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Career Directions helps students plan ahead for summer employment

The summer of 2009 was a tough one for students between the ages of 15 and 24. Statistics Canada reported this age group suffered an unemployment rate of 19.2 per cent, the second highest rate since 1977.

As a result of 2009’s economic faltering, the upcoming summer could be tricky for young workers, as well. Competition for jobs will be intense due to an influx of laid-off professionals pounding the pavement alongside new grads and students seeking summer employment.

Sandra Bassett, SAIT’s student success and event co-ordinator, said the extra competition in Calgary’s job market shouldn’t discourage students.

“You’re always going to be in a very competitive job market no matter what the economic climate,” said Bassett. “You need to make sure that you’re presenting yourself to employers as the most ideal candidate for the job, and that’s not necessarily always the person who’s got ten years of experience.”

On Feb. 10, students can present themselves to potential employers at Career Directions, SAIT’s bi-annual career fair.

Eighty employers are scheduled to attend. Since this number is on par or above past career fairs, Bassett said the summer looks promising for student employment.

Some of the businesses in attendance may not be hiring on the spot, Bassett said. The majority of these companies will be on the lookout for contenders in the career contest.

“It’s a recruitment effort, so whether or not they’re hiring at the moment their main objective is to assess their pool of potential employees,” Bassett said. “A good portion of them are actually going to be hiring in the next couple of months, and that’s the main reason why they do come to the event.”

Charles Gordon of Xerox Canada said his company has a presence at many career fairs throughout Canada. The fairs provide recruitment opportunities, but also offer a place to develop brand awareness. “We (go to career fairs) mostly to find staff, but the advertising aspect is a secondary benefit,” said Gordon.

With dozens of tests and assignments still ahead the end of the semester may seem like an eternity away but Bassett said now is the time to start looking into career options.

“I don’t think it’s ever too early to start thinking about what you’re going to be doing in terms of employment opportunities,” said Bassett. “I would encourage even first-year (students) to come and check out Career Directions just to see what exactly is out there for them in the future.”

It’s tempting to take any available summer job waiting on tables or doing construction, but Bassett said finding a job in their intended field will bode best for students. But if summer only coughs up a job outside your area of study, there is a silver lining.

“Any sort of job experience will translate into a job that you’ll be applying for in the future,” Bassett said.

A complete list of all the employers scheduled to attend the career fair is posted on the student employment web page. Bassett suggests interested students start researching.

Career competition will always be fierce, but according to Bassett simply reading a company’s annual report might mean the difference between the mailroom and the boardroom.

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