The annual Job Fair took place on campus earlier this month.

February 28, 2011

Approximately 1,300 students got a head start on their careers this month when the 14th annual Job Fair took place on campus on February 9.

“This year’s job fair has been recognized as one of our best yet,” said Louise Stiles, outreach co-ordinator, Career Services. “We exceeded the number of students in attendance and had a wide variety of new employers on campus. It is crucial that our students attend in order to optimize their hiring potential.”

The event, which was held at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre at the college’s Oshawa campus and organized by the Career Services’ department, featured more than 45 employers from across Oshawa and the Greater Toronto Area representing various industries including emergency services, financial planning, government, insurance, fitness and more.

Organizations in attendance included the Ministry of Revenue, Toronto Police Service, Toronto Fire Service, Ontario Power Generation, RBC Royal Bank and Sunlife Financial. All were on hand to recruit students for full- and part-time, internship and placement positions.

“The quality and amount of students in attendance exceeded our expectations,” said Eric Hamilton, workforce planner, Ministry of Revenue. “It was amazing!”

Prior to the fair students were given access to an online guidebook through the Hired Portal, which is offered through Career Services and provides students with the ability to book advisor appointments, explore career tools, learn about internship opportunities, register for career-related events and view job postings and employer links.

“The college’s annual Job Fair was very well organized and attended,” said Cole Morrison, Sun Life advisor, Sun Life Financial.

The guidebook enabled students to determine which employers were attending the event ahead of time so they could prepare themselves in advance.

“The fair also provides an opportunity for first- and second-year students to glean important career planning information directly from recruiters,” added Stiles. “There were several students hired directly on the spot after impromptu interviews so in terms of success I think that was a definite highlight!”

The college’s Career Services department also offers students a number of career counselling services including advisors who provide assistance with career goals and plans, resume and employment letter writing, interview skills and portfolio building. Services are available to students free of charge and to graduates for up to two years after graduation.