The speed networking between alumni and students was lively at the 2024 Arts Career Round Table. Credit: R. Smith
Planning Your Career: Key Takeaways from the Arts Career Round Table
On November 20, Career Services hosted the Arts Career Round Table in collaboration with the Arts Student Body Council (ASBC) and the Faculty of Arts.
I had the pleasure of attending along with 77 other students and meeting nine Faculty of Arts alumni working in a variety of professions ranging from arts and culture to social services and finance.
The event kicked off with a pizza dinner, allowing us to get acquainted with the people at our table. After supper, Ashlin Daly, ASBC Director of Academic Programming and the emcee for the evening, officially started the event. Greetings were provided by Hannah Belec, President of ASBC, Heidi Marx, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Tracy Bowman, Director of Alumni Relations and Rebecca Brooks, Director of the Career, Community and Experiential Learning Center. Then, each alum went up and offered a short overview of their academic and career journey. These introductions were lighthearted and filled with jokes and anecdotes that had everyone laughing. During this time, I learned it’s completely normal for a career to follow a non-linear path, as many alumni had diverse experiences in various roles before reaching their current positions.
In the “Speed Networking” portion, Arts alumni rotated tables every five minutes (signaled by the ringing of a large bell), allowing students to ask them questions and engage in conversation. I’d like to share the advice from three alumni that really resonated with me.
Niall Harney [BA(Adv)/2017] serves as a Senior Researcher and holds the Errol Black Chair in Labor Issues at the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. He emphasized the importance of getting involved—whether on campus or in your local community—to build valuable skills such as teamwork, time management, problem-solving and more.
Vanessa Lillie [BA(Hons)/2016] is the Director of Cultural Integration at the Office of the Vice-President (Indigenous) at the University of Manitoba. She gave our table five career tips: (1) Build a resume to showcase your skills, (2) get a mentor to ask career questions and gain valuable insights, (3) dress for your next job not the one you currently have, (4) if you get a training opportunity take it, and (5) go see an academic advisor to ensure you are on track.
Glen Gosling [BA(Adv)/1997], an Investment Advisor and Financial Planner at BMO Nesbitt Burns, one of North America’s leading investment firms, encouraged students to contact professionals in roles they are interested in and ask to meet with them. This provides students an opportunity to ask questions and gain deeper insight into a job’s roles and responsibilities.
Before attending this event, I felt uncertain about not having a clear career path after graduation. However, hearing from the Arts alumni about their diverse career journeys helped me realize that it’s okay not to have a linear plan.
Meeting with the Arts alumni really helped me appreciate the value of a Bachelor of Arts degree from UM. Throughout our studies, we develop essential skills such as critical thinking, effective writing, and strong interpersonal abilities, all of which are key to our success in both our careers and personal lives. Graduates with an Arts degree have the flexibility to work in a wide range of industries, and there’s nothing standing in the way of us achieving success.
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Take charge of your future today! Schedule an appointment with a Career Consultant at Career Services and connect with an Arts Academic Advisor to stay on track and plan your studies and career with confidence.
Career Services assists University of Manitoba undergraduate and graduate students with their career planning and job search. They provide a range of valuable services, including workshops, one-on-one consultations and career mentorship, all designed to make a meaningful impact as you prepare to enter the job market.
Faculty of Arts Academic Advisors are your go-to resource for degree planning. They are dedicated to assisting students with degree planning and providing essential resources to support academic success.