A fourth-year PR student’s reflection on building career connections and the SURGE Conference
As a new PR professional, I’ve reached the point in my career where relationships are key. With my sights on graduation in the upcoming fall, I am beginning to explore many different avenues. I have curiously been discovering what kind of position I want and the type of organizations I want to work for. This means putting myself out there and making those meaningful connections. I have made several of those throughout my co-ops and various work experiences. Cultivating as many dynamic and diverse relationships as possible is a pivotal stepping-stone for any new grad who is ready to start making waves in their career.
I completed my first co-op term with the Halifax Chamber of Commerce, and while the COVID-19 pandemic prevented me from working in the office as infrequently as envisioned, I still made lasting career connections. That rapport assisted me with an opportunity to attend the SURGE conference last March.
SURGE Conference
The Halifax Chamber of Commerce hosted its inaugural SURGE Conference on March 24, 2023 at Pier 21 along the Halifax Waterfront. The conference aimed to unite businesses on the path to inclusiveness and understanding. The conference brought together:
- Small-business owners
- Corporate business leaders
- People who wanted to learn more about the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility Program (DEIA) to implement organizational policies and strategies
The conference highlighted that many businesses across Halifax are lacking diversity – but also businesses want to push the needle forward. Businesses continue to implement policies and strategies in their organization without consulting with minority-denied groups. This is a problem. Why? It misses a unique perspective; decisions are being made with implicit biases and the organization becomes one-dimensional.
As a white male, I want to work for an organization that promotes a welcoming and safe workplace for everyone – regardless of someone’s identity. I want to make a difference, and that is what attracted me to this conference.
This conference was about getting excited about diversity and working with different people. It was about inclusion and the importance of diversity in the workplace. SURGE focused on ways to hire employees from diverse communities and establish cultural competency training for staff. The conference provided information on how to start becoming a more diverse and inclusive workplace. We need to start channeling diversity and welcoming newer voices into leadership roles.
The conference had a panel of diverse leaders speaking about diversity in business. Some of these included:
A conversation led by Jonah Ssenyange, Diversity & Inclusion Facilitator at Placemaking 4G about how to make inclusive decisions. David Divine, Managing Director, Footprints Life Coaching talking about what inclusive leadership looks like in the workplace. As well an interesting keynote speech by Dr. Omissore Dryden, Associate Professor at Dalhousie University, author, interdisciplinary scholar, on anti-black health care and medical education. The conference also had many other speakers to equip me with tools (and notes) as I advance my career and keep diversity in the forefront of my mind.
Leveraging your networks
This conference is a reminder to leverage your networks. Whether it’s through co-op or any workplace, I was able to land the free ticket through my relationship with the team and served as a reminder about the importance of diversity and leadership. The more relationships you cultivate the more doors you open as you search for greater opportunities while building diversity and inclusion in your workplace.
Article By: Nathan Buchanan
Edited by: Co-Editor-in-Chief, Emily Brown
