UCC Graduate Recruitment Festival 2026

Website
Courses

The UCC Graduate Recruitment Festival, held on 7-8 October, attracted approximately 3,450 student attendances, representing a 4.5% increase on 2025. Employer participation also grew, with 138 organisations attending, up from 127 last year.

The Festival's revised sector-based format was well received by both students and employers, helping to facilitate more focused engagement and meaningful conversations.

Analysis of employer promotional materials showed growing emphasis on:

Learning and professional development
Leadership
Organisation and project management
Digital and technological skills
Data and analytics
Customer and client focus
Technical capabilities

These findings reinforce the importance of combining disciplinary expertise with digital fluency, leadership potential, adaptability and lifelong learning.

Employers continue to speak highly of UCC students and graduates, citing their academic preparation, professionalism, practical experience and workplace readiness. The feedback highlights the impact of academic programmes, work placements, research opportunities and wider student development initiatives across the University.

The Careers Service extends its thanks to all colleagues, employer partners, and the Graduate Recruitment team for their contribution to the Festival's success and their ongoing support of student employability.

For more on this story contact:

Career Services UCC | University College Cork

Back to OVPLT News & Events

Office of Vice-President for Learning and Teaching

Oifig an Leasuachtaráin Foghlama agus Teagaisc

Room G58 & G59 , East Wing, Main Quadrangle, UCC, T12 K8AF. Opening times are Monday - Friday 9am - 1pm and 2pm - 5pm.

In This Section