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What is Futures Fest?

Formerly known as Gradstock, Futures Fest is Middlesex University's new three-day festival of careers, industry engagement and professional development.

Bringing together employers, alumni, students and graduates, Futures Fest provides opportunities to explore career pathways, connect with employers, develop professional skills and gain valuable industry insight. Across the three days, students will be able to engage with recruiters, industry professionals and Middlesex alumni through a combination of careers events, networking opportunities, workshops, masterclasses and industry-led sessions.

With 50+ organisations expected to attend, students will have the opportunity to connect directly with employers from a wide range of industries, discover graduate opportunities, placements, internships, volunteering opportunities and gain valuable career insight.

Hire me in 60 seconds

Monday 26 October 2026 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm | CG03

Get ready for Futures Fest by refining your 60-second introduction, building confidence and preparing for the Careers Fair and "Hire Me in 60 Seconds" campaign filming.
Careers Consultants will be available throughout the session to answer questions and provide guidance.

Day 1 | Futures Fest: Careers Fair

Tuesday 27 October | 11:00am - 4:00pm | The Quad

Employer exhibition and Alumni corner

Meet recruiters and representatives from more than 50 organisations from a variety of sectors. Speak directly with Middlesex graduates working across a wide range of industries. Learn about career journeys, gain industry insight, explore career pathways, build professional networks and receive career advice.

Confirmed employers currently include: Caribbean Elective, Travelteer, Ribbons & Reeves Ltd, Grow London Local, WWF, Oxfam GB, Victim Support, Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, JENZA + BUNAC, Quint Education, London Borough of Barnet, Forest United (1973) Youth FC, Age UK Enfield, Belmont Farm Nursery School, Thames Valley Police, Think Pacific, The Felix Project, McLaughlin & Harvey, City Year UK, Wolfe Vets Limited, Volunteers on Wheels (VoW), Medtronic Limited, Law Commission of England & Wales, IntoUniversity, 8th Hendon Scouts, Zen Educate, Norwood, Non Stop Action, North London Hospice, Ministry of Justice, Enterprise Mobility, The University of Law, Tata Consultancy Services, Future Connect Training and Recruitment, Tottenham Hotspur Foundation, ConnECT, Polar Events, The Cabinet Office, Breakthrough Social Enterprise, The Intern Group, Tailored Futures CIC, SharkNinja Europe Ltd, National Crime Agency, Ark Teacher Training, House Rules, Civil Service Fast Stream, HORIZIN Apps Publisher, Enactus Middlesex Society, The Launchpad, »ÆÍø±¬ÁÏTAC, Corretto, Middlesex University Education Liaison and Outreach Team, DRP Facility Services Ltd, Emirates, Civitas Technology Ltd and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), with additional organisations continuing to be confirmed.

Professional LinkedIn Photography

Get a free professional headshot for your LinkedIn profile and future applications.

The Unexpected Cinema

You've been invited to something unexpected. 

One day. Four films. A different way to discover where your career could take you. 

Unexpected Cinema is coming to campus. 

We're turning career discovery into something unexpected.

Four original films. Four distinct words. Real career stories behind the screen.

And one of them might feel surprisingly familiar. 

Futures Fest Career Fest, The Quad.

»ÆÍø±¬ÁÏ Global Talk | 1:00pm | CG06

Discover international opportunities available through Middlesex University, including Study Exchange, International Internships, Volunteering, Summer Schools and Turing Scheme funding.
Hear directly from a Middlesex student who has completed a Study Exchange programme and learn how international experiences can enhance your studies and future career.

Day 2 | Futures Fest: Industry Insights

Wednesday 28 October | 10:00am - 4:00pm

This dedicated day of Industry Insights will feature a range of employer-led talks, networking opportunities and creative industry activities taking place within the Grove Atrium, alongside free Professional LinkedIn Photography throughout the day. Students will have the opportunity to meet employers, gain industry insight, receive careers advice and explore creative career pathways. In addition to the Atrium programme, a number of workshops, alumni sessions and specialist activities will take place in locations across campus. 

Grove Atrium Talk Schedule

10:00am – 11:00am | The Live Design Project

Explore real-world interior design projects, client work and opportunities within architecture and design.

12:00pm – 1:00pm | Searchlight | The Media Industry: Which Career is Right for Me?

Explore careers across film, television, music, publishing, gaming, advertising, digital media and beyond.

1:30pm – 2:30pm | The Newham Plays

Hear insights from playwright James Kenworth and Middlesex student interns about theatre production, creative careers and industry opportunities.

Additional Sessions and Activities

Law Shelf | Writing Strong Answers & The Art of Persuasion: Storytelling

11:00am – 1:00pm | H116 (College Building)

Join qualified lawyer Mevsim Kilinc to learn how to write stronger applications, communicate effectively and use storytelling techniques to make a lasting impression.

One-to-one conversations: 1:00pm – 2:00pm

David Joch (BBC)

11:30am - 1:30pm | Launchpad (SB17)

Alumni career journey session and Q&A.

Alongside Global

11:00am – 4:00pm | Grove Atrium

Meet an international creative production collective specialising in VFX, CGI, animation, colour and post-production. Activities include: Industry showreels, Career pathway advice, portfolio discussions & one-to-one conversations with creative professionals.

Live Design Project | Portfolio Reviews

11:00am - 1:00pm | Grove Pods

Following the talk, students will have the opportunity to receive one-to-one portfolio reviews and careers advice. Bring examples of your work and gain practical feedback on how to strengthen your portfolio and prepare for opportunities within the design industry.

Suitable for: Interior Design, Architecture and related creative disciplines.

Searchlight CV & Portfolio Reviews

1:00pm – 3:00pm | Grove Atrium

Following the talk, receive practical advice on CVs, portfolios, job applications and interviews from creative industry recruitment specialists.

Harini Santhan (Your GlassRoom)

1:00pm – 2:00pm | G229

An interactive session focused on communication, networking and building a successful career in the creative industries.

Safe Employment Workshop

1:00pm – 2:00pm | CG03

Learn about workplace rights, recognising inappropriate workplace behaviour and navigating professional environments confidently and safely.

Melanie Kaidan, Freelancer

2:30pm – 3:30pm | Launchpad (SB17)

Careers insight session covering journalism, media and communications.

Day 3 | Futures Fest: Industry Insights and Global Programme

Thursday 29 October | 9:00am - 4:00pm

What's on?

This day features on campus and online employer-led workshops and masterclasses covering recruitment, employability, professional development and industry-specific career pathways.

Global Insights Programme

AI and the Future of Work: Perspectives from Across the »ÆÍø±¬ÁÏ Global Network

9:00am – 10:00am | Online

Join employers and industry professionals from London, Dubai and Mauritius to explore how AI is transforming workplaces and what skills employers are looking for in a changing global labour market.

Global Alumni Panel

No Straight Lines: Real Careers. Real Journeys.

10:00am – 11:00am | Online

Hear from Middlesex alumni across London, Dubai and Mauritius as they discuss career journeys, opportunities and navigating change.

Industry Insight Sessions

Lunaro × CME Group – Market Simulation Challenge

10:00am – 12:00pm | MBA Suite (CG60)

Explore financial markets and take part in a live trading simulation using CME Group's Trading Simulator. Includes a market insight session, trading challenge, Q&A and prizes for top performers.

Please bring a fully charged laptop.

ConnECT | Career Advice for Early Career Teachers

10:00am – 11:00am | Launchpad (SB17)

Practical guidance on CV writing, interviews, trial days, early career teaching and transitioning into your first teaching role.

Barnet Social Prescribing Service | 10:30am – 11:30am | C136

How to become a social prescriber? What is social prescribing? What we do in our day-to-day work routine? And much more.

Q&A session: Students can pop in and have a chat with a social prescriber about what we do and how our workday looks like.

British Airways Early Careers: Graduate & Placement Opportunities

11:00am – 12:00pm | Online

Discover graduate and placement opportunities and gain practical advice on making successful applications.

Zen Educate | Finding Your Dream Role in Education

11:00am – 12:00pm | Launchpad (SB17)

Explore routes into teaching, classroom experience opportunities and graduate careers within education.

House Rules | What Is In-House Law – and How Do You Get There?

11:00am – 12:00pm | CG41

Join qualified lawyer Hannah Binymin to learn about careers in in-house law, routes into the profession and opportunities beyond traditional law firms.

One-to-one conversations available after the session.

João Amante (Studio Odyssey) | Film Entrepreneurship and the Principle of Outwards Collaboration

11:00am – 12:00pm | G230

Explore entrepreneurship, collaboration and building a sustainable career within the film industry.

Ciprian Florin Ifrim (IBM)

Time TBC | Online

Alumni insight session exploring careers in AI, robotics and emerging technologies.

Registration details coming soon…

Evulve Productions

12:00pm – 1:00pm | G230

Join the team from Evulve Productions to learn more about the organisation, the work they do and the exciting opportunities available within the creative industries.

Find Your Niche

1:00pm – 2:00pm | CG06

A practical workshop helping students identify how skills gained through their degree can be applied to careers they may never have previously considered.

Introduction to the Novus Programme

1:00pm – 1:45pm | Online

Learn about careers in logistics and supply chain management, graduate opportunities, mentoring and employability support.

Alexandre Heuzè | Beyond Borders: Navigating the World of Work as an International Student

2:00pm – 3:00pm | Online

Gain insight into building an international career and navigating opportunities across different countries and sectors.

Gradcracker: Connecting Students with STEM Opportunities

2:00pm – 3:00pm | Online

Join this exclusive Futures Fest session delivered by Gradcracker, one of the UK's leading careers platforms for STEM students and graduates. Discover how to make the most of the platform to find placements, internships, graduate jobs, and work experience opportunities with top employers.

Greencore | Explore Opportunities in the Food Industry

3:00pm – 4:00pm | Online

Learn about graduate and placement opportunities within one of the UK's leading food manufacturing organisations.

If you have any questions about the event schedule, please reach out to: careers@mdx.ac.uk

Career Fair Event Sponsors

Futures Fest 2026 is proudly supported by a range of employer and industry partners who help make this flagship careers and employability festival possible.

Sponsored By

The JENZA Group is made up for two work abroad brands in the UK. Founded by UK students in 1962, BUNAC is our dedicated Summer Camp USA provider – and is responsible for supporting thousands of 18-30s to upskill in the US each summer through our cultural exchange camp program. A certified B Corp: JENZA provides working holiday, international internship, visa sponsorship and ski season opportunities in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and South Korea. Together we open up a world of work abroad opportunities for UK students, grads and 18-30s.

ConnECT London helps aspiring teachers find the right school to begin their careers. As the exclusive organisation working in partnership with Barnet Local Authority to deliver its ECT placement service, we have supported hundreds of Early Career Teachers into their first teaching roles since 2016. We connect primary and secondary ECTs with schools across Barnet, Camden, Haringey, Enfield, Harrow and the wider London area, offering opportunities across a range of school settings. Our personalised support includes career guidance, help finding a suitable role, and additional preparation and SEND training to help new teachers enter the classroom with confidence.

Supported By

Norwood is one of the UK’s leading charities, supporting neurodiverse children, adults, and their families to live the lives they choose. Founded in 1795, we provide a wide range of services including family support, residential care, supported living, and community programmes. Our work is underpinned by kindness, respect, empowerment, and belonging, helping people build independence, wellbeing, and meaningful connections. Through our frontline and central support teams, we create positive outcomes for those we support while offering colleagues the opportunity to make a genuine difference every day.

is one of the world’s leading healthcare technology companies, developing innovative solutions that improve the lives of millions of people worldwide. At Futures Fest, you’ll meet colleagues from our cardiac businesses, including Cardiac Ablation Solutions and Cardiac Rhythm Management, who work with technologies used to diagnose and treat heart rhythm disorders. Come and learn more about careers, Early Careers opportunities and roles combining science, technology and clinical practice.

The Intern Group is a leading provider of international internship programmes, helping students and graduates gain valuable professional experience around the world. Receiving over 40,000 applications annually, the organisation combines innovative AI-powered matching technology with dedicated human support to connect candidates with internships tailored to their skills, experience and career ambitions. From application and interview preparation through to placement and onboarding, The Intern Group provides a seamless pathway to gaining meaningful international work experience across a wide range of industries and global destinations.