By Jayme Marteniuk – Contributor

The Bishop’s University Commerce Society (BUCS) recently hosted their last event of the year called “Careers and Cocktails,” which took place at Cleghorn in McGreer Hall, on the evening of April 29. It was an opportunity that helped bring together students and professionals from the business community. BUCS works hard to organize these events to provide an experience for students to network with industry professionals, learn about career opportunities, and enjoy delicious drinks and appetizers.

One of the highlights of the event were the guest speakers, Professor TJ Smith and Dr. Hamid Shirdastian. These two individuals are accomplished business professionals with years of experience in their industries and are current professors at the university. They spoke about how technology, especially artificial intelligence software, has impacted their respective industries and is a beneficial tool to use. They shared their journeys and gave valuable advice on how to succeed in the business world, where they encouraged the importance of networking, the value of mentorship, and the need to constantly learn and grow in your career. 

The event was held in a relaxed and casual atmosphere, with attendees mingling and enjoying drinks and appetizers while they networked. The venue was well-lit and spacious, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere that encouraged conversation and networking. 

For students, the event was an excellent opportunity to meet and connect with professionals in the business community at Bishop’s. They were able to learn about different career paths, get advice on how to navigate the job market, and make important contacts that could help them with their future careers. Especially for younger and newer students, it was a great experience to meet fellow senior students and engage with them about their experiences and seek advice to kickstart their future career paths.

For professionals, the event was an opportunity to connect with young talent and potential future employees. They were able to share their experiences, provide guidance and mentorship, and give back to the community by helping to shape the next generation of business leaders. 

Overall, the Careers and Cocktails event was a great success, with attendees praising the quality of the speakers and the opportunities for networking. BUCS should be commended for organizing such a valuable event that brought together students and professionals from the business community. We look forward to seeing similar events in the future that continue to foster connections and encourage growth within the Bishop’s business community.