Creating Bridges to Opportunities in Corporate Canada
Trent University partners with Onyx Initiative to support Black students and recent graduates with career mentorship
Trent University's Careerspace has recently signed on as an educational partner with the Onyx Initiative, an organization that supports Black students and recent graduates in overcoming systemic barriers as they enter the workplace and beyond.
The Onyx Initiative, a Toronto based non-profit established to bridge the pervasive gap in the recruitment and selection of Black college and university students, and recent graduates for roles in corporate Canada.
"Careerspace is pleased to partner with the Onyx Initiative to support Black students and recent graduates" notes Kelly Zatorski, manager of Careers & Experiential Learning at Trent. “Through Onyx, Trent students are able to have more access to internships, mentorships and paid career opportunities that complement their studies.”
By partnering with the Onyx Initiative, Trent joins a variety of corporations, organizations and educational institutions in promoting this program to help connect students with personal and professional development, as well as resources to enhance existing skills and proficiency in areas.
A release from the Onyx Initiative highlights the supports for students start with an assessment and curated skills development opportunity: “The program's point of entry includes a Plum Profile to assess strengths, personalities, problem-solving capabilities, and the types of roles and responsibilities that align with each scholars' particular work style. Insights gleaned from the Plum Profile informs how they choose to navigate the 15 hours of online courses included in an Onyx-curated, LinkedIn Learning Path, completion of the courses is required before beginning an internship or full-time job.”