As Brock’s graduating students prepare to mark a milestone at Convocation, the annual Grad Send-off aims to help them cross the stage career-ready and confident.

To help ensure the University’s cohort of soon-to-be graduates have the tools required to put their best foot forward after earning their degree, the Brock University Alumni Association and Co-op, Career and Experiential Education will host their Grad Send-off on Wednesday, Feb. 6 from 1 to 3 p.m. in Ian Beddis Gymnasium.

The expo-style event encourages third- and fourth-year students to explore available resources that will help them find a career that suits their interests, experience and skills. Students will also learn how they can stay connected to their alma mater in meaningful ways long after graduation.

“Grad Send-off is the perfect opportunity for senior students to network with employers from their field of interest and to learn about the many social and financial perks of being a Brock graduate,” says Christine Richard, Alumni Relations Officer, Alumni and Student Engagement.

This year’s Grad Send-off will feature an appetizer buffet, giveaways, tips on how to save money as a new graduate, free professional LinkedIn headshots, a resumé review clinic and a career fair with more than 50 employers looking to hire new Brock graduates. All these opportunities are designed to help students prepare for the next chapter in their lives with confidence.

Lisa Kuiper, Employer Development Manager, Co-op, Career and Experiential Education, says events such as Grad Send-off can play an important role in a senior student’s career search.

“In an age where applying for jobs online is standard, the opportunity for Brock grads to meet with recruiters face-to-face provides them the venue to network and connect with employers in a valuable way that will help them stand out from their online application.”

Attendees will be offered an exclusive 20 per cent discount on diploma frames from the Campus Store and students with a valid government ID will also have the chance to taste local wine crafted by Brock alumni winemakers.

“Students should be proud of everything they have accomplished during their time at Brock,” Richard says. “We want to help students celebrate the beginning of this exciting chapter in their lives.”

The Brock University Student Alumni Association will be collecting donations at the event for its Toonies for Mental Health campaign, which supports mental health initiatives on campus.

Senior students can register for the 2019 Grad Send-off through CareerZone’s website.