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Montreal Job Search Strategies Forum Report

Welcome and Overview

Video

This video contains a mixture of English & French

Natalie Fougère, National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS)

Natalie Fougère welcomed participants to the National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS)’s 16th Job Search Strategies Forum, and to the beautiful city of Montreal. Fougère invited people to take advantage of the simultaneous interpretation and signing services, and suggested participants help themselves to refreshments, because “you will need your energy today.”

She introduced Philippe Comeau of the Association québécoise des étudiants ayant des incapacités au postsecondaire (AQEIPS). The association ensures services for students with disabilities in schools across the province, and offers a bursary program, with $500 grants going to nine people each year. Comeau announced that AQEIPS would soon be holding its general assembly and encouraged participants to see him for more information.

Fougère thanked AQEIPS for their help in promoting the day’s events. She said this workshop was part of a series of employment forums being held across the country until March 2011, made possible by the generous support of BMO Capital Markets and its Equity Through Education program. This forum is meant to help participants in their search for employment, and in achieving a stimulating and gratifying career.

Participants were encouraged to network because, Fougère said, “We are here today for that reason.” There were employers, service providers, students, and government representatives present. Participants were free to ask questions throughout the day.

The morning would consist of several presentations followed by a question period. During lunch, participants could visit the exhibits and the resumé clinic, which would provide one-on-one advice. Each participant would be given about 15 minutes to meet with one of the employment counsellors. Fougère encouraged participants to receive advice in the spirit in which it was intended, and said that even if the advice did not seem relevant at the time, it might become useful at some point in the future. She encouraged participants to take notes.

The afternoon would consist of further presentations and a health break, followed by closing remarks. Fougère said a report summarizing the day’s events would be placed on the NEADS website in the coming weeks.