EU-CONEXUS Career Network and SETU Careers Development Centre Waterford are shortlisted for Association of Higher Education Careers Services Employability Awards 2025 under the category Building Effective Partnerships.
The EU-CONEXUS Career Network, led by South East Technological University (SETU) Careers Development Centre Waterford, has been shortlisted in the 2025 Building Effective Partnerships category for the prestigious Association of Higher Education Careers Services (AHECS) Employability Awards. This national recognition highlights the impactful collaboration between SETU and EU-CONEXUS European university partners, showcasing the shared commitment to enhancing career development and employability through cross-border initiatives.
At the awards ceremony, which took place on Thursday, 24 April, at the Mansion House in Dublin, the EU-CONEXUS Career Network narrowly lost out to Munster Technological University. However, the judging panel highly commended the submission, recognising it as one of the strongest in the category for its innovation, impact, and collaborative approach.
Since joining the EU-CONEXUS alliance in 2022, SETU has played a leading role in fostering connections between students, staff, and employers across Europe. With over 69,000 students and 8,000 staff represented in the EU-CONEXUS alliance, the Career Network has become a powerful platform for building meaningful relationships and creating opportunities for professional growth. Dr Rebecca Power and Angela Collins from SETU have spearheaded the promotion of these opportunities, ensuring the initiative reaches and benefits both students and staff.
Through a series of online events, including Kick-Start Your Career, Go Global and ConstructFest, the network has engaged students, staff, and employers. These events have delivered job readiness training, encouraged international mobility, and provided industry-specific insights. The introduction and growth of the online careers platform JobTeaser have further amplified this impact. The platform has become an essential tool for connecting students with internships, job opportunities, and career resources, including interview guides and CV templates.
In addition, the popular Lunch and Learn series has brought career professionals and academic staff together from across the alliance. Covering topics from artificial intelligence in education to communicating effectively with Gen Z students, the series has provided a valuable space for sharing knowledge and fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. The feedback from participants continues to highlight the benefits of such cross-institutional learning experiences as well.
Dr Rebecca Power, Senior Project Officer for the EU-CONEXUS Career Network, commented:
“The EU-CONEXUS Career Network is all about creating meaningful connections that open doors for students and staff across Europe. We’re honoured to be shortlisted for this national award, which recognises the power of collaboration across borders.”
The AHECS Awards, run in collaboration with GradIreland, honour the dedication and innovation of higher education careers professionals across Ireland. With this shortlisting and commendation, the EU-CONEXUS Career Network is being recognised for its creative, collaborative approach to career support – one that transcends borders and builds lasting value for students, staff, and employers alike.
For further information on the EU-CONEXUS Career Network, click here .
