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Fairs and Recruiting Events
Job fairs and recruitment events provide you with the opportunity to connect with potential employers, explore career paths and showcase your skills and qualifications in a professional setting.
Attending these events will help you with networking, learning about various industries and applying for jobs.
On this page:
Job Fairs
Each year, in conjunction with the University of Waterloo, University of Guelph and Conestoga College, the Laurier Career Centre hosts two job 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 "Job Fair Boot Camp" for tips on effectively networking at Job Fair.
Fall Job Fair
The fall Job Fair is held in person in Waterloo at the end of September. It hosts 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.
Winter Job Fair
The winter Job Fair is hosted online each February. It is another excellent opportunity to network with potential employers and learn more about their organizations, careers and employment opportunities. The fair is hosted on a platform that allows for chat and/or video interaction with recruiters. Participating in this Job Fair is a great way to make professional connections that will aid your job search and applications.
- Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024 | Virtual
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.
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.
There is a wide variety of jobs and industries represented at the fair. You can find a summer job, full-time job or even co-op opportunities. There is something for everyone.
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.
- Connect with a Career Consultant for help navigating the fair. Book an appointment prior to the Fair, or chat with a consultant on-site the day of the event. If you have any accessibility needs, let the career consultant know and we will arrange for the assistance you need.
- Prepare ahead of time! Make a short list of employers you want to connect with, update your resumé, dress professionally, and think of questions you want to ask. Attend our "Job Fair Boot Camp" to help you prepare effectively.
Employer Recruiting Sessions
Employer events present an ideal opportunity for you to connect with potential employers, allowing you to:
- Make a positive impression on a potential employer (these sessions can be viewed as a step in the recruiting process)
- Learn more about the organization's values, culture and job opportunities.
Register for Sessions
To register for a recruiting session:
- Log in to Navigator
- View the schedule of upcoming employer events.
- Select the event to register.
Attendance Policy
Once you are registered, you are expected to attend the session because your registration is confirmed with the employer.
If you cannot attend the event, cancel your registration in Navigator. If you cannot cancel in Navigator, contact the Career Centre.
If you fail to attend two sessions without cancelling in advance, you may be required to meet with Career Centre staff before you can further participate in these recruiting events.
Career Panels and Networking Events
Our guest speaker events share career information and advice to help you:
- Learn more about a potential career path of interest to you (for example: job responsibilities; work culture; skills, personality and interests required to succeed; future trends; etc.).
- Learn about career options you may not have previously considered.
- Build your professional network and open up future opportunities to connect (networking is critical when career planning or job searching).
Past Speaker Panels Topics
- Careers in Design Thinking
- International Students to Laurier Alumni - Where are they now?
- Careers in Communications
- Indigenous Entrepreneurship Panel
Missed an event? You can view recordings of past events in Navigator: Career Resources > Handouts and Event Recordings.
Further Education Fair
The Further Education Fair 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, Oct. 18, 2023 | Lazaridis Atrium, Waterloo Campus
Employment and Volunteer Events
The Career Centre hosts additional events to promote distinct job and volunteer opportunities.
Community Volunteer Fair
Learn about volunteer opportunities with local organizations. Volunteer experience is a great way to make a contribution to the community, build skills for future employment and learn about career options.
- Waterloo: Tuesday, October 3, 2023
- Brantford: Wednesday, October 4, 2023
On-Campus Job and Volunteer Fair
Learn about various convenient on-campus positions, both paid and unpaid that will be available during the following summer and academic year. This event is hosted annually on both campuses in January and February.