This past Thursday, March 7, UFV held its 10th annual Career Fair in the Envision Financial Athletic Centre (Building E). The event gave between 800–1,000 students the opportunity to meet and talk to potential employers. There were many students and volunteers working together to create a very professional environment, and booths around the room were full of pamphlets and advertisements for various opportunities. The variety of companies offered everything from full-time, to part-time, to practicum positions. There was an energetic atmosphere, with students talking eagerly to potential employers and networking for their futures.
Businesses involved with the event are mostly large companies and local professional groups looking for students who might be interested in different positions. As a community that is rooted deeply in farming, it was no surprise to see some booths focused on this career aspect. The event also housed a barrage of banking and financial companies looking for students interested in a career in finance. Other government-based jobs, as well as corrections, military, and policing were present and actively seeking applicants. A large portion of the vendors catered toward social work, agriculture, business, criminology, and health science students.
So Jeon, career services and career fair coordinator of the UFV Career Centre, has been involved with the Career Fair since its beginning 10 years ago, when it was created as a way for students to seek employment during their studies. Initially it was split into two events: a mid-semester and summer fair. The organizers soon realized that many employers were seeking employees and practicum students all year long, which prompted them to change the event to one large career fair. Jeon hopes that no matter where students are their university journey, they’ll take the time to attend.
“In terms of your degree or your development there should be something for everybody going to UFV, and for alumni as well,” Jeon said.
This year UFV welcomed 70 employers including B.C. Assessment, Canopy Growth Corporation, and Fraser Health. Due to this being their 10th year hosting the event, UFV recognized 15 vendors who have been supporting the Career Fair since the beginning with an award. Among the 15 employers were the Abbotsford Police Department, Communitas Supportive Care, and Xyólheméylh (Fraser Valley Aboriginal Children & Family Services Society). Each employer received an Award of appreciation presented to them by the UFV career center.
Jeon emphasized the importance of recognizing the support the companies give to the career development of our students and alumni; these vendors also happen to be employers who are hiring a lot of practicum students from UFV, some of which are alumni who have graduated from the programs at UFV, and are coming back as the exhibitors.
Jeon recognizes that the Career Fair does not necessarily cater towards some of the other faculties. Many English or sociology students may have gone to the fair and felt disappointment, finding very little opportunities outside of a few grad schools. Jeon stated that the event is sometimes difficult for certain types of employers, specifically within the Bachelor of Arts and Visual Arts faculties. However, Jeon mentioned that the Career Centre hosts over 40 different networking events throughout the year, and some of those cater more toward these areas of study.
“Sometimes visual arts students or students studying journalism or media, might [need] a different kind of event,” Jeon said. “We have done speed networking events before, and more of an intimate type of set up, so that it’s more of a one-on-one time with the potential employer. We also draw from alumni mentors; so these are not just telling students about job opportunities, they are also helping students with questions.” Jeon said.
This year the Career Fair saw a return of more than 50 per cent of the businesses who came last year, meaning that overall the event seemed to be a success for both UFV and the employers who attended. The event housed a large number of great opportunities for the students whose faculties the event was more catered towards. Factoring in the Career Centre’s dedication to helping students outside of the event helps emphasize their enthusiasm for helping all students. Jeon hopes to be able to eventually host a career fair for each faculty, but in the meantime, they will continue to work with students at the Career Centre who do not find what they are looking for at the event.
Over the past 10 years the event has grown significantly, and Jeon hopes to see it continue to grow to include more opportunities for everyone. Overall the event did exactly what it was intended to do: help students gain access to networking and development opportunities.
Images: The Cascade
