IT CAREERS FAIR 2017
ATTRACTING students to the bustling corridors of IT Sligo were several of Ireland’s most dynamic companies showcasing their graduate employment opportunities at the Institute’s Careers Fair 2017.
The event spanned a range of industry sectors including Engineering, Computing, Digital Technology, Accounting and Science.
The 53 exhibitors included international companies such as Abbott Diabetes Care, AbbVie, Aurivo, Allergan and Pfizer Pharmaceuticals. Recruitment specialists Collins McNicholas and Siteman Recruitment UK were also there to lend their expertise on the day.
Dr Eithne Ní Bhrádaigh, Human Resource and Training Manager from VistaMed explained how their company was eager to hire local people from Sligo IT and the North- West: “We are a medical device company in Carrick- on- Shannon and we have an engineering grad programme and we are hoping to take more from Sligo.”
Dr Ní Bhrádaigh also offered some helpful advice to students still in college who are thinking about jobs after their degree: “Try and get any experience in the industry wether it’s paid or un- paid, even if it is only one day just to have something on your CV. Also spend time in the area where you want to work, because it looks good when you go for an interview . It shows you are keen for a job in that sector. Follow the element of the course you are best at because that’s where you will excel.”
Second year Accounting student, Caoimhe Davey found the careers fair a great opportunity to discover new companies: “The fair is a good way to make contacts and start networking. The companies I talked to told me to keep working away and not to be afraid to throw your name into the company and a CV because you never know what opportunities will come about.”
Forensic Science student, Debbie Mc Donnell was eager to see what job opportunities were available: “The fair gives you a good idea of where you can go and what you can do with your degree.”
Forensic Science Student, Dawn Dwyer was also excited to explore different career possibilities. Medical Bio- Technology student, Ciaran Farrelly thought the fair was a great idea to help networking between students and potential employers: “Through the fair you get a good insight into different companies. I talked to one person and they gave me their email so hopefully something comes of that. While it differs from sector to sector, the fair offers some hope that there will be jobs here at the end of the degree.” Free one- to- one CV clinics were also available and Human Resource experts from the visiting companies offered clear, no- nonsense advice on how your CV can stand out . from the crowd. Postgraduate study options were also a main focus on the day with several Irish and UK universities attending.