Mt. A kicked off Career Week 2024 from February 5 to 9. This week-long event, organized by the Experiential Learning and Career Development Office, provides students with various professional development opportunities aimed at enhancing their skills, knowledge, and career prospects.
Through many locations across campus and online platforms, Career Week features an array of workshops, seminars, and networking events, all designed to equip students with the tools they need to succeed. Led by seasoned professionals, these sessions delve into crucial topics like personal branding, networking, and financial literacy. Emily Sanford, the Career Services Coordinator, emphasizes the significance of Career Week as an opportunity for students to get ready for summer employment and post-graduate work. She says, “Career Week is a great opportunity for students to gain information and tools to prepare for summer employment and post-graduate work.” Sanford highlights the tailored nature of the sessions offered throughout the week, which are curated to help students in preparing crucial documents, understanding workplace culture, and acquiring practical strategies for networking and career exploration.
The week began with the plan of workshops like the Academic CV Workshop and Understanding Your Student Loans which was facilitated by the Mt. A First Generation Office. Unfortunately, the Academic CV Workshop event was cancelled due to the weather but will be rescheduled for Wednesday, February 28 at 10:30 a.m. Momentum picked up on Tuesday with the Lunch & Learn session on Combating Imposter Syndrome.
Wednesday was packed with opportunities for students to refine their job-seeking skills. From Networking 101 to Drop-in Resume and Cover Letter Reviews, students had access to personalized guidance and feedback to polish their professional profiles. The Career Fair on Thursday was a highlight of the week, offering students a chance to engage with recruiters from various organizations and explore potential career paths. Sanford underscores the practical application of the skills acquired during Career Week, stating, “students can then practice their new skills while chatting with employers at the Career Fair, to find out answers to burning questions about what kind of opportunities are out there.”
All events are free and open to everyone, regardless of their field of study or academic year. Whether you are a first-year exploring career options or a fourth-year preparing to enter the workforce, there is something for everyone at Career Week.
However, Career Week is not solely about attending workshops—it is also an opportunity to earn recognition through the Elevate Program. By participating in designated events, students can earn credits towards completing this professional development program, which focuses on communication skills, digital literacy, financial literacy, and cultural competency. Completion of the Elevate Program not only earns students a certificate but also offers the chance to win one of three $500 bursaries.
As the week drew to a close, students were encouraged to drop by the Experiential Learning and Career Development Office on Friday for a casual chat over coffee and donuts. An opportunity to reflect on the insights gained throughout the week, provide feedback on the events, and discover additional resources available to support their career journey. Sanford acknowledges the support provided by the Career Services team beyond Career Week, throughout the semester. She elaborates, “It is always a jam-packed week, but we continue to offer workshops and training throughout the rest of the semester as well.” Sanford directs students to the Events and Workshops calendar on experience.mta.ca, where they can discover an array of upcoming sessions, including offerings like Gen Z and Workplace Etiquette and the engaging Digital Obstacle Course.
Career Week at Mt. A is a commitment to empowering students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to thrive in today’s world job market. By providing a platform for professional development, networking, and exploration, Career Week equips students with the tools they need to use throughout their journey toward a successful and fulfilling career. Sanford extends an open invitation for students to seek personalized guidance and support, emphasizing the availability of one on one sessions throughout the year. She encourages students to visit the Career Services office, located in room 203 in the Student Centre, at any time.
