UTM to host annual Get Hired Fair
The Career Centre’s bi-annual Get Hired Fair connects UTM students with employment and internship opportunities.
As senior students at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) move through the winter semester, many think about life after graduation, question their employment prospects, and consider their career options.
To help ease such anxieties, the UTM’s Career Centre will be holding its annual Get Hired Fair (GHF) on January 21 at the Recreation, Athletics and Wellness Centre (RAWC) from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The GHF offers students the opportunity to speak with representatives and employers from various organizations to learn about full-time, part-time, and summer jobs, along with internships, volunteer opportunities, and tech co-op placements. The GHF will have an early opening at 9:30 a.m. for students interested in attending an earlier time.
What to expect
The Medium spoke with UTM Media Relations to learn more about the GHF and the rationale for holding it. Felicity Morgan, director at the Career Centre, stated that students should expect “the perfect opportunity to connect with hiring managers from a wide range of industries—from global brands like Samsung and TD Bank to dynamic mid-sized companies and innovative smaller businesses like Mainfreight.”
One fourth-year student who wished to remain anonymous in the professional writing and communication (PWC) program stated her reasons for planning to attend. “The fair has a lot of companies that are interested in the field of media technology, marketing, humanities, and… there will be publishing companies such as MDPI [Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute], and I am a writing student, so I’m looking for publishing opportunities,” she said.
She continued, “It’s a good networking opportunity even if I don’t find a job. I can connect with [recruiters] on LinkedIn, I can make valuable connections… and it will be good practice to learn how to present and… sell myself, which is a very important skill… to get a job in this chaotic market.”
How to prepare
Morgan suggested a few ways for students to prepare for the GHF. She recommended researching the attending companies in advance. “Review the employer list,” which can be accessed on the Career Centre’s GHF web page, “and learn about the organizations you want to meet.” This will help students prepare well-thought-out questions for potential employers, which Morgan also encouraged. “Ask about the company’s work, the skills they value, and the roles available for students and new graduates.”
Morgan also recommended crafting a thorough and efficient introduction. “A concise, confident introduction helps you stand out. For example: ‘Hi, I’m Ifra, a second-year Biology student looking for opportunities to apply my interpersonal and problem-solving skills in your industry.’ Tailor your introduction to your skills, interests, and the employer you’re speaking with.”
Support beyond the fair
Students unable to attend the fair should not worry; the Career Centre offers various employment supports and programs. Morgan stated, “We provide students with programs, resources, and personalized support to help [them] explore career options, develop in-demand skills, and connect [them] with a network of employers in Mississauga and beyond.”
“Our team of career counsellors and employment strategists offer one-on-one appointments, interactive workshops, and convenient drop-ins. These services can help you craft standout resumes, cover letters, and LinkedIn profiles, build a strategic job search plan, and practice interview techniques.”
Additionally, the Career Centre offers Skills Accelerator Programs, which “[connect students] with employers to tackle real-world challenges or develop industry-specific skills that employers value,” according to Morgan. Students can find more details on registering for events on the university’s website on the CLNx page.
Resources for upcoming graduates
The Career Centre will be conducting its signature workshop “Now That I’m Graduating, What’s Next?” for students in their final year. This workshop will help students “create a post-graduation plan, explore the supports available through the Career Centre, and connect directly with a career development professional to get answers to [their] questions,” according to Morgan.
Morgan also discussed another event—Sweats to Suits—which is “an exclusive conference for the graduating class. This event features practical sessions on job search strategies, plus networking opportunities with employers and alumni—designed to help you transition confidently from campus to career. Sign-up will be available on CLNx in February.”
