Students meet future employers at ConnectED
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More than 80 post-secondary students had the chance to build career connections and explore future pathways last week during a mentorship-focused event aimed at strengthening ties between classrooms and the local business community.
ConnectED, hosted jointly by Assiniboine College, Brandon University and the Brandon Chamber of Commerce, brought students face-to-face with dozens of professionals who represented a range of industries and sectors.
The conference featured rotating 30-minute mentorship rounds, where one or two industry leaders met with small groups of students to answer questions, share insights and offer advice about entering the workforce. The afternoon concluded with a come-and-go networking mixer that allowed students, alumni and community members to continue conversations in a more informal setting.
Jennifer Ludwig, president of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce, said the event creates valuable opportunities for both students and employers.
“ConnectED provides an amazing opportunity for business leaders to connect with the up-and-coming talent that exists right here in our community,” Ludwig said in a release. “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.”
For students, the event offered a chance to step outside their comfort zones and gain a clearer picture of potential careers.
Samantha Henry, a Business Administration–Accounting student in the Peters School of Business at Assiniboine College, said networking events like ConnectED have broadened her perspective.
“I’m looking forward to stepping out of my comfort zone and learning how to network with others in the business world,” Henry said. “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.”
Terry Burgess, dean of the Peters School of Business at Assiniboine College, said work-integrated learning is central to students’ post-secondary experiences.
“Our goal is to help students grow their networks and get a clearer picture of the career paths available to them,” Burgess said. “Integration with industry, and the success of our students is at the heart of what we do.”
Organizers say the event reflects a shared commitment among local institutions to align education with workforce needs in western Manitoba. Assiniboine College emphasizes practicum placements, industry-integrated projects and competitions within its business programming, while Brandon University offers co-op placements, practica and community-engaged research opportunities.
» Winnipeg Sun