HDR Employability Symposium
Description
Future-ready researchers: Turning expertise into opportunity
Ready to discover where your research can take you?
The 2026 HDR Employability Symposium explores how you can turn your research expertise into new professional opportunities. You’ll connect with industry leaders, expert career coaches and fellow researchers to explore career pathways beyond academia and discover what could come next.
Delivered by Employability in collaboration with the Graduate Research School, the HDR Employability Symposium is a full-day designed to inspire, empower and connect HDR candidates as you prepare for the next stage of your professional journey.
Agenda
- 9:30 am - 10:00 am
Registration and Morning Coffee (First 100 Attendees)
Attendees are encouraged to arrive early for registration and networking. As a special welcome, the first 100 attendees will receive a complimentary coffee on arrival. This is a great opportunity to connect with fellow HDR candidates before the formal program begins.
- 10:00 am - 10:45 am
Keynote
Hear from Professor Fatemeh Vafaee, a globally recognised leader in Biomedical Artificial Intelligence and Deputy Director (Science) of the UNSW AI Institute.
- 10:50 am - 11:20 am
Crafting Your Career Plan Session
A practical workshop exploring frameworks and tools to help you reflect on your strengths, aspirations, and career goals. Gain insights to identify opportunities, set meaningful goals, and take the next step in your professional journey.
- 11:20 am - 11:50 am
Morning Tea
Refreshments served. Take time to recharge and connect with fellow symposium attendees.
- 11:50 am - 12:50 pm
Workshops Round 1
Expert-led workshops Build practical skills, confidence and strategies to support your career development. Each workshop is co-facilitated by an experienced industry professional and a UNSW Employability Careers Coach, offering a unique blend of industry insight and career development expertise. Choose between: Developing Job Search Strategies for a Competitive Market, co-facilitated by Nick Chandler from Chandler Executive Consulting and Career Coach Tamara Stacey. Translating Academic Expertise into Industry Value , co-facilitated by Steve Blackburn from Google Deepmind and Career Coach Alexi Kayes. Expanding Your Career Horizons Globally, co-facilitated by Tom McClean from Uniting NSW/ACT and Career Coach Sumaya Sava.
- 12:50 pm - 1:50 pm
Lunch
Lunch served. Enjoy time to relax, recharge, and connect with fellow symposium attendees.
- 1:50 pm - 2:50 pm
Workshops Round 2
Expert-led workshops Build practical skills, confidence and strategies to support your career development. Each workshop is co-facilitated by an experienced industry professional and a UNSW Employability Careers Coach, offering a unique blend of industry insight and career development expertise. Choose between: Developing Job Search Strategies for a Competitive Market, co-facilitated by Nick Chandler from Chandler Executive Consulting and Career Coach Tamara Stacey. Translating Academic Expertise into Industry Value , co-facilitated by Steve Blackburn from Google Deepmind and Career Coach Alexi Kayes. Expanding Your Career Horizons Globally, co-facilitated by Tom McClean from Uniting NSW/ACT and Career Coach Sumaya Sava.
- 2:50 pm - 3:50 pm
Alumni Panel
Hear authentic career stories from UNSW alumni and discover how HDR skills can translate across different career pathways.
- 3:50 pm - 5:30 pm
Employer Showcase
Build professional connections with 20+ organisations across diverse industries that are interested in connecting with HDR talent.
FAQs
- What is the dress code?
Smart casual
- Will the event be photographed or filmed?
Yes, the event may be photographed and filmed. By attending this event, you consent to UNSW photographing and recording your image and voice. The photos and recordings may be used by UNSW for promotional or other purposes, and may be published on the University’s websites, social channels, newsletters and other channels.
If you do not wish to appear in the photographs or video, please inform a staff member.
- Do I need to attend the full day?
We encourage attendees to participate in the full-day program to make the most of the networking, employer engagement, and professional development opportunities available. However, attendance is ultimately your choice, and you are welcome to attend the sessions that best suit your interests and schedule.
- Will catering be provided?
Yes. This is a catered event, with refreshments and lunch provided for registered attendees. Please ensure any dietary requirements are included when registering.
- Which employers will be attending?
A range of employers from industry, government, and the not-for-profit sector will be attending the symposium. For the latest list of participating organisations, please visit our event webpage https://www.unsw.edu.au/employability/programs/hdr-employability-symposium
- How can I prepare for the day?
To get the most value from the symposium, we recommend that you:
Review the list of attending employers before the event.
Research organisations that align with your career interests.
Prepare a brief introduction about yourself, your research, and your career goals.
Update your LinkedIn profile and resume.
Bring questions to ask employers and industry representatives.
Be prepared to network with both employers and fellow HDR candidates.
You can find more information and resources on the UNSW Employability Resource Hub (Moodle) including an info page on Preparing to network at events - you'll need the student key: EmployResources to access these resources.
- What should I bring?
We recommend bringing:
A notebook or device for taking notes.
A copy of your resume, if you have one, as this may be helpful during workshops.
Business cards (if you have them).
Your UNSW ZID card.
A reusable water bottle.
Any questions you'd like to ask employers, panellists, or fellow HDR candidates.
This is a catered event, and refreshments and lunch will be provided throughout the day.
- Who can I contact if I have questions about the event?
If you have any questions about the HDR Employability Symposium, please contact us at hdre@unsw.edu.au. Our team will be happy to assist with registration enquiries, accessibility requirements, or any other event-related questions.
Notes
Accessibility:
We are dedicated to fostering an environment that is inclusive and supportive for everyone. If you have any specific needs to help you fully participate, we are here to make the necessary adjustments.
If there is anything we can do to support you, please let us know by emailing us at employability@unsw.edu.au.
Code of conduct:
All members of the UNSW community and event participants are expected to adhere to the UNSW Code of Conduct and Values to ensure the principles of respect and integrity underpin everything we do.
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