University of Iceland, Main building
Welcome to the University of Iceland Career days 2025!

The University of Iceland Career Days (Atvinnudagar HÍ) will take place from February 3rd to 7th. They focus on employment and prepare students for entering the job market.

The Career Days aim to provide insights into career development during university studies and highlight key considerations for preparing to participate in the job market.

A diverse program will be offered, including presentations, lectures, visits, and networking opportunities. Each day is designed to capture students' attention and interest!

The program will feature a variety of lectures and events, organised by the UI Student Counselling Centre, the UI Careers Connection, the Financial and Employment Committee of the Student Council (SHÍ), the Graduate School, the University of Iceland Science Park, and KLAK - Icelandic Startups.

Check this website regularly, as there might be changes to the schedule!

The following events are held in English or are suitable for English-speaking students.
The full schedule in Icelandic can be found here.

  • 12:00 - 13:00 Location: Viðburðarrými Mýrinnar, 1. floor Auditorium Gróska – innovation and business growth centre

    Guests are invited to meet exciting innovation companies looking for employees and interns near the Green Wall in Gróska. Light refreshments will be provided by the University of Iceland Science Park.

     
  • 16:00 - 17:00 What can I do with my PhD outside academia?

    Location: Zoom

    Held in English

    Register here

    How can PhD students with much education but perhaps less work experience make a career beyond traditional academia? PhDs who work outside the university will tell the story of their own career trajectory and various experts will introduce tools and techniques for exploring career options beyond the university.

    Participants:

    Dr. María Rún Bjarnadóttir, Head Legal and Deputy Commissioner, National Commissiioner of the Icelandic Police

    Dr. Elena Hoffer, career coach, CEO and Co-Founder, Alma.me

    Eyrún Lóa Eiríksdóttir, Project Manager for UI PhD Alumni Database phd.hi.is at the Division for Science and Innovation & PhD student in comparative literature, University of Iceland



    The discussion will be moderated by Toby Erik Wikström, Project Manager at the Graduate School

  • 13:00 - 13:45 From Application to Employment

    Location: Teams

    Register here

    This brief lecture will focus on the key elements when creating a CV/Resume, writing a cover letter, and preparing for a job interview. It will address topics such as the appropriate length, content, and purpose of CVs and cover letters, along with practical tips for interview preparation.

    Proper preparation can help you build the confidence and credibility needed to secure your desired position.

    Speaker: Kristjana Þrastardóttir, Career and Guidance Counsellor

    The lecture will be held in English.

     
  • 16:00 - 17:00 PhDs at work: The keys to an academic career

    Location: Zoom

    Held in English

    Register here

    What does it take to get an academic job? What should you expect if you obtain an academic position after graduating? How can you plan for an uncertain future in a world in which there are fewer academic positions than PhD students? Experienced scholars from different fields will tell the story of their transition from graduate school to tenure-track jobs and give some hard-earned advice.

    Participants: 

    Alessandra Benedicty-Kokken, docent, Amsterdam School for Cultural Analysis, University of Amsterdam

    Gísli Magnússon, professor, Faculty of Languagues and Cultures, University of Iceland

    Thor Aspelund, professor, School of Health Science, University of Iceland

    The discussion will be moderated by: Toby Erik Wikström, Project Manager at the Graduate School.

  • 11:45 - 13: Getting in on the Action: Opportunities in the Icelandic Knowledge Economy for PhDs

    -A UI Career Days 2025 roundtable-

    Location: Íslandsstofa, 4th floor in Gróska

    Register here

    Today the Icelandic economy is more than just fish and tourism: many knowledge-intensive companies have been founded in the past years in sectors such as green energy, pharmaceuticals and software development. But what does the new knowledge landscape look like, and what employment opportunities does it offer to PhDs? In this event, roundtable experts will give us insight into the exciting, dynamic knowledge economy taking shape in Iceland, identify companies and institutions likely to be interested in PhDs, and explain how PhDs with much education but perhaps less work experience can get in on the action in the new knowledge domain.

    Participants:

    Alexandra Leeper PhD, CEO, Iceland Ocean Cluster

    Einar Mäntylä, CEO, Technology Transfer Office Iceland

    Kathryn Gunnarsson, founder of GEKO - Specialists in innovation talent



    The discussion will be moderated by Toby Erik Wikström, Project Manager at the Graduate School.

  • 15:00 – 16:30 Visit to Tern Systems HR

    Location: Hlíðasmári 15, 201 Kópavogur

    Please note that there is a limited number of spots available.

    Register here

    Tern Systems is inviting University of Iceland students to visit their premises. Tern Systems is a subsidiary of Isavia ANS, based in Kópavogur. Their main project is developing air traffic control software for Iceland, Europe, and Asia. This is an excellent opportunity for students interested in computer science, mathematics, engineering, and related fields to learn about their projects and explore career opportunities

    Held in English.

    Students need to arrange transportation themselves.
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