Jennifer Pringle of Reedemer University College got in touch with me recently about getting the word out about the upcoming Connect to Careers job fair, check out the interview below for details on the event:

Tell me about yourself.

I oversee both the co-operative education and career services departments at Redeemer University College in Ancaster. I enjoy coaching students on their career journey and encourage them to continually explore the myriad of possibilities out there. My business background helps me serve students and connect with employers. I love my work!

What is Connect to Careers?

A HUGE job fair in Hamilton. A partnership of McMaster University, Mohawk College and Redeemer University College as well as Workforce Planning Hamilton. Generous community support comes from Hamilton Economic Development and Employment Ontario has helped fund too. We could not put this on without employer sponsors: ArcelorMittal is the Platinum sponsor of our event, Maple Leaf, Acuren and McKeil Marine are gold sponsors. We are grateful to them all!

Where and when will it be happening this year?

Thursday, 23 January, 2014 10 am – 4 pm

Careport Centre 270 Longwood Rd S. Hamilton, ON, L8P OA6

For our students and alumni only in the morning. Public welcome 1-4pm.

How did you get involved in organizing Connect to Careers?

I heard about it last year from my colleagues at McMaster University. Mac and Mohawk organized the first one themselves. They kindly invited me to come and check it out. It was well done so Redeemer was thrilled to be invited to join the partnership this year. The planning team used the learnings from last year and has worked hard to enhance this year’s job fair. For example, the Careport Centre is large, excellent venue with free parking and lots of room for employers and attendees, workshops and speakers.

What are the numbers in terms of companies and students that attend?

More than 125 employers are registered as of today! There are a few booth spaces left for any recruiters interested in this great one-stop opportunity. We are expecting at least 3000 students and alumni and more than 2,000 members of the public too!

How can companies be featured at this event?

They can register online to attend for $600 (includes power and meals) and for $100 more they can buy a logo for the home page of connecttocareersjobfair.ca. Employers should also submit their profile for the Web site and the mobile app that provides students constant updates.

Why should students come out to this event?

Why not???? This is a brilliant opportunity for students to explore careers, learn what kind of jobs are out there, apply for jobs (summer, co-op and permanent). Also they should make efforts to talk to employers and find out what they’re looking for, practice their networking skills, etc. In order to profit from their time, students should plan their visit by researching employers in advance at connecttocareersjobfair.ca and creating questions for them. I recommend thinking about the skills and experience they have to offer, in addition to their program of study. I suggest they also bring a résumé for a free critique (10am – 1pm) plus decide which workshops they’d like to attend. There’s lots to do all day and any of these would be great next steps in their career development and future!

Which ICT companies will be in attendance this year?

ICT companies such as Evertz Microsystems, GryphTech, L-3 WESCAM, and MedTel will be in attendance, and of course non-ICT focused companies will be hiring for ICT positions.

If students don’t see companies that I recognize on the list, should they still attend?

Job seekers should always consider adjacent possibilities!! For example, computer science majors have a wide variety of valuable skills! There are jobs at large, medium and small companies and not for profit employers too. Everyone needs a range of employees. It’s free, so attend and connect to your career!