Connect to Careers Job Fair

March 05, 2024 @ 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.

Why attend?

Up to 85% of jobs are filled through networking. At Connect to Careers, you’ll get to make connections with potential employers and explore your options.
Meet face to face with top employers who are ready to hire for full-time, part-time, co-op/internship and summer positions.
Get information from employers on job requirements, industry trends and industry growth. This information will help you write your resume and cover letter and prepare for interviews.
Apply for jobs. Personalize your application by giving adding a personal connection.

Who's hiring?

Gold:

Silver:

Bronze:

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

Connect to Careers is presented in partnership by McMaster University, Mohawk College, Redeemer University and Workforce Planning Hamilton.

Connect to Careers Job Fair Prep: Resume Reviews and LinkedIn Headshots

February 27, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (MUSC Atrium)

Attend Connect to Careers Job Fair Prep Day to access a broad range of services and support to help you get ready for the fair. Taking the time to get prepared will help you gain confidence so you can make a great first impression and set yourself apart from other candidates.

Career Fair Prep

February 28, 11:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. (Zoom)

Planning to attend the Career Fair? Join us for an overview of how to prepare effectively for the event, what to do during and after the event to leave a positive and professional impression. You will learn practical strategies about building connections with employers.

Summer Job Search

February 29, 11:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. (Zoom)

We will explore the untapped potential of on-campus support systems and community-driven employment/experiential opportunities that extend beyond conventional job postings. Learn proactive strategies to navigate the job market, maximizing your time and increasing your chances of landing a fantastic summer job.

Shuttle Bus Schedule

Shuttle buses will leave from McMaster and Mohawk campuses hourly.

Bus #1: McMaster University

McMaster University campus map

Bus pickups at McMaster University (1280 Main St. W) will be located in front of the DeGroote School of Business (DSB) beside parking lot C (find the yellow school bus).
The first pickup is scheduled for 9:00 a.m.
Pickups will take place every hour: 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., Break, 12:15 p.m., 1:15 p.m., 2:15 p.m.
Students will be driven to the Hamilton Convention Centre.
The final return trip from the Hamilton Convention Centre will take place at 3:15 p.m.

Bus #2: Mohawk College

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 9:00 a.m.
Pickups will take place every hour: 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., Break, 12:15 p.m., 1:15 p.m., 2:15 p.m.
Students will be driven to the Hamilton Convention Centre.
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 Bay St. (Note: If you’ve passed James St. N, you’ve gone too far)
Drive down Bay St. until you pass King St. W.
Hamilton Convention Centre and the Dan Lawrie Office are located on the right side of Bay St., just past King St. W.

Map directions to Hamilton Convention Centre

Interactive parking map

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 4,900+ 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?

Register for free on the Connect to Careers website using your MacID. Then, all you have to do is show up on the day of the fair and bring your student card or number with you to check in.

When you register, you’ll have the option to upload your resume and information so it’s easier to share with employers on the day of the fair.

We recommend registering in advance, but you can also show up on the day of the fair and register at the check-in table.

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

This year, Connect to Careers features employers who are hiring 4,900+ 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?

Register and attend Career Fair Prep on February 27 in the MUSC Atrium, featuring resume critiques, LinkedIn headshots and guidance from SSC career counsellors and advisors.
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?

Go to the check-in table when you arrive to pick up your badge if you registered in advance. If you didn’t register, you can still check in and participate in the fair. Please bring your student card or number.

Then, you’re all set to go to visit employer booths. Signage will be posted to help you get there. Remember, there will be two floors of employer booths! We recommend planning which employers you want to connect with in advance.