Alumni Share Career Insights at NorQuest Career Fair

NorQuest students are always eager to know what the job market will be like for them after graduation. And who better to share that insight than NorQuest grads themselves? 

At the NorQuest Career Fair on March 4, five recent NorQuest alumni from four very different programs joined us for a panel discussion, offering their perspectives on life after graduation and what students can expect as they enter the workforce. Their insights and advice were spot-on, so we wanted to share the highlights of their discussion. 

Meet our Alumni panelists 

Our Alumni panelists: 

Janill Burton

Practical Nurse Diploma Program 2020  
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) with Alberta Health Services 

Manjot (Manny) Singh Brar  

Energy Management 2024  
Sustainability Coordinator, Chandos Construction 

Gurneet Kaur  

Business Administration 2022  
Administrative Assistant at Excel Society 

Josh Galarido
Interdisciplinary Therapy Assistant (prev. Physical Therapy Assistant) 2018  
Behavior Consultant with ABC Head Start Society 

Meaghan Rewniak

Business Administration 2023  
Entrepreneur Event Specialist at ATB Financial 

Key Takeaways from the Panel 

The NorQuest difference

Our panelists reflected on how far they have come since deciding to go to NorQuest. Meaghan shared that her hands-on learning at NorQuest was the transformative push she needed to make a change in her life: 

“I was a childcare director, and it was just not my thing anymore. Once at NorQuest, I fell in love with entrepreneurship. I went from running a daycare 5 years ago to where I am now - I'm scared to blink and see it isn't real.” 

For Manny, his time at NorQuest was not only about career development but also gave him purpose and filled him with a passion for sustainability: 

"I worked as a staff at the college for a while too so the core values of NorQuest are really instilled in me." 

The importance of networking

Several panelists emphasized the power of connections in landing their first jobs. Manny advised students: 

 “Know how to utilize LinkedIn, reach out to people. There is nothing to lose. Worst case they don’t reply – best case you land your dream job” 

But they also maintain that is important that you remain genuine and non-transactional in your approach. 

Meaghan: “Build meaningful connections. I will take notes and write down details of people I meet, to help build relationships. I bring these up in future conversations, and people really appreciate and notice when you remember things about them” 

Josh: “Ask questions and make connections that aren’t just about asking for a job. Start with questions about their work and company, to make a warm connection and not just an ask”

They also encouraged students to attend career fairs, join professional organizations, take advantages of resources like the Career Centre, and reach out to alumni for advice. 

Gurneet, who found her own job at the NorQuest Career fair, encourages everyone to just put themselves out there:

“My friend gave me the best advice. She said just do it. I was facing a lot of rejections and was ready to give up, but her advice pushed me to go to the career fair and speak with every employer and that’s how I landed my job” 

Standing out in the job market

What makes a NorQuest graduate stand out? Employers value practical experience, adaptability, and a strong work ethic. Josh and Janill highlighted not only knowing the importance of showcasing skills gained from coursework, practicums, and part-time jobs, but also of being confident in your abilities and being unafraid to learn and grow. 

Janill: "When you work with different people and personalities, you need to know what you bring to the table." 

Josh “I walk into everyday with a growth mindset. I think how can I do what I did yesterday better today.” 

 Advice for current students

To wrap up, each panelist shared one piece of advice for students preparing to enter the workforce: 

• Gurneet: “Careers coaches are so helpful and are available to help you with your resumes, interview prep and more – utilize this resource. 
• Manny: “Always ask questions – people love to give advice. Strive, thrive and shine.” 
• Janill: “Don’t limited yourself.” “Know the resources available to you and how to access them.” 
• Meaghan: “Know what you bring to the table beyond just education – know your value and silence the voice that’s saying you’re not enough.” 
• Josh: “Stay involved, stay curious and make more warm connections.” 

Looking ahead 

NorQuest alumni prove that a strong education and real-world skills can open doors in any industry. Whether you’re exploring career options, preparing to graduate, or actively job searching, their experiences serve as a valuable guide to what’s ahead. 

Want to hear more from industry professionals? Stay tuned for upcoming career events at NorQuest!