Tap into hidden job market with Student2Business conference

With summer comes the jobhunting grind we all fear. On the surface, it would seem that one can't do much to enter the job market, outside of dropping off a resume, perhaps going to an interview, and calling it a day. With such limited interaction with any employer, it seems almost impossible to make any sort of contact without being referred.

That's where the Student2Business (S2B) networking conference on March 6 comes in.

Currently in its sixth iteration, the S2B is all about tapping into the hidden job market, through building a rapport with potential employers. But firstly, what is the 'hidden job market'?

"The hidden job market is just those jobs that are never posted — unless you have a strong network, you might never know there was an opportunity available," said Eamon O'Flynn, the event's organizer, "About 70 per cent of jobs are filled before they are ever posted by people who are in the employer's network."

Student2Business is not a job fair. Rather, the event is all about connecting students with business owners in London and area. Students will have the opportunity to interact with the experts of various business fields, build rapport and gain access to the more elusive job positions they don't see in the papers. S2B is all about digging deeper than simply walking in after seeing the 'Help Wanted' on the front door.

"Who knows, someone you talk to at S2B might need a summer student, or a co-op, or might have a job opening up. The only way they'll think of you is if they know who you are, and the only way they'll know who you are is if they meet you at S2B."

Students from all walks of life - and all choices of career - will find this conference beneficial, with the opening seminar even directed towards helping international students get work in Canada. There will also be a keynote speech on the opportunities available in London, presented by award-winning entrepreneur Josh Linkner. Students interested in working in specific fields will get a chance to find out exactly how, straight from the advice of the various business leaders.

"Historically, S2B has had some pretty amazing businesses show up," according to O'Flynn "Trudell Medical, London Health Sciences, rTraction, Deloitte, The Investors Group, Cyborg Trading Systems, and tons of others in just about every field imaginable."

"A number of businesses have already registered for this year too — 3M Canada, Libro Financial and TGT Solutions Inc. are just a few."

It's clear that there's something for everyone, no matter what their interests or (hopeful) future careers may be.

The event takes place on March 6 at the London Convention Center, and is open to all students, so don't miss this opportunity. It's time to stave off those unemployment blues. Registration is $10; visit s2b.ca and sign up as soon as possible as tickets are running out fast.