Recapping the career fair

The seventh annual College of the Rockies Career and Job Fair continued its upward trend with great success

The 2013 College of the Rockies Career and Job Fair was full of rep-attendee interactions. — Kristen Mitchell photo

The College of the Rockies (COTR) Career and Job Fair was held this March 6, 2013, for its seventh successful year. Taking place at the main campus in Cranbrook, B.C, there was an exciting atmosphere in the college gymnasium as 41 exhibitors interacted with attendees who ranged from high school teens to mature community members. Hugh Moore, a recruitment officer at College of the Rockies, took some time to talk to us about the growing success of the event.

“We’ve been hearing for years about how our students seemed very engaged, how vibrant the event is,” he said. “The exhibitors have a rush right from the start, so they hit the ground running. And for having it for a fairly short period, just the four hours, they’re busy for almost the whole time.”

Through the years, the COTR Career and Job fair has grown considerably. 2013 saw a significant increase in visitors over previous events despite the fact that snowfall meant that high schools from surrounding areas were unable to attend.

“We have a really strong relationship with Mount Baker (secondary school), particularly,” said Moore. “Through their career and planning classes they bus about 150 students up (to the event).”

COTR also prepares its students for the event, making sure that anyone who is interested has access to resources to help them succeed.

“We do classroom sessions in the weeks leading up to inform the students that there is a job fair coming up,” said Moore. “Our career and placement officer, Mary Davies, does resume writing workshops and prep with any of our students that are interested prior to the event. They’re all encouraged to have up-to-date resumes and to be looking for work. As much as we like having the students here, our goal is to help them (successfully move forward).”

The Summer Job Alley, an initiative that is in its third year, is designed for actively recruiting businesses to accept student resumes for upcoming positions. It has always proved to be particularly popular. Attendees did a great job of presenting themselves well, and coming prepared. Overall, it was an excellent event. Industry recruiters, job seekers and those looking to network can look forward to another successful career fair in 2014.

“It’s a tremendous partnership,” said Moore, “the fact that the chamber, COTR and Kootenay Business magazine can work together to put on this event, and have it grow every year—especially in an economic down cycle. We’re able to still attract industry, employers and people from the community who are looking for work, and to have it bigger and better every year is a remarkable thing.”