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University of Southampton Business School ➞ Enterprise

Careers, Employability, Placements and Alumni Relations (CEPAR) 

 

At The University of Southampton Business School, we are committed to developing the leaders of tomorrow. Our focus is on equipping students with the practical skills and experiential learning necessary to transform business and society. With a dedicated CEPAR team, we ensure that student employability remains at the heart of our academic delivery.  

 
 

What We Offer 

 

Early Career Development 

We deliver a range of employment-related activities designed to give our students a head start in their careers. 

Support for Every Student 

Whether undergraduate or postgraduate, our support services help students refine their professional profiles, from polishing LinkedIn profiles to securing dream roles. 

Engaging Events 

Our calendar is packed with dynamic events - networking sessions, workshops, guest lectures, and career panels, that provide opportunities for students and employers to connect and collaborate. 

Talent Development Programme (TDP) 

This flagship programme complements academic studies with workshops, real-world projects, and exclusive events. It offers students the chance to work directly with industry professionals, ensuring they stand out in today’s competitive job market. 

 

Benefits of Collaborating with Our Student Community 

 
  • Access to Cutting-Edge Knowledge: 
Benefit from our students’ research skills and fresh perspectives to gain innovative solutions for your business challenges. 
 
  • Enhanced Brand Visibility: 
Build your company’s profile by engaging with a diverse, talented group of future leaders. 
 
  • Recruitment Pipeline: 
Develop relationships with aspiring professionals who could become key contributors to your team in the future. 
 
  • Future Leadership Development: 
Help shape the leaders of tomorrow by mentoring and guiding our ambitious students. 
 
 
As a small business based in Southampton, gaining access to talented Business School students and working with them on a critical area of my business was invaluable.

– Kate Healey, Director of Kate Healey Happy 
 
 
 

 

Working with Our Business School 

 

Student Projects 

Is your company facing a particular challenge? Our Student Projects initiative offers you a fresh approach to solving business issues by tapping into the innovative thinking of our students. 

"Coming from a Project Management discipline, I took charge of managing this project end to end—supporting the team, liaising with clients, and delivering comprehensive proposals and budget plans."

– Sowmya Racha, MSc Project Management Student  
 

 
Talent Development Programme 

Engage directly with top Business School students through our dynamic Talent Development Programme. By offering access to workshops, work experiences, and exclusive events, you can build lasting connections and benefit from our students’ innovative ideas. 

I have found it hugely rewarding to play a small part in inspiring and developing some of the fantastic students on the TDP. Sharing my career experience has improved my own mentoring skills, and the students really appreciate the guidance.

– Alistair Beecher, CEPAR Ambassador 

 

Employer Engagement in the Curriculum 

We invite you to enrich our academic offerings through: 

  • Delivering guest lectures 
  • Offering business projects, placements, or case studies 
  • Supporting the assessment of assignments and projects 
  • Hosting workplace visits or trips 
  • Leading business simulations and competitions 

 

University of Southampton Business School Placements Office 

Established in 2014, our Placements Office is the hub for creating collaborations between our students and industry. We offer tailored support to help employers connect with highly prepared, resilient, and inquisitive students who are eager to contribute to your organisation. 

 

Recent Employer Collaborations: 

  • The Walt Disney Company 
  • Lactalis UK & Ireland 
  • Deloitte 
  • L’Oréal 
  • SAP 
  • BMW Group 
  • IBM 
  • Hewlett Packard Enterprise 
  • Travelport 
  • Rainbow Designs 
  • MatchesFashion 
  • 2 Circles Communications 
  • Oracle 
  • AXA Investment Managers 

Placements typically range from 9 to 13 months and are integrated into our degree programmes, offering your business the opportunity to nurture future leaders while gaining fresh insights and innovative solutions. 

Our Awards and Accolades 

  • 2019: National Undergraduate Employability (NUE) Awards Winner 
  • 2022: NUE Awards Finalist; Blackboard VLE Awards – Best Overall & Best Use of External Resources/Reading List 
  • 2023: Universities Business Challenge Global Masters - Winners 
  • 2024: Blackboard and VLE Awards – Overall Winner; Women in Business - University Partner of the Year 
  • 2025: National Graduate Recruitment Awards – HE Careers and Employability Team of the Year (Shortlisted); Rate My Placement – Best Universities for Work Experience (No. 25); Universities Business Challenge – Winners 

Get In Touch 

You can really make a huge difference by working with us. To explore collaboration opportunities or simply find out more, please contact us: 

 

 

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