While the days of gymnasiums packed with employers looking to interview, and potentially hire, soon-to-be graduates are on hold, Brock University is offering an online equivalent to help its senior students get a jump-start in the working world.

Held this year in a virtual format, the annual Grad Send-off is set to take place Tuesday, Feb. 9 from noon to 4 p.m. The event, hosted by the Brock University Alumni Association and Co-op, Career and Experiential Education, aims to ensure upcoming graduates have the tools they need to succeed after earning their degrees.

“We want to make sure that our soon-to-be graduates feel supported as they make the transition to active alumni and are aware of the services available to them as they enter this next phase in their lives,” said Terry Cockerline, Director, Alumni Engagement, who will deliver the event’s welcome alongside University President Gervan Fearon. “Even after our students cross the stage at Convocation, the University community remains in their corner and can provide assistance in a number of ways.”

In addition to highlighting the services available to alumni, the event will provide access to more than 30 employers who will host virtual booths for students to connect with throughout the day. The online expo will also feature community and internal partners who will provide information on topics such as graduate programs and benefits available to alumni through various organizations.

Students will have the chance to virtually chat face-to-face with industry professionals as they make their way through the online expo, asking questions and building their networks.

“Brock students sharing their talents and engaging employers in conversation about their career goals and interests is a big part of the appeal of attending Grad Send-off,” said Pauline Dawson, Manager, Career Education. “During this highly unusual year, it’s important that our students have opportunities like this to connect with employers, explore opportunities that align with their career interests, and learn about the ways they can remain connected to the University following graduation. Grad Send-off provides them with this opportunity. More than 30 employers are attending this event and recruiters are specifically interested in what Brock students have to offer. I encourage all graduating students to take advantage of the opportunity to meet with them.”

Students will also have the chance to gain professional advice from alumnus Jon Faber (BBA ’02), President and CEO of Pason Systems, a global provider of data management and technologies for the oil and gas drilling industry based in Calgary.

Faber will deliver an address at noon discussing the leadership qualities and capabilities he started to develop during his time at Brock that have propelled him along his career path. He will also touch on the importance of developing a “leadership mindset” that can be applied in any field or discipline, whether in a formal leadership role or as a member of a team.

The day will also include two presentations — at 1 and 3 p.m. — by alumnus Robert Dougan (BRLS ’01, MA ’05), who will speak about the Workwolf personality assessment tool Packfinder and how to use it — and your skill sets — to find career success.

In correspondence with Grad Send-off, a series of CareerZone Cafés are also taking place on Microsoft Teams leading up to and following the event. They include:

• Finding Remote Work — Effective strategies and resources for finding remote job opportunities: Tuesday, Feb. 9 from 1 to 2 p.m. and Thursday, Feb. 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Virtual Networking 101 — The basics of virtual networking to make the most of your job search: Monday, Feb. 8 from 2 to 3 p.m. and Wednesday, Feb. 10 from 5 to 6 p.m.

The Campus Store will also be running an online Grad Send-off sale, with 20 per cent off degree frames and alumni products from Tuesday, Feb. 9 to Saturday, Feb. 20.

To RSVP for Grad Send-off and CareerZone Cafés, visit the the event calendar on CareerZone. Grad Send-off registrants have the chance to win door crasher prizes.

Resumé reviews are being offered in advance of Grad Send-off this year and students are encouraged to send their documents to career@brocku.ca for review prior to the event.