HDR Employability Symposium
A free event for ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç Higher Degree Research candidates. Where research meets opportunity. Prepare for what’s next in your career journey.Ìý
Elevate your career potential
Join us on Monday, 20 October 2025 for the Higher Degree Research (HDR) Employability Symposium: a dynamic one-day event designed to empower you to take ownership of your career journey. Through thought-provoking sessions and curated networking opportunities, you’ll critically explore your current skills, goals and future possibilities.ÌýÌý
Hosted by ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç Employability, in collaboration with the Graduate Research School and our valued industry partners, this event will equip you with tools and insights to confidently transition from research to a career across academia, industry and beyond.Ìý
Expressions of interest are now open
Spots are limited, so secure your place today by registering early.Ìý
2025 Program overview
The 2025 HDR Employability Symposium is a full day designed to inspire, empower, and connect HDR candidates.Ìý
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Be inspired by renowned researcher and innovator Professor Veena Sahajwalla, whose cross-sector journey offers invaluable insights.Ìý
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Gain practical strategies and career confidence through interactive sessions led by ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç Career Coaches and industry guests:Ìý
- Own Your Strengths: Leveraging Your Transferable Skills
- Facilitated by Sumaya Sava (ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇ) with guest Laura Navarro (ATSE).
- Discover how to identify and articulate your unique skillset across industries.Ìý
- Navigate the Market: Job Search Strategies for HDR GraduatesÌý
- Facilitated by Shaminie Chetty (ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇ) with guest Nigel Palmer (Business NSW).
- Learn how to position yourself effectively in a competitive job market.Ìý
- Connect with Purpose: Networking for Career Growth
- Facilitated by Alexi Kayes (ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇ) with guest Sunil Dubey (Cities Institute, NSW Government).
- Build meaningful professional relationships that open doors to new opportunities.
- Own Your Strengths: Leveraging Your Transferable Skills
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Hosted by Esmond Esguerra, Head of ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç Employability, this engaging alumni panel discussion is designed especially for HDR candidates exploring diverse career pathways beyond academia. Hear from inspiring graduates who’ve navigated pivotal decision points and carved out impactful careers across sectors.Ìý
Panellist #1 – Innovation & Enterprise
Parisa Glass, Director of Innovation and Enterprise, Georges InstituteÌýPanellist #2 – Policy & Public ImpactÌý
Zakieh Khorshidi, Senior Policy Officer, DCCEEWÌýPanellist #3 – Tech & EntrepreneurshipÌý
Vijay Sivaraman, Founder and CEO, CanopusÌý -
Meet organisations actively seeking HDR talent across a range of industries:
ANSTO
APR Intern
BOE
BOM
Diraq
Dolby
Endeavour Aerospace
Emergence Quantum
FACSIAR (Family and Community Services Insights, Analysis and Research)
Google
HDR Employability Symposium
ITWPF
Microsoft
Mindgardens Neuroscience Network
Networking Showcase
Northrop Grumman Australia
NSLHD
Origin Energy
St George & Sutherland Clinical Campuses
Technology Translation Squad (TTS)
Tevapharm
ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç SMaRT Center
Information for industry partners
Expressions of interest for the 2025 HDR Employability Symposium are now closed.Ìý
We’re already looking ahead to 2026, and welcome early enquiries from organisations keen to connect with ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç research students at next year’s event.
Benefits for industry partners
- Engage directly with Higher Degree Research (HDR) candidates at ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇ.
- Share thought leadership and foster collaboration with emerging researchers.
- Contribute to the career development of the next generation of innovators.
- Strengthen your employer brand among ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼǒs vibrant research community.