Skills for the Workplace course provides hands-on networking experience for Business – Marketing learners

Posted on Wednesday, March 6th, 2024

School of Business and Hospitality faculty gather for photo with Algonquin College President and CEO Claude Brulé. From left to right: Lisa Siragusa, Dean Julie Beauchamp, Valerie Hill, Chair Heidi Upson Ferris, Bill Garbarino, Melanie Haskins, and Claude Brulé.

School of Business and Hospitality faculty gather for photo with Algonquin College President and CEO Claude Brulé. From left to right: Lisa Siragusa, Dean Julie Beauchamp, Valerie Hill, Chair Heidi Upson Ferris, Bill Garbarino, Melanie Haskins, and Claude Brulé.

Skills for the Workplace is a level 4 course in the Business – Marketing program designed to guide learners and mentor them prior to graduation, preparing them to move into the industry with the skills and tools necessary for success. Students are learning the benefits of a strong LinkedIn profile and endorsements, how to improve their resumes and cover letters, interviewing techniques to land the perfect job and the benefits of networking to make strong industry connections.

The student networking event on March 6, 2024, offered learners real-life networking opportunities right here at the Ottawa Campus. The event took place in Nawapon, with approximately 79 learners and 38 industry guests in attendance, 24 of whom are alumni of the Business – Marketing or Business Administration programs at Algonquin College. The evening included a speed networking activity that paired invited industry guests with learners, ensuring each of the learners had time to chat with all attendees. Learners were asked to dress professionally for the event and to come prepared with their resumes to make some connections. The event also included refreshments provided by Laura Dimic and her team in Food and Conference Services, which sponsors of the event generously provided.

The event was organized by School of Business and Hospitality faculty members Valerie Hill, Bill Garbarino and Lisa Siragusa, with attendance from the school’s Chair Heidi Upson Ferris and Dean Julie Beauchamp.

“One of the biggest challenges for a new graduate is quickly establishing meaningful connections with industry leaders. The Skills in the Workplace course, MKT2213, creates an excellent on-ramp for our soon-to-be-grads through this event and the tools that the students develop during the semester,” explained Garbarino.

Beauchamp shared words of encouragement to kick off the evening, describing the event as “where potential meets possibility”. “Dive into tonight with confidence; you are on the brink of something special,” she said.

President and CEO Claude Brulé opened the event with words of inspiration and wisdom.“Tonight exemplifies the essence of what Algonquin College stands for – making the connections between classroom learning and real-world experience. This event is a shining example of how we provide our students with hands-on, applied opportunities that prepare them for success in their chosen industries,” said Brulé.

As winter courses draw to a close, the College community looks forward to celebrating these learners and their accomplishments at Convocation in June.


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