Career Week: Your guide to making it count

Career Week at the University of Ottawa is one of your best chances all year to explore career options, meet employers and take real steps toward co-op placements, internships and jobs. But here’s the truth: the students who get the most out of it aren’t the luckiest — they’re the most prepared.

If you want the Career Week to lead to real opportunities, this guide is for you.

Why Career Week matters

It’s easy to think, I’ll go when I’m in my final year. But waiting can be a mistake.

Here’s why Career Week is worth your time:

Most jobs aren’t found through online applications alone. Studies consistently show that networking and referrals play a major role in hiring. Who you meet can matter as much as what you apply for.
Recruiters decide fast. Research suggest first impressions can form in seconds. That’s why being prepared makes such a difference at job fairs.
Internships = better job outcomes. Students with work experience during their degree are generally more likely to secure employment in their field after graduation — and often faster.

So even if you’re “just exploring,” Career Week can give you a serious head start.

Know the key uOttawa Career Week activities

Career Week, which officially takes place March 9 to 13, with a few events taking place the week before, includes several opportunities. The key is choosing the events that match your goals.

Career Week Job Fair

The main event is the Career Week Job Fair, March 9, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Montpetit Gym.

This is where employers from multiple sectors come specifically to meet uOttawa students and where many of them make their first real professional connections. It’s your chance to ask direct questions, learn what employers are looking for and, in some cases, get invited to apply or for an interview.

Make the process easier

These workshops are designed to help you feel more confident, more prepared and more strategic in how you approach employers.

Your Career Starts Here: Make the Most of the uOttawa Career Week Job Fair! is a great starting point if you’ve never attended a job fair before, or if you want a refresher on how to stand out.
If the hardest part for you is introducing yourself, Pitch Perfect: Mastering Your 30 to 90 Second Introduction will help you build a strong pitch that feels natural, not awkward or scripted.
For students who are applying for jobs online and not hearing back, ATS Resume Hacks: Get Your Application Noticed! is especially useful, since it focuses on how employers screen applications and what makes a CV get seen.
Career Week also has something for job search stress. Calm the Chaos: Managing Job Search Anxiety offers practical strategies to stay grounded and motivated, especially if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
Many students don’t realize that the job fair is only step one. After a Career Fair: Turning the Event Into Concrete Opportunities is one of the most important sessions because it shows you how to follow up, stay memorable and turn conversations into real next steps.

You can also explore the full Career Week schedule

Don’t just attend — make it count

Career Week is more than a job fair. It’s an opportunity to build confidence, explore possibilities and take real steps towards your next internship, co-op placement or future career. Whether you arrive with a clear goal or you’re still figuring things out, the connections you make and the skills you build during the week can have a lasting impact.

The key is to be intentional: choose the events that fit your needs, prepare yourself and follow up afterward. With the right approach, you won’t just leave with information — you’ll leave with momentum, clarity and opportunities you can act on right away.