EO Networking Event

What is the Equal Opportunities Networking Event?

The Equal Opportunities Networking Event is a supportive and inclusive space designed to help students build confidence in networking and career development. You’ll have the chance to connect with Sheffield alumni who also identified as Equal Opportunities or Widening Participation students (like you) during their time at University.

Our alumni will share their personal journeys reflecting on their experiences at Sheffield, the challenges they faced, and the career paths they’ve taken since graduating. The aim is to show you what’s possible and help you feel confident about your own future. Alumni profiles will be released soon

When is it?

The Equal Opportunities Networking Event will take place on Wednesday 25th February 2026 in The Diamond Workroom 1.

Applications are now live! Sign up now to avoid disappointment.

Who is the event for?

This event is open to Equal Opportunities students who want to:

Build confidence in networking
Meet people with similar backgrounds and experiences
Learn from alumni who were once in their position
Grow their professional network in a supportive, inclusive space

No prior networking experience is needed—this event is designed with beginners in mind.

What can you expect?

On the day you can expect:

A session on how to use LinkedIn effectively, delivered by one of our Employability Advisors
Presentations from our Equal Opps alumni followed by a Q&A
Dedicated networking time in a relaxed environement
Refreshments throughout the event!

What happens after you sign up?

After you sign up with the form linked above, you will receive a pre-event briefing pack with details about how to find us, tips for networking and alumni profiles so you can be confident about who will be there and what you can do to make the most out of the event.

Which alumni will be attending?

The 2026 group of alumni volunteers will be revealed soon. Keep an eye on your inbox!

Alumni joining us at this event work across a wide range of sectors, including:

Conservation and environmental charities
Government, environmental policy, and regulatory bodies
Banking, finance, and professional services
Heritage, culture, and the arts
Construction, engineering, and the built environment
Civil Service and wider public sector roles
Healthcare and health services
Research, academia, and higher education
Education and training
Energy, sustainability, and climate-focused industries

This diversity of industries reflects the wide range of career paths Equal Opportunities students like yourself can pursue after your time at Sheffield.

Who has joined past events?

Alumni who have joined our previous Networking Events work across a wide range of sectors, including:

Engineering and Manufacturing
Education
Media and Journalism
Government and Public Policy
Environmental and Sustainability Organisations
Marketing and Account Management
Conservation, Wildlife, and Outdoor Learning

Click here to view last years 'Alumni Profiles'.

FAQ's:

"Is there a dress code?" - No! Smart casual is absolutely fine. You do not need to buy new clothes or wear a full suit. We’ll share guidance before the event so you know exactly what’s appropriate.

"Do I need networking experience to attend?" - This event is inclusive for students who are new to networking or feel unsure about it. There will be guidance at the start, conversation prompts to help you get started, and a relaxed, supportive atmosphere throughout.

"Is this event only for certain years or courses?" - Students from all years and disciplines who are part of the Equal Opportunities cohort are welcome. Whether you’re exploring options or thinking about next steps after graduation, the event is relevant for you.

"Do I need a LinkedIn account?" - You don't need an account, but if you have one, you may find it useful. There will be light guidance on how LinkedIn can help you stay in touch with people you meet, but it’s not a requirement and won’t dominate the event.

"Who will I be networking with?" - You’ll meet alumni who were once in similar situations and backgrounds to you. They work across a range of sectors and career paths and are attending because they want to support you!

"What if I don’t know what career I want yet?" - That’s absolutely fine... and very common. This event is especially useful if you’re unsure, as alumni will talk openly about how their paths evolved and how they handled uncertainty early on in their careers.

Accessibility

At Equal Opportunities in Careers, we strive to make our offer and events catered towards our students as accessible and inclusive as possible.

If you require any reasonable adjustments or would like to speak to us about how our networking event could better cater to your needs, please email us at careers-equalopportunities@sheffield.ac.uk.