CVs in hand, first conversations with recruiters under way and their sights set on the future, students gathered at the Barcelona campus of  Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC) on 15 October for a new edition of the BBA and Law Career Forum. The event brought together 90 professionals from leading companies and law firms with final-year undergraduate and master's students. Attended by 200 students, the forum facilitated direct contact between university talent and organisations seeking to recruit new professionals.

Organised by the UIC School of Management and the Faculty of Law, the event has become a key space for learning first-hand about employment opportunities, internship options and the skills currently in demand in the labour market. Among the participants were almost 20 UIC graduates, who returned to campus to represent the organisations where they now work and to meet the next generation of students.

This year's Career Forum featured representatives from Abante, Alter Domus, Andersen, AVQ, Baker & McKenzie, BDO, Broseta, Bunge, Cases & Lacambra, Crowe, Cuatrecasas, Danone, Deloitte, Deutsche Bank, DS Durán-Sindreu, ECIX, EY, Fundcraft, Garrigues, Grant Thornton, Hotel Arts Barcelona, KPMG, Lidl, Mango, mesoestetic Pharma Group, Osborne Clarke, Pérez-Llorca, PwC, Ramón y Cajal Abogados, RCD, RSM, Russell Bedford, Sorigué and Uría Menéndez. 

Finding first career opportunities

For many students, the Career Forum is an opportunity to begin defining the next steps in their professional journey. This was the case for Elena de Juan, a student on the double degree in Law and Business Administration, who attended for the first time with the aim of securing a summer internship in business management and administration. "The calibre of the participating organisations is excellent," she explained. After completing internships in the legal field, she is now looking for an internationally focused firm that will allow her to broaden her professional experience.

Alicia Vinzia, a student on the double master's degree combining the University Master's Degree in Legal Practice and Legal Representation (MUAP) and the Master's Degree in Taxation Law (MAF), is attending the event again. "It's a great opportunity to explore new law firms and discover different sectors," she said. She first attended when she was in her fourth year of the Law degree and will complete her internship this year at Ramón y Cajal Abogados.

Organisations seek talent with diverse profiles

Participating organisations also value the opportunity to meet candidates in person and understand what motivates them. Inés Lavanchy, a representative of Grant Thornton, highlighted the preparation of UIC students, "We are looking for hybrid profiles, and at UIC we find Law and Business Administration students with an extremely high technical level and outstanding preparation." The firm offers internships as a gateway to an international career.

For Horacio Muñoz, a graduate of the Bachelor's Degree in Law and the University Master's Degree in Legal Practice and Legal Representation, and now a professional at Ramón y Cajal Abogados, returning to campus is particularly meaningful. "This event is key, it allows us to connect with highly talented students who will undoubtedly become the leading professionals of tomorrow," he said, encouraging candidates to be clear about their aspirations and able to communicate them effectively to employers.