Looking to grow professionally? Consider attending a career event
Credit to Author: Staff Writer| Date: Wed, 04 Oct 2023 15:49:00 +0000
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Many reading this article have attended or have considered attending a professional event at some point in their career. This is especially true for internationally educated professionals seeking gainful employment in a new competitive job market. From survival jobs to additional education, long work hours, and the added personal expenses of moving to a new country, attending a career event may seem cost and time-prohibitive.
Even if attending these events sounds attractive, many of us hesitate when registering. Do I have the time to attend? How much will it cost? How will I benefit from this event? While these are valid questions, believe it or not, career events are highly worthwhile investments in your future!
Time is something many of us wish we had more, but the reality is there are only so many hours in a day. We also know to grow professionally, we need to make time. Thankfully, many career events occur virtually, allowing for attendance based on our schedule, with the opportunity to watch recorded sessions at our leisure and connect with contacts on a virtual platform before and after the event. While in-person events often require travel to and from an event, many take place on weekends and evenings to accommodate working schedules. Consider booking time off ahead of the event so you can attend.
The question of cost is always top of mind for all of us, especially now. Some events are free to attend, while others have a hefty price tag. Does that mean that expensive events offer more worthwhile sessions than free events? It depends on the event and the organization putting it on. Remember, many paid events are put on by companies whose revenue depends on these events. In comparison, free events are often provided by companies and organizations with sponsors and grants to assist particular interest groups, like internationally educated professionals.
So, why else should you attend a career event?
1. Grow your professional NETWORK
We all know how important networking is to building our careers. What better place to share ideas, get feedback, and make meaningful connections with like-minded professionals than at a career event. Whether virtual or in-person, most events today are designed to allow for virtual and in-person networking. Often, personal relationships are just as crucial to growing your career as education and experience. For individuals who are new to Canada, professional networking allows you to make the key connections you may not have had the opportunity to make otherwise. Another bonus is that many professionals establish long-term friendships within their network.
2. Stay relevant with PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Professional development is not only a great way to brush up on your soft and technical skills but is often a requirement for maintaining professional certifications and designations. Stay up-to-date on the latest trends while learning a new skill you can apply towards landing your first Canadian job in your profession.
3. Boost your CREDENTIALS
Looking to pad your resume and LinkedIn, show prospective or current employers that you are growing your skills and expanding business prospects? Then consider attending a career event.
4. GAIN INSIGHTS into the latest trends
Career events offer a glimpse into the latest trends and technologies, keeping you ahead of the curve.
While career events often have jam-packed schedules full of informative sessions, they offer many golden nuggets that could help you grow your career in a new country by connecting you with the right organizations, people, and services. Attendance at these events can help you to network with individuals from a similar professional background, learn tips that will give you a leg up on the job market and, of course, boost your professional knowledge with informative learning opportunities.
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