Connect to Careers Job Fair

March 03, 2026 @ 10:00 AM @ 03:00 PM
Hamilton Convention Centre (1 Summers Ln, Hamilton, ON L8P 4Y2)

Registration is now open

What’s Connect to Careers all about? Well, it’s all in the name. It’s an opportunity to connect with hiring managers and company representatives to set yourself apart from other candidates. Share your experiences, skills and qualifications with organizations you want to work for. Plus, learn more about companies and positions that reflect your interests and career plans.

If you require transportation accommodations or materials in alternative/accessible formats, please contact Melanie Waters prior to February 26 (waterm3@mcmaster.ca). All personal information will remain confidential.

Connect to Careers is presented in partnership by McMaster University, Mohawk College, Redeemer University, Workforce Planning Hamilton and the City of Hamilton’s Economic Development.

Webinars and Events

Career Fair Prep

February 24, 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. | Online

Planning to attend the Career Fair? Join us for an essential overview of how to prepare effectively for the event.

Learn practical strategies to build connections with employers and leave a positive and professional impression.

Resume: Start Here!

February 26, 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. | Online

Join us for an engaging and interactive session where you’ll gain practical skills, valuable insights, and discover strategies to differentiate yourself from other applicants.

Mock Career Fair (International Students)

February 26, 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. | GH 110 Meeting Room

This mock career fair is designed to help you develop confidence and get practice for the real thing. You can practice your approach and your elevator pitch, learn how to talk to recruiters, and make the most of your experience. The “employers” at this event are not real career fair employers, they are staff making this a safe-space to practice and yes, even make mistakes before the big day!

Tips and Resources

Career Fair: Preparation

Career Fair: Practice your Pitch

Career Fair: After the Fair

Visit the Who’s Hiring page on Connect to Careers website to locate employers booths on a map and stay up-to-date.

Shuttle Bus Schedule

Shuttle buses will leave from McMaster and Mohawk campuses hourly.

Bus #1: McMaster University Shuttle

McMaster University campus map

Bus pickups at McMaster University (1280 Main St. W) will be on Forsyth Ave., beside Ivor Wynne Centre (IWC). Look for the yellow school bus and shuttle bus staff.
The first pickup is scheduled for 9:30 a.m.
Pickups will run every hour: 9:30am, 10:30am, 11:30am, Break, 12:15pm, 1:15pm, 2:15pm
Students will be driven to the Hamilton Convention Centre.
Returns trips will run: 10:00am, 11:00am, 12:00pm, break 12:45pm, 1:45pm, 2:45 pm.
The final return trip from the Hamilton Convention Centre will take place at 3:15 p.m.

Bus #2: Mohawk College Shuttle

Mohawk College campus map

Bus pickups at Mohawk College (135 Fennell Avenue West) will be located at the H-Wing entrance outside of the Library/Collaboratory on Fennell Ave.
The first pickup is scheduled for 9:30 a.m.
Pickups will run every hour: 9:30am, 10:30am, 11:30am, Break, 12:15pm, 1:15pm, 2:15pm
Students will be driven to the Hamilton Convention Centre.
Returns trips will run: 10:00am, 11:00am, 12:00pm, break 12:45pm, 1:45pm, 2:45 pm.
The final return trip from the Hamilton Convention Centre will take place at 3:15 p.m.

HSR (Hamilton Street Railway)

Navigating local transit visit hamilton.ca/home-neighbourhood/hsr
Accessible Transportation Services (ATS). Learn more about specialized transit options for people with disabilities and mobility challenges.

Driving to the Fair

From Main St. W, turn left on Summers Ln. (Note: If you’ve passed James St. N, you’ve gone too far)
Hamilton Convention Centre and parking lot are located on Summers Ln.

Map directions to Hamilton Convention Centre

Municipal parking map

All job seekers must register in advance to attend the fair.

Please bring your student or alumni ID card from your school. Admission is free for students/alumni from a degree/diploma program at McMaster University, Redeemer University and Mohawk College.

Members of the public are welcome at the fair from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and are not required to bring a piece of ID.

What is a job fair? Why should I attend?

A job fair is an event that connects job seekers with hiring employers. This year, Connect to Careers features employers who are hiring 3,000+ full-time, contract, summer, part-time or co-op positions that start within six months of the fair.

Even if you’re not actively searching and applying for jobs, attending a job fair is a great way to network, learn about different industries and discover potential opportunities that align with your career plans.

Who can attend Connect to Careers?

The fair is open to students and alumni from McMaster University, Mohawk College and Redeemer University. Members from the local Hamilton community are welcome from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

How do I register?

Please note: Advanced registration is required to attend. Students and alumni from McMaster, Mohawk or Redeemer can register using their school credentials. Community members who didn’t attend these institutions can still register with their personal information.

When you register, you’ll receive a confirmation email—this email is your ticket to enter the event. If you don’t see it shortly after registering, please be sure to check your junk or spam folder.

This is a free event. Advanced registration is required to attend. Register here. Students, please register by using your student id/number. Alumni, please bring your alumni ID.

Members from the local Hamilton community are welcome from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Advanced registration is required to attend. (no ID required).

Which employers will be at the fair? What positions are they hiring for?

This year, Connect to Careers features employers who are hiring 3,000+ full-time, contract, summer, part-time or co-op positions that start within six months of the fair. Learn more about the employers and the positions they’re hiring for.

How do I prepare for the job fair?

Do your research by checking out this year’s employers and the positions they have available. Plan which employers you want to connect with.
Prepare your resume and update your LinkedIn profile.
Practice sharing your skills and experiences.
Come up with a list of questions to ask employer reps at the booths.
Learn more about career fair prep.

What should I wear to the job fair?

Wear what makes you feel comfortable. We recommend business casual attire for job fairs and networking events.

I need an accommodation or have questions about accessibility. Who can I contact?

At the fair, there will be an accommodation supports table in the foyer when you arrive.

If you have a question or accommodation need before the event, you can contact waterm3@mcmaster.ca.

For Career Access Professional Services (CAPS), including application assistance, workplace accommodations, networking prep and more, contact careeraccess@mcmaster.ca.

Is the Convention Centre wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it is, starting right from the underground parking lot. Guests can be dropped off at the front doors or take an elevator right from the under-parking lot, directly into the facility. Additionally, all washrooms are wheelchair accessible and hallways are wide set. Learn more on the Convention Centre website’s accessibility section. Wheelchairs are also available on site in the case of an emergency.

How do I get to the fair?

Taking the bus/HSR (Hamilton Street Railway):

Visit the HSR website for bus routes and schedules.
Learn about specialized transit options for people with disabilities and mobility challenges through Accessible Transportation Services (ATS).

Driving to the fair

From Main Street West, turn left on Summers Lane. (Note: If you’ve passed James Street, you’ve gone too far.)
Drive down Summers Lane until you arrive at the Convention Centre.
Parking is located on Summers Lane.

What do I do when I get there?

Get your QR code scanned from your confirmation email at the door. Then, you’re all set to go to visit employer booths. Signage will be posted to help you get there. We recommend planning which employers you want to connect with in advance.