Career Gala Reveals Many Paths to the Working World
Trent University Durham creates multi-disciplined networking opportunity for students and professionals
Some students came to the third annual Career Gala at Trent University Durham to practice their networking skills, others to find internships and job leads, or to determine a career path or even a major. No matter the motivation, the networking event held on April 5 helped many students face that looming question of what to do after graduation. It seems the possibilities are as varied as the paths they can take to reach them.
“If you don’t know what you want to do after school, it’s not entirely doomed. Something will send you in the right direction,” said Jesse Paterson, a fourth-year History student after meeting various professionals at the event, including a lawyer and a talent consultant who also holds a History degree. “You just have to be open to many different options.”
Equipped with conversation starters, inquisitiveness and courage, students from varied disciplines were free to mingle with an equally multi-faceted group of alumni, faculty and professionals about their chosen professions, and the paths that led them there. While exploring career options in law, mental health, teaching, finance and more, students were creating new contacts and potentially a future.
“We all have stories about our zigzag careers trajectories and how we got to where we are now,” stated Jackie Orsetto, event organizer and career and academic strategist at Trent University Durham. “The purpose of this event is to help students see that their career options are by no means limited by what they choose to study in their undergraduate career.”
After successfully being launched last year, this year’s gala saw many faculty and industry professionals eager to return to connect with Trent students, some sharing insight about opportunities in areas such as archaeology and medical research.
“We have a mandate to reach out to students,” said Michael Wasdell, director of research and academics at Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences. “A few people from this event became volunteers in our department which is a really great outcome. It’s good practical experience.”
Patrice Esper, business advisor and program co-ordinator with the Business Advisory Centre of Durham (BACD), suggested students consider becoming their own boss or employer, saying, “That can have economic impact. The options are endless.”
Organized with the assistance of the Trent Durham Student Association, the Trent Durham Business Students Association and Career Services, the gala was filled to capacity.
“Most people are really excited to come and support the event,” said Ms. Orsetto. “They seem very invested in it, which is fantastic because we are too.”