Brighton’s two universities joined forces to organise one of the biggest careers fairs in the region on Wednesday (7 November).

Four thousand students and recent graduates – almost 50% higher than anticipated - visited Careers Fair 2012.

The vice-chancellors of the University of Sussex and the University of Brighton welcomed 108 organisations to the event and a number of academics, members of Council and professional services staff also made the journey across the road from campus to the American Express Community Stadium.

The VCs’ address highlighted for employers the benefits of thinking globally and recruiting international graduates and postgraduates. Linda Buckham, Director of the Careers & Employability Centre, added: “It’s simple to recruit an international graduate from Sussex and we can work with employers to help them to do this.”

Feedback from exhibitors was very positive. Gemma Minish, Campus Marketing Manager for Thales UK, said: “I would like to congratulate you on running such a great fair. It was one of the best I have attended this year (and I go to around three fairs a week!). We have five reps on our stand and all of us were engaged in talking to students throughout the duration of the fair. We even ran out of brochures, something that has never happened before! The students seem very engaged, interested and of high calibre!”

Visiting students were also asked for their feedback on the event and offered the chance to win £150 John Lewis vouchers in a prize draw. The lucky winner was Jamie Griffiths, who is in his first year studying Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence at Sussex.

Andrea Wall, Employer Engagement Manager at the Careers & Employability Centre, said: “We were delighted with the success of our first joint Careers Fair. It was great to see so many employers targeting our students and recent graduates.

“Careers Fair 2012 also provided a platform to launch our work-experience opportunities, STEP Sussex and Santander Sussex, and introduce the academic schools who are taking part in the Professional Placement Year.

“Feedback on all initiatives was very positive and we look forward to building on the relationships started here to develop opportunities for our students.”