Lethbridge College's Career Conference and Open House

by Pam Crawshaw-Prangnell, Supervisor, The Works-Job & Career Services
and
Derek Bly, Communications Coordinator
Lethbridge College

The snow is falling here in Lethbridge, so perhaps we should be thinking about Christmas, New Years, or even planning that ski trip for Reading Week, but for college students it is not too soon to be thinking about summer. April will be here sooner than you think, bringing with it graduation or summer employment. Tomorrow, Thursday, November 6, more than 115 employers will be at Lethbridge College's Career Conference and Open House to meet with our students, potential students and the public. Its a great opportunity to meet someone you can trust, gather some career information and perhaps get to know the boss you'll work for starting this summer.

With more than 130 exhibits in total, the annual Career Conference and Open House at Lethbridge College is the ‘one-stop shop’ for anyone considering future education and career opportunities.

Our annual event is one of Western Canada’s largest career conferences and I am thrilled that I have been a part of every one since 1990. The event brings together a mix of businesses, seeking to connect with potential employees, and college program areas that can get individuals on the right path to the career of their choice. More than 115 employers will be represented.

Career Conference and Open House is open to the entire community and runs Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Displays will be set up in the Val Matteotti Gymnasium, in the Centre Core, and along the corridor that connects the two.

The theme for this year’s conference is "Meet Someone You Can Trust". With many business exhibitors being regular participants over the years, it really is an opportunity to connect with respected organizations.

Anyone looking to connect with prospective employers can really benefit by attending the Career Conference and Open House. We have many trusted partners who return each year to foster a positive relationship with students and others seeking to move ahead in a career.

Terri Ann Fitz-Gibson, Educational Campus Events Coordinator, says a popular feature of the college open house returns this year – waiving of application fees for prospective students. This year 100 individuals can see the $55 fee waived. The total will be split with the first 50 applicants from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and the first 50 from 5-8 p.m. benefiting from the offer.

“We wanted to spread the opportunity out over the day because we have both high school and mature students who can benefit from having the application fee waived,” Fitz-Gibson says. “Offering it at two different times creates openings for those who may not be able to attend at one particular time.”

There is another incentive available to prospective students who attend Career Conference and Open House, she says.

“We’re offering on-the-spot conditional acceptance to most credit programs with a start date in the winter or fall 2009 semesters.”

Tours and Activities:

Cousins Building Tour
10 & 11 a.m.; 1 & 2 p.m.
Meet at the brown bear in the Phys. Ed. Building foyer

Fashion Design Area
All day
Room AN1530

Massages
All day
Massage Therapy Exhibit, Row N

Self-Guided Tours
All day
Tour package available in Centre Core

Event web site, which includes a list of exhibitors:

careerconference.ca


KISS (KEEPING IT SIMPLE FOR SEEKERS):

The location of each exhibitor will be mapped out in the Career Conference and Open House booklet. Check out a presentation or information session, walk around the gym, get a feel for the set up, and chart your own course.


Budget your time carefully so you can visit as many exhibits as possible. Allow yourself at least one hour. Remember, lunch hour will be the busiest time - if possible, come before or after lunch.


Go alone. Friends may keep you from visiting exhibits that are of primary interest to you.


Don't be shy. Indicate to the employers your course of study. If you have chosen the wrong company, thank them and move on.


Have a list of prepared questions. Be prepared to answer to inquiries about your education and career plans.


Avoid questions about salary. Research starting salary statistics.


Pickup a business card at each table. Make a brief note on the back of each to help you recall your conversation with the company's representative. Feel free to make notes during your discussion if the company representative provides a lot of detail. Help yourself to the free company brochures.


Review your notes and return to exhibits of particular interest. You may be able to explore your career plans in more depth.


Remember, these visits are not interviews, but they are your opportunity to make a crucial first impression.

Meet the recruiters and do some networking. It's a great opportunity to start planning your career.

Here are some questions you can ask:

- Is your firm hiring this year? If so, from what programs?
- What types of positions will you have open?
- Where are the jobs located?
- What is a typical career path for graduates in my field?
- What further education or training might I need to achieve my goals with your company?
- What is your deadline for applications and what do you require?
- What are the major trends in the industry today?
- What is the growth potential for your firm?
- Will you be conducting on-campus interviews at the college? When?
- Is your organization a work-experience host? Do you offer practicums or internships?