By Lisa Parent

Students explore diverse opportunities at Medicine Hat College Career Expo

Oct 4, 2023 | 5:40 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – The annual Career Expo was held at Medicine Hat College today, giving students the chance to speak with diverse companies and discover their future career path.

First year student Olamide Ogunley was at the job fair patrolling the booths. She is currently in the criminal justice program and hopes the fair will help her land a job, or volunteer experience, kickstarting her future career goals.

“Once I’m done schooling I would like to venture into community service and more giving back to the community,” says Ogunley.

Over 45 employers from across western Canada were at the event, all from different industries. McCain Foods was a part of the event. Despite potatoes being front and center on the booth, McCain career opportunities expand beyond just making crispy fries.

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat and area: Dec. 13-15

Dec 14, 2024

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

Dec 12, 2024

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner, applications due Friday

Dec 12, 2024

“McCain has a lot of different opportunities when it comes to trades, administration, logistics, supply chain, or agriculture as well,” says Erikka Pele from McCain in Coaldale.

This was McCain’s first time at the expo, hoping to spread the word about a recent announcement. Pele with McCain says the company will be spending 600 million dollars to double the size of it’s potato processing facility in Coaldale.

“It’s one of the largest expansions in McCain history. It’s definitely a very exciting time to be at McCain Foods Coaldale,” says Pele. “We’re hiring over 200 employees as a result of this expansion, and we’re really looking forward to what it’s gonna bring to the community.”

Summit and Earth Services was another newcomer to the fair, specializing in all things environment. A topic Katy Edwards says is becoming increasingly important to students.

“We find a lot of applicants now applying with Summit, they’re very interested in sustainability, renewable sources of energy and those types of projects,” mentions Edwards.

Medicine Hat College does have a reclamation-based program. Students in it, or similar programs can apply for summer internships with Summit. Edwards says Summit is flexible, where students can learn and grow.

“Summit’s awesome, we have so many long term employees and there’s a reason people stay,” Edwards says.

While career searching can be a stressful time for many students, Ogunley says this job expo has helped ease some of that stress.

“They’ve given us a lot of opportunities to actually apply, bringing different organizations right here, giving us different choices to pick from. That’s very, very good,” says Ogunley.