More than 150 students explored career paths at March 9 Career Insight Summit at the Welland Campus
Piloted in November 2018, the Career Insight Summit sought to empower students to explore education and career paths in demand in the Niagara region. Offered by the College’s School of Liberal Studies and supported by funding from the Government of Ontario’s Career Ready Fund, students in General Arts and Science, and Pre-Community Services participated in this unique experiential learning opportunity as part of the Academic and Career Research course.
“Students who participated got to meet with employers directly and get behind-the-scenes experiences to assist them with choosing a future program of study here at Niagara College,” said Shanyn Porter, project manager and educator at Niagara College. “The summit showcases many rewarding, in-demand careers in the Niagara region and the pathways to get there.”
This year’s summit partnered with the Niagara Workforce Planning Board (NWPB) who brought employers from eight different organizations to meet with students. Students also had the chance to tour different organizations and see their daily operations, including White Oaks Resort and Vintage Inn in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
“NWPB was happy to work with Niagara College to put on the summit for students,” said Adam Durrant, operations and research manager for the NWPB. “Working together, we introduced students to a variety of topics surrounding career readiness. These included how to engage with local professionals, tips on best practices for entering the labour market, and how to approach building a resume and taking interviews.”
-
- Students learn about the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce.
-
- Students chat with an employer from Hospice Niagara.
-
- A representative from the Township of Lincoln speaks to students.
-
- Students at a session with Meridian Credit Union.
The employers who participated included Accenture, CMS Intelligence, Henry Schein, Hospice Niagara, Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce, Meridian Credit Union, Town of Lincoln, and Walker Industries. “Representatives from these organizations spoke about what to expect when applying for jobs, what kind of jobs are available within the Niagara region, and provided general career advice,” said Durrant.
The response from students has been very positive.
According to Durrant whose team conducted a feedback survey after the event, “the feedback from students has been overwhelmingly positive, both in terms of the usefulness of the event as a learning experience as well as their general enjoyment of the day.”
“Our students tell us that the opportunity to network with the people who do the hiring is very valuable when it comes to carving out their education and career path,” said Porter.
The day-long summit started with a fair-style activity in which groups of students rotated between employers, gathering information about careers and credentials required to pursue them. Employers also shared opportunities for student employment and volunteering with their organizations. A networking lunch followed, and the afternoon was hosted by NC’s Community Employment Services.
CES manager Rebecca Nicholls and her team facilitated a resume workshop and a team-building activity called 21 Toys; a play-based workshop to develop the empathy and communication skills that employers are looking for.
-
- CES staff lead students through the 21 Toys game.
-
- Students watch a 21 Toys video.
“We wanted to emphasize to students that soft skills, like the ability to listen well and empathize with others, are things that employers look for when hiring,” said Nicholls. “The summit was a fun setting to start the conversation about career preparation with students. CES was happy to support the event.”
With 150 students and eight employers, it was no small feat to coordinate the day’s events.
Staff and student volunteers who helped organize and coordinate the summit.
“We had 13 incredible NC student volunteers who gave of their time to help the day run smoothly,” said Brittany Lightheart, Career Insight event planner. “They wore many hats to ensure student participants, employers and NC staff could enjoy the day. A huge thank you goes out to these future leaders.”
“Putting on events like this speaks to the dedication Niagara College has towards ensuring their students succeed after graduation,” said Durrant.
The Career Ready Fund, from Ontario’s Ministry of Colleges and Universities, is part of the Career Kick-Start Strategy, and aims to help publicly assisted colleges and universities, employers and other organizations create experiential learning opportunities for postsecondary students and recent grads. Visit www.tcu.gov.on.ca/pepg/programs/careerreadyfund.html
