Hundreds of students explore career options at Gradstock

This year's bumper event featured alumni and placement student zones to inspire current MDX students 

One of Middlesex University’s flagship career festivals returned with a bang, attracting dozens of students who had the opportunity to meet a host of potential employers and prepare for the world of work.

Gradstock offered students the chance to connect with employers, improve their employability and gain valuable insights which can lead to successful post-graduate careers.

Designated zones gave students the opportunity to gain inspiration from speaking with alumni and placement students, while a ‘bingo card’ challenge encouraged networking and there was a chance to have a free professional LinkedIn headshot.

Among the extensive list of organisations and companies present were Enterprise Mobility, Connect, We Are The News, WWT, CIEE, Zidannes Sports, gnlaw, Barnet Council, KPMG and the Metropolitan Police.

“The organisation has been amazing, and it’s been a really great experience meeting with students and letting them know about the opportunities we have in early years teaching (ECT),” said Guney Sumbul, Head of ECT at Connect which works with hundreds of schools in London and the southeast.

Alice Walledge, from Civil Service Fast Stream, which is the Times No1 graduate scheme, said: “It has been a very positive day, we have had a lot of interest in careers in the civil service. It has been fantastic to see the confidence of the students and their enthusiasm for the various roles.”

In the students on placement zone, BA Accounting and Finance student Raahi Patel told of how she gained work experience at South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust. She said: “The most important skill I developed was being resilient and adaptable to changes as I had to learn new things every day in a different environment. 

“I was also more proactive which helped me gain my current job in the NHS as a part time accountant.”

Asked about the skills she gained at Middlesex University which helped her career, BA Business with Marketing graduate Peace Aribosa Emonvuon said: “I would definitely say curiosity, adaptability, entrepreneurship mindset. I believe that because I was very curious I was able to get an opportunity which landed me with a job abroad and through international mobility I was able to work in America for a year as a marketing assistant (with Völkers Salt Lake City) and that’s just been amazing. “

Another alumna Jo Permaul, Director and Owner of Wellness Professionals at Work, revealed what were key graduate skills she developed at Middlesex University.

“Technological agility, because when I graduated in 1996 we’d only just starting using email, and to think where some of today’s graduates will be in thirty years’ time it is really important to remain flexible and open to that. 

“Curiosity and learning are also very important, as doing a degree really opens your eyes to different points of view and different perspectives and for me that’s a life skill that I take into my work life and my personal life as well.”

 “As we have come to expect, Gradstock was once again a truly inspiring celebration of community and opportunity. The Quad was buzzing with energy as students connected with employers, explored new pathways, and discovered what’s possible for their future. 

“We were especially proud to welcome our incredible alumni and placement students to the networking zone, who generously gave their time to share real-world insights and advice with their peers. Their commitment to giving back and supporting the next generation of professionals embodies the very best of the Middlesex spirit.”

Jack Tims, Head of Careers and Futures at Middlesex University