The Santander Job Fair, organised by the University of Cantabria (UC) in collaboration with the Santander City Council, is set to take place on 14 October, boasting its largest participation to date with over 120 companies and nearly 1,000 job and internship opportunities.
Conchi López, the rector of the University of Cantabria, and Gema Igual, the mayor of Santander, presented this new edition of the initiative, which has expanded in both the number of participating organisations and the diversity of sectors represented. The event will be held at the Palacio de Exposiciones y Congresos in Santander from 9:00 to 14:30 and is open to university students, recent graduates, and anyone interested in exploring new professional opportunities.
This year's fair marks significant growth compared to last year, which saw around 100 companies and entities participating. The increase will enhance the chances for direct contact between job seekers and organisations looking to recruit talent and new professional profiles. This year, the representation from various sectors will be more diverse, including the banking and finance sectors, which are new additions to previous editions.
“The growth of the fair demonstrates the increasing interest of companies in engaging with the talent developed at our university, while also highlighting the importance of facilitating direct contact with the job market for our students and graduates,” said López.
López emphasised that the university's responsibility extends beyond graduation, stating, “We want to support our students as they transition into the professional world by providing tools, guidance, and opportunities to develop the skills they have acquired during their education.”
She also underscored the value of collaboration between the university, institutions, and the productive sector, noting that the participation of over 120 companies this year reflects a shared commitment to connecting education and employment. “For UC, maintaining a continuous dialogue with organisations that demand talent is crucial, as it allows us to better understand their needs and prepare professionals capable of responding to the challenges of a constantly evolving society and job market,” she added.
Mayor Gema Igual explained that the Job Fair will directly connect individuals seeking to enter or advance in the job market with over 120 companies and entities offering nearly 1,000 job and internship opportunities. “This is a practical day open to university students, recent graduates, and anyone interested in discovering professional opportunities, submitting their CVs, conducting interviews, and establishing direct contact with participating companies,” she stated.
Igual highlighted the variety of sectors represented this year and the inclusion of new fields, such as banking and finance, which will broaden the range of professional profiles and qualifications targeted by the fair. “The goal is to facilitate a meeting between job seekers and organisations that need to recruit professionals within a single day,” she explained.
The mayor expressed gratitude for the participation of the more than 120 companies and entities involved, as well as the efforts of the University of Cantabria and the Employment Guidance and Information Centre (COIE) in organising the event. She encouraged interested individuals to attend the fair at the Palacio de Exposiciones and Congresos on 14 October, where it will be open from 9:00 to 14:30. “This will be an opportunity to learn firsthand what profiles companies are currently seeking, how selection processes are evolving, and what competencies the job market demands,” she concluded.
This edition, organised by the COIE, aims to ensure that the presence of companies translates into effective contacts with attendees. Various improvements have been implemented based on feedback from participating organisations in the previous edition to facilitate the reception of CVs, interviews, and selection processes during the event.
The fair will also feature five talks focused on employability and professional skills development, scheduled between 9:15 and 12:30. Topics will include specialisation opportunities in vocational training, the use of artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT and Claude to enhance job searches, and key leadership strategies in complex environments.
Additionally, distinguished UC student Daniel Berasategui Díez will discuss leadership and decision-making, while Iñaki Calvo Delgado will address the competencies needed to tackle innovation and transformation in the automotive industry.
To encourage student participation, two iPads will be raffled among attendees, and various exhibition elements, including a hot air balloon and military vehicles, will be on display.
The Santander Job Fair continues its mission to serve as a direct meeting point between talent and professional opportunities, aiding the integration of students and graduates into the job market while connecting companies with the qualified profiles they require. Participation is free and open to all interested individuals.
