Careers fair does its job

When Charanpreet Soin attended the 2007 UQ Careers Fair she was there to work, not find a job; yet she now embodies the event’s success.

As a Student Ambassador with the Office of Marketing and Communications’ Student Recruitment Team, Miss Soin’s day consisted mostly of fielding questions at the information desk and ensuring things ran smoothly.

“I was given some time off to explore the fair and inquire about possible jobs and opportunities within my field,” Miss Soin said.

“I met with numerous HR and company representatives, in particular Rose Boyd from Arup.”

As a final-year Environmental Management Student, Miss Soin was particularly interested in Arup – a global firm of designers, engineers, planners and consultants.

“Arup has been instrumental in some of the world’s most impressive projects and is the creator of a growing number of them,” Miss Soin said.

Miss Soin completed a month of work experience with Arup in June 2007, and was offered a position with the company’s graduate program in August.

She began working as a full-time Graduate Sustainability Consultant in January 2008, after completing her degree.

This year she returned to the Careers Fair as an Arup representative.

“Our business is structured around teams, so graduates to senior leaders all work together in a supportive environment to achieve results, providing an advantage to our clients’ businesses and projects.

“Highlights would have to include Arup’s global reputation and the opportunities to work on projects from around the world with people from numerous diverse cultural and educational backgrounds," Miss Soin said.

And while Miss Soin is currently enjoying the challenges of Arup’s two-year graduate program, she has some admirable career aspirations.

“I am originally from Kenya, East Africa and would like to see sustainability brought into the culture and mindset of Africa.

“I also see myself undertaking a Masters degree somewhere down the line, possibly in Developmental Practice, focusing on sustainable living for developing countries,” she said.

The 2008 Careers Fair held on 12 March saw over 5500 students meet with 178 exhibitors at the UQ Centre.

Dean of Students and Careers Fair organiser, Dr Lisa Gaffney, said that UQ students had an excellent reputation with employers and many gain employment through the event.

“I find it very satisfying to see former students like Charanpreet find jobs at the Fair and return in future years to represent their companies,” Dr Gaffney said.

MEDIA: Penny Robinson at UQ Communications (3365 9723, penny.robinson@uq.edu.au)