Careers That Make a Difference Fair

Careers That Make a Difference – An Insight into Social Impact, Charity and Public Sectors

Are you interested in a career that creates real, positive change in society? Whether you’re passionate about communities, sustainability, health, education, equality, policy or social justice, this event is your opportunity to explore meaningful careers across the charity, public, and social impact sectors.

This inspiring event will bring together a panel of professionals working across local government, charities, and purpose-led organisations to share their personal career journeys, honest insights, and advice on getting started in these impactful sectors.

11 March 2026 – 12:00 – 16:30

Garden Court, Building 40, Highfield Campus

What to expect on the day:

12:00 – 15:00: This part of the event will run as a relaxed, drop-in careers fair, where you can move freely between exhibition stands, chat directly with professionals, ask questions, and make connections at your own pace.

At the exhibition stands, you’ll be able to:

Speak directly with professionals about what it’s really like to work in their organisation
Learn about the huge variety of roles available across the wider public, charity, and social impact sectors
Discover how your degree and skills could align with purpose-led work
Build connections and ask questions in an informal, welcoming environment

15:00 – 16:30: There will be a panel talk with a small number of organisations from across the sectors, giving you the chance to hear more in-depth about their work, the impact they make, and what it’s really like to work in these fields.

Book Your Place at the Fair

You don’t need to be actively job-hunting to attend. This event is all about exploring your options, building confidence, and learning how you could turn your interests into a career that makes a real impact. this event is all about inspiration, exploration, and understanding the different ways you can build a career that makes a genuine difference.

If you’re curious about using your skills for social good, this is an event not to miss.

If you wish to attend this session and you have any additional support needs, please contact Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise and we will be happy to discuss this further (email [email protected] or phone 023 8059 3501).

Notice of Photography at Event:

This event may be photographed for Careers, Employability, and Student Enterprise future promotional materials. By booking or attending the event, you agree to have your photograph taken and used within the context of Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise event promotion.

If you do not wish to be photographed or would like more information, please:

Contact us at [email protected].
On the day of the event, stickers will be available to wear to clearly identify your wish to not be photographed. Please talk to the staff at the check-in desk to obtain a sticker.

Exhibitor List (last updated 15.01.26)

Accessibility Support and Inclusion (Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise)
SCC Cultural Services: Museums, Gallery and Heritage
Southampton Education School
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary
St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery
Teach First
Civil Service Fast Stream
2wish
Ufton Court Educational Trust
NHS Hospitals Southampton
Social Impact Lab
Office for National Statistic
Southampton Voluntary Services
Government Operational Research Service (GORS)
GLF Teacher Training
Victim Care Hub & Restorative Justice Hampshire IOW
Social Statistics and Demography, University of Southampton
City Life Church and Miracle Street
Mary Rose Trust

Panel event: Careers That Make a Difference – Employer Q&A Panel Event

Want to know what it’s really like to work in the charity, public or social impact sectors?

This panel talk gives you the chance to hear directly from professionals about their career journeys, the impact of their work, and the different routes into purpose-led careers. There’ll also be a live Q&A, giving you the chance to ask your own questions and gain honest advice from people working in the sector.

Panelists

Dave Light, Social Impact Lab Manager – University of Southampton
Nick Thomas, Senior Consultant – Charisma Charity Recruitment
Joanne Ainslie, Learning Engagement and Outreach – St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery
Grace Jeffery, Placement and Internships Project Coordinator – Ufton Court
Fliss Pitman, Community Engagement Officer – Anvil Arts
Helen St John-Mosse, Museum Manager – Portsmouth Natural History Museum

Book your space for the panel event. Spaces are limited.

Book Your Place For the Panel Event