Building Graduate Success with Staffordshire University London
Students at Staffordshire University London are working towards careers in cybersecurity, networking, telecoms and enterprise technology. Their courses provide strong technical foundations, but many face the challenge of showing employers they are ready for the workplace. With competition for placements and graduate roles increasing, students need practical experience and confidence to stand out.
Hamilton Barnes, a long-term supporter of early careers, partnered with Staffordshire University London to run a graduate speed interview day. The initiative gave students the chance to practise live interviews, gain direct feedback from specialist recruiters, and build the skills and confidence they will need to succeed in the technology job market.
78
Graduates Placed Last Year
900
Active Graduate Job Opportunities
100
University Partnerships Nationwide
Staffordshire Students’ Path to Technology Careers
Where future skills meet industry expectations
Staffordshire University London is known for its focus on employability and innovation in fields like cybersecurity, networking, telecoms and enterprise systems. Students gain strong technical training, but for many, the real challenge comes when they need to prove those skills in front of employers. Traditional careers events often fall short of preparing students for that step.
To give students a more practical experience, Staffordshire University London partnered with Hamilton Barnes to host a graduate speed interview day in 2025. Instead of a standard careers fair, students took part in short, focused interviews with recruiters. They were able to practice presenting their skills, answer real questions, and receive direct feedback.
The format gave students invaluable insight into employer expectations, helping them recognise both their strengths and areas for development. By working directly with a specialist recruiter, they gained confidence, improved their communication, and left with a clearer picture of what it takes to succeed in the technology job market.
It’s very difficult to get into the marketplace, especially to get internship roles… there’s high competition with so many students trying to get into the same spots at the same time.
Having top recruiters like Hamilton Barnes engage with students before they graduate really bridges a gap. It allows them to become familiar with the soft skills they need, and to strengthen the skills they already have.
Bridging education with industry expectations
Getting a degree is only half the story. Employers still question whether graduates are ready for the workplace, with two-thirds saying work experience is one of the first things they look for. At the same time, the average graduate role attracts over 140 applications.
That’s why combining education with real-world expectations is so important. Without practical experience and direct employer insight, even the most capable students can struggle to show they are ready to step into industry.
Guidance when it matters most
At Level 5, students are developing strong technical knowledge but many are still unsure of their career path. Applying for placements or internships can feel daunting, especially when competition is so intense. This is the stage where extra support makes the biggest difference.
Staffordshire University London already has a strong focus on employability, with courses designed to prepare students for careers in cybersecurity, networking and telecoms. Partnering with Hamilton Barnes added another layer of support. The speed interview day gave students structured conversations with recruiters, early exposure to industry expectations and the chance to test their skills in a safe setting. By engaging students early, Hamilton Barnes helped them gain confidence and start building their professional pathways.
Recruiter insight in action
Staffordshire University London encourages students to connect their academic learning with workplace realities, but many had never spoken directly with a recruiter in their field. This partnership created that opportunity. For the first time, students engaged with recruiters who specialise in cybersecurity, networking and telecoms.
Hamilton Barnes led live interview sessions where students practised introducing themselves, answering questions under pressure and learning how to frame their strengths. The feedback gave them a realistic view of where they stand and what employers value most.
“Events like this have a genuinely powerful impact on students. It gives them the confidence to start their job search with the right tools and mindset, and it helps demystify the recruitment process.”
— Hamilton Barnes
Tailored advice that makes a difference
Staffordshire University London’s teaching already equips students with strong technical knowledge. What many lacked was practical guidance on how to show those skills to employers. That’s where Hamilton Barnes came in.
Alongside the interviews, recruiters shared advice on CV writing, applications and professional standards. This guidance showed students that employers are looking for more than grades. Communication skills, problem-solving ability and motivation are just as important. By tailoring their feedback to each student, Hamilton Barnes ensured they left with advice they could act on straight away.
Pathways to lasting careers
Staffordshire University London and Hamilton Barnes both share the same long-term goal: ensuring students graduate ready for industry. The speed interview day was only the starting point of that collaboration.
By supporting students before they complete their studies, Hamilton Barnes helps them prepare not only to secure their first role but to build meaningful careers in technology. The ambition and curiosity shown on the day highlight the value of continuing initiatives like this.
“What really stood out on the day was the level of engagement and ambition shown by the students. Every candidate we spoke to came prepared, asked thoughtful questions and showed a real interest in the industry.”
— Hamilton Barnes
Hamilton Barnes’ Advice for Students Preparing for Careers in Technology
Starting a career in cybersecurity, networking and telecoms takes more than classroom learning. Employers want to see confidence, clear communication and the ability to adapt in real interview settings. The best way to develop these skills is through practice, not theory.
That is why Hamilton Barnes is partnering with universities like Staffordshire University to give students early exposure to recruitment processes. By practising with recruiters, students learn what they are doing well and what they need to improve, helping them approach placements and graduate roles with greater confidence.
It’s very difficult to get into the marketplace, especially to get internship roles… there’s high competition with so many students trying to get into the same spots at the same time.
Having top recruiters like Hamilton Barnes engage with students before they graduate really bridges a gap. It allows them to become familiar with the soft skills they need, and to strengthen the skills they already have.
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Supporting the next generation of technology talent
Hamilton Barnes is committed to helping students and graduates bridge the gap between education and employment. With over 4,000 graduates placed to date and partnerships across more than 100 universities, we continue to create opportunities that connect technical skills with industry demand.
If you want to learn more about how Hamilton Barnes supports students and graduates in building careers in cybersecurity, networking and telecoms, get in touch with our team today.