The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) launched the first ever student ‘Future Focus’ campaign on graduate employability and entrepreneurship today (Friday, March 7th) at 12pm in the National College of Ireland (NCI).  The campaign, in partnership with HAYS Recruitment and Enterprise Ireland, will consist of three components:

  • A new graduate jobs website providing advice to students and graduates on their CV, Cover Letter, Interview Skills, Social Media and Rights as a Worker, as well as a graduate jobs platform to assist students in finding employment.
  • A nationwide Road Show hosted by HAYS Recruitment and Enterprise Ireland across all USI-affiliated member colleges, North and South of the border.
  • -The first-ever Student Summit on Enterprise and Innovation, taking place in the Print Works Conference Centre on April 8th.

The Road Show began in NUI Maynooth last week, and is gathering momentum this week as it visits NUI Galway (NUIG), Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT), Athlone Institute of Technology (AIT) and the official launch in the National College of Ireland (NCI).

USI President Joe O’Connor said; “The USI is committed to working towards an end to the graduate employment crisis in Ireland. Alongside this, we also strive to ensure our members are supported in reaching their full potential, and making them as attractive as possible to companies and employers upon graduation.

We want them to be aware of what opportunities may be out there suited to  their particular skills and expertise, and to be able to develop practical skills valued by recruiters that assist them in their first foray into the employment market.

The USI is hopeful that the ‘Future Focus’ campaign and roadshow facilitates this and USI want to thank our partners in HAYS Recruitment and Carr Communications for making it possible”.

Hays Ireland Director James Milligan said; “We are really pleased to have this opportunity to work with USI to help up-skill students for their impending job searches. It’s amazing how many jobseekers make simple mistakes in the process of searching for a new job. Our advice though the USI website and the roadshow will give students a definite advantage in a very competitive jobs market.”

Enterprise Ireland Head of Corporate Communications Alan Hobbs said; “Youth and Graduate entrepreneurship are a key focus for Enterprise Ireland and we are delighted to partner with USI on their student summit. We look forward to meeting with potential entrepreneurs in colleges all over the Country over the coming weeks and in Dublin Castle on April 8th”.

The Summit, supported by the Department of Education and Skills, will bring together over 600 young student entrepreneurs, 50 new start-up companies and 6 keynote speakers. The Summit will provide fantastic networking opportunities for Irish student entrepreneurs.

The launch today will be attended by USI President Joe O’Connor, HAYS Ireland Director James Milligan and Enterprise Ireland Head of Corporate Communications Alan Hobbs. Join in the conversation on Twitter using #futurefocus.

Check out the Graduate Jobs website with HAYS by clicking here.

For more information contact USI Communications and Research Executive Grainne O’ Reilly on 087 6776636 or 01 9052100.