The 2020 International Alumni reception was a great opportunity to connect with our community and share with them resources and tips that support their professional development.

This year's event was a virtual experience with a panel discussion regarding career development resources available for our alumni. We also took the opportunity to acknowledge our distinguished international students during this event.

Catherine Koch, Vice President, Learner Services, and Chief Financial Officer welcomed our attendees with a message of resiliency, “As unique as our path is, we share common values: inclusion, teamwork, respect, creativity, and resilience. Your commitment to these values unites us during the COVID-19 pandemic. You have the power to create the opportunities, to share, to connect, to dream, and to succeed.”

After this inspiring message, participants enjoyed a panel discussion with special guest speakers, Kareen Ndema, Account Manager at LinkedIn Corporation, Marina Hai, Career Advisor at Bow Valley College, and Ana de Leon, alumna from the Chiu School of Business.

Our first panelist, Kareen Ndema, talked about the importance of building a professional network, “Start by making connections within your sphere of influence (classmates, faculty, BVC staff) and then move to second-degree connections (your alumni community, a friend of a friend), as most of the opportunities will come from here.” 

She also stressed the importance of joining groups of interest to create new connections and learn about job opportunities in your area of expertise. To learn relevant skills and find in-demand jobs, Kareen recommended visiting the following links: www.opportunity.linkedIn.com and www.linkedin.com/learning/.

Our second panelist, Marina Hai, shared valuable tips to find a job during these unique times, "How can you prepare yourself and be more successful in finding a job as its way more difficult to do now than it was before?” Volunteer, join your professional association, attend virtual meetings where information about your industry is shared, and take advantage of the unlimited access to career services exclusive for Bow Valley College students and alumni.  This includes My BVC Career Hub - Your one stop shop to access current job postings, volunteer opportunities, career and employment events and workshops. Complete the Alumni Registration form to request access.

To learn more about career services available to you, please send an email to careerservices@bowvalleycollege.ca or visit https://bowvalleycollege.ca/get-working/career-services-for-students-and-alumni. 

Our third panelist, Ana de Leon, explained how being an international student at Bow Valley College allowed her to prepare to join the Canadian job market and to learn how to be resilient, open-minded and to adapt to new circumstances, "To gain professional experience, apply for summer jobs, volunteer for a cause that you care about, build relationships, and always keep a positive attitude."

In the end, participants shared how important this session was for them, particularly during this time.

“I liked the panel section of the reception, Tashana Scott, member of our alumni community.”

To remain informed and have access to alumni benefits, request your free alumni membership at https://bowvalleycollege.ca/about/alumni.

Veronica Mendoza

Alumni Engagement

Bow Valley College

vmendoza@bowvalleycollege.ca