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 and across the region.

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.

 

Register your interest

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 and beyond, 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. 

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

 

A sample of employers attending

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    What to expect 

    • 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.

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

     

    Read more:

    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.
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