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Calgary Job Search Strategies Forum Report

February 28, 2009

Introduction

The forum in Calgary, held at the Delta Bow Valley Hotel, was the fifteenth event in a six-year NEADS’ Job Search Strategies Forums Project, addressing practical aspects of successful transition from post-secondary education to the job market. Delegates represented a number of colleges and universities in the Calgary area as well as some schools from other parts of Alberta. Student participants were attending the following post-secondary and secondary institutions: University of Calgary, Mount Royal College, St. Stephen's College, Medicine Hat College, Bow Valley College and University of Alberta.

Altogether 65 people took part in the day-long employment session: students, graduates, employers, career counsellors/professionals and representatives from non-governmental organizations. 10 audience members participated in the workshop through a simultaneous webcast.

The NEADS Calgary Job Search Strategies Forum included two workshop panels, an exhibit area, and one-on-one resume consultations with career counsellors / HR professionals over the lunch period. The exhibit area included displays and representatives from: BMO Financial Group, Braille It, Canada Safeway Limited, Canadian Paraplegic Association (Employment Program), Champions Career Centre and Imperial Oil.

1. Welcome
   Jennifer Dillon - Job Search Strategies Consultant, NEADS
2. Strategies for Success: A Practical Perspective on the Transition from School to Work
   Carol Hogarth, BMO Financial Group
3. The Good, The Bad and The Ugly of Disclosure
   Simonne Walsh, Champions Career Centre
4. Conducting an Effective Job Search
   Melody Choboter, Mount Royal College
5. Discussion
6. Preparing for Interviews
   Jeff Summers, Wal-Mart Canada, Western Region
7. Strategies for Success
   Diane Bergeron, Manager, Coordination and Council Initiatives, Premier’s Council on the Status of Persons with Disabilities
8. NEADS Web-based Employment Resources
   Jennison Asuncion, Senior Advisor for NEADS, Co-director of the Adaptech Research Network, IT Accessibility Consultant
9. Discussion
10. Closing Remarks
    Jennifer Dillon, Job Search Strategies Consultant, National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS)

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