October 2001 Companies woo Graduates at NUI Galway Recruitment Fair

The current down-turn in the global economy did not affect the attendance of some of this country s major employers at NUI Galway s annual Graduate Recruitment Fair. The Fair, which took place today (Monday, 22 October), attracted over 50 companies and was attended by more than 2,000 graduates.

"The Fair is an ideal opportunity for graduates to meet prospective employers and find out about a wide range of employment possibilities", said Mr. Peter Keane, of NUI, Galway s Careers Service. "We have noticed a slight move away from the IT sector this year and broader representation from business and industry". Among the companies attending the fair were banks, management consulting companies, accountancy and technology companies and those representing the public sector. They included Deloitte and Touche, the Kerry Group, Smurfit Ireland, Intel, Boston Scientific and Siebel Systems.

The Recruitment fair, the only one of its kind in the west of Ireland, was organised by the Careers Service at NUI, Galway. Each year the service produces several publications offering guidance and direction to graduates and postgraduates. As well as a fortnightly newsletter 'Career Matters', the Careers Service publishes a range of material providing graduates with information on interview techniques, employment opportunities and career planning.

A survey carried out by the Careers Service earlier this year revealed that of those students who completed their studies last year, 61% are in employment; 18% are undertaking further academic studies; 5% are in teacher training; and just 1.2% are still seeking employment.

Information from: Máire Mhic Uidhir, Press Officer. Tel. 091 750418