Aggregated Events Calendar

NextStep 2026 | School-to-Work Transition Conference

Thunder Bay Campus - March 21, 2026

On March 21, 2026, Lakehead Career Services & Co-operative Education will host the inaugural NextStep 2026 School-to-Work Transition Conference in Thunder Bay.

This full-day conference is designed to support students in navigating the transition from academic life into professional environments with clarity, confidence, and practical preparation.

The day will feature keynote speakers, practical workshops, and career development opportunities focused on helping students better understand the realities of early career life and how to navigate the transition successfully.

Andrew Lucking will open the event with a keynote focused on professional identity and mindset as students begin their transition from university to the workplace. His session will explore how graduates can approach the early stages of their careers with curiosity, adaptability, and confidence while building meaningful professional relationships and opportunities.

Brian Brescia, Financial Literacy Engagement Officer at Lakehead University, will guide students through the financial realities many graduates face after completing their studies. His session will explore key financial transitions such as understanding take-home pay, budgeting in early career stages, managing student loan repayment, and making informed decisions about saving and financial planning.

Dylan Mazur will present a keynote on workplace human rights and the legal protections workers have throughout the employment process. Students will learn about their rights to reasonable workplace accommodations, how human rights protections apply from the job application stage onward, and how to think strategically about advocating for their needs as they begin their careers.

Sara Melvin, Tej Shah, and Jintu Anne Thomson from International Student Services will deliver an interactive workshop focused on the transition from university to employment for international students and alumni. Their session will cover working conditions for international students, co-op work permits, the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program, and potential pathways to permanent residency, along with community resources available after graduation.

Students attending the event will also have the opportunity to participate in a professional headshot clinic with photographer Nancy Tillberg, allowing participants to update their LinkedIn profiles and professional materials with high-quality images that support their professional brand.

Drop-In Programming:

• Professional Headshots
• Résumé Reviews
• Mock Interviews
• Quiet / Sensory Room

Students are asked to register through My Success.