Durham College student chamber memberships include Clarington Board of Trade

Durham College business and information technology students receive memberships with Durham Region chambers of commerce and boards of trade, including the Clarington Board of Trade, through a partnership now in its fifth year. The memberships apply during a student’s program and for one year after graduation.

The arrangement links students with local business organizations and their events, including opportunities designed for students. In November, students met representatives from each participating organization at an open-house event in the college’s Centre for Innovation and Research.

“The memberships create meaningful learning experiences beyond the classroom,” said Cristina Italia, executive dean for Durham College’s Faculty of Business and Information Technology and Faculty of Media, Art and Design.

Students may attend regular events hosted by the membership organizations during the academic year as well as sessions tailored to practice networking and explore career paths.

“We are thankful for the opportunity to partner with Durham College to provide students with opportunities to engage with leaders in the business community,” said Bonnie Wrightman, executive director of the Clarington Board of Trade. Wrightman said the partnership helps students “build relationships with potential future employers.”

A campus session titled “Slay Your Interview” was among recent activities. “I gained valuable skills and tips from the speakers and will use them going into my summer work interviews next year,” said Sports Administration student Abigail Ansell.

Participating organizations are Ajax Pickering Board of Trade, Brock Board of Trade, Clarington Board of Trade, Newcastle & District Chamber of Commerce, North Durham Chamber of Commerce, Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce and Whitby Chamber of Commerce.