J.D. Irving Ltd. is a valued Dalhousie employer, who is attending the Summer Job + Career Fair, January 29. J.D. Irving is a company with over 15,000 employees, in Canada and the United States. For over 130 years, J.D. Irving has been a strong player, with a diverse group of performance driven enterprises. Management Career Services asked Kristen Drapeau, Student Recruitment Manager at J.D. Irving about why J.D. Irving Ltd. is attending the Summer Job + Career Fair and why students should attend.

1. Why is J.D. Irving attending the Summer Job + Career Fair?

We believe that one of the top means to finding student talent is through interaction, and attending such student events allows our team to build relationships and provide information on the types of opportunities we have within our organization. Students have the opportunity to hear from either recruiters and/or people from our business on what it is like to work for our organization.

2.  Why do you think it is important for students to attend job fairs?

It’s an ideal way for students to learn about their potential future employers and also a great way to start building a network of people from various industries. The businesses who attend Career Fairs are there specifically to identify talent and share on the various types of Career opportunities they may not be aware of that compliments their current education choice.

3. What type of jobs do you offer for business students and recent grads?

Our student opportunities include: co-op, summer student, and intern positions, and our new graduates-career track program. Recognized as a Top Employer of Youth by the Conference Board of Canada, we provide valuable work experience that allows you and our managers to identify potential opportunities for full-time employment with our company. At J.D. Irving, Limited, we are developing tomorrow’s leaders today.

4. What skills/qualities do you look for in applicants?

We recognize that sometimes students do not always come to us with exact work related experience as it would relate to their current education. We want to make certain that the skills/behaviours and education are in line with the role.  What we would look for is prior work experience, types of extra-curricular and community involvement, leadership qualities, demonstration of initiative, a solid work ethic, solid communication skills, willingness to learn,  and last but not least, a positive attitude

5. Any tips for how students could prepare to interact with you at the Summer Job and Career Fair?

• Do your research: check out our corporate site and get familiar with the various business streams
• Have an idea of what kind of experience you are looking to obtain.
• Location: sometimes the right opportunity means working in a different city or province.
• Have your resume ready to hand out (spell-check!).
• Dress professionally: this is your time to make a great first impression.

Do not miss out on the opportunity to connect with J.D. Irving Ltd. on Thursday, January, 29. Register for the Summer Job + Career Fair on myCareer.