Education fair highlights opportunities

A world of opportunity awaits graduates from the Schulich School of Education. For many, the next step in their journey begins this Friday, as the university welcomes a diverse group of Canadian and international organizations looking to hire graduates from Nipissing’s highly respected program.
The annual Education Fair is an excellent venue for students and alumni to meet prospective employers, showcase skills and discuss hiring practices.  It takes place on January 30, from 12:30 – 3:30 in the Education Centre gymnasium.

Last year, more than 70 students secured employment directly from the Education Fair, with many choosing to teach overseas.

This year’s fair features 44 separate groups looking to attract Nipissing grads, with 21 representing international organizations recruiting for Asia, Australia and the United Kingdom.  Five represent school boards and organizations from Quebec.

“An education degree can be a ticket to travel the world and we are seeing a lot of students making the decision to teach internationally, to mix travel with the launch of their career.  It’s a great opportunity for students to do more with their education degree,” said Dr. Carole Richardson, Dean of the Schulich School of Education. “Teaching overseas is an excellent career choice and one that can positively transform your life.”

While there has been much discussion recently about the lack of jobs in education, teaching opportunities for Nipissing graduates are available and there are resources to help in addition to the Fair.

Dr. Glen Sharpe, associate professor in the Schulich School of Education, manages a Facebook group,Nipissing University Teachers, which acts as a resource for students and graduates securing employment and supporting best teaching and interviewing practices. 

“The group consistently receives messages from recruiters all over the globe, and here in Canada, looking for teachers, or from students and graduates looking for advice about how to apply to an international organization, or what to expect teaching in a foreign country,” said Sharpe.  “We also see lots of students asking for tips to prepare for an interview they’ve got coming up.  The site has grown organically into a tremendous resource for helping students and graduates.”