By: Rachita Khetan (she/her)

The P4E Job Fair brings together students and employers to network, build skills and find meaningful work opportunities.

Student smiles at employers at P4E event.

Rachita Khetan (she/her), co-op student, Faculty of Arts.

Last term, I attended the P4E Job Fair at RIM Park. It was co-hosted by the University of Guelph, the University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier University and Conestoga College. There were 180 incredible employers at the fair and more than 3,000 students attended.

My experience at the fair was both rewarding and eye-opening, especially since it was my first time attending a career fair and I didn’t know what to expect. After participating in the P4E Job Fair, I strongly encourage every student—whether in co-op or not—to attend at least one career fair during their academic journey.

There are many benefits to face-to-face time with potential employers. Even the most polished résumé can’t capture the entirety of who you are in the same way as a face-to-face interaction. When I engaged with employers in person at the fair, and experienced spontaneous conversations, it made me realize how much of the job search process is about personal connection.

It was refreshing to see the human side of employers—how open they were to hear my story and share their own. The conversations I had, and the connections I built, felt authentic. I left feeling inspired and excited about future possibilities.

Students wait in line to attend P4E event.

Here are my key tips to consider when attending the P4E Job Fair

Tip #1: Prepare

I actively sought out employers I was interested in working for. I used the list of registered employers on the P4E website to seek out employers I had applied to before or had seen on WaterlooWorks. The night before the fair, I laid out my business casual attire, printed a few résumés and packed a pen.

I brainstormed questions and topics of conversation to have with employers and most importantly, I set my alarm (okay, maybe a few alarms!). I also made sure to get to the job fair early, as it gets busier as the day goes on. When I got there, I picked up an information pamphlet and marked all the employer booths I wanted to visit throughout the day.

Tip #2: Build connections through authentic conversations

I was able to connect with specific talent acquisition teams including Toyota, Otto, the Government of Canada, Sobeys, Heartland and Brock Solutions. I had a standout conversation with the head of talent acquisition of Sobeys.

She shared her career journey from a co-op student working in sales, to a post-grad job in tech, and now, as a full-time leader in HR. It reminded me that career growth is not always linear but filled with unexpected opportunities and challenges that shape us along the way.

Beyond personal stories, I gained practical advice about what employers look for when choosing candidates to interview. I learned about the qualities that make a co-op student stand out (spoiler alert: it is adaptability, initiative and strong communication skills).

This direct employer feedback was incredibly valuable as I plan for my next recruiting term. Having these candid conversations made me realize how important it is to align my skills and experiences with the expectations of potential co-op employers.

Tip #3: Ask important questions

Another meaningful aspect of my experience was addressing the topic of international students in the workforce. As an international student, I was curious to learn how employers perceive hiring international students and if there are barriers to doing so.

To my relief, many of the employers I spoke with expressed openness and enthusiasm about hiring international students. They emphasized the value of diverse perspectives and experiences. These conversations reassured me that my background can be an asset, not a limitation, in my job search. 

Student talks to employer at P4E event booth.

Attending the P4E Job Fair was a rewarding experience. As I head into my next recruiting term, I strengthened my networking skills and learned about co-op opportunities that will be available next term.

Job fairs are not just about finding a job—they are about building meaningful connections, learning from others and gaining a deeper understanding of the job market.

For anyone hesitant about attending a career fair, I say, “it’s worth it”. Whether you are actively searching for your next co-op job or preparing for a post-grad career, the job fair is an invaluable opportunity to interact with employers, ask questions and present yourself beyond a résumé. The P4E Job Fair reminded me that behind every job title is a person with their own story, and these interactions are what make the job search process more human and fulfilling.

P4E Job Fair - January 29, 2025

The next P4E Job Fair is on January 29, 2025. Learn more about employer attendees and bus schedules to/from campus for the next job fair.

If you need support preparing for the P4E Job Fair connect with your co-op advisor or book an appointment with a career advisor.