Meeting success

A job fair gave Christian Verigin a foot in the door

Christian Verigin met her new employers at a career fair. — Photo by Joni Krats

Christian Verigin had to change her career path due to a workplace injury. After retraining, she broke into a new field by attending a career fair. By planning ahead and being prepared, she met success in her new career. 

Why did you change careers?

I had an industrial injury when I worked for Tembec, which resulted in me losing my first rib on my left side. I had my hand caught in a conveyor belt. I was no longer able to perform physically demanding work. I was retrained through WorkSafeBC.

What did you study?

In 2007 I took the Business Management diploma course at the Academy of Learning.

How did you prepare for the career fair?

I wrote a cover letter and designed my resumé for my new career path. I also went out and bought a new pair of shoes and got my hair done—cut and coloured.

Who did you meet at the career fair?

I met a number of people, but the person who stood out the most to me was Keith Powell and all his great energy and enthusiasm for Koocanusa Publications.

Describe the experience of being a student at the career fair.

I found the career fair to be a bit overwhelming at first because I never went to one before. I walked around for a bit to check everything out and then I got the nerve to walk up to booths and talk to people. Once I was done, I felt good about the experience—once I got over being nervous of the unknown.

How did your career fair experience pan out in the end?

I ended up needing to do a three-week practicum to complete my program at the Academy of Learning. I called up Murray Shellborn (production co-ordinator) at Koocanusa Publications to come in for an interview, not to sell, but to do graphic design. He thought I would be way better in sales, so I worked three weeks on selling (ads for) the Golf website. I did really well and loved what I was doing. I finished my program and then went for surgery to have my rib out. Murray told me I could have a job once I was better and off worker's compensation. (After that), I came to work full time for Koocanusa Publications as an advertising consultant for the BetterBook phone book.

Would you recommend the career fair experience to others, and why?

Absolutely. Career fairs give you the best opportunity to network and find out which companies in your area are seeking your talents and skills. They can be a place to discover opportunities you may not have considered before.