Transitioning from a Master’s degree into the professional world can feel like a huge leap. To help ease this transition, Sheffield University Management School recently hosted a series of five dedicated networking events designed specifically for postgraduate students.
The goal was to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world practice by giving students a relaxed, structured environment to meet alumni and industry professionals.
The events were tailored to six specific Master's programmes:
- MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management
- MSc International Marketing and Management & MSc Strategic Marketing and Branding
- MSc Human Resource Management
- MSc Business and Organisational Psychology
- MSc Management
Skills and networking
Walking into a room full of professionals can be intimidating, so each event began with a practical networking skills workshop led by the Management School’s Employability Manager, Liam Barr. This gave students a chance to learn the basics of professional communication before putting them into practice during a fast paced 'speed networking' session. The speed networking allowed students to meet the majority of the alumni and industry professionals and have individual conversations with them.
While this was the second time the Business and Organisational Psychology and Logistics and Supply Chain Management programmes had hosted this type of event, bringing back successful course alumni now working in the sector, it was a new initiative for the other MSc courses. These sessions featured a diverse mix of both returning alumni and industry specialists.
A wide range of prominent organisations and professional bodies sent representatives to support the students, including CIPS, the Cold Chain Federation, CIM, Barnsley Rotherham Chamber, SCCCC, the Confucius Institute, CIPD, and DB Cargo.
The energy across all four events was extremely positive, with students, graduates, and employers all highlighting the value of face-to-face conversations.
What our students thought
For many students, the event was a safe and encouraging space to practice networking skills, build connections, ask questions, and realise that professionals are incredibly approachable.
I found the networking event really valuable, as it gave me the chance to speak with people I may not have had the confidence to approach otherwise. As a student, it can sometimes feel difficult to know where to start when thinking about future career options, but the event made those conversations feel much more natural and accessible.
Paula Garea Fernandez
Student
As an international student, I found it particularly valuable because it created a welcoming environment to exchange ideas, build meaningful relationships, and learn from others’ experiences. Events like this help students expand their professional networks and develop confidence.
Fandy Laksono
Student
Alumni input
For the alumni who returned to Sheffield, the events were an opportunity to share with current students about their own experiences of how their course at the Management School helped their career journey, and give something back to the school.
Having once been in the students' shoes myself, it was especially rewarding to share my experiences and reflect on the journey from university to professional life. What stood out most was the quality of the conversations. The students were genuinely curious, engaged and full of thoughtful questions.
Megan Smith
Alumna
Employer feedback
Industry guests were quick to note that the skills developed during these sessions are exactly what employers look for in a competitive job market.
Opportunities like this are incredibly beneficial in helping students develop key skills such as communication, networking, and commercial awareness, all of which are essential for future employability... The level of enthusiasm and curiosity demonstrated throughout the event was a real highlight.
Hannah Humber
CIPS representative
A Focus on Employability
These events reflect the Management School's practical approach to postgraduate education. By embedding professional development directly into the student experience, Sheffield ensures that students don't just graduate with a degree on paper, but leave with a genuine professional network, a clearer understanding of their industry, and the confidence to take their first career steps.