REGINA — Earlier this fall, at the Centre for Kinesiology and Health Studies (CKHS), more than 100 employers gathered in booths, filling every available inch of floor space to meet the next generation of student professionals.
By mid-afternoon, thousands of students had circulated through what became the largest careers day in recent University of Regina history.
Organized by the Centre for Experiential and Service Learning (CESL), the event experienced a historic turnout. For the first time, the gym was sold out, hosting a variety of employers from major Crown corporations to local non-profits and multinational firms from across Saskatchewan and beyond. The message was clear: the hunt for the next generation of talent is underway, and the U of R is the prime hunting ground.
It was more than a milestone; it was a signal.
"I believe we're seeing more and more people hiring as we go forward," said Kevin Fiessel, manager of career services at the CESL, who has witnessed the evolution of this event for more than a decade.
“The fact that we're seeing at least 30 per cent more employers come to our career fair is a good indication that these people are starting to find some very strong, positive things about the economy going forward," added Fiessel, who has organized career fairs since 2013.
The numbers tell part of the story. With 105 employers registered — a 30 per cent increase from the previous year — and an estimated 3,000 to 5,000 attendees, careers day 2025 became a showcase of confidence. Confidence in Saskatchewan's economic resilience. Confidence in the U of R's ability to develop career-ready graduates. And, confidence in the power of face-to-face connection in an increasingly digital world.
Building Saskatchewan's workforce pipeline
The diversity of employers at careers day reflected the breadth of opportunity in Saskatchewan. From Crown corporations like SaskEnergy, SaskTel, and SaskPower to private sector leaders like K+S Potash Canada, from government ministries to global consulting firms, careers day brought together organizations investing in the province's future workforce.
For SaskEnergy, the event represents more than recruiting—it's succession planning in action.
"This is the biggest career fair we are attending," said Shahla Bayramova, a human resource business partner at SaskEnergy. "We hire students three times a year as co-op students, and they are eventually becoming our employees, like me or my colleagues."
Bayramova advised students to be strategic with their applications. "Make sure your resume and cover letter align with that job," she said. "Explain how your background and education align with the jobs you are applying to."
Craig Warnecke, operations manager of services at SaskTel, emphasized the strategic importance of the university partnership.
"The key thing about the U of R for SaskTel is our head office is here," he said. "So, having a vast network of possible employees in the future is very important."
SaskPower echoed that sentiment.
"The U of R careers day is an event that SaskPower always looks forward to,” said Barb Veitch, manager of recruitment in human resources. “Our partnership with the U of R is a vital part of our commitment to building a skilled, local workforce."
Fiessel is quick to clarify what careers day is—and what it isn't.
"careers day is an opportunity for students to meet employers," he explained. “Students don't typically walk away with job offers in hand. Instead, they walk away with something more valuable: relationships. You'll never learn by doing if you can't find out who is going to hire you. This is the opportunity for students to get their name in front of people that actually want to hire.”
The Ministry of Social Services recruits social work students for practicum placements. "Once you do your major practicum with us, the likelihood of being hired following your major practicum is very high," said Savanna Bruce, who attended with colleague Kaila Delparte.
Christine Garcia, a human resources consultant at the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA), highlighted what employers seek: "It's the willingness of the students to show what they've got, building their work experiences and their interest in our company."
For Virtus Group, Saskatchewan's largest locally owned accounting firm, the event creates discovery opportunities. "I hope students get an opportunity to discover different employers and ask questions," said Kathryn Styles, human resources manager.
The next generation shows up prepared
What impressed employers most was the preparedness and engagement of students. At K+S Potash Canada, Hunter Burton, a solution mining engineer in engineering and training, and Kelsey Predinchuk, human resource business partner, had consistent conversations.
"We've had a full line of people all day," Burton said. "Just the number of people coming, looking for jobs, and asking good questions has been amazing."
Jennifer Thompson, manager of strategy and innovation at Plannera Pensions and Benefits, was impressed by student confidence. "I think they've been very well-spoken," she said. "They've all been so wonderful and willing to come out and talk to you and really ask you about what we're doing, who we are, and why we would want to hire them. They're confident, they know that they want to come here and be hired."
Employers also appreciated that students understood the value of networking. Warnecke from SaskTel was clear about his advice: "Put yourself out there, go talk, meet people. It's all about networking."
As it expands its presence in the Prairies, Accenture highlighted the importance of events like careers day in building brand awareness.
"For Accenture, we're relatively new to the Prairies. Events like this have played a key role in increasing our brand recognition, particularly in Regina, as we establish ourselves as a corporate office," explained Megan Kreklewich, a senior HR partner analyst at Accenture.
Kaylee Hayko, process engineer at The Mosaic Company, offered encouragement for students navigating the job market. "Just continue to apply and don't get discouraged," she said. "There are lots of opportunities all over within Mosaic. There's a lot of great talent at the U of R, and we look forward to coming here every year."
— Submitted by University Communications and Marketing
