Alumni return to share their passions at STEM Careers Fair

Event showcased huge range of job roles available to students – and over half of exhibitors were Plymouth graduates
STEM fair 2026

Alumni return to share their passions at STEM Careers Fair

Event showcased huge range of job roles available to students – and over half of exhibitors were Plymouth graduates

Plymouth’s flagship careers fair sees business in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) share job opportunities with future talent. 
And this year, more than half of the 44 exhibitors shared their first-hand knowledge of taking the next step – having studied at the University themselves. 

Having graduated from the University of Plymouth, it’s really nice to come back to the STEM Careers Fair and see what all of the current students are up to, and it’s great to see future employees coming and having a chat with us.

It’s also nice to see the turnout – it’s so busy!
Kyra Hodges, a project manager at Marine AI who studied Digital Art and Technology

The way I got to my graduate role is via the fantastic mentorship scheme at the University.

Through the scheme, I met my manager, who is actually my manager now, and he showed me how the company works to see what I might like to sign up for, and I was taken on for a placement. I spent a full year with them and it was the most fantastic opportunity, alongside my study here, so it’s great to come back and talk about it.
Matt Zielinski, a Civil and Coastal Engineering graduate who attended the event in his role at Kier Group

The power of a placement

Masters graduates Vaishali Phippen and Geena Llewelyn-Davies, who now work for Haskoning

It’s great to be here today and it’s so important to look at the opportunities available. With a placement, you can see what you’re able to offer the company and in turn, what the company can offer you. I love telling students about Haskoning as it’s a great place to work.

Geena Llewelyn-Davies, a masters student who now works for global consulting engineers, Haskoning

 

We take a placement student every year and the quality of the candidates who apply is always amazing.

For me, it’s not just about having good engineering skills, but having great people skills, a strong work ethic, being approachable, and helping make colleagues’ jobs easier. The students we take on are essentially part of the team, and Jessica has added so much value since being with us.
Ian Crossley, Production Engineering Manager at Secure Innovation
 
Mechanical Engineering student Jessica Whitford and colleagues from Cornwall-based Secure Innovation, where she's currently on a year-long placement

I think it’s really important to do a placement as it gives you great, real-world experience, and it makes you a lot more employable when you come out the other side of your degree.

I actually missed the Careers Fair when I was a student last year and found out about my current role via a follow-up email. So don’t worry if you couldn’t make it – you’ll still get chance to hear about some of the great opportunities the University has.
Geena Llewelyn-Davies, a masters student who now works for global consulting engineers, Haskoning

 
 
 
 
 

Future-ready skills

Our students tell us that meaningful industry engagement is one of the defining strengths of a University of Plymouth education.

That is why we work with companies to provide a range of mentoring, placement and internship opportunities while events on our campus – like our STEM Careers Fair – enable students to see the breadth of opportunities their degree can unlock. 
All of that means our students gain the skills they will use immediately once they enter the workforce, while having fostered connections with employers who we know are looking for their knowledge and ingenuity.

Christopher FogwillProfessor Christopher Fogwill
Executive Dean of the Faculy of Science and Engineering

The STEM Careers Fair is always one of the highlights of the year and it’s been great to welcome employers come from as close as up the road, and as far away as Ipswich.

As well as showcasing careers in science and engineering, the companies highlighted opportunities across disciplines that form an integral part of a company’s operations, including project management, content creation, HR and business management. 
Students across all of our programmes really made the most of the day and we can’t wait to see some of them come back to visit as exhibitors at the next fair.

Simon TaylorMr Simon Taylor
Employer Engagement and Placements Manager

More information

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