Ready or not: What skills graduates need right now

13/4/2026 12:00 PM

Session 1

13/4/2026 12:00 PM

Join QS, the University of Limerick, the University of York and 1Mentor for a fast-paced, solutions-focused discussion on the skills graduates need now and what universities can do next.

This 60-minute webinar cuts through the noise around “transferable skills”, exploring the real trends shaping employer demand, the hidden costs of inaction, and practical ways institutions can embed, scaffold and evidence skills development across curricula and beyond.

Hear candid insights from senior leaders and sector intelligence, along with actionable ideas to take back to your institution to strengthen graduate outcomes.

Secure your spot and receive the Zoom link via email.

Meet the panellists

Andrew Plant

QS Executive Director – Europe

Andy worked at 3 UK universities in graduate employability, international student recruitment and partnership roles for 16 years before joining QS in 2021.

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Dr Chris McInerney

Director, Transferable Skills Unit, University of Limerick

Chris is the Director of the Transferable Skills Unit and an associate professor in the Department of Politics and Public Administration at the University of Limerick.

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Joan Concannon

Chief Reputation and Stakeholder Relations Officer, University of York

Joan was appointed as the University of York’s first Chief Reputation and Stakeholder Relations Officer on 1 August 2025.

Martin Serrano

QS Product Director, Skills & Labor Markets

Martín Serrano is Product Director, Skills & Labor Markets at QS.

An entrepreneur and innovator, Martín is passionate about transforming data into actionable insights that close the gap between higher education and the world of work. He co-founded 1Mentor, a company designed to empower universities with student, alumni, and labour-market analytics that inform academic planning, strengthen employability, and personalize education and career pathways.

At QS Quacquarelli Symonds, Martín leads global initiatives that help institutions anticipate fast-changing skills demands and prepare students for the careers of tomorrow. His diverse background in architecture, urban planning, sustainability, and product innovation gives him a cross-disciplinary perspective and a strong commitment to building solutions that make education more impactful and future-ready.