A B O U T
Our team are committed to supporting you progress into your dream careers. We can help provide guidance, skills development, networking, global opportunities and much more. We look forward in supporting you to We’reheretogive youthebeststartin yourcareerjourney. Realise Your Potential.
3 JUNE 2025 11AM-3PM
QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY BELFAST
Calling all 2025 graduates! Are you already dreaming about your future career?
Don't miss out on the Northern Ireland Graduate Recruitment Fair 2025 - the ultimate opportunity to find your perfect graduate role! Join us on Tuesday 03 June 2025, from 11am to 3pm on Queen’s University, Belfast Campus in the Whitla and South Dining Halls.
This event is exclusively designed for students like you, offering direct access to employers with exciting graduate and training opportunities.
Whether you ' re a final year or still exploring your options, this is a must-attend event.
So, mark your calendars and register now to secure your spot! https://www.nigradfair.org/
Congratulations to our 2024-2025 Santander Brighter Futures Grant Winners!
10 of our own Queen’s University Belfast students were lucky enough to win £1,000 each from Santander Open Academy to support them on their academic journey.
On the Santander Open Academy website, you can browse free ondemand learning content that can help support you in your studies as well as apply for several free learning programmes ran in partnership with world-leading educational institutes.
Find out more about the Santander Open Academy. https://www.santanderopenacademy.com/ /i d ht l
“I would like to start by saying a big thank you to Santander for awarding me the grant, I am lucky enough to be on placement this year so I shared some of the money with my close course friends, this meant a lot to me. I personally decided to save the rest of the money for a rainy day in the future!”
Cody Large BSC (S) Business Information Technology
Cody Large Cody Large
"Winning the Santander Brighter Future Grant has been truly life-changing for me. Thanks to this support, I was able to pay my accommodation fees, which lifted a huge weight off my shoulders. Instead of worrying about how I would cover my living costs, I could fully focus on my studies and personal growth. This grant didn’t just provide financial relief—it gave me peace of mind and the motivation to keep pushing forward. Knowing that there are organizations like Santander that believe in students like me makes all the difference. I am beyond grateful for this opportunity and the brighter future it has helped create for me. "
Charvi Upadhyay MSC (T) Business Analytics
“The award of 1,000 pounds (approximately 9,000 RMB) has been strategically allocated to support my living expenses, hobbies, and educational goals. My spending plan divides the funds into three categories: 2,200 RMB for living expenses, 1,800 RMB for badminton (my hobby), and 5,000 RMB for potential costs related to the QUB Summer School exchange program. This structured approach ensures the money is used purposefully and efficiently.
The award has significantly impacted my life by reducing financial stress, enabling me to focus on my studies, pursue my passion for badminton, and explore international educational opportunities. I am deeply grateful to QUB and Santander Open Academy for their generous support, which has greatly enhanced my academic and personal development.”
Yuhao Hou BSC (S) Pharmaceutical Sciences
Daniel Hunter Daniel Hunter
“Thanks to the Brighter Future Grant, I was able to finally purchase a new laptop to help with my studies! This has made studying for my Masters so much easier. Thank you so much!”
Kerry Cameron MA Interpreting
“This grant has been a lifeline, easing off the burden of the cost of living crisis by allowing us to stay warm during the winter, and also by helping my studies by investing in good technology, a big thank you to Santander!”
Daniel Hunter MPHYS (UM) Physics -
Physics
with Astro-
GETTOKNOWOUR CESSTUDENT ASSISTANTS
Name Sarah Geraghty.
What are you studying? Human Biology.
Where are you from?
Co Galway, Ireland .
Any hobbies?
I love going for long walks and watching documentaries.
What music are enjoying right now?
Anything Drake- his versatility is unmatched!
Favourite book or podcast?
My favourite book is American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins. I’ve recently been getting into Podcasts and I love anything True Crime.
Name someone you admire
Not someone who is famous, but I admire my parents for their constant support, hard work, and the values they've instilled in me.
What are your Career aspirations?
Although studying Human Biology, I have a keen interest in entering the Business/ Consulting area once I graduate!
Best careers advice you have received? Learn from failures and keep applying yourself.
Favourite Careers event or programme?
Definitely the Careers Fair. It’s such a great opportunity to network with employers.
“CAREERSFAIRSILOVESPEAKINGTO DIFFERENTPEOPLE, ANDIT’SAGREAT OPPORTUNITY”
Name Georgia Salmons.
What are you studying?
LLB Law – Final/Third Year.
Where are you from?
Hertfordshire, England.
Any hobbies?
Highlight or biggest achievement so far from your time at Queen's?
Taking part in the Go Global Future Ready Skills for Leaders Program 2024. I enjoyed every single minute of it and gained invaluable experience!
I just recently started Pilates and I’ve been really enjoying it! I also love reading.
What music are you enjoying right now?
I prefer older music. Recently, I’ve been listening to a lot of 80s disco music.
Favourite book or podcast?
I couldn’t choose a favourite book, but my favourite author is Marian Keyes!
Name someone you admire
Lewis Hamilton! He has achieved so much in his racing career, and he does a lot of charity work outside of this centring around inclusivity, which I am very passionate about too.
What are your career aspirations?
I’m hoping to pursue a career within the commercial sector
Best careers advice you have received? Always tailor your CV and application form to the employer.
Favourite careers event or programme?
I really enjoy the career fairs at QUB. I love speaking to different people, and it’s a great opportunity to find the right company for you.
Highlight or biggest achievement so far from your time at Queen’s?
My biggest achievement at QUB is co-founding the Walkie Talkie Girlies Society with my best friend! I’m really proud of how much the society has grown, and this has opened so many doors for me.
Name Legal name "Ahmed Al-Obaidi", preferred name "Ahmed Wisam".
What are you studying? Currently on Placement for Software Engineering (I will start my placement with Liberty IT this June).
Where are you from? Iraq.
Any hobbies?
Football, Video games, Chess, Travelling and Cooking (I am not the best at it).
What music are enjoying right now? If artist then "RIELL", but if favourite song then "help herself (with BENEE)" by bbno$.
Favourite book or podcast? Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie.
Name someone you admire: My dad (I still love my mom but I look up to my dad a lot).
What are your Career aspirations? Becoming very wealthy to spoil my cat.
Best careers advice you have received?
Your biggest obstacle to success is yourself. If you are afraid of failure or rejection, you will never make it in life.
Favourite Careers event or programme?
Autumn Career Fair (I managed to make alot of connections and further enhanced my CV and cover letter).
Highlight or biggest achievement so far from your time at Queen's:
1) My friends ❤ hahahhaha.
2) Securing a placement with a really good and big company (Liberty IT).
3) My grades, I have scored First Class for all of my modules thus far.
4) Academic Scholarship for my second year.
5) Representing Queen's as a Student Ambassador, Careers Student Assistant and my faculty Student Mentor
6) Queen's Esport Clash of Clans Officer.
7) Qub Indonesian Society Football Golden Glove Winner (Award for the tournament best GoalKeeper).
8) My year long project (which is the best project I have ever done) got nominated to be presented on Queen's University Belfast's Arts and Sustainability Festival " Reach 25".
“ YOUR BIGGEST OBSTACLE TO SUCCESS IS YOURSELF. ”
Public Sector Tour Highlights
This semester seen the return of our Spotlight On Public Sector Tours, with students visiting a host of public sector organisations over the two days.
Day one seen the group visit the Northern Ireland Assembly, where the students got a tour of Parliament
On day two the students enjoyed visits to the HMRC and the Public Records Office of Northern Ireland.
Many thanks to all the Employers and organisations who hosted this year's tour at their premises, and to all our panel guests who took part in our
Public Sector Tour
Highlights
Faith BA History and International Relations
“The tour was not what I had expected; I gained much more from it than I had ever intended to I have no doubt that a possible career in the public sector could be on my horizon and without the tour I doubt I would ever have properly considered it. To any considering participating in the tour in years to come, go for it. You never know how much you can learn until you actually participate. I never would have even considered this career path prior to participating on the tour, really joining was just to expand my knowledge a little However, it has almost completely flipped my career aspirations on the head and has left me with much to consider Thank you to all of the organisers for making this tour possible “
Emily BSc International Relations and Politics
“Attending the Public Sector Tour helped me appreciate the diversity of civil service jobs available. Over the two days, we connected with people at various stages of their careers, which showed me just how many different paths a public service career can take The Public Sector Tour made me even more excited about the prospect of becoming a public servant.”
Emily LLB Law
“ For me, the true highlight of the Public Sector Tour was the chance to connect directly with professionals, build a rapport with like-minded individuals in the profession, and gain firsthand insights relevant to my career journey. Many of the professionals I spoke with generously offered their guidance, ensuring I had a strong network to help me branch out as I transition into the workforce after graduation “
Last month the Global Opportunities Team welcomed the 2025/26 outgoing exchange students to their first gettogether in the Wee Bar as students prepare for a semester or academic year at a partner university at numerous destinations around the globe.
Next year will see roughly 150 Queen's students travel for exchange to 70 partner universities in 17 different countries!
Global Opportunities will be hosting pre-departure sessions for these students in May to support their preparations in terms of accommodation, settling in and making the most of their experience on exchange!
Global Opportunities Study Exchange Mixer
DUTS Y ABROAD
It is an exciting time for our students who are getting ready to take part in work and study abroad opportunities across the globe, such as students going out this year to take part in our Utrecht programme.
Hear from Queen’s student, Liana Mac Intyre about her study abroad opportunity in Utrecht in our Careers blog
https://blogs.qub.ac.uk/careers/20 25/02/27/experience-life-studyingabroad-in-utrecht/
Work Shadowing Week
2025 Highlights
This year our popular Work Shadowing Week took place recently with 100 Queen’s students spending a day with a host company to get an insight into the organisation and sector and observing professionals in practice. 14 employers across six sectors hosted the students at their premises over the week The objective for the students was to gain very important real life organisation insights into work and have the chance to engage in meaningful conversations and observations in a workplace setting. Hear what a few of our students had to say about their experiences:
Hitesh Gidwani MSc Finance
“Had the amazing opportunity to shadow professionals at PwC Belfast as part of Queen’s Work Shadowing Week 2025!
Alongside other QUB students, I had the chance to explore PwC's dynamic work culture, learn about account verification, auditing processes, and discover how their core values shape everyday operations.
A big thank you to Lynsey Foster for leading this initiative and to the Careers Queen's University Belfast for making it possible, and a huge thank you to PwC and PwC Ireland especially Rachel Kelly for graciously hosting us.
The experience was packed with insightful conversations, a networking lunch with PwC professionals, and an exclusive office tour giving us a first-hand look into the day-to-day life at one of the Big Four. Grateful for the exposure, inspiration, and connections made!”
Work Shadowing Week
2025 Highlights
Nikita Jain MSc Finance Student
“I had the pleasure of attending a Work Shadowing Day at Sumer Northern Ireland, organised through Queen's University Belfast It was a valuable opportunity to gain insights into the firm’s operations and learn from such a welcoming and knowledgeable team.
A big thank you to Lynsey Foster for guiding us through this experience, to Careers Queen's University Belfast for providing such a valuable opportunity and to Shannon Savage for walking us through the day. Grateful to everyone at Sumer NI for hosting us and making the day so engaging!”
Kirstine Dela Torre Final Year International Business with French
“So grateful to have taken part in the Work Shadowing Week with Energia Group! From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with open arms (and a goodie bag), and I got to spend the day with the Micro Energy –Renewables team.
They gave me a look into what their day-to-day really involves. I also got to see how they collaborate with engineers and suppliers to troubleshoot system issues and optimise energy performance. It was eyeopening to see how much technical detail and teamwork goes into making renewable energy solutions work in real life.
A massive thank you to Careers, Employability and Skills at Queen's University Belfast, Lynsey Foster and to wider Energia Group for making this experience so insightful and welcoming. As a student navigating the early stages of my career, this experience reminded me that the future of energy is bright –and it’s powered by people who care deeply about impact.”
STUDENTSHARESASTOLDBYY UO
In careers we pride ourselves in supporting as many students as possible and pride ourselves in the help we can give to guide students in starting their career journey and realising their potential. Thank you for your feedback! We love to hear your comments so please contact careers-marketing@qub.ac.uk should you wish to feature in our next issue.
Hi Terry,
I just wanted to get in touch with some good news that I’ve been offered a training contract with the company I interviewed for. I wanted to thank you personally for all the support you gave me throughout the application process. Your guidance during interview prep was incredibly helpful, and I genuinely believe it made a real difference in helping me secure the offer.
I’m also especially grateful for the Spotlight on Law City Tour. As you know that experience gave me invaluable insight into the world of commercial law and allowed me to develop practical skills that I was able to bring into my interview, it really helped me to stand out and feel confident in the room.
A Law student emailed Terry, one of our careers consultants, to thank him for his help
It’s been a tough and competitive process, but I’m so grateful for your encouragement and support along the way. Thank you again for everything!
Peter N.
Career Navigator Career Navigator
