Ethical Careers Fair
On Wednesday 1 February, over 1,000 people visited Imperial's first Ethical Careers Exhibition in the Great Hall. The event was organised by Pugwash, the student society concerned with ethics in science. Seven high-profile guest speakers addressed packed seminars throughout the day, while visitors milled around the stands and information boards, munching fairtrade chocolate. Some had come from as far away as the Huxley Building, while others made the journey from UCL, SOAS and even Manchester and Bristol.
The idea behind the exhibition was to provide a fresh perspective on the career choices open to Imperial graduates. More and more students are becoming conscious of the impact their work will have on the future of the planet and its people and want to use their knowledge and skills to make a positive difference. Globally, these issues have moved from the preserve of greenies and do-gooders into the mainstream, and the success of Wednesday's event proved that Imperial students are no exception to this trend. Students who visited the exhibition were canvassed to gauge their feelings about the event. Clearly, definitions of an `ethical career' vary widely as several visitors expressed doubts about the ethical credentials of some exhibitors. However, the overwhelming mood was very positive, with the most common reply being, "Great, but we want more!" Engineering students wanted more engineering firms, business students wanted more social enterprises and physicists wanted more chocolate.
The challenge is set for next year an even bigger, better and greener event. This year's had something for everyone next year's should have even more. For more information visit www.union.ic.ac.uk/scc/pugwash
