October 2008 Demand Continues for NUI Galway Graduates Ahead of Recruitment Fair

With just two weeks to go to the NUI Galway Graduate Recruitment Fair on 29 October, a survey has shown continued demand for graduates of the University. Figures from the NUI Galway 2007 Graduate Destinations Survey indicate that the proportion of primary degree graduates seeking employment, at only 2.1%, remained one of the best in Ireland. Over 60 major companies from business and industry will feature at the NUI Galway Graduate Recruitment Fair in Áras na Mac Léinn/Student Centre on Wednesday, 29 October, from 12.30 - 4.30pm. The event will showcase opportunities for students from all disciplines, with a diverse number of fields such as engineering, financial services, accountancy, consultancy and many other professions. Major players in the medical device industry will attend such as Boston Scientific and Medtronic. Ireland's main banks will also be present including Ulster Bank, Bank of Scotland and IIB. For those interested in a career in consultancy - one of Ireland's largest consultancy firms, Accenture will also be represented. The IT and engineering sectors will also have representation through local and national companies including SIAC, SAP and IBM. According to John Hannon, Head of NUI Galway's Career Development Centre: "Demand for NUI Galway graduates remains extremely high, reflecting their excellence in terms of employability. While the current economic climate does of course present challenges, we are finding that over 50% of employers will recruit graduates from across the disciplines because of the all round experience and transferable skills they have gained. Transferable skills can include modules studied and also time spent in work placement, volunteering roles and clubs or societies". This focus on transferable skills has seen NUI Galway appoint a Transferable Skills Officer at its Career Development Centre. The Officer will further enable students to enhance their employability by helping them envisage the many roles and sectors of employment which they might be suitable. Louise Ryan, Employment Officer at NUI Galway's Career Development Centre has some advice for those attending the Fair: "There will be hundreds of other graduates there with the same aim as you - to find meaningful employment - so be prepared to make a good impression. Make sure you are there early so you can make the most of all the services available and get to talk to as many companies as possible". A full list of exhibitors is available from www.nuigalway.ie/careers -ends-