Students at the Lethbridge College were once again given a chance to kick start their careers last week.

The Career Conference was back again at Lethbridge College for the 33rd year in a row. It’s a chance for students to meet with potential employers and see what career paths are open in their chosen industry.

The career conference is a daylong event held in the Val Matteoti gym with approximately 120 booths for students to see. There are booths from different industries for students to see who is hiring. 

Coordinator of Employment Services, Pamela Crawshaw-Prangnell says that students learn much more about a company by talking to someone.

“Many of the people sitting at these booths, are graduates of Lethbridge College and they are coming back to say, ‘Hey, I was in your program… now let me tell you about my career,’” says Crawshaw-Prangnell.

Crawshaw-Prangnell says that not only are students interacting with possible employers, but could be speaking to educators as well. Some students had the chance to speak to other post-secondary institutions about furthering their education.

She says that this event is all about expanding your knowledge and interacting.

“You might not be talking to a manager, you might not be talking to an human resources rep,” says Crawshaw-Prangnell. “But you’re talking to someone you represents the company and it’s another good way to learn and to network about your industry.

Most booths at this years career conference were set up to give out information, some even giving out interviews on the spot. 

Senior Human Resources Partner with EXP Services, Liz Pierce, says that after many years participating at the career conference she finds Lethbridge College students to be very curious, and excited to speak to industry.

“Some students are really just getting a feel for what it’s like to explore and talk to companies and that’s great. That’s part of what today’s all about,” says Pierce. “Other students are ready and prepared, have resumes, and are talking to people about real opportunities for either graduation in April or summer opportunities this summer. So, it’s a really wide range.”

The gym was packed full of eager students ready to start their careers. Many employers were also excited to see the fresh faces and minds of those about to enter their professions.

The career conference hoped to bring in over 3000 Lethbridge College students, members of the community and high school students.