AHEAD Careers Fair: Building the Future
Building the Future (BTF), organised by AHEAD’s GetAHEAD Programme, is one of the biggest events of the year for students and graduates with disabilities in AHEAD. The last event in 2024, which took place at the Citi Bank offices in Dublin City Centre, highlighted the benefit of providing a space for students and graduates to connect with inclusive employers, further develop their employability skills and learn more about the transition from education to employment. With 121 students and graduates attending on the day, the event was very successful, with 100% of surveyed participants rating the event as fully accessible and earning an overall recommendation score of 2.9 out of 3 stars.
Attendees commented on the practical benefits of the mock interviews and CV clinics that take place on the day, where they received personalised and constructive feedback on their interview skills and CVs. Participants noted that the feedback transformed their confidence and readiness to engage with employers and one mentioned that
The CV advice I received helped me see myself as a professional, not just as a graduate
These sessions are of huge importance as they give students and graduates the opportunity to get tailored, one-to-one support to guide them in their employment journey.
The networking opportunities on the day in the employer exhibition space (seen in the image below) also offered students and graduates the chance to hear directly from employers about their companies, potential roles and how they work to support inclusion in their organisations. One attendee noted that BTF
helped break down barriers between employers and jobseekers with disabilities
while an employer noted that
It was great to be involved in such an amazing day and provide some insight to the attendees. It was a very positive experience.
These comments highlight how BTF facilitates meaningful conversations about the value of hiring diversely and encouraging more inclusive recruitment practices.
Image of BTF exhibition space
Other elements included a headshot station and various workshops across a range of topics including Networking and Confidence Building for Careers Events, Strategies for a Successful Interview and Mastering Application Forms. The workshop topics change each year, taking into consideration the evolving needs and requests from students and graduates. The event as a whole created an environment where attendees could fully immerse themselves in career development and building their employability skills.
Looking forward to BTF 2025, the focus will remain on maintaining the event’s strengths, continuing to support graduates at critical stages of their professional journeys. Diverse, engaging workshops, one-to-one sessions and the opportunity to network with employers will be central to the event. Graduates have noted that the event has been a pivotal moment in their transition to employment, with many describing it as their first chance to engage directly with inclusive employers. By bringing students, graduates, and employers together, the event further drives AHEAD’s work to support students and graduates and empower them to thrive in their professional careers.
