DURHAM COLLEGE
DC students gain career advantage through partnership with the Durham Region business community

Durham College (DC) students in business and information technology programs are gaining a powerful head start on their careers through exclusive memberships with Durham Region's Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade, unlocking access to real-world learning, industry connections and professional opportunities before they graduate.

Now in its fifth year, DC's partnership with the region's Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade provides students with unparalleled access to the region's business community through student memberships that extends throughout their studies and one year beyond graduation. In November, students were invited to network with representatives from each Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade at an open-house-style event in DC's Centre for Innovation and Research.

"The memberships create meaningful learning experiences beyond the classroom," said Cristina Italia, Executive Dean, Faculty of Business and Information Technology and Faculty of Media, Art and Design. "The opportunity to learn directly from business leaders, attend industry events, and build a professional network is a significant value add for our students and a unique aspect of a DC education. Students are able to connect theory to practice and graduate with confidence, experience, and strong community ties."

As a part of this partnership, students are welcome to attend regular events hosted throughout the academic year by the membership organizations as well as events tailored specifically for students, designed to help them practice networking while exploring a wide range of topics and discover new pathways in their chosen fields.

"We are thankful for the opportunity to partner with Durham College to provide students with opportunities to engage with leaders in the business community," said Bonnie Wrightman, Executive Director of the Clarington Board of Trade. "Our partnership helps students jumpstart their career by creating opportunities for students to build relationships with potential future employers as well as strengthen employability skills."

Seeing Durham College partner with various Durham Region Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade gives me a sense of pride, said Sports Administration student, Abigail Ansell, who attended a recent event on campus.

"I am incredibly warmed by the attention to detail both parties put into these events," she said. "One special moment I was able to experience was at the Slay Your Interview session. I gained valuable skills and tips from the speakers and will use them going into my summer work interviews next year. As a student, these partnerships show what it looks like when communities work together and thrive!"

Durham Region is home to seven Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade, including Ajax Pickering Board of Trade, Brock Board of Trade, Clarington Board of Trade, Newcastle & District Chamber of Commerce, North Durham Chamber of Commerce, Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce, and the Whitby Chamber of Commerce. Each of these membership organizations offer member benefits, networking events and business advocacy.

With each new semester, this partnership continues to strengthen DC's ties to the local business ecosystem, ensuring students graduate not only with credentials, but with relationships and experience that support them to be career-ready.