ON Campus – In Person – Career & Life Design Conference 2026
In-Person Session (Ontario Campus, 120 Bloor Street East, Toronto) October 20, 2026 10am-3:30pm EST
October 2026
National – Virtual – Career & Life Design Conference 2026
Virtual Session (National) October 22, 2026 | 12pm-5:30pm EST. A national virtual experience bringing together students, alumni, industry professionals, and employers to explore career journeys and make meaningful connections.
BC Campus – In Person – Career & Life Design Conference 2026
In-Person Session (BC Campus, 88 6th Street, New Westminster), October 28, 2026 10am-3:30pm PST
coming soon
Before You Get Started
Use the Career Conference Master Checklist to get prepared and make the most of your experience. Review key steps such as exploring the events, reflecting on your professional identity, strengthening your application materials, and preparing to make meaningful connections.
Once you’ve reviewed the checklist, explore the modules below for additional resources, tips, and guidance to help you prepare for and make the most of the conference!
The Career & Life Design Conference is designed to help you explore career possibilities, connect with people and organizations, and take meaningful steps toward what comes next. It brings together a range of experiences so you can learn from others, explore different career paths, and think about how your interests, skills, and goals connect to the world of work.
Why participate? The conference is an opportunity to step outside your usual learning environment and explore what’s possible. You don’t need to have your career figured out before attending. Come with questions, curiosity, and an openness to discovering something new. You can choose the sessions and experiences that are most relevant to where you are in your career journey.
Register for the conference to reserve your spot.
What can you expect?
- Alumni Ask Me Anything:Â Hear directly from Yorkville University alumni about their career experiences, transitions, challenges, and successes. Bring your questions and learn from people who have navigated their own career paths after graduation.
- Panel Discussion:Â Listen to professionals and/or alumni share different perspectives, experiences, and insights related to careers and the changing world of work. Panels are a chance to hear multiple viewpoints and discover possibilities you may not have considered.
- Career Boost Clinic:Â Get practical, career-focused support to help you take your next step. Bring a career question, challenge, or goal and use the session to gain ideas, feedback, and strategies you can put into action.
- Employer Networking: Engage in genuine, curious conversations with employers to explore their professional journeys, gain an inside perspective on their industries, and learn what their work looks like day to day.
Your professional identity is the story of what you bring to your work including your experiences, strengths, values, skills, and the impact you want to make. Start with the Professional Identity Video to explore how to articulate your professional story, then use the Professional Identity Explanation Resource and Career Conference: Do’s & Don’ts to help you communicate your value with confidence.
Your professional identity should be reflected in how you present yourself to potential employers. Watch the Resume Video to learn how to translate your experiences, skills, and strengths into compelling application materials. Then, explore the program-specific resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn resources below, along with the Building Your Portfolio Resource, to strengthen how you communicate your professional identity across different platforms.
Program-Specific Resume, Cover Letter, & LinkedIn Resources:
• BBA
• BCA
• BID
• MACP
• MBA
• MEd
Career development is an ongoing process, and there is no single path you need to follow. Use the Creating Your Conference Strategy resource to reflect on your goals, explore possibilities, and identify practical next steps you can take to move your career forward for during the conference and beyond.
Networking is about more than making connections! It is an opportunity to learn, exchange ideas, and build relationships that can support your career journey. Watch the Networking Video for practical strategies you can use to approach networking with greater confidence, then refer to the Navigating Conference Conversations handout as you prepare for conversations and connections.
The conference is a starting point, not an endpoint. Watch the After the Conference Video and use the After the Conference Summary Sheet to reflect on what you learned, revisit the ideas and connections that stood out to you, and turn your conference experience into meaningful next steps.
Career & Life Design Conference - Frequently Asked Questions
Not sure what to expect? Start here.
This quick guide answers some of the most common questions about preparing for and participating in the Career & Life Design Conference.
You don’t need to have your career figured out before you attend. Come ready to explore possibilities, understand your value, connect with industry, and take your next step!
Before the Conference
What is the Career & Life Design Conference?
The conference is an opportunity to explore career possibilities, build your professional identity, connect with industry, and take practical steps toward what’s next.
Who is the conference for?
Yorkville University students at different stages of their career journey. You do not need to have a specific career goal to participate.
Where and when is the conference?
The conference takes place on different dates and locations for each event, depending on which campus you belong to.
October 20, 2026: In-person Ontario Career Conference
October 22, 2026: National Online Career Conference
October 28, 2026: In-person British Columbia Career Conference
Check the conference landing page for your event date, time, and location. If you are not sure which conference to attend, please email careerconference2026@yorkvilleu.ca for more information.
Is the conference in person or online?
There are both in-person and virtual events. Check your event details to confirm the format for the conference you are attending.
Do I need to prepare before attending?
Yes. Complete the pre-conference resources to help you get the most from the sessions, conversations, and networking opportunities.
Do I have to complete the preparation modules in order?
The modules are designed to build on one another, but you can revisit resources or focus on the areas that are most useful to you.
What should I wear?
Choose professional attire that makes you feel comfortable and confident. When in doubt, business casual is a good starting point. See Module 2 for Career Conference: Dos & Don’ts.
Who do I contact if I have a question about the conference?
For questions about the conference, please email careerconference2026@yorkvilleu.ca.
During the Conference
What can I expect?
Expect a mix of career learning, industry perspectives, conversations, networking opportunities, and practical activities designed to help you move forward.
Do I need to attend every session?
You are encouraged to participate as much as possible but choose the sessions and activities that are most relevant to your goals and interests.
What if I’m not sure what career direction I want?
That’s okay! You do not need to have your next career move figured out. Use the conference to explore possibilities, ask questions, and discover pathways you may not have considered.
Will there be opportunities to connect with employers?
Yes. Come prepared to introduce yourself, ask thoughtful questions, and learn about different organizations, industries, and opportunities.
Career & Networking
Do I need a polished resume or LinkedIn profile?
Not necessarily. The conference is a place to learn and make connections. Your preparation resources can help you identify areas to strengthen.
What if I’m changing careers or industries?
The conference is a great opportunity to explore how your existing skills and experiences can transfer into new directions.
What if I’m nervous about networking?
You are not alone. Networking is a skill you can develop. Focus on being curious, asking questions, and having genuine conversations rather than trying to “sell yourself.”
How can I make the most of networking?
Set a simple goal, such as meeting two new people or learning about one industry you’re curious about. Ask thoughtful questions, listen, and follow up with people you connect with.
After the Conference
What should I do after the conference?
Reflect on what you learned, follow up with people you connected with, and choose one or two actions you can take next. Small steps can build momentum.
Can I continue to get career support after the conference?
Yes. Yorkville University Career Education offers resources and support to help you continue developing your career. Please email careerservices@yorkvilleu.ca for any career-related questions or visit the link to book a 1:1 appointment with a Career Coach!
