From the Field to the Workforce: Student-Athlete Excels Through Community Concierge Program
Aidan McLaughlin becomes first student to secure employment through program
Trent University Kinesiology student, Aidan McLaughlin, has become the first to secure employment through the Community Concierge Program, a 12-month initiative designed to enhance Trent graduates' employability.
The program, developed in partnership with the City of Kawartha Lakes and the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development (PKED), offers training and networking opportunities. McLaughlin credits the program with helping him develop skills and make valuable connections within the community.
A hat-trick of success: on the field, in the classroom, and in the workplace
During his five years at Trent, Aidan has excelled academically as a Kinesiology student, made his mark on the men’s Excalibur lacrosse program, and was named the Arthur Cup recipient for the 2022-23 season.
To round out his time at Trent, Aiden met with the Careerspace team to talk about the Community Concierge program and how it could help him land a career after Trent.
“I realized this was an opportunity that would help me make connections in the Peterborough and Kawartha community and develop skills to help make me more employable,” he said.
After being accepted to the program, McLaughlin was given open access to a six-module course that included a skill identification tool meant to help students identify their unique skill set. In addition to workshops, course content included guest speakers from the City of Kawartha Lakes, PKED and Trent Alumni, offering students interview tips, insight on the current job market, and networking strategies.
“The variety of workshops related to resume and cover letter building, as well as interview preparation, gave me important practice I didn’t know I needed,” said Aiden. “Completing these workshops increased the number of responses I received on job applications. They also gave me the ability to walk into a job interview with confidence in knowing I knew what to say and how to best present myself. In addition, the opportunity to make connections with local community organizations and members was a valuable and important aspect of the Community Concierge program.”
For more information on the Community Concierge Program, please contact Ryan Sisson, Manager, Community & Workplace Partnerships, rsisson@trentu.ca or 705-748-1011 x7464.
