17 Jul 24 sfG MentorNet at the AGCAS Annual Conference 2024

We hope you enjoy this personal blog, written by Ben Hosie – sfG MentorNet Product Manager.

As both an attendee and an exhibitor at the AGCAS Annual Conference held at the University of Sheffield on June 10th and 11th, 2024, I had the unique opportunity to immerse myself in a whirlwind of knowledge, innovation, and connection.

The Buzz of In-Person Networking

Walking into the grand halls of the University of Sheffield, the atmosphere was electric. The theme of this year’s conference, “Navigating Rapid Change with Confidence,” resonated deeply with everyone present. With the rapid transformations in the job market and recruitment practices, this theme couldn’t have been more timely.

My first stop was the keynote session, where experts shed light on the future of work and evolving recruitment practices. The insights were eye-opening, providing a clear roadmap for how we can prepare our students for careers in an ever-changing landscape.

During the parallel sessions, I had the chance to learn about innovative approaches to work placements, integrating learning, and embedding employability into the curriculum. The diversity of topics and the depth of expertise shared were truly impressive.

Exhibiting sfG MentorNet: A Platform Perfect for Career Mentoring

As an exhibitor, showcasing our online mentoring platform, sfG MentorNet, was an exciting experience. Our booth attracted a steady stream of visitors, all eager to learn how our platform could enhance their mentoring programs. We demonstrated how sfG MentorNet facilitates seamless connections between students and mentors, offering a flexible and scalable solution for institutions aiming to boost employability and support.

Engaging with attendees, I was struck by the shared passion for supporting students’ career journeys. The feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive, and it was clear that there is a strong demand for effective, tech-driven mentoring solutions in higher education. The face-to-face interactions allowed us to gather valuable insights and build relationships that will undoubtedly benefit our future developments.

Evening Delights: Conference Dinner and Awards for Excellence

The conference dinner was a highlight of the event. Set against the backdrop of a beautiful Sheffield evening, it was a perfect blend of networking and celebration.

The annual Awards for Excellence ceremony recognised outstanding contributions in HE careers and employability work.

We were honoured to sponsor and present the award for Equality, diversity and inclusion. This award is for a service who is able to show demonstrable progress in achieving equality, diversity and inclusion goals through initiatives that have identified areas of under-representation amongst staff and/or students and are making a difference.

This could be in relation to a range of areas including, but not restricted to gender, disability, LGBTIQ+ and black and minority ethnic under-representation. We were delighted to present the award to East London University, one of our very own sfG MentorNet customers!

Reflecting on the Experience

The AGCAS Annual Conference 2024 was a remarkable event that provided a perfect blend of learning, networking, and celebration.

As an attendee, I left with a wealth of knowledge and a renewed sense of purpose. As an exhibitor, the exposure and feedback we received for sfG MentorNet were invaluable.

Navigating rapid change with confidence is indeed a challenging endeavour, but events like this reaffirm the strength and resilience of the education community. Together, we can continue to support students and graduates, equipping them with the skills, confidence and the technology to thrive in a dynamic world.

I look forward to next year’s conference and awards. Until then, I’ll be busy implementing the many insights and connections gained from this year’s exceptional event.