Inspiring futures through networking lunches

Over the course of the Spring term, we have proudly hosted a series of eleven networking lunches, each designed to connect students with professionals and alumni across a wide range of sectors.

Our networking lunches offer students invaluable opportunities to explore future pathways, develop confidence and build meaningful connections within industries they aspire to join.

Each networking lunch has been carefully tailored to focus on a specific subject area, including Social Sciences, Uniformed Protective Services, Science & Engineering, Education, Art & Photography, Media, English, Languages & Performing Arts, Health & Care, Business and Travel & Tourism, Humanities, and Maths, IT and Computing. This breadth has ensured that students from all courses have had the opportunity to engage with relevant professionals and gain insight into their chosen fields.

Throughout the series, students have met a diverse range of industry experts, from creative practitioners and engineers to educators, healthcare workers, and business leaders. These conversations have given students a clearer understanding of the realities of different careers, the skills required to succeed, and the many routes available after college.

A key strength of these events has been the involvement of our alumni. Former students have returned to share their journeys since leaving college, offering relatable and honest perspectives on higher education, apprenticeships, and employment. Their presence has been particularly impactful, helping current students to see what is possible and to better understand the steps needed to achieve their goals.

Across all eleven events, students have demonstrated enthusiasm and curiosity, asking thoughtful questions and engaging confidently with guests. These interactions have not only expanded their knowledge but have also helped them to develop essential networking and communication skills that will benefit them in the future.

The success of these networking lunches would not have been possible without the generosity and support of our visiting professionals and returning alumni. Their willingness to share their time, expertise and experiences has made a lasting impact on our students.

As we look ahead, we are excited to continue building on this success, offering even more opportunities for students to connect with industry and explore their futures with confidence. We warmly welcome interest from professionals, organisations and former students who would like to contribute to future events and support the next generation as they take their next steps.

If you are interested in taking part in future networking lunches or our other careers events, please email careers@callywith.ac.uk