Adam Caplan admits he had no idea what he was going to do upon leaving university, to the point fear was creeping in.
Hundreds of local students and residents participated Monday in the second annual Student 2 Business Networking Conference at the London Convention Centre.
“I knew I wanted my career to be in entertainment, but I had no idea what it would be,” says Caplan, speaking at the Student 2 Business conference Monday on the London job market and networking opportunities within the city.
A lecturer of eCommerce Strategy in Western’s BMOS program, Caplan lived and worked in Los Angeles for many years – involved in TV and advertising production and post-production.
“It’s easy to get caught up in that fear, but the more you are able to explore and meet people you’ll find yourself translating those skills you learned at school into a career.”
For Caplan and many other guest speakers at the second annual event, which drew close to 1,000 students and local residents, the common theme was about networking and setting achievable goals.
For second-year Ivey student McKenzie Scott, who’s planning to stay in London this summer to look for work, it’s a matter of mastering the ‘meet and greet’.
“The most important thing is the whole networking component. It’s a big thing to find out who’s out there, who’s hiring, the different companies interested in what I can offer them. I’m hoping it will pay off for me.”
BMOS/Psychology student Kaylene Wesenger says networking could be the difference in finding that perfect job.
“I feel you have a leg up and if you can come to know what businesses are out there, come to see who is around and get an idea for what the market is, it can only help with your job search,” she says.
“I think it’s pretty good from the standpoint of where I’m at in second year. Hopefully by the time I get out of fourth year – then graduate school – the market will hopefully look a little bit better.”
Western grad and host of Rogers TV’s London Calling, Drew Skit told attendees it sometimes feels like you’re taking five or six steps back in taking a job, but says the experience in every opportunity is priceless.
“I had a professor who always told me that taking a job is a master’s degree that will pay you,” he says, adding it’s key to write down your future goals.
“Identify these goals and passions – which are always changing – but have them ready for when opportunity come knocking. Every person you meet is an opportunity to learn something new. Don’t take these meetings for granted.”
The conference also featured keynote speaker Richard Florida, professor of Business and Creativity at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management.
His advice was to “do what you love” but at the same time be prepared for an “economic reset” as we move away from a manufacturing-based workforce to one with more of a focus on creativity.