"The quality of students at York is great!" - Sun Life Financial
"We want students from all walks of life because we're a diverse employer - that's why we come to York!" - Ontario Place
"We've partnered with York's Career Centre for various recruitment events and the Career Fair presents a great opportunity to recruit. York students are well prepared, well engaged and have great questions." - TD Bank
This year's Career Fair saw a turnout of more than 3,500 York students with resumés in hand to impress some 50 employers representing a range of industries and organizations – from government agencies and financial institutions to summer camps and tourism companies.
The Career Fair, which took place on Jan. 28 in the Technology Enhanced Learning Building on the Keele campus, was organized by the York Career Centre.
The types of positions available to York students and new grads were diverse, with employers hiring for full-time, part-time, summer and internship positions. “I met with some great companies. There was a wide variety of employers and a good mix,” said one fourth-year student enrolled in the Administrative Studies Program in the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies.
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Left: Students talk to representatives from Sun Life Financial
Employers who participated in this year's Career Fair were enthusiastic about the opportunity to connect with York students and new grads. The Canada Revenue Agency, which saw hundreds of students who were willing to line up for up to 40 minutes to speak with a representative, had high praise for the University. “York's liberal arts programs allows for a breadth of knowledge that will help candidates deal with a range of issues related to our company,” said a Canada Revenue Agency representative. “York students have a real desire to work. [Students] here are prepared, really interested, and know about the opportunities. Their enthusiasm is impressive.”
Right: Students talk to representatives from Canada Revenue Agency
Many students eagerly came out to the event looking for part-time and summer work where they could gain experience. “I'm looking for anything part-time or seasonal that helps with my skill development,” said one third-year student from the Kinesiology Program in York’s Faculty of Health. “I'm excited because I've talked to a few employers and the job prospects sound very promising.”
Other students came out to explore career possibilities. One student in his first year of studies at the Schulich School of Business said of the Career Fair, “It’s a good way to get to know about different opportunities that different firms offer.”
Many students came to the fair with a specific employer in mind. They had done their research, attended the Career Centre's Resumé Writing workshop prior to the event and came to the fair, armed with their resumés and ready to impress. “The fair yesterday was probably the best fair that I have attended in the last five years – I've never seen such a big student turnout of such well-prepared students,” said one representative from International House – Sol Group of Schools.
Many employers who attended the fair were recruiting on the spot. “This is the most well attended fair I've been to this year,” said a representative from Xerox Canada. “We found four excellent candidates today and we have interviews lined up with more York students next week.”
“Connecting students with employers are what Career Fairs are all about,” said Jennifer Bramer, director of York’s Career Centre. “We understand the importance of building your network and making connections and we're delighted to offer this type of event to York students and new grads.”
Students who missed the Career Fair can check out employer profiles of the companies who attended to learn more about the types of positions available, what programs these organizations are interested in recruiting from, and how to apply for the positions. In addition to events like the Career Fair, the Career Centre offers a number of opportunities for students to connect with employers and alumni professionals.
Students can visit the Career Centre Web site for more information.