Assiniboine College and Brandon University teamed up once again with the Brandon Chamber of Commerce to host ConnectED, a conference-style event that matched more than 80 students with dozens of professionals in fields they're interested in.
Students rotated through 30-minute mentorship rounds, hosted by one to two industry leaders, where they could ask questions and build meaningful connections with a variety of professions and sectors. Following the afternoon sessions, students joined members of the community and fellow alumni from both institutions for a come-and-go mixer.
In co-hosting ConnectED, Assiniboine continues its longstanding focus on business education and work integrated learning. The college has long been a cornerstone in shaping talent across business, office administration, and media industries. Students in the Peters School of Business connect with industry throughout their time at Assiniboine. Through practicum placements, industry integrated projects and competitions, the college continues to develop and equip the next generation of business leaders with the skills and experiences today's industries demand.
As Canada's Finest Regional University, BU provides programming to students that is deeply responsive to local needs, with a wide selection of degrees at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. 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:
Assiniboine and Brandon University:
"Work-integrated learning is a really important part of a student's post-secondary experience," said Terry Burgess, Dean of the Peters School of Business at Assiniboine. "Our goal is to help students grow their networks and get a clearer picture of the career paths available to them. Integration with industry, and the success of our students is at the heart of what we do."
"ConnectED is about more than a single afternoon of conversations. It's about helping students see a future for themselves here by building relationships with the people and organizations shaping our region. When students can connect their learning to real opportunities and real communities, they are far more likely to stay, contribute, and lead in Western Manitoba." Cora Dupuis, Director of the BU Co-operative Education Program.
Partners:
"ConnectED provides an amazing opportunity for business leaders to connect with the up-and-coming talent that exists right here in our community.I have made connections with students that have turned into job placements through Co-op programs.And in this day and age, where finding skilled labour is extremely tough, early connections make all the difference." said Jennifer Ludwig, President of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce.
"I believe this is a fantastic opportunity for students to gain real-world experience. They have the chance to listen to business leaders from respected fields who can provide invaluable advice, and I love it because I learn just as much from them as they do from me."
- Sean Dandy, Partner & Director of Business Solutions, myITsource.
"I wanted to participate as it is a direct way to support our future community builders and leaders; to share the learnings and experiences that I have had in an effort to help them understand the opportunities their education and career pathways have to offer."
- Rob Starkell, Owner, West-Can HR
"As a BU graduate and someone who built their business here in Brandon, I'm proud to support initiatives like ConnectED. This event reflects the power of investing in students early, giving them access to mentors, networks, and real-world insight. It's about paying forward the opportunities that helped shape my own career."
- Emilo Brown, CEO IntriTech and Vice-President, Brandon Chamber of Commerce
Students:
"I'm looking forward to stepping out of my comfort zone and learning how to network with others in the business world. I've learned so much already in this program. As someone who didn't think they would pursue accounting initially, connections like this have helped me learn more about this career and what exciting experiences await me when I graduate."
- Samantha Henry, Business Administration - Accounting, Peters School of Business, Assiniboine College.
"With the co-op events I've attended so far it has helped me be able to improve my networking skills and feel more confident about my knowledge in the business industry.
- Rejean Lirasan, Business Administration - Accounting, Peters School of Business, Assiniboine College.
"I am super excited to attend my first ConnectED. I'm most looking forward to connecting with industry members to begin building my own network and find out some of the behind-the-scenes, day-to-day responsibilities in the finance industry. During the conference, I hope to gain more experience in having professional interactions and going into every conversation with curiosity."
- Jordyn Rowan, Business Administration - Financial Services, Peters School of Business, Assiniboine College.
"Attending ConnectED last year gave me valuable insight and mentorship that helped clarify my career direction. I'm coming back this year to continue learning and strengthening those connections."
- Michael Vachon, fourth year BU Co-op student and Bachelor of Fine Arts majoring in Drawing
"I'm excited to attend ConnectED for the first time to meet professionals in my field and explore where my ADES degree can lead. It's a chance to build confidence, ask questions, and start connecting my studies to future career opportunities."
- Georgia Johnson, third-year BU Co-op Student and Bachelor of Science majoring in Applied Disaster and Emergency Studies
