Saskatchewan Polytechnic students who took part in the KNOW Conference this spring have an edge as they hit the job market.
As Sask Polytech students prepare for convocation, many have already lined up jobs or are preparing for interviews with businesses and industries in their respective fields. Students who took part in the first ever KNOW Conference, held in March, have an advantage as they start their job interviews.
The KNOW conference provided a full day of professional development focused on educating Sask Polytech students on a variety of essential skills. It was designed to aid students in developing the essential integrating skills that are in demand by employers for career success by connecting with and learning from community leaders, industry experts, Sask Polytech alumni and each other.
Kendra Strong-Garcia, manger, Student Experience with Sask Polytech said, “The first KNOW Conference was a huge success. With all the constraints around the pandemic, we were able to successfully deliver the conference online and connect with hundreds of students, providing them with timely and valuable information about employability skills.”
The virtual conference provided networking and self-marketing opportunities for students. Strong-Garcia says, “The participants were able use their new skills and apply them immediately when engaging in employment panels. The noon hour HR sessions had a great turn out and provided students with a chance to learn firsthand what HR departments are looking for when going through the recruitment and hiring process.”
Planning has already started for the 2022 KNOW Conference. “We are very excited!”, adds Strong-Garcia. “We look forward to using our learnings and all the great things that came from delivery of the conference online and are optimistic that we will be able to bring people together and provide some in-person networking opportunities.”
Strong-Garcia adds, “The KNOW Conference was a success with strong support of our partners, Graham and RBC Future Launch. Having industry participate in the event provided a direct connection to communication and networking skills that our students will use as they graduate. Skills that will benefit in their job search and career success.”
Hear what students have to say about their KNOW Conference experience.
Published June 2021.