Connection and conversation filled the MacKay Room in StFX's Bloomfield Centre on September 16th as the university's annual Opportunities Fair brought together 57 exhibitors—including 42 employers, 15 schools, and five NGOs—for a day of networking between StFX students and the dozens of organizations and institutions in attendance.
For fourth year climate and environment student Hanna Renaud, attending the event for the third time, the opportunities fair is a valuable stop. She's currently in the co-op program, having completed two of three placements, with a third to be held this summer.
“As I'm in my fourth year, I’m thinking about what I want to do after,” Ms. Renaud said. “This is a good chance to see what's going on.”
Employers echoed that sentiment. Shirley Jollimore, Director of Operations at the AC Group of Independent Accounting Firms, the fair's Gold Sponsor for the second consecutive year, said the event is an important venue for building connections. With offices across Atlantic Canada, the firm hires across the region and is especially interested in students who want to stay rooted in these communities. She says their representatives spend the day talking with students on everything from current openings to the hiring process to application timing.
“It's really important for us,” Ms. Jollimore said, noting AC Group has hired a number of students from StFX over the years.
Claire Wildman, Manager, Talent Acquisition Strategy, at Sobeys Inc., the fair's Silver Sponsor, said the event gives both students and exhibitors the time and space for meaningful conversations.
Many StFX graduates have been hired by the company over the years, and it's a good opportunity to continue that relationship.
It is also a good chance to remind students that Sobeys is more than a grocery retailer. There are also opportunities in data analytics, brand strategy, and so many different things, Ms. Wildman said.
“We're excited to be here,” she says to talk about all the different opportunities available, from internships, and co-op to job opportunities, while also hearing from students about their studies and interests. It’s a great chance to meet amazing, talented students and to help answer their questions from ways they can stand out to hiring timelines.
Teju Maganur, StFX Opportunities Fair & Special Projects Coordinator with StFX Career Services & Co-op Education, which organizes the event, said the fair's purpose is to bring students together with employers, organizations and post-secondary institutions in one place.
“Whether students are looking for employment, co-op, or internship opportunities, exploring career pathways, or considering further education, this is a great opportunity to meet recruiters and professionals face-to-face,” Ms. Maganur said.
She says students come ready to ask questions, build their networks, and learn about the organizations and opportunities in the room. It’s an excellent opportunity to start building a bridge between education and new possibilities, she said.
Ms. Maganur thanked the 2026 fair's sponsors: the AC Group of Independent Accounting Firms (Gold), Sobeys Inc. (Silver), and CPA Atlantic School of Business & CPA Nova Scotia (Bronze), as well as all those in attendance.
