To support students thinking about their next steps after graduation, the Department of Labour Studies will host a Career Night on Thursday, March 16 at 6 p.m. The event will welcome back some familiar faces to give current students a chance to see how graduates of the department are using their skills in the workforce.Students, faculty members and alumni from the Department of Labour Studies will gather next week to talk about career paths and future possibilities at their annual career night.
The event takes place Thursday, March 16 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in Sankey Chamber and features graduates Laura Morton (BA ’14), Quinn Ascah (BA ’18) and Tracy Lewis (BA ’20), who will speak about their career journeys.
Assistant Professor Jordan House hopes the discussion will help show how versatile a degree in the field can be, with possibilities to pursue work in political parties, non-governmental organizations, unions, journalism, public administration, law and many other areas.
“A Labour Studies degree equips students with the knowledge and skills they need to be informed and active citizens, regardless of what job they end up in,” says House. “While pandemic discussions of “essential workers” and “frontline heroes” have faded from the headlines, there’s never been a more important time for Labour Studies.”
Assistant Professor Paul Gray says the event offers insight for any students in the program as well as those simply interested in the field.
“First- and second-year students can meet professors and other Labour Studies students and start to plan out courses, extracurriculars and experiences,” says Gray. “Third- and fourth-year students can gain insight into potential paths after graduation.”
Fourth-year Labour Studies (Co-op) student and the department’s student representative Amin Sono believes it could prove to be an inspiring evening.
“I am most looking forward to the opportunity to network with professionals in the field, to learn about their career paths and hear from the panellists about the skills and experiences that are most important for success,” says Sono. “I think it will be beneficial to get an inside look at industries, which can open a whole new perspective for students, and they will be able to ask for valuable advice and guidance to get into specific careers or how to succeed in the job market.”
All students are welcome to attend the Labour Studies Career Night, regardless of major, but everyone is asked to register online in advance.
