Information for PhD students

The White Rose University Consortium PhD Careers Fair is a regional event bringing together employers and PhD researchers from across the White Rose university partners.

Whether you’re exploring options beyond academia, curious about different sectors, or keen to build your professional network, this fair offers a supportive space to learn, ask questions, and make connections.

Why attend?

Taking part will help you to:

Explore a wide range of career pathways, including roles beyond academic teaching and research
Meet employers from diverse sectors and learn about their work, culture and opportunities
Develop confidence in talking about your PhD skills and experience with employers
Build your professional network across the White Rose universities
Gain insight into careers you may not have previously considered

Many employers attend to share sector knowledge and career insights - not just to advertise jobs - so the event is valuable even if you’re at an early stage of career planning.

Who will be there?

You’ll meet organisations working across areas such as research, policy, consulting, innovation, industry and the public and third sectors.

Employers value the transferable skills developed during a PhD, including problem-solving, analytical thinking, communication, creativity and project management.

What to expect

Informal conversations with employers and professionals
Opportunities to ask questions about roles, sectors and career journeys
A friendly, cross-institutional environment with PhD researchers from Leeds, Sheffield and York

Save the date

Date: 17 September 2026
Time: 1–3pm
Location: Riley Smith Theatre, University of Leeds
Who can attend: PhD researchers from the Universities of Leeds, Sheffield and York

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.