Last Wednesday, fifty-three CCIT students gathered in the South Building to discuss career strategies with six panelists, most of whom are CCIT graduates themselves. The UTM Career Centre and the CCIT Council worked together to sponsor the event, which they dubbed CCIT Career Night.
“It’s a networking event merged with a CCIT alumni event,” said Gary Li, event academic director of the CCIT Council. “We want CCIT students to learn what the guest speakers experiences are in terms of finding a job in the field and what skills are required.”
The guest speakers were Mike Faye, associate producer at Breakthrough Films & Television; Igor Mazic, marketing coordinator at Product Development & Innovation, Give and Go Prepared Foods Corp.; Eilbra Younen, flyer distribution & print coordinator at Hudson’s Bay Company; Ivana Di Millo, director of communications at City of Mississauga; and Natalie Cunningham, director of marketing, at TELETOON Canada. Also in attendance were Professor Anthony Wensley, director of the CCIT program; Professor Tracey Bowen, lecturer and internship coordinator; and Kristen Stolze, coordinator, employer events & services at UTMs Career Centre.
Students had the opportunity to ask questions and talk with each panelist. All of the speakers stressed how important it is to persevere and not to limit oneself to simply sending resumes. “I knocked on many doors, most of which were closed on my face,” recounted Mike Faye, “until I found the one that wasn’t.”
Mazic emphasized that employment opportunities at UTM have much to offer. “I worked at the UTMSU and at The Medium,” he said. “Both looked good on my resume and helped me be where I am today.”
Professor Wensley closed the evening with a short speech. “I am proud of CCIT students and proud of the CCIT Program,” he said. His statement met with applause.
CCIT students interested in joining the CCIT council can do so through its Facebook group. They can also drop by the office, which is located in room 2170 in the CCIT Building, open Mondays through Fridays from 12 to 2 p.m.
The CCIT Council, formerly known as the CCIT Club, just gained Academic Society status. Its goal is to represent CCIT students, organize events such as the CCIT Career Night, and help prepare the transition from student to worker.
