HDR Employability Symposium
A free event for UNSW Higher Degree Research candidates. Where research meets opportunity. Prepare for what’s next in your career journey.
Elevate your career potential
Join us on Monday, 20 October 2025 for the Higher Degree Research (HDR) Employability Symposium: a dynamic one-day event designed to empower you to take ownership of your career journey. Through thought-provoking sessions and curated networking opportunities, you’ll critically explore your current skills, goals and future possibilities.
Hosted by UNSW Employability, in collaboration with the Graduate Research School and our valued industry partners, this event will equip you with tools and insights to confidently transition from research to a career across academia, industry and beyond.
Please note expressions of interest for the Symposium have now closed.
2025 Program overview
The 2025 HDR Employability Symposium is a full day designed to inspire, empower, and connect HDR candidates.
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Be inspired by renowned researcher and innovator Professor Veena Sahajwalla, whose cross-sector journey offers invaluable insights.
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Gain practical strategies and career confidence through interactive sessions led by UNSW Career Coaches and industry guests:
- Own Your Strengths: Leveraging Your Transferable Skills
- Facilitated by Sumaya Sava (UNSW) with guest Laura Navarro (ATSE).
- Discover how to identify and articulate your unique skillset across industries.
- Navigate the Market: Job Search Strategies for HDR Graduates
- Facilitated by Shaminie Chetty (UNSW) with guest Nigel Palmer (Business NSW).
- Learn how to position yourself effectively in a competitive job market.
- Connect with Purpose: Networking for Career Growth
- Facilitated by Alexi Kayes (UNSW) with guest Sunil Dubey (Cities Institute, NSW Government).
- Build meaningful professional relationships that open doors to new opportunities.
- Own Your Strengths: Leveraging Your Transferable Skills
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Hosted by Katherine Pick, Manager Career Development, UNSW Employability, this engaging alumni panel discussion is designed especially for HDR candidates exploring diverse career pathways beyond academia. Hear from inspiring graduates who’ve navigated pivotal decision points and carved out impactful careers across sectors.
Panellist #1 – Innovation & Enterprise
Parisa Glass, Director of Innovation and Enterprise, Georges InstitutePanellist #2 – Policy & Public Impact
Zakieh Khorshidi, Senior Policy Officer, DCCEEWPanellist #3 – Tech & Entrepreneurship
Vijay Sivaraman, Founder and CEO, Canopus -
Meet organisations actively seeking HDR talent across a range of industries:
- ANSTO
- APR Intern
- BOE
- BOM
- CSIRO
- Diraq
- Dolby
- Endeavour Aerospace
- Emergence Quantum
- FACSIAR (Family and Community Services Insights, Analysis and Research)
- ITWPF
- Microsoft
- Mindgardens Neuroscience Network
- Northrop Grumman Australia
- NSLHD
- SCHN
- Space Machines Company
- St George & Sutherland Clinical Campuses
- Technology Translation Squad (TTS)
- Tevapharm
- UNSW SMaRT Center
Information for industry partners
Expressions of interest for the 2025 HDR Employability Symposium are now closed.
We’re already looking ahead to 2026, and welcome early enquiries from organisations keen to connect with UNSW research students at next year’s event.
Benefits for industry partners
- Engage directly with Higher Degree Research (HDR) candidates at UNSW.
- Share thought leadership and foster collaboration with emerging researchers.
- Contribute to the career development of the next generation of innovators.
- Strengthen your employer brand among UNSW’s vibrant research community.