Hundreds of Conestoga students joined a co-op job fair for Applied Computer Science & Information Technology (ACSIT) programs held at the Waterloo campus on January 22.
Conestoga graduate and Acceldata software engineer Jeffrey Smith (left) speaks to a student at the co-op job fair for Applied Computer Science & Information Technology (ACSIT) programs.
Employers included Descartes, Acceldata, Equitable, Definity and Vehikl, with representatives talking one-on-one with students who lined up to learn more about the companies and opportunities for co-op and full-time positions.
“The students are very engaging. They’re asking questions, which is very nice to see,” said Kaitlin Gray, a human resources generalist at Acceldata.
This was the third event Gray attended for the data management firm, which hires Conestoga co-op students, and she appreciated the opportunity to chat in person with students.
“Being able to meet people makes a big difference,” Gray said.
The Acceldata table included software engineer and Conestoga graduate Jeffrey Smith, who also came to last year’s job fair on just the second week of his co-op term. Smith shared with students his journey to being hired last May in hopes his winding route would inspire them to see they can also find the right spot for themselves. Smith was a bike tour guide in Toronto and opera singer before enrolling in the Computer Applications Development program, followed by perseverance in his job search after graduation. “It can be done,” Smith said.
Job fairs are mutually beneficial to employer and student, believes Chris Behrendt, manager of software development and architecture at Descartes. Students learn about the diversity of careers in the IT field, while professionals like Behrendt learn about students’ skills that can possibly be incorporated into current positions at the company.
“They’re the future, so the world is going to be shaped by their eyes,” Behrendt said.
Descartes regularly hires students from Conestoga, which is an “amazing” school to look for candidates thanks to the college’s breadth of programming and its students who are “incredibly strong and passionate.”
On the job, the students and employees both benefit from working together.
“The students are able to tap into that experience. At the same time, give us insight into where the trends are going,” Behrendt said. “The students bring energy and new perspective to our team.”
Rebecca Clarke, talent acquisition specialist at Equitable, said job fairs are a great way to connect with students and let them know about the variety of jobs available at the Waterloo insurance company, including cybersecurity.
Equitable hires Conestoga students for both co-op and full-time positions, and Clarke found the students were asking good questions about the company and jobs it offers. She also got to meet in person students who were scheduled for interviews.
“That’s why we’re here. We want to put these puzzle pieces together for them,” Clarke said.
School dean Jim Edwards said the job fair is always well attended by students and employers.
“The School of Applied Computer Science & Information Technology is proud of our strong and collaborative relationship with technology and engineering employers across the many cities we teach in. Career fairs like this positively reflect our many industry partnerships and the tremendous value graduates can expect from a Conestoga education. We appreciate the support of our many partners at this well-attended event.”
Conestoga’s School of Applied Computer Science & Information Technology offers a 21st-century education that prepares graduates for exciting careers in the innovative world of information and communications technology. Project-based and work-integrated learning enables students to solve real-world problems and engage in new technologies that empower a professional journey in a rapidly growing sector.
The school offers several bachelor’s degree programs, including the Bachelor of Computer Science and bachelor’s degrees in Digital Technology Solutions and Data Analytics, launching this fall.
Learn more about the variety of degrees and diplomas offered on the school’s programs page.
To post a co-op job or learn more about computer science and information technology co-op, contact employer relations consultants Darren Pearson at dpearson@conestogac.on.ca or Sanjana Myakal at Smyakal@conestogac.on.ca or visit Employer Services.