Work in a Post Pandemic World
“What comes next?”
That’s a big question on the minds of RRC Polytech business students as they prepare to start their careers in the waning days of COVID-19.
At a recent Reaction by Collision mini conference, they heard some surprising answers.
Sponsored by RBC Future Launch as part of its Reaction by Collision initiative, the virtual event took place Wednesday, April 6 and connected students with industry professionals in a series of online panel discussions, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities, all centred on one theme: Work in a Post Pandemic World.
Nearly 250 people attended the event, including first year and graduating students in RRC Polytech’s ACME (Applied Commerce and Management Education) programs attended the event, including Business Administration, Social Innovation and Community Development (School of Indigenous Education) students. Co-op and internship students scheduled to begin in May 2022 also signed on, as well as students from RRC Polytech’s regional campuses. Many instructors also attended to support the students.
“So many of us have gone through our studies remotely from beginning to end,” says attendee Ellen Cobb-Friesen, a logistics student. “In the workplace, we’re likely going to be interacting face-to-face with people. This was a great chance to find out how the transition might challenge us from those in the best position to answer.”
“From your very first job, see every moment on your career journey as an opportunity to build skills, self-awareness, and your personal brand. Be humble and be a sponge – seek out and listen to mentors and the lessons learned by others who have taken the journey before you,” says Brian Puls, RBC Senior Commercial Account Manager, Industry Mentor, and a former graduate of the Red River Polytechnic Business Admin program. This was just some of the advice that Puls shared with eager students at the RBC Reaction by Collision event at RRC Polytechnic.
“I was so impressed with the students that I had the opportunity to speak with and how well prepared they were for these conversations,” says Puls. “Being an Industry Mentor at this event means a lot to me personally and very much aligns to RBC Future Launch’s goal of empowering and enabling young people to be future ready.”
Panelists from six fields – marketing, accounting, financial services, human resource management, logistics and supply chain management, and general business administration –delivered a message that Business Administration student Ashley Volpi says was encouraging – even upbeat.
“What I learned was that the post-pandemic world is, in many ways, the same world as a pre-pandemic world. To succeed, you need to work well on a team, communicate, solve problems, manage your time. It was a huge relief to find out that everything hasn’t changed and that all the skills we learned matter more than ever.”
If anything, today’s students are at an advantage when it comes to the virtual social skills they developed through online learning – skills that now position them to succeed in hybrid work environments.
“I’m comfortable on camera or talking on a microphone, and being able to sell that to a future employer is important because I don’t think hybrid and remote work is a thing of the past.”
Ashley points out that many businesses have begun selling their office spaces, making the need for virtual communication skills – as well as effective time management, organizational skills, and personal accountability – paramount.
Ellen, meanwhile, says she learned that employers have been inspired by today’s competitive job market to offer more flexibility to workers, which could mean more careers with better work-life balance.
Chris Schmidt, the event’s keynote speaker, shared a story of tenacity and resilience drawn from his experience starting six companies, including Geofilter Studio (the world’s largest Snapchat filter producer) and Pluto Ventures, his current project.
“Hearing about how Chris committed to his goals and persevered in the face of countless challenges was an inspiring lesson that resonated with all of us,” says Ashley. “If it’s something you love, even if you’re not an entrepreneur, just go for it, because the only person stopping you is you.”
While the speakers and discussions were important, so were the built-in opportunities for students to build their professional networks. After each discussion, panelists hosted virtual breakout sessions where students could ask questions and engage speakers.
Andrea McCann-Suchower, one of the instructors on the event’s planning committee, says networking is one of the most important things students and business professionals alike can do to move forward in their careers, pandemic or not.
“For many students, It’s also one of the scariest things. Events like this are great places to practice making and building connections with peers and potential employers.”
Networking certainly paid off for Ashley and Ellen. Along with 10 other students, they volunteered at the event as host moderators, gaining invaluable public speaking experience – and a chance to impress their virtual guests. Both were offered jobs after the event thanks to the connections they made.
“In logistics and supply chain management, as in every type of business, so much is based on relationships with the partners and stakeholders,” says Ellen. “Volunteering and networking at an event like this showcase that you have those skills before you even get an interview.”
McCann-Suchower says reaction from the business community to Work in a Post Pandemic World has been nothing but positive.“Our panelists and sponsors recognize that the students at this event are the future of their business. Even if they’re not hiring today, they value the opportunity to shape our students into the skilled, ethical business professionals of tomorrow. They want to be a part of our community and support what we do.”
Check out other videos from Reaction by Collision:
Accounting Panel:
HRM Panel:
Logistics and Supply Panel:
Marketing Panel: