Career Fair 2024: Setting up student success from class to career

No winter blues could keep the career extravaganza of the year at bay! NorQuest College's annual Career Fair in Edmonton brought together students, alumni, and employers from various industries in a buzzing hybrid event on March 5, 2024, welcoming over 2,800 students both online and on-campus. This year’s edition was bigger and bolder than before, full of networking, learning, and excited students connecting with over 65 industry partners such as CapitalCare, RBC, the Government of Alberta, Edmonton Police Services, Alberta Blue Cross, Alberta Health Services, Stantec and many more. Attendees got the opportunity to network, explore job opportunities, gain insights into different career paths, plus get free professional headshots. 

The event featured vibrant workshops with guest speakers in the Innovation Centre, resume clinics, and on-the-spot interviews to support students and grads in their career development journey. Robert Half, a leading staffing and recruitment firm, was this year’s headline sponsor. Specializing in placing professionals in finance, accounting, technology, and administrative roles across various industries, seasoned representatives shared insights into why it was important to be part of this event. 

“It’s a great day to meet with students and get them prepared for the working world,” Scott Rutherford, “NorQuest’s students are diverse and bring a wealth of knowledge and skills from different backgrounds. It’s exciting to hear what they can offer to Canada. We’ve seen some great resumes!” 

Geraldine Wilson from the Good Samaritan Society mentioned how they have benefitted from contracting NorQuest students: “It says a lot about a school when students from there are so organized, helpful and respectful. We enjoy having them on our team and love to participate in Career Fair and Career Week to meet all the students who have so much potential.” 

The excitement didn’t end there!  

The Students' Association (SANQC) through their Community Corner also set up a "working wardrobe" where students could get free business outfits and accessories to boost their presentation in the working world. Student volunteers helped make it all happen and gained valuable experience in event planning and facilitation. 

Gabriela, a Business Admin student with ambitions in the Human Resources space shared that the people and supports at NorQuest are what make the learning experience great. 

“I feel confident to apply for part time work now, they gave me good advice!” commented Amit, a student excited about meeting a potential employer while in her first term. 

Echoing this, Devonie shared, “I am glad I got to connect with the Career Centre. It’s one of the great services for students at NorQuest, and they ask you the right questions to get you ready for the working world. Right now, I’m working and at school, and enjoying it. I jumped on the opportunity to volunteer at Career Fair because I knew I’d make great connections for the future today.” 

“The Career Fair has a transformative impact on learners as they develop connections to industry, build confidence, and prepare for their professional lives.” says Alison Reaves, Academic Program Manager, Work Integrated Learning and Career Education Centre. "We are grateful to our amazing employer-partners for their continued support of NorQuest and our learners.” 

A look at this year’s event in numbers: 

Number of students & graduates that participated: 2,864 

Industry and community partners engaged: 68 

Student volunteers: 61 

A special thanks to all the staff, students and local employer partners who made this year’s edition a resounding success!  

Explore career supports at NorQuest