Smart Finish Networking Session

“If I only knew then what I know now…”

More than 75,000 Brock graduates have been where many students are right now; preparing for the final few months of University, perhaps unsure of the next steps. In hindsight, what would you have made sure you did before graduating from Brock?

Would you have networked more? Spruced up your resumé before gearing up for your job search? Figured out the process to pay back your OSAP? Consulted someone about your ideal career path?

Cue Smart Finish, a conference for third- and fourth-year students.

On Saturday, Feb. 4, graduating students came together for a daylong conference to prepare for a successful transition after Brock. Sessions included “Who Am I” career games, some dos and don’ts for resumé writing, a guide to OSAP repayment, and postgraduate information.

In addition to the breakout sessions, we called upon the experts. Who better to talk about successful transitions from University than our very own Brock graduates and HR professionals? From a director of Athletics, to an entrepreneur, to a financial adviser and a PhD candidate, the alumni panelists at Smart Finish represented the breadth of fields that grads have entered. The message? Your career path is rarely linear. Try things out, learn what you like and dislike, and seize opportunities when they come your way.

Thank you to our alumni who participated in this successful inaugural event.

• Michael Larocque (BBA ’96)
• Shelley Bradley (BA ’00, BEd ‘03, MA ’08)
• Sarah Shurr (BA ’07)
• Laurie Corna (BA ’03)
• Scott McRoberts (BSM ’02)
• Jennifer Spear (BA ’93)
• Alaina Oda (BBA ’08)
• Kithio Mwanzia (BA ’07)
• Les McCurdy-Meyers (BA ’76)
• Alison Lahn (BA ’95, BA ’01, MEd ’10)
• Sean Grant-Young (BAcc ’10)
• Stephanie Barnes (BBA ’91)
• Jason Carson (BAcc ’99, MBA ’09)
• Rachel Mills (BA ’11)

Smart Finish was co-ordinated by Career Services in partnership with Brock Alumni Relations, Faculty of Graduate Studies, Business Career Development Office and Student Awards and Financial Aid.  This event is a continuation of the Smart programs offered to students: Smart Start for incoming students, Stay Smart for current students, and now Smart Finish to facilitate a successful transition.

Would you be willing to share your story? Do you have an interesting career trajectory? Is your current job different from the kind of role you thought you’d have when you “grew up?”

We’re looking for alumni to speak to students. From alumni mentoring events, to graduating student conferences, to in-class conversations, students are always grateful to hear from industry professionals and successful graduates.

To learn more about how to get involved, or if you’re interested in speaking to students, please email Meaghan Moore, Young Alumni and Student Programs officer, at mmoore2@brocku.ca

BrockTV’s coverage of Smart Finish