THUNDER BAY -- Getting an education is one thing.Translating what you’ve learned into employment is another.
Earlier this week students in Confederation College’s registered practical nursing program were offered an opportunity to connect with potential employers at the Thunder Bay school’s first Leadership Day.
During the day-long session students learned about possible job availabilities, how to prepare for an interview and what those hiring are looking for in a resume.
It was a welcome venture for second-year student Grace McGinn, a chance to brush shoulders with those who in a few short weeks might be looking to hire the school’s latest crop of graduates.
“We had someone come up and show us how to do resumes, how to present yourself during an interview and the kind of things to expect.
That was really helpful because I’m coming right out of high school and straight into post-secondary,” McGinn said.
“So I don’t really have interview experience, besides like a coffee shop. It was good to know, good information.”
What stuck out was the need for professionalism on a job search.
“You have to show that you know what you’re doing,” she McGinn, a southern Ontario transplant who would like to remain in the city to start her career.
“Although we’re graduates, we are kind of expected to have everything under our belt and be ready to go and show and display we’re ready to do that.”
Program co-ordinator Michael Scarcello said the idea behind the event was simple – to connect students to potential employers.
“It gives them the opportunity to network with the nursing leaders in the city and recruiters as well and find out what the expectations are about doing an interview, creating a resume, how to prepare for an interview and ultimately to be successful as they move along after they graduate from the program.”
Students met with representatives from Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, St. Joseph’s Care Group, the Victorian Order of Nurses and the Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario.
During the presentation, McGinn received an award for student excellence from the RPNAO.
