Annual career fair encourages career curiosity
- NC Raine | February 14, 2018
For many young people, knowing which career path to follow and how to get there can a difficult endeavour, particularly when answers to some of these more complicated questions are hard to come by. At The Future is Yours Career Expo, employers and educators aim answer questions, guide curiosity, and inspire young people from across Saskatchewan to take their future in their own hands.
More than 1,400 students from cities, towns, and First Nations across the province turned out on February 6th to The Future is Yours, in what is Saskatchewan's largest career expo targeting Indigenous youth. Students connected with 86 exhibitors from numerous industries and institutions, including universities and technical colleges, arts, music and media, communications, healthcare, potash, gas and mining, hospitality, law enforcement, armed forces, and more. The fair is hosted by The Saskatoon Tribal Council and sponsored by Nutrien.
Check out our photo gallery from this year’s expo.
Jolyn Sloan, Aboriginal Liaison Officer at the University of Saskatchewan, says that one of the key areas when connecting with students at the expo addressing some misconceptions about post-secondary education.
“One thing that students (assume) is that it's really difficult to get into university. We let them know that we calculate an average based on five classes, so if they have a 70% or above, they can get in,” said Sloan.
Law and nursing are the two areas of study drawing most interest from First Nations students at the expo, she says. But regardless of the discipline, the university is a place for students of all interests and backgrounds.
“I think it's really important to be a presence here. We let (the students) know that we have a high amount of Indigenous students that come to the U of S, and we have amazing programs to offer them,” she says.
In addition to career exhibits, the expo also featured keynotes by professional basketball player Michael Linklater, former CFL player J.R. LaRose, a powwow, a performance by musician and activist Eekwol, and panel discussions from current post-secondary students and from industry professionals.
Mark Arcand, Chief of the Saskatoon Tribal Council, also spoke to the students, encouraging them to invest in themselves. “The people of this city and this province are understanding that First Nations people matter,” he said. “How many of you want to be successful? (...) That's what this event it going to produce. There are people on the other side of that curtain who want to invest in you, but you have to be engaged. You have to ask questions.”