Arts students showcase research, writing, critical thinking skills at 'reverse' career fair

In a new initiative, students from the Faculty of Arts created and hosted booths to showcase the diversity of arts programs and the many skills they can bring to the workplace.

In addition to the 25 individual students attending, five student clubs also participated. Maha Abdallah and Erin Gallon, above, of the Development Studies Club were on hand to discuss with employers the specifics about their program.

Working with students and employers regularly, the Arts Co-op Program is aware of the challenges arts students face when seeking employment and also some employer assumptions when they recruit post-secondary students. In an effort to address both issues, Discover Arts was created to allow students and employers to connect directly and to lead to more full-time, part-time, summer and co-op opportunities for arts students and to expand students' career options.

Thirty students from 11 arts programs of study created graphic and engaging displays that elaborated on their academic courses, study abroad experiences, campus involvement and professional skill development.

Employers often think first to recruit students from the professional streams and are not aware of the skills developed from an arts degree and were impressed to learn about the research and analysis, writing and critical thinking abilities that arts students possess. The invited guests were also surprised at the variety of interdisciplinary courses students take and that many also complete minors and double degrees within arts and from other facilities.

Pictured above, the School of Languages, Linguistics, Literatures and Cultures was well represented by Brielle Usher and Julia Stuart - Linguistics, Kristy Koehler - Verbatim Club and Heans Keeler - Spanish. All were happy to explain what they gained from their studies and how their skills transfer to the workplace.

Without a direct career path arts students often struggle with what they can do with their degree. Many mentioned that creating displays and thinking about their degree from the perspective of skills and knowledge that can translate into a work environment increased their confidence in approaching the job search process.

All attendees enjoyed the format and are looking to build Discover Arts into an even larger event next year.