Legalized networking at Humber

Mar 18, 2019 | News

The LRC is packed with Paralegals and Law Clerks alike. (Justice A. T. McCormack)

Justice A. T. McCormack

Court is in session, as Humber’s LRC building is taken over by the Paralegal and Law Clerk programs.

Students of both programs had the opportunity to network with potential employers.

Just one of the many booths on display for eager law students to take advantage of. (Justice A. T. McCormack)

Around 25 employers were in attendance at Humber on Monday to meet with the students and discuss internships and potential opportunities upon graduation.

Some of the employers included Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), Jane Harvey Lawyers, Ontario Paralegal Association (OPA), and Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC).

Students had the opportunity to find out what areas of law they can work in upon graduation, or even just for their internships.

The event was headed by Mary Anne Myers, Business Placement Advisor at Humber, who sees potential in events like this one.

“It is a great opportunity for students to showcase their skills to these potential employers.  If you’re someone who’s a bit shy, these employers are fantastic about bringing you out of your shell, communicating with you, and giving you all the information that you need,” Mary said.

Over 120 students registered for the event, all making sure to get their foot in the door.

Drew Samuels, Manager of Case Management at MPAC, agrees that this is the way to go.

“Organizations like MPAC are looking for positive people with enthusiasm that want to get their foot in the door.  Then one day, they can take over the spot I’m in to give back to the people who are doing what they were doing,” Drew explained.

 

Drew Samuels prepares his booth for knowledge-hungry students in Humber’s LRC building. (Justice A. T. McCormack)

Drew remembers what it was like to be in the shoes of these students, and wants them to remain hopeful.

“I remember what it was like when you are trying to break through what seems like a glass ceiling.  Where you’re trying to say ‘I need a job’, and everyone’s telling you, you need experience.  But you can’t get experience until you get a job, so you’re stuck in this weird conundrum of just trying to break through,” Drew said.

He believes it is imperative for him to come to these events for students to know there is a place you can get a job, there is promise, and there is hope.

Although this isn’t the first time this event has been held, this is the first time it was organized as a job fair.  In the past, the event resembled a speed-networking style, where students only had five minutes per employer.

Running today from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., students have the freedom to flow in and out of the event as they please, and take their time speaking with each employer.

Events like this are a great opportunity for students to meet industry professionals and get the inside scoop on what these employers are looking for.