SYDNEY, N.S. — Cape Breton University’s In.Business mentorship program for Indigenous youth welcomed more than 50 students from across Atlantic Canada to its ninth annual opening conference in Cape Breton from Nov. 21-23.
The program is facilitated by CBU’s Unama’ki College and designed to help students explore business as a future career and educational path.
“We are told time and time again that this program is positively impacting the lives of Indigenous youth, and is an experience that students will remember of the rest of their lives,” said Stephen Augustine, associate vice-president, Indigenous Affairs and Unama’ki College, in a press release.
“Exposing young Indigenous students to a high-calibre conference and hands-on learning experience of this nature helps in building self-confidence, and provides direction for them to continue on an educational journey.”
The program aims to prepare students to be job-ready, as well as manage the transition from high school to a post-secondary education.
Through the program, students learn how to maintain professionalism on social media and other digital platforms and get a glance into what business is like in the real world.
They also experience skills development, such as an increase in confidence, communication skills, leadership skills and teamwork.
Students participated in icebreaker networking challenges and were provided additional benefits such as having their headshots taken by a professional photographer.
The conference also included a scavenger hunt, a behind-the-scenes industry tour at Lanes at Membertou, mentorship coaching, a pitch-it competition and interactive presentations from Indigenous business leaders.
Students will now complete 10 social media-based business challenges and will meet again in May at the closing conference.
