HDR Employability Symposium
Connect with industry, explore career opportunities and gain expert insights to navigate your future with confidence.
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. Under the theme Future-ready researchers: Turning expertise into opportunity, you’ll connect with industry leaders, expert career coaches and fellow researchers to explore career pathways beyond academia and discover what could come next.
Join us at UNSW Kensington campus on Monday 19 October 2026, from 10am to 5.30pm.
Delivered by Employability in collaboration with the Graduate Research School, the HDR Employability Symposium is a full-day event designed to inspire, empower and connect HDR candidates as you prepare for the next stage of your professional journey.
Interested in attending?
Complete the HDR Employability Symposium 2026 Expression of Interest (EOI) form.
Please note: Submitting an EOI does not guarantee a place at the symposium. Following the review of EOIs, successful applicants will receive an invitation via email in mid-September 2026 to register and confirm their attendance. Places are limited.
2026 program highlights
Explore the 2026 HDR Employability Symposium program highlights and discover the people, perspectives and opportunities that will help you turn your expertise into opportunity.
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Hear from Professor Fatemeh Vafaee, a globally recognised leader in Biomedical Artificial Intelligence and Deputy Director (Science) of the UNSW AI Institute.
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Build practical skills, confidence and strategies to support your career development, including:
- Crafting Your Career Plan
- Developing Job Search Strategies for a Competitive Market
- Translating Academic Expertise into Business Value
- Expanding Your Career Horizons Globally
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Hear authentic career stories from UNSW alumni and discover how HDR skills can translate across different career pathways.
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Build professional connections with 20+ organisations across diverse industries that are interested in connecting with HDR talent.
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Enjoy a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere with refreshments and catering provided throughout the day.
Information for industry partners
We welcome enquiries from organisations interested in connecting with UNSW research students through the HDR Employability Symposium.
Benefits for industry partners
- Connect directly with Higher Degree Research (HDR) candidates at UNSW.
- Share industry insights and build connections with emerging researchers.
- Support the career development of the next generation of researchers and innovators.
- Strengthen your organisation’s profile within UNSW’s research community.
Interested in participating in 2026?
We’d love to hear from you. Contact UNSW Employability to explore how your organisation can get involved.