Fairs
Career and Job Fairs
Each year, in conjunction with the University of Waterloo, University of Guelph and Conestoga College, the Laurier Career Centre hosts two fairs for our students and alumni. The fairs are consistently the largest in the country.
For other information about the fairs, including lists of participating organizations and how to prepare for the fairs, visit www.partners4employment.ca.
You can also attend a "Make the Most of Career/Job Fair" workshop in Waterloo or Brantford for tips on effectively networking at Career/Job Fair.
About Career Fair
Career Fair, held each fall, is an excellent opportunity to network with potential employers and learn more about their organizations, careers and potential employment opportunities.
- Wednesday, October 21, 2020
About Job Fair
Job Fair, held each February, has participating organizations recruiting for full-time, contract, summer, co-op and part-time job openings. The importance of attending Job Fair cannot be overstated. It provides students and alumni with the chance to network with potential employers to learn more about their organizations and to apply for jobs on-site.
- Tuesday, February 2, 2021
Does anyone get an interview from attending Career/Job Fair?
About 49% of employer respondents from a past Job Fair indicated that they were planning to interview Laurier students as a result of meeting them at the fair.
I've heard employers at the fair are only hiring for engineering and IT roles. Is this true?
We get this; many of the employers are attending specifically to recruit students for these roles. However, it is a myth that they are only hiring for these roles. Here are three things to debunk this myth:
- Employers who want to hire engineers also need to hire people in other types of roles at the organization such as HR, marketing, accounting, administration, etc.
- More than 50% of the organizations attending are in industries other than engineering and IT.
- While there are over 200 employers attending the fair, you only need to talk to a handful to make it worth your time. Of course, you can spend the day and talk to several employers, but do not feel you need to talk every employer.
What types of jobs are these employers hiring for?
I'm nervous about talking to employers. What should I do?
This is a very common feeling for students so you are not alone. Here are a couple of suggestions to help you on the day of the fair:
- Remember that each of these employers has been where you are; they understand how difficult the job search process can be and how networking can be uncomfortable.
- Stop by the "Ask a Career Advisor" booth before you start your day at Career/Job Fair. A career consultant can help you figure out how to navigate the fair and put you at ease. If you have any accessibility needs, let the career consultant know and we will arrange for the assistance you need.
- Prepare ahead of time! Use the P4E Career Fair App (trust us, it's really awesome); read the guidebook profiles (online at www.partners4employment.ca, through the app or in the print copy, which you can pick up in the Career Centre or at the fair); bring copies of your resumé; dress professionally; and think of questions you would like to ask. The Career Centre offers a workshop, "Make the Most of Career/Job Fair", that can help you prepare effectively.
Further Education Fair
The Further Education Fair (Brantford, Waterloo) is held in October and is a valuable opportunity to learn about possible graduate programs as well as admission requirements and application procedures for a range of graduate and post-degree college programs. Participating programs include graduate schools, colleges, teacher education, law, international and health.
Why Attend? This is your opportunity to speak with representatives from programs or schools you are considering. The event is great for students researching their options for a year or two in the future as well as for those applying this year. Learn about program choices, admission requirements and tips for successful applications. Students who have attended in the past talk about how they have learned information about the programs that goes beyond what was available on the school's website. Don't miss this chance to talk to the schools!
- Wednesday, October 7, 2020
The On-Campus Student Employment and Volunteer Fair
The On-Campus Student Employment and Volunteer Fair (Brantford, Waterloo) is held in February at the Brantford campus and in March at the Waterloo campus. Learn about a variety of convenient on-campus positions, both paid and unpaid, that will be available during the following summer and academic year.
Careers in Criminology and Law Fair (Brantford)
The Criminology Faculty, Criminology Students' Association and the Career Centre partner to provide career information specific to the area of Criminology. Students connect with professionals working in various fields related to Criminology such as policing, probation and parole, law and others. Students from all programs are welcome to attend.
Careers in Education Fair (Brantford)
The Careers in Education Fair is a great opportunity for students to connect with education organizations and school boards looking to hire teaching and other education-related positions. Students from all programs and years are welcome to attend.