Overview of Gradstock 2025
In October 2025, Middlesex University Dubai (MDX) hosted its flagship employability event, Gradstock 2025. The festival brought together more than 1,500 students, alumni and industry leaders. Over 130 employers from sectors such as finance, technology, automotive, consulting, and consumer goods convened on campus to present internships, graduate programmes and full‑time roles.
Gradstock is built on three pillars: industry insight, practical skill building and networking. By the time the main career fair began, students had already completed a series of “Corporate Secrets to Your Success” workshops that introduced emerging trends, soft‑skill requirements and the expectations of hiring managers.
Preparing for the Festival
Successful participation in Gradstock is not limited to the day of the fair. MDX’s Careers and Employability Services (CES) begins preparing students months in advance. Key actions include:
- CV and cover‑letter workshops: Students refine documents to align with industry standards.
- Mock interviews: Practice with career coaches and alumni mentors.
- Brand‑building sessions: Guidance on LinkedIn profiles and personal branding.
- Employer pre‑briefs: Students learn which companies will attend and what roles they are hiring for.
During the early October “Corporate Secrets to Your Success” programme, more than 20 organisations—including Ericsson, Microsoft, Ford and flydubai—shared insights into the future of work. Students gathered data on required skills, salary ranges and project exposure, enabling them to tailor their approach to each employer.
Highlights of Corporate Sessions
The industry‑led series ran from 3 October to 20 October, featuring panels, hands‑on workshops and round‑table discussions. Sessions covered:
- Digital transformation in finance – how Citibank is reshaping its workforce.
- Innovation in consumer goods – L’Oréal’s sustainability initiatives.
- Automotive technology – General Motors’ focus on electric vehicle software.
- Legal tech – DLA Piper’s use of AI to streamline client onboarding.
These interactions helped students understand the strategic priorities of global employers and identify gaps in their own skill sets. The knowledge gained proved invaluable during the networking days.
Networking Days and Employer Engagement
On 15 October MDX transformed its campus into a dynamic hub during the Gradstock Festival. Brand activations from Red Bull, HP and Lush attracted thousands of students, boosting energy and participation across the university community.
The culmination of the festival occurred on 22 and 23 October during the Gradstock Networking Days. Students engaged directly with representatives from:
- Citibank – offering internships in data analytics and risk management.
- Engineered by General Motors – recruiting for automotive software engineering.
- Fujifilm – internships in digital imaging and design.
- And many more across finance, consulting, media and manufacturing.
Beyond job opportunities, employers provided insights on how graduates could transition into the UAE market, discuss visa and relocation processes, and outline training programmes that could bridge skill gaps.
Student and Alumni Impact
More than 1,500 participants underscored MDX’s strong emphasis on employability. Student testimonials highlighted the following benefits:
- Improved confidence in interview settings.
- Immediate feedback on CVs and LinkedIn profiles.
- Direct conversations with hiring managers, yielding concrete next‑step offers.
Alumni who attended as mentors found the event a powerful platform to give back to the community and stay connected with current student cohorts.
Roles of Careers and Employability Services
CES at MDX is a year‑round operation offering:
- One‑to‑one career coaching.
- Workshops on soft skills, communication and problem solving.
- Access to a curated database of internships and entry‑level jobs.
- Partnerships with 130+ employers across the globe.
“Gradstock brings together everything we do throughout the year,” says Amanda Fernandes, Manager of CES. “It is a platform for students to test and refine the skills they have developed during their academic journey.”
Take Action: Prepare for Your Next Step
Graduate students eager to leverage the momentum of Gradstock can follow a clear action plan:
- Review the list of participating employers and identify those that match your career goals.
- Attend the upcoming CES workshops to polish resumes and LinkedIn profiles.
- Apply for internship or entry‑level roles by the application deadlines listed on the MDX career portal.
- Schedule a one‑to‑one session with a CES coach to discuss interview strategies.
Those planning to study further can explore the university’s graduate programmes, which offer specialist tracks in finance, technology, and business that align with industry demand.
Apply now for MDX’s graduate programmes and start building a career that matches global employer expectations.
Ready to Move Forward?
Whether you are a current student, a recent graduate or an aspiring professional looking to enter the UAE market, MDX’s Gradstock 2025 demonstrates the university’s commitment to linking academic learning with industry opportunity. By engaging with graduate programmes, career services and employer networks, you can position yourself for success in a competitive global economy.
For more information on admissions, financial aid and employer networks, visit the MDX application portal or Careers and Employability Services website.
