Careers Fest 2026

You’re invited to Careers Fest 2026...

Solent Careers’ not-to-be-missed Careers Fest returns in February 2026 with a week-long programme of unique, in-person and virtual careers sessions.

Join the Solent Careers team, alongside some special guest speakers, Monday 9 – Friday 13 February 2026 to unpack a range of specially selected careers topics and takeaway valuable insights to help propel you forward in your career exploration journey.

What to expect from our packed 5-day programme:

• Unlock CV essentials and explore smart ways to use GenAI tools in the application process.
• Learn more about how to navigate the twists and turns you might face in your career journey and strategies for career resilience.
• Discover quick wins for your career journey with Solent Careers Online.
• Hear from Gradcracker and gather their top tips and advice on how to land your dream job in STEM.
• Build the skills employers are looking for, while also understanding how to recognise the skills you already have to offer.
• Dive into freelancing and take the first step toward building your own career.
• Gain invaluable experience with psychometric testing.
• Find out about the Solent Careers’ Professional Mentoring programme and how it can help turn career aspirations into reality.
• Uncover techniques for building a professional network to boost your career outcomes.
• Discover how you can make a difference with a career in the ‘Third Sector’.
• Pull back the curtain on recruitment agencies and how they can aid your long-term career goals.
• Boost skills, experience and confidence: find out about local and national volunteering opportunities.
• Understand more about Turing funding and how it could support work, study and volunteering opportunities abroad.
• Get in the know when it comes to placements with tips and advice on how to get started with your placement search and inspiring student placement stories.
• Learn about visa options for working after study with the International Team.
• Uncover how to add experience to your CV with Bright Network’s Internship Experience UK.
• Takeaway tools and resources to help you achieve your degree potential and career ambitions.
• Use Lego Serious Play to clarify and progress your career plans.

Whether you’ve got your next career steps sorted or you’re exploring your options, this is a fantastic opportunity to learn, discover and network. Don’t miss out.

Solent Careers Festival: 5-day programme

With over 20 sessions over 5 days, check out our unmissable Careers Festival programme and secure your spot(s) today using the links below.

Monday 9 February, 2026

Time	Location	Event
11:00	In-person	What does a UK CV look like? Find out more and register here
12:00	In-person	Future-proof your 'squiggly' career Find out more and register here
13:00	Online	Career hacks @ Solent: Unlocking Solent Careers Online Find out more and register here

Tuesday 10 February, 2026

Time	Location	Event
11:00	Online	Want to land your dream career in STEM — but not sure where to start? (with Gradcracker)  Find out more and register here
12:00	In-person	Future-ready CV: stand out, get noticed Find out more and register here
13:00	Online	Get skilled; get hired! Develop the skills that employers want Find out more and register here
14:00	Online	Freelance workshop Find out more and register here

Wednesday 11 February, 2026

Time	Location	Event
10:00	Online	Cracking the code (with OPC) Find out more and register here
12:00	Online	From university to industry: Mentoring that makes it happen Find out more and register here
13:00	In-person	Networking made easy: boost connections for your future career Find out more and register here
14:00	Online	Make a difference! Careers in the 'Third Sector'  Find out more and register here
15:00	In-person	From Campus to Career – How can Recruitment agencies help you achieve your career aspirations? Find out more and register here

Thursday 12 February, 2026

Time	Location	Event
10:00	In-person	Find local volunteering opportunities with help from Southampton Voluntary Services Find out more and register here
11:00	In-person	Use Turing Funding to support work, study and volunteering abroad Find out more and register here
12:00	In-person	Volunteering mini pop-ups Find out more and register here
14:00	In-person	All about placements: Tips, stories and how to get started Find out more and register here
14:00	Online	Visa Options for working after study with the International Team Find out more and register here

Friday 13 February, 2026

Time	Location	Event
10:00	Online	Boost your career - Virtual internships, real opportunities Find out more and register here
11:00	In-person	Track your progress, plan your next steps Find out more and register here
12:00	In-person	Add some "LEGO Play: Plan Me" sparkle to your career Find out more and register here
13:00	In-person	Get into Teaching Find out more and register here