The U of M’s annual Career Fair on Jan. 27 and 28 brought students, alumni and employers together to explore career opportunities, network and learn more about paths available after graduation.
The event featured organizations from a range of sectors, including public service, finance and international graduate education.
Students were able to speak directly with representatives and learn more about employment and post-graduate opportunities.
Malek Rose, a program support staff member with U of M Career Services, spoke about the career fair.
“We have a bunch of employers come in and students and alumni have a chance to have direct one-to-one contact with employers to find out more about opportunities.”
Rose spent the day at the Career Services booth promoting resources available through the office, including resume support, interview preparation and job search assistance.
“This is obviously a service that’s free for alumni and students to use. A lot of people don’t know that it’s available to them,” he explained.
Career Services is located on the fourth floor of University Centre, room 474. Rose encouraged students, particularly those nearing graduation, to take advantage of their services.
The fair also included international education options. Zhaoying Hu represented the Community Solution Education System.
“We are a group of universities in the U.S.,” Hu stated. “We are all private, non-profit and we offer career focused graduate level education.”
Referencing one of the schools in the group — The Chicago School — Hu explained that although it initially “focused on psychology” it has since expanded to other programs.
She included that they were at the fair “because many of the programs that [they] offer are very limited in Canada, [whether] it’s mental health [and/or] physical health [programs],” she said, implying that “a lot of students have to go somewhere else to pursue that dream.” She encouraged everyone to keep exploring as there are many opportunities out there.
Janet Reichert, recruitment and communication specialist for the Brandon Police Service, said the organization was attending the fair to recruit.
“We are looking for recruit officers. As well, we will have a cadet program opening coming up.”
Reichert explained that the Brandon Police Service prioritizes member wellness.
“Our executives are always looking out for our well-being, and we have a wellness committee,” she said. “We have one of the first psychologists in a small department coming on board.”
Genevieve Yoko, representative of Median Credit Union, explained the credit union is Indigenous-focused and owned but open to everyone.
Yoko highlighted specific benefits available to students and young adults.
“We have an account for 29 and under that has no fees at all,” she explained. “We also have many opportunities for anyone that would like to join us.”
Taqua Shapan, a third-year psychology student, attended the career fair. “I think that this is a very important event that you should all go to because it’ll open your eyes to the different companies that are in Manitoba,” Shapan said.
