Launch Your Career Conference
Gain the skills, industry knowledge and form connections to launch your career post-graduation.
March 3 & 4, 2026
Registration is now live!
Building your Career During Uncertain Times
Join us from March 3-4, 2026, for an exciting hybrid event designed to kickstart your career journey!
This conference invites you to explore the dynamic career ecosystem where your degree serves as a foundation for building diverse employability capital—social, cultural, psychological, and more—that empower you to intentionally design a fulfilling, adaptable career and life. By embracing career readiness in all it's facets, you’ll learn how to move from unemployment or entry level work and surviving paycheque to paycheque to create a thriving (and prosperous) future that aligns with your values, passions, and strengths.
Photo courtesy of William E. Donald
Keynote speaker William E. Donald
William E. Donald is an Adjunct Full Professor of Sustainable Careers & Inclusive Practice at Liverpool Business School and a Visiting Research Fellow at the University of Southampton Business School. He is the Founder and Director of Donald Research & Consulting, bridging academia with policy and practice. Professor Donald developed the Weather as a Career Metaphor and Sustainable Career Ecosystem Theory, and co-created the Employability Capital Growth Model. Formerly a project manager and graduate recruiter in London, he was named to the Disability Power 100 (2024) for his contributions to education and research.
For more information, please visit his website: https://drwilldonald.wordpress.com/
William will be speaking on March 3. Make sure to register early to save a seat.
Photo courtesy of Gayathri Shukla
Keynote speaker Gayathri Shukla
Gayathri Shukla is a storyteller, facilitator, and community builder whose work through Campfire Kinship focuses on creating spaces of belonging, reflection, and shared humanity. After 17 years in engineering and leadership in the oil and gas sector, and obtaining her MBA, Gayathri transitioned to entrepreneurship in 2020. She is also pursuing her PhD at UCalgary in Transdisciplinary Research. She is the lead author of bestselling anthology, Landed, Transformative Stories of Canadian Immigrant Women, and hosts the Hearth 2 Heart podcast at UofC’s CJSW station. In her keynote, Embracing Uncertainty with Resilience: Storytelling for Strength, Clarity, and Career Direction, Gayathri uses storytelling as a reflective and meaning-making practice to help participants navigate uncertainty and career transitions with intention.
Gayathri will be speaking on March 4. Make sure to register early to save a seat!
March 3 (Online)
9:00AM - 10:45AM
In this keynote, William Donald introduces the Employability Capital Growth Model (ECGM), a globally tested framework grounded in Sustainable Career Ecosystem Theory. The session explores how nine forms of employability capital shape career outcomes over time and offers practical guidance on strengthening, articulating, and applying them for lifelong career success. Designed for students and graduates across all disciplines seeking adaptability, resilience, and sustainable careers.
11:00AM - 12:00PM
Matthew Geddes and David Cataford are career development professionals helping students navigate early-career uncertainty with confidence and strategy. In Beyond the First Paycheque, they show how any role can become a stepping stone by using the Employability Capital Growth Model to identify transferable skills, reframe early-career earnings, and intentionally build Social and Human Capital for long-term career success.
1:00PM - 2:00PM
This interactive online panel equips career-ready students and recent graduates with an entrepreneurial mindset they can apply in any role. Featuring local founders, innovators, and intrapreneurs, the discussion explores how creativity, strategic risk-taking, and value creation accelerate early-career growth and professional impact. Through real-world stories and actionable insights, participants will learn how to stay adaptable, expand their networks, and uncover new opportunities as they transition into today’s evolving job market.
6:30PM - 8:00PM
Networking isn’t just for when you’re job hunting — it’s a lifelong skill for building trust, curiosity and opportunity. This interactive workshop facilitated by James Tomasson will offer practical tools to grow your network authentically and strengthen relationships that support personal growth, as well as career advancement.
March 4 (In-Person)
9:30AM - 10:45AM
In this interactive workshop-style keynote, Gayathri Shukla uses storytelling as a powerful career tool to help graduating students recognize their strengths, reframe uncertainty, and confidently articulate their value beyond grades and résumés. Through guided reflection and hands-on exercises, participants will craft authentic career narratives they can use in interviews, networking, and professional conversations.
11:00AM - 12:00PM
Join the Centre for Career and Personal Development for a practical, interactive workshop on professional image and personal style. Learn how dress, presentation, and self-expression can build confidence and support career success.
This session covers interview and workplace dress codes, adapting your style across career settings, and making smart, budget-friendly wardrobe choices. Perfect for interviews, networking, or starting a new job.
12:00PM - 1:00PM
Enjoy a relaxed lunch break at the Last Defense Lounge. Refuel with food and take time to connect with fellow attendees, share ideas, and continue the conversation in a casual setting.
1:00PM - 2:00PM
An in-person panel for students and new graduates navigating today’s evolving job market. Panelists share non-linear career journeys and insights on degree value in an AI-driven world, highlighting adaptability, transferable skills, networking, and career confidence. Participants will leave with practical strategies to strengthen employability and build meaningful, flexible career paths.
2:00PM - 3:00PM
After the panel discussion, attendees can join us for a casual networking session where you can enjoy delicious cookies and connect with employers and staff. This is a great opportunity to build relationships, ask questions, and explore career opportunities in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
Build your skills
Attend a daily workshop to learn what core skills and competencies can help you be successful in your career.
Join the conversation
Hear from leaders, industry experts and employers to learn what's happening in our industries right now and what opportunities await you.
Take the next step
Participate in workshops, panels and networking session to get equipped with the skills, connections and knowledge to make the next move in your career.
Launch Your Career Contest
Enter for a chance to win amazing prizes that will help you kick-start your career. Simply submit your ballot between March 3–4, 2026 for a shot at various University of Calgary prizes.
- Open to all UCalgary students attending Launch Your Career Conference – no purchase necessary
- Winners will be randomly drawn each day
Don’t miss out!
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