By APRIL STEWART

Staff Writer

If you're a graduate or are planning on graduating soon, the Niagara College Foundation and Alumni Relations team wants you to know they're offering you their support.

The GradSmart initiative was developed in the 2008-2009 academic year. The goal is to help graduating students transition to the next stage of their lives, whether it be to further their education or enter the work world.

"We offer support in whichever path they choose, and our support continues beyond their time as a student at Niagara College," says Elise Auger, alumni relations and GradSmart liaison.

Last year, the college did a graduating survey and class visitations to determine what graduating students were looking for as they prepare for graduating. Based on the results, a GradSmart Vedor fair was held featuring education and employment opportunities, and alumni benefits and services. This year a GradSmart Student Advisory Committee was developed comprising of students from graduate studies and degree programs. The group meets once a month to discuss GradSmart plans.

"The committee plays a huge role in promoting our initiatives to their classmates and other students," says Auger.

Based on the results of a survey and input from the committee, the first event, Let the Networking Begin, was held on Dec. 2, 2009. 

"The event was a tremendous success. Students had the opportunity to network with some community leaders and recent graduates. Blair Pollard, vice-president, organization development Canadian Tire Corporation Ltd., spoke to the group about what employers are looking for when hiring new employees."

The team wants to profile the accomplishments of both the college and its graduates, demonstrating the value of a college education and the positive impact of Niagara College on the community.

"We try to encourage our graduates to maintain a lifelong relationship with the college by forwarding regular communication via our website, e-bulletin and encore newsletter, thus keeping them aware of the good news at the college and providing them opportunities such as homecoming, curling tournaments and reunions to reconnect with former classmates, staff and faculty," says Steve Cino, alumni co-ordinator.

"We also attempt to find group discount programs and services that are needed by graduates. For example, we offer discounts on home and car insurance through Johnson Insurance, discount rates via MBNA Mastercard, health, dental and life insurance through Canada Life and excellent mortgage rates through the National Group Mortgage program," says Cino.

More information on these plans and other discounts such as CAA membership reductions, Bell wireless plans, and discount rates for the Toronto Raptors is outlined on the website, www.niagaracollege.ca/alumni.

Service is also provided by the Job Centre to provide free access to a professional online resumé and portfolio builder, Optimal Resumé, to assist graduates in getting a competitive edge in a challenging economy.

The Job Centre is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays and can be reached at 905 641-2252 ext. 4165, at the NOTL campus or 905-735-2211, ext. 7777, at the Welland campus.