Hi-Tech Co-op and Career Fair

When: Tues, Feb 5 and Wed, Feb 6, 2019 | 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Where: Engineering Lab Wing lobby
Contact: martinjm@uvic.ca | 250-472-5827

Want to connect with employers in the tech industry? At the Hi-Tech Co-op and Career Fair, you can meet representatives from a wide range of companies all in one place.

While this event is geared towards students in the Faculty of Engineering, all students are invited to stop by.

NOTE: The employers listed below attended the 2018 event; check back in January 2019 for attendees for the next event.

If accessibility accommodations are needed for this event, please let us know at martinjm@uvic.ca as far in advance as possible.

This fair is for students studying...

Biomedical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Computer Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Software Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Computer Science
Telecommunications and Information Security

Talk to company reps and...

Learn what companies are looking for in job candidates
Compare potential job opportunities to help you figure out your next steps
Ask questions about everything from job benefits to workplace culture
Make networking connections in your future field

Meet these employers – Day 1 (Tues, Feb 6)

Redbrick – Platinum Sponsor
Turner Construction – Platinum Sponsor
Fortis BC – Gold Sponsor
Kiewit – Silver Sponsor

Meet these employers – Day 2 (Wed, Feb 7)

Teck – Platinum Sponsor
Campbell Construction – Silver Sponsor

Prepare for the fair (workshop and tips)

Career fairs are an excellent way to see jobs in your field of study, meet employers and expand your network. You'll get the most out of the fair if you spend some time preparing in advance.

Want in-person support?

Attend the Hi-Tech Career Prep Workshop for in-person tips on how to engage with employers (Monday, February 5 at 4:30 in ECS 660).

Looking for self-guided tips?

Before the fair

Register in the Learning In Motion events calendar for the career prep workshop offered by John Fagan, engineering career educator.
Give some thought to what you hope to accomplish at the fair
Identify the companies you want to connect with and research them in advance
Prepare a list of questions you want to ask exhibitors (see "How to talk with exhibitors" section on this page)
Print some résumés and prepare any other material you want to bring along (business cards, examples of your work, etc)

During the fair

Wait your turn in line
Introduce yourself, offer a handshake and ask your questions
Allow time for the employer to respond and listen
Take notes
Ask the employer for a business card
Ask if you can call the employer to follow up
Find out if the employer plans to hire in the future
Thank everyone you speak with
Record the information you collect for future reference, especially the names, positions and contact information of the people you meet at the fair

After the fair

Send a thank-you note to those you met at the fair
If there appeared to be immediate or future employment opportunities with a company, send your résumé and cover letter and make reference to meeting at the fair

Not sure what to say when you're at the fair? Exhibitors want to speak with you! They are looking for talented students to help their organization and this is a great opportunity for you to make a good impression. Use these tips if you're having trouble thinking of conversation starters.

How to introduce yourself to exhibitors

An effective introduction includes your name and some information about yourself. Here's a sample introduction:

'Good morning. My name is [name] (pause for handshake). I am working on [degree] and I am looking for information about work in the area of [your area of interest]. I read on your website that you have internships for new graduates interested in this area. I would be interested in applying for one of those internships.'

At this point, you and the recruiter will have a brief conversation, during which you can ask some questions about the internship or the organization. You will find out more about the application process, and possibly leave your résumé with the recruiter.

Sample questions to ask exhibitors

How does one enter this field?
How did you enter it?
What are typical entry-level jobs like?
What skills (aptitudes, interests and personal characteristics) are important for this work?
What are the most relevant majors for this work? What are the educational/training requirements?
Are there any specific courses you recommend that I take?
Would I need more than an undergraduate degree for employment or advancement?
What are the prospects for this work in Victoria? What are the prospects elsewhere?
What kinds of positions will you be recruiting for and from which academic backgrounds?
Do you hire students for the summer (or co-op work terms)?
When and how do you advertise your available positions?
Do you have any advice for someone who is interested in working in the field?
Can you suggest materials I should read to learn more about it? How important is having related experience?
Could you suggest any volunteer work that might help me gain experience in this area? What is the culture like at your workplace?
What do you like most about your work?
What do you find challenging?