Career Fair Reflection

Attending career fairs as a student has become a regular experience for me, but the most

recent one on February 27th at Red Deer Polytechnic truly stood out. From the moment

I heard about the event from Ann Garrett of Career Catalysts, I eagerly anticipated it. What

made this particular fair even more exciting was Ann’s generous offer to attend with me

and help guide me through the process of building professional connections and networking.

As promised, Ann and I arrived at the venue, and I was immediately struck by the bustling

atmosphere. The space was filled with representatives from numerous organizations, and

students were constantly moving between booths in search of potential job opportunities.

It was clear that this event was an important occasion for both job seekers, who is mostly

students and employers, making it a dynamic and vibrant experience. The excitement in

the air reflected the genuine interest and determination of everyone present, and I found

myself eager to engage and take full advantage of the opportunity to learn and connect.

Attending the recent career fair was an enriching experience that allowed me to gain

valuable insights into various industries, expand my professional network, and refine

my career goals. As a student, the event provided a unique opportunity to interact with

a diverse range of companies and organizations, each offering different perspectives

on different career paths and opportunities.

In the middle of the event, Ann and I met up with Doreen, who does marketing for Career

Catalysts. We took pictures together, capturing a moment that will serve as a lasting

memory. Looking back, this picture will remind me of the journey I’ve been on as a

student, aspiring to reach a professional level in the field of human resources. It

symbolizes the progress I’ve made and the steps I’m taking toward achieving my career

goals. The memory of this moment will continue to motivate me as I move forward in

my professional development. Reflecting on the experience, here are my key takeaways

that will help guide my future career decisions and preparation.

Networking and Building Connections

One of the most valuable aspects of this career fair was the chance to network with

employers, recruiters, and other attendees, which was one of my sole purposes of

attending. I had the opportunity to be introduced to professionals from various sectors,

ranging from Red Deer Polytechnic human resource department to other sectors such

as healthcare, agriculture, hospitality and finance. This helped me understand what

qualities and skills employers are seeking in candidates. By having personal

conversations with recruiters, I was able to ask specific questions about the roles

they were hiring for and their expectations of every employee. I also asked what their

pay range is with regards to the positions that are available.

Learning About Opportunities

The career fair also served as a reminder of the vast range of career opportunities

available. I was able to explore different roles within industries I hadn’t considered

before. For instance, while I’ve always been interested in human resources, I found

out I could also do a legal assistant job, which I had very little knowledge about.

I have also applied to jobs that are not entirely in my field after this fair and I am very

hopeful about it. Additionally, I realized that many employers are not only seeking

experienced professionals but are eager to engage and train young talent.

Challenges and Areas for Improvement

While the career fair was a great learning experience, I also encountered challenges

that highlighted areas for growth. I would like to improve on my ability to handle larger

crowds and maintain my confidence while talking to unfamiliar people. This will require

practice, but it’s something I plan to work on for future events.

Finally, I do sincerely hope that this career fair will present me with an opportunity to

be gainfully employed in my field which has been one of my greatest wishes from

time immemorial.

(shared with permission by Amaka, RDP Human Resources Management student) -

Work Integrated Learning program)