International Employability Week inspires more than 250 students

The week featured 13 sessions across the three days, including expert-led workshops, panel discussions, cultural celebrations and skills development activities designed to help students build confidence, strengthen their employability skills and develop valuable professional connections.

The highlight of the week was the presentation of the Dean’s Awards, which celebrated the hard work and dedication of SBS students who have actively engaged with employability and sustainability initiatives throughout the academic year. 

This year, 110 students received the Dean’s Employability Award after attending a series of employability-focused sessions, while 17 students received Dean’s Sustainability Award in recognition of their engagement with sustainability initiatives and events.

Aida Behdadifar, a BSc Business Management student and recipient of the Dean’s Sustainability Award, said: “Through my work and academic studies, I’ve become increasingly interested in the gap between sustainability ambition and business reality. This recognition reflects my focus on understanding how sustainability can move from theory into actual business practice, where it drives long-term value.”

Another one of the standout events of the week was the ‘women in leadership’ panel discussion, chaired by Claire-Marie Boggiano, Director and Coach at Lurig Ltd. The session brought together influential female leaders including Dr Sally Penni MBE, Barrister at Kenworthy’s Chambers; Kate Palmer, Chief Operating Officer at Peninsula; and Marie Hamilton, Government Strategic Partnership Director at Microsoft, all members of the School’s Industry Advisory Board; as well as Rebecca Gooch, Strategic Director of Education at The City of Liverpool College; and Executive Coach Sharon Amesu. The panel shared insights into leadership, career progression and standing out in competitive industries, inspiring students with their experiences and advice.

Students also heard from SBS alumna Maudlyn Akosua Awuku, who delivered a workshop called Your Degree, Your Launch Pad – The LEGIT Blueprint for Global Careers. The session received an overwhelmingly positive response from attendees, many of whom described the workshop as eye-opening and relatable, particularly Maudlyn’s journey as an international student and the career she has built since graduating.

Alongside professional development, the week also celebrated the diversity of the SBS community through a cultural networking event that encouraged students to connect, share experiences and celebrate different perspectives.

Okikiolu Odubiyi Samson, a MSc International Business student, said: “The event provided a valuable platform to connect with diverse individuals, exchange cultural perspectives, and gain meaningful insights into personal and business development. I particularly appreciated the collaborative atmosphere, where ideas and experiences were openly shared.

“I also commend the organisers for incorporating engaging activities, including games, food, and refreshments, which contributed to a vibrant and inclusive environment. Events like this highlight the diverse talents within the student community, many of which were impressively showcased throughout the programme.”

Toluwanimi Oluwasanmi, a MSc Financial Technology student, added: “Each session was really insightful and eye opening. I learnt a lot of new things, including having a digital footprint, putting in the work, growing your confidence, leadership and so on.”

Kerry Moores, Employability Manager at Salford Business School, said: “International Employability Week continues to provide our students with invaluable opportunities to develop the skills, confidence and industry connections that will support them throughout their careers.

“It has been fantastic to see such strong engagement across the week and to celebrate the achievements of our students through the Dean’s Awards.”