University of Victoria students and new graduates hunting for work will get a boost this week, as more than 50 employer organizations and graduate schools come to campus for the 2015 Co-op and Career Fair.
Hosted by UVic’s Co-operative Education Program and Career Services, the two-day fair will do more than connect more than 2,000 students with employers—an on-site support and preparation centre will help them make a strong first impression.
“Networking for the first time can be intimidating, so we began hosting a Career Corner at the event a few years ago,” says Dr. Norah McRae, executive director of UVic Co-op and Career. “Students can drop in before attending the fair to research the companies they’d like to speak with, learn how to best present themselves and access career coaching.”
This year’s fair will also feature a Makerspace where students can print off business cards, take a professional LinkedIn photo and get tips on how to create a strong portfolio. They’ll also be able to explore a new Co-op and Career resource: an inventory of hands-on experience available through course work and extracurricular activities in each UVic program area.
“Obtaining one-on-one face time with potential employers is incredibly useful to students looking for employment in the future.”, says Aparna Senthilvel, a Master of Business Administration student who has attended the fair in the past as both a student and a Co-op and Career Ambassador. “Besides meeting employers, we are also given access to resources that help us better present our education and skills during the application process.”
This year’s exhibitors include Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia, Fast Enterprises, Revenue Wire, Wolesley, Abebooks, the City of Victoria, Microsoft, Scotiabank and BC Hydro.
The Co-op and Career Fair will run on September 29 and 30 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Michele Pujol Room and SUB Upper Lounge (Student Union Building). For a full description and schedule, visit www.uvic.ca/coop/ccfair.
