Ulster University Business School has launched the continuation of the award winning ‘Talent Hub’, with a new Entrepreneurial pathway for the Talent Hub 2025 (TH25). This is a project with an authentic industry led co-designed collaboration with partner FinTrU and has ongoing support from the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce.
The partnership focuses on connecting talented students with local employers to help them build their professional networks whilst committing future talent to the North West region. Building on previous success, the TH25 aims to extend the NW talent pipeline by supporting students with an entrepreneurial flair to connect and develop links or collaborations in the NW this year.
Professor Malachy O’Neill, Director of Regional Engagement said:
“I’m delighted to support the Talent Hub launch again this year. Talent Hub provides a unique platform for our current Business School students to engage with the local and regional business community in a range of sectors and provides a unique opportunity to gain insights from business leaders and build professional networks.”
The TH25 is focused on supporting the transition from education into the world of business and as part of the Global Business and Enterprise degree offerings at Ulster University. This academic year in excess of 150 second-year students will complete workshops delivered by academic experts and FinTrU’s team of professionals and be given opportunities to work directly with many more local and national businesses and innovators
The series of workshops has been created to empower students to engage with and develop the skills, knowledge, and networking opportunities they need to succeed in their career choices whilst engaging with businesses to ensuring the next generation of talent is aligned with developing industry requirements and needs.
Dr Shirley Barrett, Global Business & Enterprise Head of Department at Ulster University pledged her support to the Talent Hub:
“The Talent Hub at Ulster University helps students to make the most of their time at university and get career-ready. It provides undergraduate students with a dedicated space to develop their employability skills, connect with employers, and access tailored career support. It empowers students to explore career pathways, enhance their personal and professional development, and gain the confidence and opportunities needed to succeed beyond university.”
Sessions will focus on a different aspect of essential career development themes, or pathways depending on student choices for their career whether that be in employment or as an innovator or entrepreneur. The TH25 will help students to develop their confidence and professional skills, build networking skills and business connections.
Focusing on real employer expectations, the Talent Hub 2025 helps students bridge the gap between university and the workplace – from building standout CVs to mastering interview skills. The first interactive sessions were delivered by Erin King (FinTrU) and Natalie McCloskey (Londonderry Chamber of Commerce), with many more local employers contributing to sessions across the semester.
Speaking on the ‘Talent Hub’ collaborative partnership, Erin King, Talent Partner at FinTrU, said:
“FinTrU’s continued partnership with Ulster University Business School through the Talent Hub continues to represent our commitment and investment in early careers across the North West region. I’m looking forward to working with this year’s cohort of students, helping them develop their employability skills and unlock their potential. Our FinTrU Placement Programme for 2026/27 is now open for applications and we're excited to hear from driven students eager to accelerate their careers at FinTrU, here in the North West."
Anna Doherty, Chief Executive of The Derry Chamber of Commerce added:
“Londonderry Chamber of Commerce continues to facilitate this key collaboration between two of our corporate partners, Ulster University and FinTrU, to the benefit of everybody involved – business, academia and the students who take part.
"Talent Hub is a superb example of effective partnership with business to support the future workforce and create a confident talent pipeline her in the North West.”
From a student voice perspective final year student who successfully completed a placement year in 2024/25 James Condren, FinTrU Brand Ambassador, said:
“The Talent Hub gave me a real insight into the benefits of completing a placement and helped me build the confidence to take the next step in my career journey. My experience played a big part in my decision to apply for a placement at FinTrU, where I’ve been able to put the skills learned into practice. I’m really grateful for the opportunities the Talent Hub opened up for me by introducing me to industry professionals and hearing firsthand accounts from placement students”
Organisations interested in engaging with Talent Hub 2025 and connecting with students are encouraged to get in touch. Local businesses offering placement or graduate opportunities, or those operating within the innovation and entrepreneurship space, can contact Dr Mary Crossan at Ulster University to learn more about the initiative and explore opportunities to participate in upcoming networking and employer-supported events.
