Students, practitioners, researchers and partners rallied at the annual Innovation Fair to focus on social entrepreneurship as it relates to creating a sustainable world for children and youth. Over 150 people attended this half-day event presented by the Knowledge Management Network for Children and Youth and hosted at Lakeshore campus. Humber launched this event in partnership with Save the Children, World Vision and the University of Guelph.
Business School professor, Susan MacGregor states, “This is a wonderful opportunity for students to meet and talk to industry professionals. It is notoriously difficult for students to network within the industry as most NGOs are stationed in countries around the world. We start planning in March to bring working NGOs right to the students.”
Along with this initiative, The Business School invites agencies to have a presence at the fair through display booths. Agencies are paired with students who ensure they are well represented at the fair. This volunteer role gives students the opportunity to work directly with agency representatives and to learn a little bit more about the culture of individual agencies.
This years event attracted over 40 industry professionals. Industry speakers included Amanda Armstrong, business graduate in entrepreneurship, Alex Kjorven, leader of the Applied Innovation Practice within Purpose Capital and Shahil Thomas, Manager of the Toronto Enterprise Fund. Humber students were energized and took full advantage of this networking opportunity.
Students will use this experience to launch into a placement class in January where they will learn how to follow up and maintain the connections made during the event. This learning will go towards preparing students to secure internship opportunities as well as full-time employment.