A University of Guelph student group is helping BIPOC students find jobs by catering networks just for them.
Formed in 2020, the group Guelph Black Professionals will host its inaugural networking and panel event Breaking Barriers, Creating Connections in collaboration with the Lang Students’ Associaton where BIPOC students are encouraged to create connections with local BIPOC business leaders in various fields.
The in-person free event on Wednesday aims to help BIPOC students achieve their career goals by connecting them with business professionals in the local community and U of G grads who can share advice on how they were able to achieve their goals.
“We wanted to have that conversation where students get good advice, get inspired from professionals who have been in similar situations themselves,” said Tevon Pierre, a third-year chemistry and entrepreneurship student and president of the GBP business division.
Pierre said GBP members who graduated last year noticed a lack of BIPOC students participating in the university’s professional development events. He said the events help students not only because they help BIPOC students feel comfortable, but also because they motivate them.
“A lot of times it's easier to be inspired when you see persons like yourself, accomplishing similar goals to yourself from networking with individual mentors to developing opportunities that you think really influential to the BIPOC community,” said Pierre, adding that the event expects to see roughly 100 students.
Speakers at the panel event aim to empower students to pursue their desired business careers by providing them with an understanding of specific workplaces.
The panel will also discuss finding employment, incorporating equity, diversity and inclusion into the workplace while sharing ideas on what can be done to create a more inclusive environment at the U of G.
“Last year we had some events that were online and there were a lot of students that attended the events that got internships and jobs,” said Pierre.
“So we know these sorts of events bring that benefit and attendees are excited to get these sort of benefits.”
The in-person event will take place at the Cutten Fields at 6 p.m.
