Careers Crossroads Conference Recap!

Last Wednesday, the Institute of Sport was absolutely buzzing as our Manchester Met students came together for the Careers Crossroads Conference. As part of Future Me Week, this event was an amazing chance to check out the hottest jobs in the North West, get inspired by speakers, and figure out what’s next in your careers.

From the moment the doors opened, every session was packed with eager students ready to dive in. From employer talks, drop-in sessions, and hands-on workshops—there was something for everyone, no matter where they were in their career journey.

Let’s take a look at some of the highlights of the day!

How to Be Effectively YOU

How to Be Effectively YOU was all about embracing authenticity and discovering what truly matters to each of us. In this empowering session, students explored their core values and learned how to use them as a personal compass to navigate life’s crossroads—whether in their careers, personal lives, or social situations. Through reflective activities and engaging discussions, participants identified what makes them unique and how they can confidently share their stories with the world. By the end of the workshop, students left with a stronger sense of self and a toolkit to stay true to their values, no matter what challenges come their way. Loved this session? Then you’ll love the Effectively YOU programme! This series of workshops and active sessions is designed to support your development, confidence, and effectiveness—inside and out. YOU are your most asset, and YOU already have an amazing story to tell. Whether you want to dip your toe into a session or fully embrace the entire programme, Effectively YOU gives you the space to take control of your journey, build confidence in a way that feels right for you, and feel inspired by what you already have within. So why not take the next step and discover just how effective you can be? Check the full programme here.

How to get a Building Named After You

Have you ever considered how you might shape the future? Guided by Rise Programme Lead John Lean, this interactive workshop took us 200 years into the future, exploring what Manchester—and our own legacies—could look like in 2224. Participants engaged in playful, imaginative discussions about the changes and challenges the future might bring. From bold ideas about technology and sustainability to personal reflections on how they want to be remembered, the session encouraged students to think big and embrace their potential to make a lasting impact. Who knows—maybe one day, their name will be on a building at Manchester Met! Inspired by Manchester City Council’s iconic Blue Plaques, which celebrate important people and events across the city, we wrapped up the session by inviting students to create their own. Each student wrote a personal pledge on a Blue Plaque, imagining the achievements they hope to be remembered by the year 2225.

Digital Opportunities for Everyone!

The Careers Crossroads Conference also offered a fantastic range of digital skills sessions to help students boost their expertise and gain industry-recognised certifications. From the Get Certified series—where students could prepare for and take exams in Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, and Project Management—to the hands-on Adobe Creative Marketing Challenge, there was something for everyone looking to upskill in the digital world. The certification sessions provided a structured pathway with self-study materials and practice exams, for students to validate their skills and stand out to future employers. Meanwhile, the Adobe Creative Marketing Challenge invited participants to tackle real-world business briefs using Adobe Express, learning how to create eye-catching social media content, videos, and presentations. Whether students wanted to enhance their CV with new certifications or upskill their creative design abilities, these sessions provided the perfect opportunity to level up their digital game!

Bodyswaps VR/AR Training brought an exciting and immersive twist to the Careers Crossroads Conference, giving students the chance to develop essential soft skills in a whole new way. Using cutting-edge virtual reality technology, participants stepped into realistic workplace scenarios to practice communication, leadership, and teamwork in a safe and supportive environment. With AI-driven feedback and the opportunity to watch themselves back, students gained valuable insights into their strengths and areas for improvement. Whether preparing for job interviews, improving customer service skills, or building confidence in public speaking, Bodyswaps offered a unique and engaging way to get career-ready.

Alumni Panel

The Alumni Panel: Jobs You Might Not Know About! offered students an exciting opportunity to hear from successful alumni working in a range of in-demand careers across Greater Manchester and the UK. During the session, alumni shared their unique career journeys, offering insights into the paths they’ve taken and the roles they now hold. Students had the chance to discover professions they may not have considered before, ask questions, and gain valuable advice on how to navigate their own future career choices. The panel featured alumni such as Charlene Grant, Regional Senior Manager at TSB Bank; Nigel Sibanda, Managing Director at Venator Executive; Rose Narang, Planning and Insight Analyst at Manchester Met; and Kathryn Walmsley, Head of Talent Acquisition at Hilti. The session also provided a fantastic networking opportunity, allowing students to connect with alumni and start building their professional network for the future.

The energy throughout the Careers Crossroads Conference was incredible, with every session filled and students leaving feeling empowered and inspired to carve their own paths. The event provided a dynamic mix of employer talks, skills workshops, and networking opportunities, all focused on helping students navigate career crossroads and boost their employability. Whether participants were seeking guidance on specific career goals or exploring new opportunities, the conference offered the tools and confidence to move forward with clarity. It was an exciting experience that reminded everyone that the right resources and support can help turn any crossroads into a stepping stone towards success.

Whether you came in with a clear vision or are still figuring things out, we hope you walked away with newfound confidence and direction!