles you can target, effective strategies for your job search, understanding how the UK graduate market works and key considerations in order to get applicant ready.
Accessing the UK job market, for international students
Wednesday 20 March
2.00pm-4.00pm, PK1.23, Park Building
Explore the stages of the recruitment process, what UK employers are looking for from candidates, and how to sell your Masters experience in this session. You'll develop your offer through CVs, cover letters, LinkedIn and in interviews.
Relocation: The Practicalities of Working Globally, with Grant Thornton
Thursday 14 March
3.00pm-4.30pm, LT2 Richmond Building
Learn from firsthand experiences as we share insights into the global recruitment process. Hear from professionals who have navigated through it and gain valuable hints and tips on how to stand out as an applicant. Understand the differences in recruitment practices across countries and industries, and discover key strategies to maximize your chances of success.
Mock Assessment Centre with RSM Accountants
The Faculty of Business and Law are teaming up with RSM Accountants to give students a chance to attend a practice assessment centre.
This exciting event aims to give UoP students the opportunity to take part in an assessment day with top-10 UK accounting firm, RSM.
RSM will set a handful of problem-solving activities where you will work both independently and in small groups to provide solutions. RSM assessors will monitor your involvement over the course of the session and provide each participant with feedback at the end of the session.
Designed for students who are interested in the accounting profession and how businesses operate, and are hoping to apply for a placement or graduate role within the next 12 months, this session is an opportunity to gain experience and feedback on your approach to assessment days.
Exploring Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) with RSM Accountants
Join this immersive M&A activity with RSM's Corporate Finance Team to solve challenges, get feedback, enhance your skills, and network.
Designed for students who are interested in the accounting profession and how businesses operate, and are hoping to apply for a placement or graduate role within the next 12 months, this session is an opportunity to gain experience and feedback on your approach to assessment days.
Employer Insights: A Day in the Life at B&Q (Legal and Finance teams)
Monday 18 March
11.00am-12.00pm, LT3, Richmond Building
Get an inside look at the daily routines, challenges, and rewards of various professions straight from industry professionals at B&Q.
Discover what it's really like to work in the legal field, navigating complex cases and advising accordingly, or in finance/accounting, managing financial data, analysing trends, and making strategic decisions.
HIRE: High-Impact Interviewing: Refine and Excel
Practice your online interview skills with speed interview sessions of 20-minutes each, and get feedback to improve your skills.
HIRE with Gattaca PLC
Tuesday 12 March
10.00am-12.00pm, Richmond Atrium, Richmond Building
HIRE with HaysMacintyre LLP
Thursday14 March
10.00am-12.00pm, Richmond Atrium, Richmond Building
HIRE with B&Q (Legal and Finance)
Monday 18 March
12.00pm-2.00pm, Richmond Atrium, Richmond Building
HIRE with One Advisory Group
Monday 20 March
10.00am-12.00pm, Richmond Atrium, Richmond Building
HIRE with Safferys
Friday 22 March
2.00pm-4.00pm, Richmond Atrium, Richmond Building
Enterprise Showcase
Thursday 21 March
10.00am-2.00pm, Richmond Atrium, drop in
Take a look around our showcase with:
- Student market — meet our students who have taken a self-employed placement year or set-up their own business after completing their degree
- Innovation Connect — explore the facilities with a walking tour, available all students and staff
- Student-led clinics (Law and Accounting / Tax) — meet some of the staff and students involved in our clinics, a fantastic opportunity for students to get real-world experience and to help support other students and the local community by offering free advice, and find out how to get involved
- Business Consultancy Project — discover more about our Business Consultancy Project module (open to Level 6 students)
Showcase talk and networking
1.00pm-2.00pm, RB LT2, Richmond Building, or online
Hear from our student and graduate entrepreneurs about their business ventures as they offer advice and answer your questions.
Accountancy and Taxation Clinic
Friday 22 March
11.00am-2.00pm, Online
Do you need help with your business accounts?
Run by our Accounting and Finance students alongside staff who are qualified accountants, our Accounting and Taxation clinic is open to anyone in the UoP community. If you're in the process of starting a business or if a 'side-hustle' has taken off and you have some questions we'd love to hear from you.
