Jumpstart your future with the Ignite Career Conference

Header image for Interrobang article CREDIT: NICOLE SNOBELEN
The Ignite Careers Conference is right around the corner on Nov. 3. Students will be in for a real treat by learning some interesting material for their future and hearing from Fanshawe grad and keynote speaker Nicole Snobelen.

If asked what your career aspirations are after Fanshawe, would you be able to give a definitive answer?

Insightful and passionate senior manager Darlene O’Neill, from Fanshawe’s employment and student entrepreneurial services, believes that all students should leap into this year’s opportunity for the Ignite Career Conference.

The theme being held is “healthy self, healthy career”, providing a student-oriented lens to aid in personal development, experience on what to expect during a conference, and how to distinguish your own unique skillsets, passions and values that will translate into future growth and success.

If you answered no to the above question, here are the many reasons why you should sign up for the Ignite Career Conference, and if you answered yes – all the more reason to go.

Fanshawe College is the only institution within Canada to provide a free career conference for students that outlines potential real-world business environments with the exclusive intent to provide relevant, timely information from genuine professionals who have respectively reaped the benefits of their hardwork and devotion.

Nov. 3, 2018, representing Ignite’s fourth year at Fanshawe, will feature a magnitude of influencers and provide a professional atmosphere with a catered breakfast and lunch, 20 gift card giveaways, gift bags for all in attendance along with a leather-bound portfolio and content to bring into any future workplace.

The conference will begin with keynote speaker, Nicole Snobelen, proud Fanshawe College graduate of the fashion design and owner of Evelynn, by Nicole Snobelen. Snobelen will deliver the story of how she began her business and the position she has created for her success based on the attitudes, passions and skillsets she possesses. She is also the founder of The Abby Fund, a charity which began in 2015, committed to elevating the spirits of children affected with illness by creating their dream superhero and princess outfits.

During this year’s conference, students can also expect to lean about tips, tools and experiences regarding the importance of mental health awareness in the workplace and how they can handle these situations with Jack Talks, described on jack.org as, “mental health presentations delivered by young people to young people”, in a relatable and engaging way.

Kelsey King, a public relations and corporate communications student, said she feels strongly in favour of the Ignite Conference, suggesting students will gain insights to future endeavors as well as sparking inspiration for many.

“There definitely is a strong correlation between healthy lifestyle and career success, it isn’t always the case but it’s certainly important,” King said.

Various workshops will also be featured during the event. Your Inner Leadership teaches value-based leading, putting personal values into action to level-up oneself to create a compelling showcase based on core beliefs.

High Five Message of Career Development aims to explore student potential to pave a pathway of success carried out by the five messages and concrete examples to be discussed during the conference.

Health, Wellness, and Your Career is designed to positively show the impact on career development and its implementation on improving the ability to navigate work, life and its contribution to well-being through spiritual, mental and emotional connections.

Lessons for managing students’ careers in a complex future labour market will also be outlined in the career resiliency workshop. Teaching students five important lessons to move forward in decision making and connecting leisure and work with a future to be proud of.

“Give yourself the gift of a day,” O’Neill further said, while mentioning this year’s first exhibitor fair in Forwell Hall. “It’s all not-for-profit and they’re seeking volunteers.”

The exhibitor fair is described as a platform for interaction between not-for-profit organizations and students, bringing opportunities for students to get involved within local communities and additionally gain valuable experience.

Amy Anger, a fitness and health promotion student and Kaleb Smith, general business, both agree that Ignite Career Conference is a way for students to build more confidence in their careers and within social groups.

“Yeah, it is good experience for resumes, it really depends what you want to do, especially business programs, for networking,” Smith said.

Wrapping up the event will be the Employee Panel featuring Digital Echidna, Coca-Cola, CNIB, Libro, and Forces, providing insights on career related topics and speaking on behalf of the benefits of work ethics and volunteering.

According to the Ignite Career Conference page on fanshawec.ca, students are able to register free by navigating through FOL.