The Northern Ireland Graduate Recruitment Fair, the region’s premier graduate jobs event, will take place from 11am–3pm on Tuesday 2 June at Ulster University’s Belfast campus. The annual event will provide an invaluable launchpad for the Class of 2026 and recent graduates as they prepare to transition from university into an increasingly dynamic and evolving professional landscape.
Sponsored by Bank of America and supported by media partner nijobfinder, the event will bring together more than 60 leading employers from across Northern Ireland and beyond, providing students and graduates with direct access to career opportunities, industry insight and pathways across a wide range of sectors.
As global industries continue to evolve in response to new technologies, emerging skills demands and changing workforce expectations, the fair aims to strengthen the bridge between higher education and industry by equipping students and graduates with the connections, confidence and insights needed to navigate the future of work.
At a time when retaining skilled graduates in Northern Ireland is a growing priority, the event also provides an important platform for local employers to connect with the next generation of talent, supporting regional workforce development, economic growth and long-term opportunity.
From accounting, finance and technology to law, construction, business, life sciences, marketing and the public sector, attendees will gain access to graduate-level roles and professional development opportunities at a critical stage in their career journey.
Brian Byers, Student and Graduate Opportunities Manager at Ulster University, said:
"Ulster University is delighted to once again host the Northern Ireland Graduate Recruitment Fair at our Belfast campus, bringing together ambitious students, recent graduates and leading employers for what is a defining moment in the student-to-graduate transition.
"As a university deeply committed to graduate employability, this event is a powerful example of how we connect our students with industry, opportunity and future-focused careers. At a time when retaining Northern Ireland’s graduate talent is an increasing priority, the fair provides a vital platform connecting local employers with the next generation of talent.
"For the Class of 2026, this is a unique opportunity to build relationships with employers, understand how industries are evolving, develop confidence around the future of work and take meaningful steps towards professional success. We are proud to work alongside Queen’s University Belfast, Bank of America and nijobfinder to deliver an event that supports both graduate ambition and employer access to exceptional emerging talent.”
Sandra Scannell, Employer Engagement Manager within Careers, Employability and Skills at Queen’s University Belfast, said:
“The Northern Ireland Graduate Recruitment Fair continues to be a flagship event in the graduate calendar, offering students and recent graduates direct access to employers at a crucial point in their career planning.
"In a fast-changing employment landscape, opportunities to engage directly with employers, understand skills demand and explore career pathways have never been more important. Through our continued partnership with Ulster University, we are committed to empowering graduates with the networks, confidence and opportunities they need to thrive in an evolving workplace.”
“The Northern Ireland Graduate Recruitment Fair continues to be an important platform for connecting employers with the next generation of talent at a time when skills, adaptability and future-focused thinking are increasingly shaping the workplace. nijobfinder is delighted to continue to support graduates as they take their first steps into industry is essential to strengthening Northern Ireland’s long-term economic growth and competitiveness.”
Jack Myers, final-year Ulster University student, said:
“As someone preparing to graduate into a rapidly changing world of work, having the chance to meet employers face-to-face, understand what skills are most valued and explore real career opportunities is incredibly important.
"For the Class of 2026, events like this provide reassurance, inspiration and practical opportunities at a time when many students are thinking carefully about their next steps. It is exciting to see so many employers investing in graduate talent and showing there are strong career opportunities here in Northern Ireland.”
With thousands expected to attend, the Northern Ireland Graduate Recruitment Fair remains one of the most significant employability events in the region, reinforcing the role of higher education in supporting graduate outcomes while fostering strong employer partnerships that benefit Northern Ireland’s wider economy.
For students, graduates and employers seeking to be part of this year’s event, visit: nigradfair.org
