Engaging with students and alumni
We are pleased to welcome you to the upcoming ASE Career Fair at the University of Manitoba.
As the hosts of this annual event, Career Services looks forward to partnering with you both at the fair and throughout the year as we support students in building their career paths. Based on feedback from previous events, we have provided the following information to help you prepare and get the most out of your time on campus.
Students attend the fair for a variety of reasons. Those nearing graduation may be actively seeking job opportunities within your organization or across your industry. Others who are still completing their studies may be exploring potential career paths and want to learn more about the skills, experiences, and attributes you look for in new graduates. This is a valuable opportunity to connect with emerging talent and raise awareness of your organization.
Your personal story and insight can be incredibly meaningful to students. We encourage you to share your educational background, career journey, and advice. These types of conversations help students better understand how they can navigate their own transition from university to the workplace.
While the ASE Career Fair is promoted primarily to students and alumni from the Faculties of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Science, Engineering and Environment. Students from other faculties are also welcome and often attend. Many employers have hiring needs across a range of disciplines, so if possible, consider bringing contact information for colleagues in other departments who may also be open to student inquiries.
You will meet students at various stages in their career journey. Some will arrive with focused questions, while others may be exploring options for the first time. Either way, your willingness to connect with them can have a lasting impact. Even a short conversation can help guide their next steps.
Additional ways to connect with UM students
In addition to the ASE Career Fair, we encourage you to take advantage of year-round engagement opportunities:
Host a UM Behind the Hire Session
UM Behind the Hire is a lunch-time employer information session series (available in-person or virtually) that allows you to connect directly with students in a conversational setting. These sessions are a great way to:
- Share your hiring process and tips
- Promote early talent opportunities
- Highlight your workplace culture
We'll handle promotion and logistics. Learn more at Experiential learning employers and industry partners | University of Manitoba or contact ELPartnerships@umanitoba.ca.
Post Roles on UMConnect
UMConnect is the University of Manitoba’s free job board, accessed regularly by students and alumni looking for full-time, part-time, internship, and co-op opportunities. We encourage all ASE Career Fair employers to post relevant roles to increase visibility and reach qualified candidates across disciplines. Register or log in to UMConnect through the Industry and Community Partners portal to share your current openings.
Feature Your Opportunities in Get Hired
Our Get Hired newsletter is distributed weekly to thousands of UM students and recent graduates. Employers are invited to submit job postings, events, or information sessions to be featured and reach a wider student audience. Contact ELPartnerships@umanitoba.ca to learn more.
Hire Through UM Co-op Programs
Many of our academic programs offer co-op options that allow students to complete full-time, paid work terms with employers like you. Hiring co-op students is a flexible and impactful way to build your talent pipeline. Co-ops and internships | Career Services | University of Manitoba.
Resources for employers
Access Wage Subsidies and Hiring Incentives
Looking for ways to support student hiring while managing your budget? We can help you navigate available wage subsidies, tax credits, and funding programs that apply to student roles, including internships, co-ops, and part-time positions. Wage Subsidies for Employers | Career Services | University of Manitoba.
University of Manitoba Employer Guidelines
All employers participating in the ASE Career Fair or using UMConnect are expected to follow the University of Manitoba Employer Guidelines. These outline shared expectations for job postings, on-campus recruitment, and professional conduct.
Preparing for Student Conversations
During the fair, your conversations with students will be a key part of their experience. Whether they are actively job searching or just beginning to explore career options, your openness and insight can help them make more informed decisions. Below are some questions students may ask to help guide your conversations.
- What skills does your organization value in an employee?
- What types of experiences should I engage in as a student to increase the likelihood of employment in your industry?
- Can you tell me more about recent or anticipated changes in the industry?
- How can I learn more about the opportunities at your organization?
- Do you hire for part-time, summer or co-op positions to help students get the experience necessary for their field?
- Can you tell me more about your job specifically?
- What kind of job opportunities are available for people with a background in...? [major or work experience]
- How would you describe your organization’s/industry’s culture?
- What do you enjoy the most about working for your organization?
- Do you look for students with specific educational backgrounds or degrees/areas of study?
- May I contact you if I have further questions?
- What challenges and opportunities are associated with X-position?
- What are the backgrounds of other employees in your organization or department?
- What type of opportunities are available to advance within your organization/industry?
As you can probably recall when you were a student, career fairs can be exciting but daunting. You may want to encourage students to come and talk by initiating the conversation.
Here are a few suggested questions to start a conversation:
- What is your interest in our organization?
- What brought you to the fair today?
- How do you see your studies pertaining to work in this industry or for this organization?
- Briefly, tell me what you know about our organization.
- What are your career goals?
Contact us
Conversations sparked at the ASE Career Fair can have a lasting impact. By sharing your experiences, insights, and advice, you help students gain a clearer understanding of your industry and what it takes to succeed. These meaningful interactions support student growth and allow you to connect with emerging talent while highlighting the values of your organization.
If you are interested in continuing those conversations through additional engagement such as co-op hiring, experiential learning opportunities, or accessing employer supports like wage subsidies and tax credits, we would be happy to connect and explore what is possible together.
Connect with Experiential Learning Partnerships
Connect with Experiential Learning Partnerships
3rd Floor UMSU University Centre
University of Manitoba Fort Garry Campus
65 Chancellor's Circle
Winnipeg, MB R3T 5V6 Canada