FUSION Halifax- the perfect networking tool for young professionals

I had the opportunity of participating at FUSION Halifax's monthly social event last month. Promoted as a networking event, I brought a friend along to check things out.

Mingling in the crowd, my friend and I quickly noticed that the event attracted young professionals living in Halifax. In two hours I took part in a great opportunity to meet new people. I quickly realized that networking was not as challenging as I had first imagined and found myself starting conversations with several other young professionals.

As a Public Relations student, I realize the importance of forming professional relationships. Networking is a crucial element in any type of career and FUSION Halifax facilitates what young people in the city need; a comfortable and inviting environment for meeting people. With several events taking place each month, FUSION Halifax will be of tremendous value as I begin my career adventure here in Halifax.

FUSION Halifax can also expose young people to new environments. I had never entered the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia and was eager to view the work of the Sobey Award finalists. The curator of the exhibit, Sarah Fillmore, gave us a tour of the exhibit and made me realize that art had the potential of being exciting.

FUSION Halifax grew out of a Greater Halifax Partnership initiative. Realizing the need to keep and retain our emerging talent, the Partnership engaged leading young professional expert Rebecca Ryan to survey the demographic and make recommendations. One of the key recommendations was the creation of a young professional networking group. FUSION Halifax has been growing ever since. Young professionals in Greater Halifax are now building relationships in a comfortable environment. Joining the group is free. If you are interested in learning more about the networking group or want to sign-up, visit their website at fusionhalifax.ca. Check out their upcoming events and get involved!

-This blog first appeared on the Greater Halifax Partnership’s blog SmartCity Blog

Big city with small town feel

As I sat at my desk one morning a couple of weeks ago, I took notice of an article. Each year, the Globe & Mail releases its Canadian University Report which highlights the results of their student survey. As a senior university student, one particular article titled “Halifax: the ultimate college town" forced me to reminisce on the past four years I have lived in Halifax.

Moving from a small Cape-Breton fishing community, Halifax first appeared overwhelming. As I entered my first year as a public relations student at Mount Saint Vincent University, I realized the exact opposite.

I quickly learned my way around the city. Like the 23,000 other full-time students that call Halifax their “home away from home”, I have taken full advantage of my university experience. I must admit that my time in Halifax has slightly changed my habits. I now enjoy the taste of chai lattes and regularly practice yoga. In my opinion, this city is the ideal location for any student looking for a great study-play balance. What better way to celebrate the end of a semester than sitting outside with friends at the Lower Deck while listening to great music?

Halifax’s vibrant yet relaxing lifestyle has convinced me that this is where I want to begin my career. Living in a place that has weathered the worst of the economic storm has left me with great confidence. I will soon make the transition from student to employee and look forward in continuing my adventure here in Halifax.

Introduction

I started following a few blogs over the past couple of months. I find them to be entertaining and informative. I quickly noticed that many other public relations practitioners in Halifax are writing blogs so I figured I’d give it a try!

I should first introduce myself. My name is Natalie Cormier and I am a 21 year old Acadian girl from Chéticamp, Cape-Breton. I moved to the big city in 2006 to pursue my degree in Public Relations at the Mount. The lessons learned during the past four years will be included in my weekly blog posts.

After 3 co-op work terms, 8 semesters and 2 failed relationships, I am now ready for the real world. My blog will include my daily adventures as I search for the perfect job here in Halifax.

Nat