Career Expo for Students
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Career Expo 2024
Connecting emerging talent to jobs, employers and careers.
Career Expo brings graduate employers to campus across two exciting days for students to discover opportunities, explore career pathways and connect with industry. Career Expo 2024 will be held in March over two days, with each day focusing on different target disciplines.
First Day: Wednesday 13 March 2024 - Bonython Hall & Hub Central
- Event Time: 11am to 3pm*
- Disciplines: Engineering, Computer & Mathematical Sciences, Architecture & Construction, Physical & Biological Sciences, Agricultural, Food & Wine Sciences
Second Day: Thursday 14 March 2024 - Bonython Hall
- Event Time: 11am to 3pm*
- Disciplines: Business (Accounting, Commerce, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Innovation, International Business, Marketing, Management, Project Management, Wine Business), Economics & Public Policy, Law*, Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences, Health Sciences & Psychology
*Quiet 30 is from 10.30am to 11.00am. Quiet 30 is for students or graduates who have a disability or medical condition, and may have sensory, mobility or communication challenges. It is an exclusive, early-access session, open only to pre-registered students. This is to ensure that we keep crowd, activity and noise levels to a minimum, allowing you to navigate the expo more easily and comfortably. If you are interested in registering for Quiet 30, please submit an Expression of Interest to attend this session.
*Please note opportunities for Law students with a legal practice are best explored at The Big Meet.
This event provides a chance for employers and recruiters to exhibit and showcase their opportunities to students and is a place for industry to meet their next round of talented graduates.
Most companies and organisations will have applications open for Graduate Programs which students can apply for from March to April, so make sure to check application deadlines before coming along to the event. Visit CareerHub to stay updated on graduate programs and jobs as they are listed.
Being prepared for Career Expo will ensure that you maximise this opportunity to network with employers and stand out from the crowd. To ensure you're prepared:
- Book in for the event - Jump into CareerHub and book your place to attend.
- Download the Career Fair Plus App - Download the official event app on iOS or Android. Or visit the Career Fair Plus Website. This app/website is your one-stop-shop for Career Expo information and updates.
- Conduct your research beforehand - Using the app, search through the Exhibitors, filter employers based on your personal details and interests, add notes, mark your 'favourites' and book into Employer Presentations.
- Join the Prepare for Expo workshop - Book yourself into a workshop ahead of the event for insights and advice.
- Download the Career Expo Student Guide - Review the guide and know what to expect during Expo.
- Bring your Student ID card to the event - Scan in at the entrance of Bonython Hall and Hub Central to go into the draw to win one of two $100 JB Hi-Fi vouchers per event day!
Research other industry & employer events - Industry and employers come on campus to engage with students throughout the year. To search for upcoming events, make you check out CareerHub on a regular basis.
Be recruitment-ready - For final year students, we have the Final Year Focus Employment Workshops, which is a great way to learn more about sourcing and applying for graduate opportunities.
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Which employers will be at Careers Expo?
The list of employers and companies that attend Career Expo changes every year. However, there are some important things to note.
The event is held across two discipline-specific days. Employers may choose to attend on a single day to target the student cohorts they are looking to recruit, or on both days if they have more versatile opportunities available.
It is important to do your research beforehand and know which employers will be there so you can be prepared to engage with any and all organisations that interest you!
Exhibitors at Careers Expo 2024
Both Days (Wednesday 13 and Thursday 14 March): ACCIONA, Adelaide Venue Management, ADF Careers, ASC Pty Ltd, Australian Signals Directorate, Australian Taxation Office, BAE Systems Australia, Deloitte, Department for Infrastructure and Transport, Department of Defence, Duxton Capital Australia, EY, FORTESCUE, GFG Alliance, KAEFER Integrated Services, KPMG Australia, LMS Energy, PROSPLE, Skilled and Business Migration, The Alternative, University of Adelaide Alumni, University of Adelaide Postgraduate Studies
Day 1 - Wednesday 13 March: AECOM, Arup, Atlassian, Aurecon, Australian Submarine Agency, Babcock Australasia, Beach Energy, Beca, BESIX Watpac, BHP, Bouygues Construction Australia, CEA Technologies, Chamonix IT Consulting, Citadel Securities, Codan Limited, Consolidated Power Projects, Datacom, Delta Group - Ascent Graduate Program, DEWC Services, ExxonMobil, Fivecast, Flinders Port Holdings, Fulton Hogan, Fyfe, GPA Engineering, Hatch, IMC Trading, Jane Street, John Holland, KBR, KONGSBERG, Leed Engineering and Construction, Lockheed Martin Australia, Lucid Consulting Australia, McMahon Services, Optiver, Prudentia Engineering, Robert Bird Group, SA Power Networks, SA Water, Santos, Services Australia, Seymour Whyte, SIG (Susquehanna International Group), SLB, Southfront, SYNERGY CONSTRUCT, TBH, VivCourt Trading, WGA
Day 2 - Thursday 14 March: ACCA, AnglicareSA, Auditor-General's Department (SA), Australian National Internships Program, BDO, Bellberry Limited, Bentleys SA, Brentnalls SA, Careers in Workplace Rehabilitation, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, CPA Australia, Department for Correctional Services, Fidens Support Services, Grant Thornton, Handy Finance, Hood Sweeney, Perks Accounting & Private Wealth, RAA, Resthaven Incorporated, Southern Cross Care (SA, NT & VIC) Inc, William Buck Accountants & Advisors
Note: The University of Adelaide Postgraduate Studies and Alumni teams will also be present at the event on both days, so if you're a final year student interested in continuing your education or wanting to stay connected with the University, be sure to stop by their booths in Bonython Hall for a chat!
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Why should I attend Careers Expo?
This is your chance to meet with employers who want to speak with and hire University of Adelaide students for graduate roles, vacation work, internships and more.
Unlike the generic career fairs, all the companies that attend Career Expo are dedicating time to the University of Adelaide because they are interested in recruiting and engaging specifically with our institution's talent - YOU!
So come prepared. This is your time to shine!
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How can I make the most out of Careers Expo?
There are definitely some points we recommend to helping you make the most of this invaluable opportunity that only takes place once a year:
- Download the Career Fair Plus app to view the floorplan, mark employers as ‘favourites’, add notes, receive alerts from employers and more.
- Do your research before the event to understand what each exhibitor does, the jobs and career paths on offer and how you might use your skills as part of their team. Use the app to do this!
- From your research, prepare any questions you might have for exhibitors beforehand, so you don't forget them on the day!
- Think about which event day suits your discipline and make sure that you attend both if you have broader career interests.
- Consider the timing of your classes so you can fit in as much time at the Expo for the 4-hour event each day.
- Think about what you will wear and bring with you (first impressions count).
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What do I bring on the day?
To make the most of this event remember to bring the following:
- Student ID Card
- Mobile phone - you will be required to check-in via the event QR code and don't forget to download the Career Fair Plus app
- Note paper and a pen
- Small bag - exhibitors often give away brochures and small items
- Business cards - should you wish to exchange with recruiters
We encourage students to leave backpacks and larger items in lockers or at home for the day. Food and drink is also not permitted inside the event venue.
Please note recruiters and employers will not accept resumes at the event and applications must be made online.
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What should I ask recruiters?
It is a great idea to research the companies you are interested in before coming to Expo. This way the recruiters will know you are genuinely interested in what they do and working for them. Recruiters will be very impressed by your research and it will absolutely help you stand out.
By doing your research you will also come up with your own unique questions to ask. There may be a project they are working on, some news that has been released or a part of the graduate rotation program you are interested in.
Other things you may want to ask recruiters include:
- What is a standard day like for a graduate?
- How can I make my resume or cover letter stand out?
- What kind of work experience can I do while at Uni that will be beneficial for working for your organisation in the future?
- What kinds of projects might graduates get to work on in the first 1-2 years?
- Is there further training or opportunities available?
- What key attributes do you look for in graduates (academic results, personal achievements, extracurricular activities, work experience, references)?
- Does your organisation offer internships or work experience?
- How did you achieve your position?
- What projects do you enjoy working on most?
Remember to be confident, prepared and keep eye contact!
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Do I have to attend for the whole time?
You can attend at any time throughout the event but we recommend doing your research and thinking about which organisations are on your 'target list.' Once you know this, allow at least 10 minutes per employer as well as time to navigate and possibly wait for a free space at their booth.
You might also find new employers to visit so allow time for this too!
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Can I attend in my first or second year of Uni?
Students from any year level or discipline are welcome to attend Careers Expo and you might be surprised by the opportunities available.
While Careers Expo is likely to be most suitable for final year students or those who have recently graduated and are looking for career options, each year level will find something to take away from the event.
Final year
Final year students will hear about the range of graduate jobs and programs that are open for applications, career paths that are available and what it is like to work in each organisation. You will have the chance to speak directly with recruiters about your applications and even with some graduates who are now working for them and ask questions around how they stood out. Practise your networking skills, explore your options and prepare for life beyond graduation.
Penultimate year
Penultimate year (second or second to last) students can better understand the opportunities that exist for both internship and vacation programs, and future jobs and graduate programs. Speak with recruiters about the available and upcoming opportunities and what kind of experience you can be building now to become an ideal candidate for them in the future. Begin to plan for your final years and ask specific questions around preparing your final year applications.
First year
First year students should be researching the kinds of industries and organisations that exist, and where your degree and interests can take you. If you're not too sure about your study direction yet or want to plan for future internships and work experience you can ask recruiters and graduates at the event about what they would recommend. Try to keep your questions brief and to the point and even just attend to have the chance to look around and learn about some new organisations you may not have heard of.
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What are graduate and internship programs?
Generally, graduate and internship (vacation, work experience) programs are structured programs offered by certain organisations that help students and graduates navigate the working world and enter the workforce with ongoing career and professional development support.
The organisations that offer these programs are usually larger ones that you have probably seen or heard of before. They usually recruit large numbers of students and graduates and offer great opportunities for students' early careers. That being said, there are also small to medium-sized businesses that offer internships and graduate programs, albeit on a smaller scale.
More information about graduate programs and other opportunities can be found in the Jobs and Graduate Programs guide.
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What other industry events are happening throughout the year?
Many career and employability-related events run throughout the year. We host employers on campus on a regular basis (including the holiday breaks) for different disciplines, while some events and industry panel sessions are embedded into curriculum.
While Career Expo only happens in March annually, you can stay updated on all other extra-curricular and co-curricular industry events through CareerHub.