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Data & AI Careers Festival 2026

Event artwork for Data & AI Careers Festival 2026

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About this event

What to expect

Looking to break into data science or accelerate your AI career? This comprehensive careers festival brings together industry leaders from Netflix, Nestlé, NHS England, and UST alongside emerging data-driven organisations — all under one roof at the University of Leeds. Whether you're a recent graduate or an early-career professional, you'll gain direct access to hiring managers, technical leads, and consumer insights specialists who are shaping the future of data and AI.

What to Expect

The afternoon kicks off with exhibition stands from 12:00-3pm, where you can explore opportunities with major employers including BT, Morrisons, The Alan Turing Institute, Answer Digital, Ligentia, Oakland, Impactive, West Yorkshire Pension Fund, and Wx Labs. This is your chance to ask detailed questions about graduate schemes, internships, and live project work — all while enjoying complimentary pizza (first come, first served).

From 3pm-5pm, the keynote session features four inspiring talks from practising data professionals:

  • Netflix: An Nguyen (Regional Consumer Insights Lead) and Jo Hall (Consumer Insights Lead for UK and Nordics) discuss how data drives content strategy and viewer engagement at global scale
  • Nestlé: Rob Wood (Data Scientist) shares insights into applying machine learning across consumer goods and supply chain optimisation
  • NHS England: Sarah Culkin (Deputy Director of Data Science) explores the critical role of AI in healthcare delivery and patient outcomes
  • UST: Andrea Liotta (Data Science Team Lead) reveals what it takes to lead technical teams and deliver enterprise AI solutions

Each speaker will cover their career journey, current projects, essential skills for success, and available opportunities for graduates. The session concludes with a Q&A panel and networking reception — perfect for making meaningful connections and gathering advice on your next career move.

Who Should Attend

This event is designed for graduates and early-career professionals interested in roles spanning data science, machine learning engineering, analytics, consumer insights, and AI strategy. Whether you're considering your first role or looking to pivot into a more technical position, you'll find relevant guidance and opportunities. The mix of consumer tech (Netflix), FMCG (Nestlé), public sector (NHS), and consultancy (UST) perspectives ensures you'll gain a well-rounded view of the data landscape.

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