What's on
Are your events in-person or virtual?
We run a mix of in-person and virtual events. The majority of our events are delivered in-person and on campus this year, however some Careers sessions and many employer events advertised in Handshake are online via Zoom.
How do I prepare for a virtual event?
These helpful hints and tips will help you think about how you approach and engage with virtual careers events.
Preparing for the event
- Start by registering for the event on Handshake and creating a reminder in your calendar so you don’t miss out. If you are later unable to attend the event, please cancel your place in advance on Handshake.
- It would be useful to check your audio and video work in advance so you’re confident going into the session.
- Think about what you hope to get from the sessions, and any questions in advance - this helps you feel more confident in engaging with employers and your peers.
Presenting yourself
- Consider if you are dressed appropriately to meet employers and check your name on Zoom is displayed correctly.
- Think about what's visible in your background; you can sit your device on top of a pack of paper or similar to raise the eyeline and ensure your face is within view.
- If at home it would be a good idea to notify housemates or put a sign on your door so that you're not disturbed during the session.
During the event
- We advise logging on to a virtual event at least five minutes before the start time.
- If you know you are going to be late for a session, or have to leave early, the organisers will be grateful to know ahead of time, either through a Handshake message or an email to careers-employers@york.ac.uk.
- The employer would love to hear from you during the event and this is a great way to gain confidence and experience in engaging directly with employers. We encourage you to do this by having your camera on throughout the event, turning your microphone on when directed, sending emoticon reactions, or offering thoughts in the chat box.
After the event
At the end of the event, most employers will be happy to chat to you. Alternatively, you could message them directly on Handshake, or connect with them on LinkedIn after the event. Make sure you have your camera on to ask any last questions, introduce yourself or simply say thank you.
What careers fairs do you run through the year?
Our main recruitment events run in October each year, where you can connect with top employers to find out about graduate jobs, placement years and summer internships. We have a Law fair with Law firms and training providers, and the Grad Jobs and Placements fair for students looking for graduate jobs and placement years.
Law Fair - Semester 1
A fair for both Law and non-Law students, featuring law firms recruiting to training contracts and vacation schemes, as well as learning providers for postgraduate study.
Grad Jobs and Placements fair - Semester 1
A range of graduate employers who come to the fair to talk to you about their graduate opportunities, placement years and summer internships.
Global Opportunities Fair - Semester 1
Organised by the Centre for Global Programmes, this fair features opportunities to study, work or volunteer abroad.
Summer Opportunities Fair - Semester 2
Organised by Global Programmes, this fair features opportunities to study, work or volunteer abroad.
- Summer Opportunities Fair - February, date tbc
Graduate Jobs Fair - Semester 2
Fair with a focus on final year students and postgrads looking for graduate jobs.
- Graduate Jobs Fair - May 2026 date tbc
How do I keep up to date with your events?
Use your Career Journey to get an overview of big events across the year.
You'll receive regular email newsletters from us about key events and activities you can get involved with.
You can check events in Handshake - you can see our fairs and events (Career centre events) and those hosted by external employers (usually online sessions). If you just want to see University of York Careers and Placements events, use the filter "posted by my institution" or put "UoY" in the search box.
I have more questions
If you would like to talk to someone, please come to our drop-in or book an appointment. We offer appointments online and in-person, tailored to your stage in your career journey.
Events for international students
You are welcome at any of our events - see this What's on page, and events listings in Handshake. In addition, we have some events specifically for international students - also listed on Handshake.
Find more details and book your place via Handshake.