Niagara College’s Career Services and Community Employment Services teams will host the College’s first-ever Virtual Career Fair on Wednesday, February 17 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Current students, alumni and community residents are welcome to attend the online event to explore job opportunities, share resumes and meet with employers relevant to their program or experience who are recruiting for available positions.
While NC has moved its annual Career Fair online this year, the new format provides an opportunity for job seekers to network with a broad range of organizations in a virtual setting.
“We’re really encouraging our students, grads, and community members to participate in our Career Fair as an opportunity to virtually connect with employers from the Niagara area and beyond,” said Dina Fox, NC’s associate director, Student Engagement, Academic Advisement and Career Services. “Our Career Services team, along with our colleagues from Community Employment Services, is looking forward to facilitating those connections for participants in the current world of work.”
Using an interactive online platform, employers will set up virtual booths and host one-on-one and open group sessions with job seekers in real-time. The one-on-one sessions can be booked in advance and spots are limited, so job seekers are encouraged to visit the Virtual Career Fair website early to browse through a list of employers, their opportunities and available time slots. Participants are also required to register, free of charge, and create a profile, where they can upload their resume for employers to review prior to Feb. 17.
So far, more than 40 employers have registered for the event, representing a variety of industries including community services, hospitality, policing, healthcare, manufacturing, and various business-focused areas in business solutions, software, engineering and operations. Registration is open for interested employers until February 5 at careerfair.niagaracollege.ca/registration.
“Meeting and interviewing with potential employers virtually is the new reality for those currently searching for work during COVID-19,” said Rebecca Nicholls, manager, Community Employment Programs and Services. “Attending Virtual Career Fair is the perfect opportunity for job seekers to gain confidence interacting with employers online, while for employers, it’s a chance to continue searching for talent as they adapt their recruiting methods.”
Since the connections made at NC’s Career Fairs can lead to real opportunities, including on-the-spot job offers, NC is also helping students and community residents prepare for the experience to help them put their best foot forward on Feb. 17.
Leading up to the event, the Career Services team is offering a variety of sessions for NC students and recent grads including resume review sessions, virtual interview practice tutorials, and Virtual Career Fair 101 sessions. A list of offerings is available at careerfair.niagaracollege.ca/prep-events.
Community Employment Services provides similar support to all NC alumni and community residents through interview and resume workshops and open drop-in sessions. Their website lists current workshops and resources.
Throughout the year, NC’s Career Services department offers students a full suite of employment services, including job search resources and coaching, resume and cover letter reviews, interview practice, and workshops. It also helps to connect employers with students seeking part-time, seasonal, or co-op work experiences, or new graduates seeking employment. Employers are encouraged to visit mycareer.niagaracollege.ca for information on how to post an opportunity or to find out more about how the Career Services team can support your hiring needs.
Funded through the Ministry of Training Colleges and Universities’ Employment Ontario, NC’s Community Employment Services provides support for individuals seeking employment or training; employment related workshops, job postings and job search resources; and assistance to employers to meet their hiring needs. COVID-19-specific help for both job seekers and employers is also available. Services are currently available virtually on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Visit www.niagaracollege.ca/ces to learn more.
