- 31-Oct-2022
A Career Fair at the Ridgetown Campus, University of Guelph, gave students a chance to meet with a diverse group of employers representing all the academic programs the campus offers.
Approximately 100 people representing 40 companies and organizations turned out for the event on Oct. 26.
First-time participant Mandi Ropp of Metzger Veterinary Services was impressed with the fair and the students.
“We’re having great conversations,” said Ropp. "There’s lots of opportunity for a win-win for employers and students at the event.”
She added that career fairs are essential because the job market has become more competitive.
“You need to start recruiting earlier while people are still students to show them what it is like to work with you and build a relationship,” she said.
Judy Vanderheide of AGRIS Co-operative and Great Lakes Grain was pleased to be able to meet with students again.
“It’s been awesome. There’s a lot of students coming through,” said Vanderheide. “The students here are interested; they’re talking to us. It’s been great.”
She noted that students in the Agriculture and Environmental Diploma programs are a good fit for their company, adding that they’re always looking to hire summer students.
Sgt. Denise Leonard of the Hamilton Mounted Police Unit enjoyed discussing the horse industry with students enrolled in the Equine Care and Management Diploma program. Noting that the Unit’s new barn manager is a Ridgetown graduate, Sgt. Leonard said connecting with the Campus keeps her up to date with what’s happening in the industry.
“The other side of it is reaching out to students and giving them the idea that policing may be something they can do,” she added.
More information about Ridgetown’s Academic Programs is available on the Campus website, and future students are encouraged to attend a November Fall Preview Open House event.