Assiniboine College and Brandon University partnered with the Brandon Chamber of Commerce for a conference-style event, ConnectED, that offered more than 100 students the opportunity to connect with local industry. Using a "speed dating" model, the half-day conference matched students with industry experts in their areas of interest, giving them dedicated facetime to ask career questions, gain insider tips and tricks, and build their personal networks.
ConnectED offered students the chance to meet with experts in non-profit, technology, accounting, human resources, financial services, marketing, media, and manufacturing sectors.
Students attended the Brandon Chamber of Commerce lunch prior to the conference, where Cora Dupuis, Brandon University's Co-operative Program Coordinator, spoke about the importance youth play in fostering a thriving and resilient community.
Assiniboine has a long history of providing business, office and media programs to meet industry demands. The college's commitment to growth and innovation has led to the establishment of the Peters School of Business, which will continue to provide industry connection and train the next generation of business leaders through advanced commerce education.
As Canada's Finest Regional University, BU offers students a wide selection of degrees at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, with programming that is deeply responsive to local needs. Through program placements and practica, opportunities like BU Co-op, and community-engaged research, students have the chance to participate first-hand in the region as part of their learning experience.
Quotes:
"Work integrated learning opportunities are essential to a post-secondary student's education," said Terry Burgess, Dean, Peters School of Business, Assiniboine. "Helping students broaden their networks and give insight into the careers available to them is the business we're in."
"Making sure our graduates can build meaningful careers right here in Westman is one of the top ways that BU supports lasting growth in our region. A degree or a diploma can open the door to your career, but growing a network of personal connections who will welcome you through that door is what makes experiential education like the BU Co-op Program so valuable," said Dr. Kofi Campbell, BU Provost & Vice-President (Academic).
"At the Chamber, we recognize that strong connections between students and industry leaders create a win-win scenario businesses benefit from fresh talent, and students gain the mentorship and confidence to take the next steps in their careers," said Lois Ruston, President of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce. "It's inspiring to see our business community actively investing in the future workforce."
"I believe that events like ConnectED are not just about career growth, but also about fostering a sense of community and support among emerging professionals," said Christian Padolina, a second-year Assiniboine Business Administration student in the Marketing specialization. "I see this event as a chance to understand where my skills fit into the evolving industry, and I'm especially eager to learn how professionals navigate the changing landscape what skills are in demand, how they stay ahead of trends, and what it takes to build a successful career in an increasingly tech-driven world."
"I appreciate that Assiniboine College, specifically the Peters School of Business, prioritizes networking for its students," Kristen Nerbas, a second-year Assiniboine Business Administration student in the Financial Services specialization. "These events are prime opportunities to immerse myself in the local atmosphere of industry leaders and a chance to gain valuable insight about the sort of work available to me post-graduation."
"ConnectED was an energizing experience that gave me new insight into how my computer science education could plug into many different industries, including areas I had previously not considered. The experienced professionals I met with were excited to discuss and share experiences about their industries. I came away from ConnectED with meaningful connections and a wealth of future opportunities with experts in computer science," said Gabe Wurtz, 3rd year Computer Science Co-op student.
"Walking into a room full of professionals made me feel both excited and intimidated. I'm excited to learn from them, but I'm also worried that I'm not yet at the point where I fully understand their insights. However, as the event unfolded, I learned that every expert was once a beginner after listening to their experiences. They treated me not just as a student but as someone with potential. I left not just inspired but determined to turn my own potential into something great," said Annie Phan, 2nd year, Psychology Co-op student.
