Trent University Durham graduate, Jami Lenis, was recently accepted to one of the best law schools in the country. Trent has a strong track record of supporting students like Ms. Lenis to reach their post-graduate goal.  With a range of post-graduate options available to students, events like the Career and Further Education Expo at Trent’s Peterborough and Durham campuses offer support and information to students trying to make a decision about their next step after undergrad.

“So you are thinking of maybe going to graduate school, but aren’t really sure where to start or what the process is,” said Jackie Orsetto, academic and career strategist at Trent University Durham who addressed the audience of students as she started off the panel discussion during the Further Education Expo recently held at Trent University’s Durham campus.

Schools offering graduate and post-graduate programming from across the GTA were invited to participate in the panel discussion and provide further information for students interested in pursuing graduate programs. Discussion topics included deadlines and important dates, campus environments, and the difference between a graduate degree and post-graduate certificate.

With the highest student attendance to date, institution representatives included Trent University Graduate Programs, University of Ontario Institute of Technology (OUIT), York University, Seneca College, Durham College, Centennial College and Fleming College.

“Our smaller campus allows us to offer a panel discussion component to the event, which is actually pretty unique,” noted Jen Pandelidis, event and communications coordinator at Trent University Durham. “It helps to create an environment where students can hear about all the options from the schools and to engage in a discussion that they might not be able to.”

The Peterborough campus took a different approach this year by combining the Further Education Expo with a Career Expo.  This event saw over 300 students out to the Trent Athletics Centre, where 60 exhibitors came out to network with Trent students.

Exhibitors ranged from educational institutions promoting continuing education opportunities for after graduation through either post-graduate or professional program designations, as well as recruiters from a variety of different industries prepared to speak to students about upcoming career opportunities. Students also had the opportunity to connect with local resources available to those interested in starting their own business or social enterprise.

“The event was a great success and created a platform for students to explore a variety of options for their future,” said Ms. Blake. “Students and exhibitors were pleased with the opportunity to make new connections with each other.”