Insurance companies lined on Monday for the annual insurance and risk career fair offering job placements and internship opportunities to final year students at Humber College in Toronto.
Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario and the Insurance Institute of Ontario collaborated with the insurance business program at Humber to host the fair at the school’s North Campus.
Fifty companies participated in the fair. Many well-reputed names were present like Acera, Gallagher, All Risk-Insurance, Brokers Trust, Intact, The Shepherd Group and more.
Around 50 different companies participated in the career fair, offering jobs, internships and benefits to attract young and contemporary talent in the industry. Photo credit: Ashima Agnihotri
Brett Boadway, the Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario’s Chief Operating Officer, said open invitations and public notices were sent out for companies to sign up for the fair.
“The insurance industry is very eager to attract young, contemporary talent to the industry,” said Broadway, who was on was on campus for the event.
Any student walking in would not have a hard time finding a potential employer if it’s a job they were interested in, he said.
Hundreds of students, dressed in business casual or formal attire were seen walking from table to table, introducing themselves and handing out resumes.
Students said they were both nervous and excited.
“I did my research on the companies, dressed sharp and got ready to break the ice,” said Eklavya Malik, a student in the insurance management program.
Malik said he was looking to make connections, learn about the available opportunities and have a good time “and it was a success!”
Malik said he prepared for the fair by refurbishing his resume. “I had to highlight the relevant experience, relevant study and relevant skills.”
“I wanted to make the most of it and really want to get hired right after graduating, so I felt a bit of pressure while networking,” said Manjot Singh Sachdeva, who is also studying Insurance Management.
Cristina Goncalves, operations manager at the brokerage firm The Shepherd Group said she’s looking for well-rounded students “someone who is hungry, driven and wants to dictate their own future. Someone who wants to be in the driver’s seat.”
“Humber has great programs, there’s no denying it,” Goncalves said when talking about the characteristics of a good employee,
Goncalves said her firm is offering Humber students a fun place to work even though there’s a perception of insurance being boring.
“We’re aiming to maintain a good balance between work and fun.”
Monday’s fair gave companies a sense of what students are looking for and the event provided the opportunity to learn how they meet those demands.