By Ryan Turcot, Alumni work study student

Networking 411 for Tourism students kicked off on Monday October 28, 2013 in the gorgeous Culinary Arts Building. 18 working professionals from the tourism industry engaged students in brief, 10-minute career advice conversations comparable to a speed dating session. Delicious Accolades dinners were not part of the package, but students received invaluable feedback about their career paths from mentors who have already paved the way.

“I really enjoyed the advice,” said culinary arts student Devon Fast. “I got to talk to the the head chef from the Delta Sun Peaks Resort, which is where I want to end up working.”

The mentors were just as happy to share their experiences with students.

Matt Lepp, owner of zipline company Treetop Flyers, particularly enjoyed speaking to questions about how to decide your career path. “What I’ve been telling them is… if you’re passionate about what you do, you’ll be successful.” Students that are just in the industry for a pay cheque, he argues, don’t do as well in the end.

Not to be outdone by the other mentors, marketing alumna Amy Berard hosted live web chat sessions from Winnipeg, Manitoba to give students a peak into the life as an events associate for the United Way of Winnipeg. “It was fun,” said Berard. “I’m glad I had the opportunity and I’m glad students are connecting with alumni outside of Kamloops.”

For more information about Networking 411 and other career mentoring initiatives, contact Alumni Officer Arlene Olynyk at aolynyk@tru.ca

To check out the photo gallery from this event follow this link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/trualumniandfriends/sets/72157637203151733/