Ulster University Business School (UUBS), supported by the Department for the Economy, welcomed students and industry leaders to a major Employer Showcase at its Derry~Londonderry campus this week.
Held in the Great Hall, the event shone a spotlight on the rapidly evolving career opportunities emerging across accounting, finance, FinTech and the wider financial services sector.
The Employer Showcase gave undergraduate and postgraduate students the opportunity to hear directly from employers navigating digital transformation and redefining the skills required for the next generation of financial professionals.
Bringing together executive speakers and some of the sector’s most recognisable employers, the event explored the impacts of automation, data, AI and technological innovation, offering students valuable insight into where roles were changing, and where demand for new talent is growing.
Opening the event, Dr Shirley Barrett, Head of the Department of Global Business & Enterprise at Ulster University Business School, said:
“We were delighted to host this important event for the North‑West, bringing together key stakeholders from across the Financial Services ecosystem to explore the opportunities and impacts of digital transformation.
“By working together, we can keep our programmes aligned with industry needs and help future‑proof our graduates’ careers. This collaborative approach underscores our commitment to driving economic growth, fostering innovation and building the talent pipeline that will shape the region’s future.”
The programme included keynote insights, employer presentations, a panel discussion and networking opportunities, allowing students to engage directly with organisations shaping the future of the financial services landscape.
A keynote address was delivered by John Taylor, Chief Executive Officer of Alchemy Technology Services, on digital transformation in financial services, with a focus on the insurance sector.
Students also heard insights from:
- Jerome Burke, Vice President, PGIM Fixed Income
- Erin McFeely, Director NI, Alchemy Technology Services
- Hannah McIarnon/Victoria Stewart-Maunder, University Relations Programme Specialist/Senior Vice President, Citi
- Claire McAleenan, Finance & Transformation Lead, NatWest Group
The event also featured a professional pathways briefing from Jacqueline O’Donnell, Business Relationship Manager at ACCA Global, as well as an overview of the City Deal from Derry City and Strabane District Council, delivered by Oonagh McGillion.
A panel discussion and live Q&A enabled students to explore themes including talent needs, digital skills development, global competition, emerging job roles and how best to position themselves for careers in a rapidly evolving industry.
The event concluded with a networking lunch, offering valuable one‑to‑one engagement between students and employers.
By convening employers and students at a pivotal time for the sector, Ulster University Business School reinforced its role as an engaged, industry‑connected Business School committed to developing confident, skilled graduates equipped for careers in a technology‑enabled financial landscape.
