Instant jobs, just like that.

On 30 and 31 May at the SECC, the University Careers Service will host The Summer Graduate Fair in Scotland. This is a jobs fair for all graduates and one of only two national graduate recruitment events in Scotland.

Although this jobs fair has been in operation for several years, last year saw its re-launch as a 'Just in time' jobs fair. This is a fairly new approach in response to the fact that more and more graduates leave their job-hunting till after they graduate. Conservative estimates have it that at least 50% of graduates leave job-hunting until after they complete their degree.

The reasons for this? Many cite the pressure to get a 'good' degree in response to intense competition for jobs. This means that they want to spend as much time studying as they can and leave the question of a 'job' or 'career' until after they complete their studies. Whatever the reason, and in view of the financial circumstances new graduates find themselves in, many want to start earning as soon as possible after they finish their degree.

In response to this growing trend, employers are changing or modifying their recruitment cycle from recruiting graduates in the autumn/winter prior to their graduation to all year round. This year 75 of them will be exhibiting at the fair. It features many big names such as Scottish Power, GSK and Ernst and Young to players in the public and charitable sector like NHS Scotland, VSO and Teach in Scotland.

The event is free and includes CV and careers advice from careers advisers for all who attend. This year also features a seminar programme hosted by companies outlining their businesses and careers advisers offering tips on job-hunting. For further information please contact the university careers service or see www.gla.ac.uk/careers/summerfair/Fairs.htm

Media Relations Office (media@gla.ac.uk)

First published: 26 May 2006