Since I was mostly interested in the tech sector, I attended workshops about different roles and the market in general. These gave me the chance to learn about career paths and the companies offering positions. I also realised how important it is to apply early—sometimes roles start in September, but the applications open months before.

For Nikolas, the autumn Business School Careers Fair itself was especially valuable for gaining insights and connections:

At the fair, I met companies that are interested in Imperial students. You don’t get an interview directly from a fair, but you learn a lot—about the roles, the timelines, and the recruitment process.  You also make connections that might help later, whether through referrals or just knowing how best to approach a company.

Balancing employer events with studies wasn’t always easy, but Nikolas found that planning ahead and treating events as an investment made the difference.

I had my study schedule during the week, and sometimes after lectures I’d go to an event instead of doing something else. It meant sacrificing some free time, but I saw it as an investment in my future. On weekends, I focused on applications—sending out as many as I could. The more roles you explore, the more chances you have of finding one you actually like.

Nikolas’s reflections highlight three key steps: prepare well, engage actively, and follow up afterwards. Whether that means researching companies, asking thoughtful questions, or connecting on LinkedIn, these small actions can turn a single event into a real career opportunity.

Finally, what do employers appreciate about students like you? Oceantide Wealth shared this at last year’s Summer Careers Festival event:

What we've valued most about Imperial Business School students is their strong analytical mindset combined with a practical, solution-oriented approach to business challenges. Whether in internships, collaborative projects, or professional interactions, they consistently demonstrate intellectual curiosity, a global perspective, and the ability to work effectively in diverse teams.