The school of Business and Humanities at Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) recently welcomed over 20 employers from diverse industry backgrounds to its Careers Fair. The fair held in conjunction with the DkIT Careers & Employability Centre welcomed employers from a range of businesses across the region to share insights with students about the variety of future paths available to them. Students and staff welcomed the opportunity to connect with industry professionals, explore different careers paths, learn about future opportunities and discuss potential internships or interviews.

The event, hosted on DkIT’s campus was a great opportunity for employers to meet with current students from DkIT’s programmes across the school of Business and Humanities and learn more about the variety of courses available at DkIT to meet future skill needs.

Speaking at the Careers Fair, Dr Patricia Moriarty, Head of School of Business & Humanities said:

“We are delighted to welcome a broad range of employers from the region to DkIT. These employers have a huge part to play in DkIT’s role of producing effective and capable graduates with the capacity to translate their skills, attributes, and mindsets into a career conducive to a life of personal and professional fulfilment. Many employers are former graduates of DkIT and they are huge champions of the School and know the value of our graduates who enter the labour market in a work-ready mindset.”

Students from across all departments in the School of Business and Humanities welcomed the fantastic opportunity to meet employers from a wide variety of disciplines. These included: CCUSA, Irish Teaching Council, Student Inc. Entrepreneur Programme, ABP Foods, Baker Tilly Kirk, Briody Accountants, Castle Leslie, Conrad Hotel, Drogheda Credit Union, Dundalk Credit Union, First Derivative, Irish Life, Kaseya, RunMyBusiness.ie, State Street, Ashdale Care, Childline / ISPCC Drogheda, DMC Children's Services, Dundalk Simon Community, IWA, Louth Sports Partnership, Praxis Care and Youth Work Ireland Cavan Monaghan.

Naomi O’Donoghue, Head of Sales and Business Development at Dundalk Credit Union said:

"We were delighted to attend the careers fair in DkIT today. We have been incredibly lucky over the years to have some of the best students join us on work placement and so many of our team members are recent DkIT graduates. It was great to speak to students about the opportunities that a career in the credit union sector presents. You know when you take on a DkIT graduate that you are getting someone ambitious, determined and prepared to put the work in to progress. It's the DkIT culture!"

To kick off the Careers Fair, Dr Moriarty presented the school programme portfolio giving an insight into the key aspects of the Business and Humanities courses at DkIT. Four student representatives, one from each department in the School of Business and Humanities then presented their own personal Elevator Pitches, demonstrating their skills and experience which would make them excellent candidates for employment.

Elizabeth Awosanya, Year 4, BA (Hons) in Social Care said:

''Having the opportunity to present to employers was an invaluable experience. It allowed me to showcase my journey in social care, reflect on my growth, and highlight the skills and knowledge I've gained throughout my studies. Engaging with potential employers not only boosted my confidence but also reinforced the importance of professional development and continuous learning in this field."

Catherine Staunton, Head of DkIT Careers & Employability, outlined the value of School specific employer engagement events.

“At tailored events like this, meaningful conversations take place, job opportunities are discussed and in some cases are secured”.

Catherine was equally delighted to see the strong representation of DkIT Alumni amongst the employers, demonstrating the strong link between DkIT and employers within the region.