The networking event is put on in partnership with the Association of Black Law Enforcers
Students of all programs at the University of Guelph-Humber (U of GH) aspiring to work in the public safety field had the opportunity to take a glimpse into their futures at the Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Career Fair, put on in partnership with Career & Placement Services and the Association of Black Law Enforcers (A.B.L.E.).
During this annual networking event, 33 exhibitors set up booths in the Guelph-Humber atrium, giving students the opportunity to directly connect with potential employers in the field. Several U of GH alumni returned for the event as professionals representing their organizations, eager to give back to the next generation of law enforcers and emergency services workers, illustrating the University’s strong alumni network.
“For people wondering about what they want to do [with their career], the Fair was a great opportunity. It's also a really good place to network for students looking for jobs. That's actually where I got my student placement [at Crime Stoppers of Halton],” second-year Justice Studies student Julian Domladovac said.
According to A.B.L.E. President Jacqueline Edwards, the Career Fair provides a safe and welcoming space for students to interact and engage with professionals in law enforcement and emergency services, while educating students on possible career choices, how to obtain those career opportunities, and making contacts with prospective employers – exhibitors like the Canada Border Services, York Regional Police Service, Toronto Paramedic Services, and Ontario Provincial Police. She added that the Career Fair also serves as a moment for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour) students to see themselves represented in law enforcement and emergency services roles.
“[Representation] is important for BIPOC communities because many of these prospective applicants, and hopefully future law enforcement practitioners and professionals, are often the first in their families from very diverse communities to enter into the space,” Edwards explained. “Many come to the Career Fair not only to learn about the opportunities, but often to see themselves in the representatives from the agencies.”
Building connections is key to success. Students like Aleena Noor, a fourth-year Psychology student, said the event allowed her to see just how many options there are for work after graduation, including roles she wasn’t aware of. The Career Fair gave her the opportunity to explore multiple areas of interest from social work to forensic psychology, to the legal realm, especially when it comes to working with children. She’s also another example of a student who gained a placement (at autism charity Jake’s House) through a connection she made at a past edition of the Career Fair.
Noor also said with the presence of alumni, it made it feel less daunting to network because “it’s easier to talk to someone you know… it's easier to ask them what they've been through” with shared experiences at Guelph-Humber.
Furthermore, fourth-year Justice Studies student Noah Spencer attended the event this year as a volunteer for Crime Stoppers. He completed his program placement at Crime Stoppers and is now a volunteer in the co-ordinator role at the organization. Spencer joined the Career Fair to help other students by sharing his experience in landing a placement at the organization so they could, too, follow their career aspirations.
Securing opportunities, such as with Crime Stoppers, has been “valuable” to Spencer. He said, “It helps me to build a portfolio, build my network, and get to interact with different agencies out there to better set myself up for success in the future.”
Domladovac believes practicing networking, like at the Career Fair, is imperative in developing that skillset; it can just be a simple conversation, he said, to get your foot in the door of an organization or perhaps see a job application fast-tracked through forging a connection.
“Getting to meet possible employers is valuable and to learn about these careers as a young student. And I think these people and partners coming to our school is a great opportunity to learn,” Domladovac said.
This is the first step to chasing success – and a challenge students shouldn’t back down from. Edwards’ advice to Guelph-Humber students is to “follow your heart, follow your passion” because working in public safety is more than just a job; it’s a calling and a service you’re providing the community.
“Explore the opportunities and options that are available. Ask a ton of questions. You might even go to a particular booth where you've never heard of that as an option. Step into that space very bravely and answer that call,” Edwards shared.
Explore more of Guelph-Humber’s Career & Placement Services offerings here.