Whether graduation is months or years away there is an event happening on-campus this Thursday that students should attend. The Nova Scotia Student and Employer Forum will be held November 19th from 10am to 3pm in the 2nd Floor Loyola Conference Hall.

The Forum will provide students with the opportunity to meet employees from many sectors and discuss employment opportunities in Nova Scotia. The aim of this event is to educate students at all levels, and in all programs of study about opportunities for employment in Nova Scotia. It is also a chance for students to learn what kinds of occupations are available in the province.

Although some employers may be looking to hire for summer, co-op’s, full or part time jobs the event is more focused on educating students as opposed to finding jobs. It is a great opportunity to network with employers and learn about market conditions in the province.

If you have questions this is a great chance to get them answered. Examples of questions that employers will be prepared to answer include: What courses and experience are needed to find permanent employment in Nova Scotia after graduation? What occupations are available in Nova Scotia? Where can students find out more about opportunities?

For students who have not declared a major this could present the chance to learn about what jobs are available in personal fields of interest, how or when to apply and what academic requirements need to be met.

There will be a variety of employers from both the public and private sector at the event, and there is not one discipline being targeted. Sobeys, the Nova Scotia Department of Immigration, Canadian Blood Services, Nova Scotia Power, HRM Police, Sun Life, TD Canada, CIBC, as well as the Nova Scotia Public Service Commission are just a few examples of organizations that will be represented. For a complete listing pick up a pamphlet at the door on Thursday.

If you are interested in living outside of the city there will be opportunities to discuss employment throughout the province not just within the Halifax Regional Municipality.

As always, if you chose to attend be sure to follow up after the Forum. When talking to representatives take down their names or ask for their business card and make a note of what was discussed, then email and say thank you for the advice. It won’t take much time to do and can help solidify connections made.

The event is sponsored by the Nova Scotia Department of Labour and Workforce Development in Co-operation with the Saint Mary’s Student Employment Centre. To contact the Student Employment Centre visit www.smu.ca/administration/sec or stop by the office in the Student Centre.