A small cost for a priceless experience
Have you heard of the hidden
job market? According to Forbes
magazine, 80 per cent of all jobs
are never posted. So while you
may be checking KnightHunter
and other local job sites on a daily
basis — or employing the “spray and pray” approach of sending
your resume to every company
with an email address — chances
are you're only scratching the surface
of what's out there.
The key to your future costs just $10 — the price of admission to the seventh annual Student 2 Business networking conference at the London Convention Centre.
“When you know that 80 per cent of the jobs are not posted, and you know that ... employers use their networks to solicit talent. If a student doesn't develop those networks, then they're going to miss out on some very exciting [opportunities],” said Robert Collins, director of workforce development for the London Economic Development Corporation. “Networking is a skill, and you have to practice it. What better opportunity than this, which is a [safe and welcoming environment]?”
Student 2 Business will connect 600 students with approximately 250 employer representatives from 10 different sectors. The ballroom of the London Convention Centre will be divided into colour-coded sections for each sector: government and education, finance and insurance, manufacturing and construction, health and life sciences, information and communications technology and digital media services, marketing and communications, not-for-profit, professional services, and entrepreneurship, covering just about every program Fanshawe offers.
But don't just stick to the sector you're studying at Fanshawe; Student 2 Business is a chance to broaden your horizons.
“There are opportunities that people don't intuitively think about,” Collins said, giving the examples of a graphic design grad employed in a bank's marketing department, or a horticulture student finding a job in a hospital's groundskeeping department. “It's a chance to go and test where your skills might fit. You just might find [that] a combination of your passion and your interest, as well as your skill set, may be in demand.”
Student 2 Business is not a job fair, so leave your resume at home, but definitely remember to bring your business cards. Student 2 Business is even offering a deal on personalized business cards — they're $5 for 50, and include your name, program of study and contact information. You can purchase these when you register for the event online.
“It's really to practice those soft skills of giving out your contact information,” said Brittany Medeiros, the marketing, communications and event co-ordinator for Student 2 Business. Exchanging business cards “opens the door for communication later on, so when they go to have that followup conversation, they have an actual person's [name].”
In addition to offering the chance to network with representatives from local organizations, the event will also feature keynote speaker Steve Dalton, presenting on the two-hour job search. “It's how to get organized in two hours and follow a disciplined approach,” Collins explained. “We believe that the model is powerful.”
Afternoon sessions include human resources representatives talking about things to do and things to avoid during your job hunt, and a special session for international students featuring a panel of international graduates who have been successful in their job hunts.
Be sure to dress to impress (business attire is appropriate) and wear a confident smile. Check out a full list of preparation tips under the Students tab of the Student 2 Business website.
If you're not already thinking about your life beyond graduation, now's the time to start. The annual Student 2 Business conference could be an important step in your hunt for a fulfilling career.
Tickets for the event are $10, but the first 200 Fanshawe students to register will receive a free pass (code word: Falcon). The first 200 students to register and attend the event will be entered into a draw for a $100 gift card.
Transportation from the F building entrance (the doors near the Welcome Desk) at Fanshawe to the London Convention Centre will run every half-hour from 1 to 8:30 p.m.
For more information and to register, go to s2b.ca.
The key to your future costs just $10 — the price of admission to the seventh annual Student 2 Business networking conference at the London Convention Centre.
“When you know that 80 per cent of the jobs are not posted, and you know that ... employers use their networks to solicit talent. If a student doesn't develop those networks, then they're going to miss out on some very exciting [opportunities],” said Robert Collins, director of workforce development for the London Economic Development Corporation. “Networking is a skill, and you have to practice it. What better opportunity than this, which is a [safe and welcoming environment]?”
Student 2 Business will connect 600 students with approximately 250 employer representatives from 10 different sectors. The ballroom of the London Convention Centre will be divided into colour-coded sections for each sector: government and education, finance and insurance, manufacturing and construction, health and life sciences, information and communications technology and digital media services, marketing and communications, not-for-profit, professional services, and entrepreneurship, covering just about every program Fanshawe offers.
But don't just stick to the sector you're studying at Fanshawe; Student 2 Business is a chance to broaden your horizons.
“There are opportunities that people don't intuitively think about,” Collins said, giving the examples of a graphic design grad employed in a bank's marketing department, or a horticulture student finding a job in a hospital's groundskeeping department. “It's a chance to go and test where your skills might fit. You just might find [that] a combination of your passion and your interest, as well as your skill set, may be in demand.”
Student 2 Business is not a job fair, so leave your resume at home, but definitely remember to bring your business cards. Student 2 Business is even offering a deal on personalized business cards — they're $5 for 50, and include your name, program of study and contact information. You can purchase these when you register for the event online.
“It's really to practice those soft skills of giving out your contact information,” said Brittany Medeiros, the marketing, communications and event co-ordinator for Student 2 Business. Exchanging business cards “opens the door for communication later on, so when they go to have that followup conversation, they have an actual person's [name].”
In addition to offering the chance to network with representatives from local organizations, the event will also feature keynote speaker Steve Dalton, presenting on the two-hour job search. “It's how to get organized in two hours and follow a disciplined approach,” Collins explained. “We believe that the model is powerful.”
Afternoon sessions include human resources representatives talking about things to do and things to avoid during your job hunt, and a special session for international students featuring a panel of international graduates who have been successful in their job hunts.
Be sure to dress to impress (business attire is appropriate) and wear a confident smile. Check out a full list of preparation tips under the Students tab of the Student 2 Business website.
If you're not already thinking about your life beyond graduation, now's the time to start. The annual Student 2 Business conference could be an important step in your hunt for a fulfilling career.
Tickets for the event are $10, but the first 200 Fanshawe students to register will receive a free pass (code word: Falcon). The first 200 students to register and attend the event will be entered into a draw for a $100 gift card.
Transportation from the F building entrance (the doors near the Welcome Desk) at Fanshawe to the London Convention Centre will run every half-hour from 1 to 8:30 p.m.
For more information and to register, go to s2b.ca.
