Brandon University partners with Assiniboine College and Brandon Chamber on ConnectED conference for students and local industry

Brandon University and Assiniboine College partnered with the Brandon Chamber of Commerce for a conference-style event, ConnectED, that offered more than 100 students the opportunity to connect with local industry. Using a “speed dating” model, the half-day conference matched students with industry experts in their areas of interest, giving them dedicated facetime to ask career questions, gain insider tips and tricks, and build their personal networks.

ConnectED offered students the chance to meet with experts in non-profit, technology, accounting, human resources, financial services, marketing, media, and manufacturing sectors.

Students attended the Brandon Chamber of Commerce lunch prior to the conference, where Cora Dupuis, Brandon University’s Co-operative Program Coordinator, spoke about the importance youth play in fostering a thriving and resilient community.

Assiniboine has a long history of providing business, office and media programs to meet industry demands. The college’s commitment to growth and innovation has led to the establishment of the Peters School of Business, which will continue to provide industry connection and train the next generation of business leaders through advanced commerce education.

As Canada’s Finest Regional University, BU offers students a wide selection of degrees at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, with programming that is deeply responsive to local needs. Through program placements and practica, opportunities like BU Co-op, and community-engaged research, students have the chance to participate first-hand in the region as part of their learning experience.

Quotes:

“Work integrated learning opportunities are essential to a post-secondary student’s education,” said Terry Burgess, Dean, Peters School of Business, Assiniboine. “Helping students broaden their networks and give insight into the careers available to them is the business we’re in.”

“Making sure our graduates can build meaningful careers right here in Westman is one of the top ways that BU supports lasting growth in our region. A degree or a diploma can open the door to your career, but growing a network of personal connections who will welcome you through that door is what makes experiential education like the BU Co-op Program so valuable,” said Dr. Kofi Campbell, BU Provost & Vice-President (Academic).

“At the Chamber, we recognize that strong connections between students and industry leaders create a win-win scenario—businesses benefit from fresh talent, and students gain the mentorship and confidence to take the next steps in their careers,”saidLois Ruston, President of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce.“It’s inspiring to see our business community actively investing in the future workforce.”

“I believe that events like ConnectED are not just about career growth, but also about fostering a sense of community and support among emerging professionals,” said Christian Padolina, a second-year Assiniboine Business Administration student in the Marketing specialization. “I see this event as a chance to understand where my skills fit into the evolving industry, and I’m especially eager to learn how professionals navigate the changing landscape—what skills are in demand, how they stay ahead of trends, and what it takes to build a successful career in an increasingly tech-driven world.”

“I appreciate that Assiniboine College, specifically the Peters School of Business, prioritizes networking for its students,” Kristen Nerbas, a second-year Assiniboine Business Administration student in the Financial Services specialization. “These events are prime opportunities to immerse myself in the local atmosphere of industry leaders and a chance to gain valuable insight about the sort of work available to me post-graduation.”

“ConnectED was an energizing experience that gave me new insight into how my computer science education could plug into many different industries, including areas I had previously not considered. The experienced professionals I met with were excited to discuss and share experiences about their industries. I came away from ConnectED with meaningful connections and a wealth of future opportunities with experts in computer science,” said Gabe Wurtz, 3^rd year Computer Science Co-op student.

“Walking into a room full of professionals made me feel both excited and intimidated. I’m excited to learn from them, but I’m also worried that I’m not yet at the point where I fully understand their insights. However, as the event unfolded, I learned that every expert was once a beginner after listening to their experiences. They treated me not just as a student but as someone with potential. I left not just inspired but determined to turn my own potential into something great,” said Annie Phan, 2^nd year, Psychology Co-op student.

About Brandon University

Success is built at Brandon University. Our growing, progressive campus welcomes a diverse and inclusive community that combines proud tradition with shared ambition. Through our excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship, we educate students to make a meaningful difference as engaged citizens and leaders.

Brandon University offers a wide variety of graduate and undergraduate degree programs in Arts, Science, Music, Education, and Health Studies. The Faculty of Arts alone includes 17 degree fields encompassing the humanities, social sciences, fine arts, and other disciplines. Students in arts programs learn critical thinking, language, research, creation, and writing skills that prepare them for professional occupations in many fields. The Department of Visual Art in the Faculty of Arts offers a variety of fine arts programs including Aboriginal Art, Painting, Ceramics, Drawing, or Digital Media and Design.

About Assiniboine College

Assiniboine College has been providing exceptional learning experiences for more than 60 years, offering unparalleled learning environments and responding to the demands and requirements of the Manitoba labour market. Following the philosophy of “learn by doing,” programs combine theory with hands-on learning inside classrooms, labs, kitchens, shops, fields and the college’s Sustainable Greenhouse.

Assiniboine offers more than 75 certificate, diploma and post-graduate programs across a variety of disciplines including culinary arts and hospitality, business, agriculture and environment, health and human services, and trades and technology. The college also delivers apprenticeship programming in a range of skilled trades disciplines.

Programs include a variety of certificate, diploma, and advanced diploma programs in a wide range of business disciplines. The college’s two-year Business Administration diploma is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs and offers specialization in accounting, financial services, human resource management and marketing. In recent years, the college has also partnered with Cape Breton University to deliver their Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Community Economic Development on campus in Brandon.

The college welcomed more than 3,700 full-time and 6,000 part-time students last year. With campuses in Brandon, Dauphin, Winnipeg and Portage la Prairie, Assiniboine provides comprehensive educational opportunities throughout Manitoba. The college also partners with many communities and organizations across the province to deliver customized education and training. Assiniboine’s annual provincial economic impact is $612 million. In the most recent survey of graduates, nine months after graduation, 94 per cent were employed, with 94 per cent remaining in Manitoba.

Assiniboine College is privileged to provide learning opportunities on the lands of the Dakota Oyate, Nakoda Oyate, Ininiwak, Nehethowak, Nehiyawak, Anishininewuk, Denesuline, Anishinaabeg, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.

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