Well Connected

Victoria Darcy announces a new way for students and graduates to network and find out what chemical engineering roles are out there

A FEW months from now, IChemE will host its very first Virtual Careers Fair – a two-day event running from 20–21 October which combines live interactive webinars hosted by a wide variety of presenters, with on-demand pre-recorded information sessions covering a range of career advice.

The event is part of a coordinated response to the impact the Covid-19 pandemic has had on graduate employment. We’ve heard the word “unprecedented” more times than I care to remember during the pandemic, however we cannot underestimate the sudden and significant impact for students and graduates; no one could have foreseen or prepared for the past 18 months. Many graduate roles were suddenly unavailable or delayed, work experience and placements changed or stopped altogether, and there is uncertainty as to the ongoing effects. With this in mind, the Virtual Careers Fair will ensure that students and recent graduates are given the chance to discover opportunities within organisations and industries they may not be familiar with.

If you’re currently studying chemical engineering or have recently graduated, this is the event for you. It’s free to attend and easily accessible on all devices.
We have lined up a wide range of presenters from large global corporations that you may not typically think of as chemical engineering employers, and up-and-coming organisations which are tackling climate change head on. You will also be able to access the latest vacancies for each organisation on The Chemical Engineer jobs board.

There will be eight live webinars hosted over two days where presenters from various organisations, government bodies and academia will speak openly about their individual careers and backgrounds, their roles within industry, and provide guidance and tips for your own journey. All presenters will be available for questions during the live webinars, and information on all live job vacancies will be featured.

In addition to the live webinars, you’ll have access to several pre-recorded information sessions and webinars hosted by chemical engineers who will guide you through all aspects of applying for roles – from writing CVs and cover letters to utilising LinkedIn and social media to increase your profile.

Confirmed organisations include:

• C-Capture – Hear from a company which is actively developing technology that directly tackles the devastating effects of climate change.
• The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy – How are chemical engineers steering policy and how can you secure a role in government?
• W Grant and Sons – Hear from a family-owned distillery about how chemical engineering plays a key role in its processes.
• Amazon – How does chemical engineering fit into one of the most well-known global companies?

Speakers will also be joining from: Accord Healthcare; Briggs of Burton; Ceres Power; Edwards Vacuum; GlaxoSmithKline; Magnox; PM Group; PS Enterprise; Rolls Royce; Recycling Technologies; Ross-Shire Engineering; Suez; The Office of Nuclear Regulation; and the UK Atomic Weapon Authority.

Visit https://www.icheme.org/virtual_careers_fair2021 to find out more and secure your place.

Working closely with the Chemical Engineers Benevolent Fund, IChemE is developing new content and resources to support chemical engineers as they respond to four key influences impacting upon employment opportunities:

• the impact of the pandemic on career opportunities for graduating and recently-graduated chemical engineering students;
• the shift away from certain traditional chemical engineering sectors, resulting in fewer job opportunities and a need to consider skills transition;
• the impacts of technology changes and new attitudes that are bridging traditional divides between industries, ultimately leading employers to think differently about required skillsets; and
• individuals wanting more personal career agility and therefore looking to develop more transferable skills that allow them to change roles on a more regular basis

The IChemE Virtual Careers Fair is one example of this support. More resources will be made available over the coming months, including video case studies; industry insight webinars from our members groups and special interest groups; and articles in The Chemical Engineer.