Information for employers

The White Rose University Consortium PhD Careers Fair is a collaborative regional event that connects employers with highly skilled doctoral researchers from the Universities of Leeds, Sheffield and York.

Taking place on 17 September 2026, the fair offers a unique opportunity to engage with PhD talent from a wide range of disciplines, raise your organisational profile, and explore partnerships across academia and industry.

Why take part as an employer?

By participating, you will have the opportunity to:

Meet highly skilled PhD researchers from a broad range of disciplines
Showcase career pathways for doctoral graduates and explain how their expertise supports innovation and growth
Raise your organisational visibility within a strong regional PhD talent pipeline
Network with employers and colleagues across academia, industry, policy, and the public sector
Contribute to knowledge exchange and support informed career decision-making among researchers

PhD researchers bring valuable transferable skills including analytical thinking, creativity, innovation, communication, and project leadership - skills that are highly relevant across sectors.

Who you’ll meet

The audience consists of PhD researchers from the Universities of Leeds, Sheffield and York, at all stages of doctoral training. Many are actively exploring careers outside academia and are keen to learn more about roles, sectors, and organisational cultures.

A proven and growing event

Previous fairs have welcomed a wide range of organisations, including national bodies, charities, consultancies, and SMEs. Recent participants have included:

The Bank of England
Department for Work and Pensions
Civil Service Fast Stream
Conception X
FPCR Environment and Design Ltd
The Brilliant Club

Attendees consistently value the opportunity to make meaningful connections, explore diverse career options, and expand their professional networks across the White Rose universities.

What to expect as a participant

Free attendance – there is no exhibitor fee
High visibility – your organisation will be profiled on a shared delegate resources page ahead of the event
Engaged conversations – speak directly with motivated doctoral researchers
No recruitment requirement – attendance is valuable even if you have no current vacancies
Hospitality included – lunch provided for up to two representatives

Places are limited, and organisations are invited to register their interest in advance.

Get involved

We welcome organisations from all sectors who are interested in:

Showcasing career opportunities for PhD graduates
Connecting with highly skilled researchers
Building regional networks and collaboration

Please note: the careers fair is not open to recruitment consultants or agencies.

Register your interest in taking part here.

If you have any questions, please contact: info@whiterose.ac.uk

The White Rose University Consortium actively engages with institutional, regional and national partners to propel positive change and create sustained impact for individuals, communities, and the region.