Organisations continually seek innovative strategies to engage and develop their workforce – one example gaining popularity is employer-led career festivals. But given the level of resource and buy-in required for this activity, how can you ensure it is a worthwhile venture for your business?

For the past three years at QS, we have been running our Connect With Your Career festival – a summer-long career festival designed to foster professional growth and networking across the organisation. Through a diverse array of employee-hosted webinars, fireside seminars, Q&A panels, and interactive activities, the festival has helped us showcase evolving knowledge, best practices, and critical professional skills.

Over the years, we have collected key learnings and tips on how to make these events truly impactful and empowering. Here, we share what it takes to create a truly impactful career festival – from format design to stakeholder buy-in.

The importance of career development

Investing in the careers of employees is not just a matter of personal growth but a strategic imperative that enhances organisational success. We aspired to exemplify this through the Connect With Your Career festival, by providing a structured yet dynamic environment where employees can explore different career paths and acquire new competencies. 

We designed the initiative to not only support employees in making informed career choices but also to align their aspirations with the organisation’s goals. Our ultimate aim is to foster a workforce that is engaged, motivated and in sync with the company’s vision.

The Festival’s format and impact

The format of the Connect With Your Career festival is meticulously designed to maximise engagement and facilitate diverse learning experiences. Here’s a breakdown of the key components:

• Webinars: These sessions allow experts and leaders from both within and outside the organisation to share insights, trends and best practices in various fields, accessible to all employees regardless of their location.
• Fireside seminars: In these more intimate settings, participants have the opportunity to engage in deeper discussions with thought leaders and seasoned professionals, fostering a more personalised learning experience.
• Q&A panels: These interactive panels encourage open dialogue between employees and industry experts, providing a platform for attendees to ask questions directly and gain clarity on specific topics of interest.
• Activities: Designed to be interactive and hands-on, these workshop activities help reinforce learning through practical application and collaborative problem-solving.

It has also led to an increased interest in the range of L&D opportunities

This diverse format ensures that all participants, regardless of their learning preferences or career stages, can find opportunities to develop their skills and enhance their career trajectory. The variety also helps maintain high levels of energy and engagement throughout the festival, making it a dynamic and anticipated event each year.

Over the years, this festival has not only boosted employee engagement and satisfaction but also served as a catalyst for professional progression, directly impacting retention and organisational growth. It has also led to an increased interest in the range of L&D opportunities at QS, including the bespoke three-tier open-entry leadership programme. 

Presenting to stakeholders and engaging employees

For HR professionals planning to introduce such a festival, securing stakeholder buy-in and encouraging employee participation are crucial. Having implemented this activity at QS, we can share key learnings on navigating these two challenges:

Gaining stakeholder approval:

• Articulate the business case: Emphasise how the festival aligns with broader organisational goals and the potential ROI, using data and industry benchmarks to support your claims.
• Highlight success stories: Draw on past successes and industry examples to demonstrate the effectiveness and benefits of such initiatives.
• Address concerns proactively: Identify potential stakeholder concerns and offer concrete solutions to mitigate risks.

Encouraging employee participation:

• Communicate the vision: Clearly convey the festival’s goals and benefits to all employees, highlighting its role in personal and career development.
• Empower ambassadors: Identify enthusiastic employees to act as champions, helping to promote and drive participation in the festival.
• Support session hosts: Provide resources and training for employees who wish to lead sessions, ensuring they feel prepared and valued.

Key success factors and implementation tips

With a few years of experience under our belt, the people team at QS have learned what it takes to make a vibrant, impactful career festival. Here’s our top tips:

• Engage from the top: Ensure executive leaders champion and actively participate in the festival.
• Foster an inclusive environment: Make sessions accessible to all employees, regardless of their current role or seniority.
• Gather and implement feedback: Use feedback from participants to continually refine and improve the festival experience.
• Celebrate contributions: Recognise and reward outstanding contributions and successful session outcomes to encourage ongoing participation and enthusiasm.

Final takeaway

The Connect With Your Career festival is more than an annual event for QS; it is a strategic asset that has profoundly influenced the professional development landscape within our organisation. 

By effectively crafting stakeholder proposals and engaging employees, fellow HR professionals can establish a transformative experience that not only enhances career development but also drives organisational success. 

A career festival, done well, not only equips employees with the skills and insights needed for their current roles but also prepares them for future challenges, cementing a culture of continuous growth and learning.