November 11-15, 2024
Join us for Career Week from November 11-15 where we'll be shining a spotlight on career development! Attend in-person and virtual events to engage in career exploration, learn about future career paths and connect with alumni and industry experts.
Career Week is brought to you by the Career Services and Co-operative Education, in collaboration with the Centennial College Student Association, International Student Services and People and Equity.
Participate on Social Media with #CareerWeekCC
Get ready to celebrate National Career Month with our exciting Career Week contest! From November 1 to November 20, share your thoughts on what the word "Career Success" means to you for a chance to win one of four $50 gift cards.
How to Participate:
- Answer the contest question in the comments using #CareerWeekCC
- Follow us on Instagram
- Share our contest post in your story
Winners will be randomly selected and announced on November 22. Let’s celebrate our journeys together—connect with us on Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter. We can’t wait to see your responses!
Register on ExperienceCentennial
Register for events on ExperienceCentennial or through the schedule below. Webinar links will be shared no later than a day before the session.
Event Schedule
Educational Pathways Fair
Date: Wednesday, November 6
Time: 12 - 3 p.m. and 4 - 6 p.m. (Two Sessions)
Location: Event Centre, Progress Campus
Open to All
Join us for the Education Pathways Fair, featuring over 25 institutions from across Canada! This event is a fantastic opportunity for students to explore diverse educational pathways, connect with representatives from leading colleges and universities, and discover programs that align with their career goals. Whether you’re considering undergraduate studies, diplomas, or specialized training, the fair offers valuable insights and guidance to help you make informed decisions about your future. Don’t miss this chance to shape your educational journey!
Participating institutions:
- University of Alberta
- Algoma University
- Algonquin College
- Athabasca University
- Brock University
- Carleton University
- Centennial College
- Cambrian College
- Durham College
- University of Guelph
- University of Guelph-Humber
- Humber College
- International Business University
- Laurentian University
- McMaster University
- Michener Institute of Education at UHN
- Niagara University in Ontario (NUO)
- Niagara College
- Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer
- Ontario Tech University
- Royal Roads University (online only)
- Seneca Polytechnic College
- Sheridan College
- Swiss Education Group
- University of Toronto
- Toronto Metropolitan University
- Trent University
- University of Waterloo
- Western Ontario University
- Wilfrid Laurier University
- University of Windsor
- York University
What Career Paths are a Good Fit for Me?
Date: Monday, November 11
Time: 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Location: Online
Facilitator: Becky Robinson – Centennial College, Career Services
Open to All
Participate in an interactive online tool called the Challenge Cards that will change how you view your career, help you to learn more about yourself, explore career paths that are meaningful to you, and gain the skills to identify these roles in the job market.
Becky Robinson (M.Couns) is a career counsellor who has worked in the Career Services and Cooperative Education department at Centennial College since 2014. She has worked in post-secondary career services for well over a decade, supporting students in navigating their career journeys with confidence and curiosity.
Identifying Job Scams – Don’t Get Fooled!
Date: Monday, November 11
Time: 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Location: Online
Facilitators: Jobanpreet Kaur and Jodie Williams, Centennial Cybersecurity
Open to All
In today’s job market, it's crucial to protect yourself from fraudulent job offers. This session will equip you with the knowledge to recognize common red flags, understand the tactics used by scammers, and learn best practices for safely navigating your job search. Join us to gain practical tips and insights to safeguard your career journey from scams and stay informed in an increasingly digital world.
Jodie Williams is a Cybersecurity Architect with the Cybersecurity and Compliance Team at Centennial College. Her remarkable dedication and expertise have played a crucial role in safeguarding our systems and establishing a standard of excellence. Her keen ability to identify and mitigate risks and unwavering commitment to cybersecurity, has significantly helped to strengthen our security posture. Beyond her technical role, Jodie is passionate about empowering women in the field. As a board member of the Women in Cybersecurity Ontario Affiliate and a mentor with Women in Cybersecurity Global, she actively fosters a community of knowledge-sharing, networking, and education. Jodie is dedicated to creating opportunities for women in cybersecurity to connect and thrive.
JobanPreet Kaur is a Cybersecurity Analyst at Centennial College, where she plays a key role in protecting endpoints and user accounts while developing comprehensive awareness materials. With a strong passion for cybersecurity, she stays updated on the latest industry trends and best practices. Outside of her professional responsibilities, JobanPreet enjoys volunteering and helping others stay informed about important developments in the field, fostering a culture of security awareness within her community.
Mastering The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) + TEER Session
Date: Tuesday, November 12
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Online
Facilitator: Jessica Cabell, Centennial College International Office
Open to All
Are you an international student interested in working in Canada? Navigating the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) process can be complex, but we're here to help you master it. Hear directly from Centennial's International Student Advisors as they share insights on the National Occupational Code (NOC) and offer tips for securing your Permanent Residency (PR). Equip yourself with the knowledge to successfully transition from student life to a thriving career in Canada.
Intro to Skilled Trades
Date: Tuesday, November 12
Time: 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Location: Online
Facilitator: Jonathon Knott, Toronto Business Development Centre (TBDC)
Open to All
Curious about a career in the skilled trades? Join us for an engaging session where we’ll explore the booming opportunities in trades over the coming years! We’ll dive into labour market trends and highlight in-demand trades; from construction to HVAC and Health and Safety, we’ll guide you through the next steps to kick-start your career in these high-demand fields.
Jonathan Knott leads the Explore Skilled Trades initiative at TBDC, where he manages programs that inspire and prepare individuals for careers in skilled trades. His role involves coordinating events, developing partnerships with industry leaders, and delivering valuable training opportunities to help bridge the skills gap in construction and other trades.
Cracking the Code: What 'Experience' Really Means to Employers
Date: Wednesday, November 13
Time: 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Location: Online
Panelists: Griffiths Dias (RBC), Jeff Ollinger (Sunlife), Melanie Holmes & Samantha Forstner (Centennial College)
Open to All
What does "experience" really mean in the eyes of employers? This session will demystify what employers are really looking for and how you can effectively showcase your skills and experiences on your resume or in an interview. Additionally, we’ll explore how you can build valuable experience while still in school, including ways to get involved in relevant activities and projects. Learn how to present your background in a way that aligns with industry expectations and boosts your chances of landing the job.
Griffiths Dias, RBC - Griffith has worked in the early talent space for over 10 years across various industries: education, marketing, finance, technology and management consulting. He is an avid advocate for a diverse workforce, prioritizing mental well-being and creating inclusive places where everyone feels safe. In his current role, he looks after the end-to-end experience for students – from attraction, recruitment, onboarding, programming and offboarding. This ensures that both candidates and students have the optimal experience in their journey in securing their ideal job that fits within their career aspirations.
Jeff Ollinger, Sunlife - Jeff is a seasoned Talent Acquisition professional with over 15 years of experience, specializing in recruitment and career guidance for individuals ranging from students to VP-level professionals. He worked at the DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University, and RBC before joining Sun Life in 2023 as Director of Talent Acquisition for Corporate and Campus, where he oversees campus recruitment in Canada. Jeff holds a degree from Temple University and has engaged in numerous leadership and human resources development programs. His approach is highly personalized, having conducted hundreds of interviews and supported thousands of candidates in their career journeys.
Melanie Holmes, Centennial College - Melanie is a dedicated student affairs professional with over 15 years of experience supporting students as they transition in and through the post-secondary system. Currently the Manager of Transitions and Student Life at Centennial College, Melanie oversees new student onboarding and co-curricular learning, ensuring that all students at Centennial feel a sense of belonging and community while developing meaningful relationships with staff and students. A firm believer in the importance of access and inclusion in higher education, Melanie works to provide a positive student experience that supports the opportunity for all students to learn and grow.
Melanie holds a BSc Psychology from Wilfrid Laurier University, a Graduate Certificate in Career Development from Conestoga College, and an MEd in Higher Education: Student Development and Student Services from the University of Toronto OISE.
Samantha Forstner, Centennial College Experiential Leadership - Samantha serves as the Experiential Leadership Coordinator at Centennial College, within the Leadership Academy, where they lead the Digital Badge in Self Leadership Program. Through this non-academic, experiential credited program, students earn a digital badge while developing leadership skills, setting SMART goals, and conducting informational interviews. The skills gained help students grow as leaders and enhance their professional profiles, including showcasing their final digital badge on the Experience Centennial record and on LinkedIn.
Where are the Jobs?
Date: Wednesday, November 13
Time: 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Online
Facilitator: Becky Robinson – Career Counsellor
Open to All
Do you wish that you knew how to discover jobs and industries in high demand? Wondering where you can learn more about the trends in your field? Join us for a short webinar to discover resources for accessing labour market trends and how to use them.
Becky Robinson (M.Couns) is a career counsellor who has worked in the Career Services and Cooperative Education department at Centennial College since 2014. She has worked in post-secondary career services for well over a decade, supporting students in navigating their career journeys with confidence and curiosity.
Unlocking Your Future: RBC's Career Path Insights
Date: Thursday, November 14
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location: Online
Panelists: Farah Mohammed, Abhishek Sharma - Financial Advisor, Naina Bovas - Banking Advisor and Aquilah Hagley - Client Advisor, RBC
Open to All
During this event, you will have the opportunity to learn about various roles with RBC and learn about a day in the life of employees at RBC.
Career Conversations: Your Career, Your Way
Date: Thursday, November 14
Time: 1:00 – 2:15 p.m.
Location: Online
Panelists: Lisa Jones - Centre for Accessible Learning & Counselling Services (CALCS), Philip Alalibo - School of English & Liberal Arts, Jodie Williams - IT Department, and Sasha Peric - People & Equity
Open to Staff and Faculty
Career development and advancement doesn’t always look the same for everyone. Come and hear various stories from a panel of Centennial College employees on their individual career development and learn how they got to the roles they hold today, and what challenges and successes they endured.
Exploring Careers in Nuclear Energy – Insights from Bruce Power, Alithya, and Calian
Date: Thursday, November 14, 2024
Time. 12:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.
Location: Online
Facilitators: Canadian Nuclear Association & Bruce Power, Alithya & Calian
Open to All
Join the Canadian Nuclear Association (CNA) for a dynamic panel session featuring industry leaders from Bruce Power, Alithya, and Calian. This session will offer a comprehensive look into career opportunities within the nuclear energy sector. Representatives will share insights into the values, workplace culture, the variety of roles available, and the skills and qualifications they seek. Learn about Bruce Power’s interview and hiring process, career growth pathways, and programs focused on diversity, inclusion, work-life balance, and ongoing training.
Additionally, experts from Alithya and Calian will discuss how they collaborate with Bruce Power and offer unique career opportunities in digital transformation, IT, and nuclear services. Explore how their specialized services support the nuclear industry and learn about the career paths available at these leading firms.
CCSAI Alumni and Student Networking Event
Date: Thursday, November 14
Time: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Location: Progress Campus, Main Events Hall
Format: Networking
Open to All
Experience an evening of meaningful connections at our Networking Night in collaboration with Career Services and Co-operative Education. We're bringing together industry alumni professionals for an enriching exchange of knowledge, and expertise! Students can tap into the wisdom of our accomplished alumni, gaining valuable insights to kickstart their careers. While mingling, don’t forget to enjoy a delightful selection of appetizers, engage in lively conversations, and savor the ambiance of acoustic music. Come join us for a night dedicated to growth, mentorship, and fostering lasting relationships!
Make a Difference with AI - FDM
Date: Friday, November 15
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Online
Facilitator: Tasifa Karim, University Partnerships Lead at FDM Group
Open to All
This workshop will equip you with the knowledge required to leverage AI for addressing social issues. Explore various real-world examples where AI has been harnessed to drive social impact, from healthcare and education to sustainability and inclusivity.
Tasfia is the University Partnerships Lead at FDM Group, a global leader in talent development and technology innovation. With 5 years of experience in campus recruitment and building early talent pipelines, Tasfia specializes in empowering students to navigate the tech and business sectors. She graduated from the University of Toronto with a background in criminology and sociology, bringing a unique perspective to her work. Tasfia looks after partnerships in Ontario and the Maritimes offering valuable industry insights, tools, and tips to help students stay ahead in a rapidly growing technology landscape.
Career Week Resources
This is a special series in collaboration with Career Services on the occasion of Career Week.
Leveraging AI in the Workplace
Date: Monday, November 11
Time: 12:30 - 2 p.m.
Location: Online
Join us for an eye-opening session about how AI is revolutionizing the professional world.
How to Handle Objections with Confidence and Ease
Date: Monday, November 12
Time: 12:30 - 2 p.m.
Location: Online
Learn how to stay emotionless and ahead of any objection, from anyone, any time.
ESG for SMEs
Date: Monday, November 13
Time: 12:30 - 2 p.m.
Location: Online
Learn and explore the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) journey of a small-medium enterprise (SME)!
Finding Your Mindful Way: Developing Trust
Date: Monday, November 14
Time: 12:30 - 2 p.m.
Location: Online
Learn a practical path to developing trust in oneself and others through basic principles of mindful, emotional well-being.