These days, we keep hearing about the "brain drain" and labour shortages that we will face in the not-so-distant future. According to Statistics Canada, an estimated 1.1 million people are expected to retire from the workforce in the next five to 10 years. This overwhelming number creates a lot of uncertainty for companies in terms of strategic long-term planning. Campus-industry partnerships can provide a powerful mechanism to proactively address these concerns.

The Sprott School of Business at Carleton University is striving to partner with local, provincial and multinational companies to help prepare and shape the next generation workforce.

"PricewaterhouseCoopers has, for many years, been involved with the Sprott School of Business by leading information sessions and seminars, networking events and by recruiting some of its top talent.

"We want to recruit talented individuals who understand business and have a breadth of knowledge in a variety of disciplines and functions. We also seek individuals who are curious and open-minded, with strong commercial and technical skills. Carleton's Commerce program provides students with these types of characteristics, prepares students for the real world of accounting and helps to build PwC's leaders of tomorrow."

Libby Cantwell, Human Resources Manager,

Pricewaterhouse Coopers LLP

The Sprott School recently established a career services centre to help prepare business students so they can "hit the ground running" upon being hired. Armed not only with strong technical skills but also a high degree of professionalism, a solid work ethic and realistic expectations, Sprott graduates are ready and able to make real contributions right from day one.

Sprott Career Services works collaboratively with community partners, not only through graduate and student hiring, but also through a host of other activities, including employer-led seminars and information sessions, industry networking events and mentorship opportunities.

Employers who get involved benefit by raising their corporate profile to potential future employees and increasing their chances of becoming an "employer of choice." This will become even more important over the coming years as job-seekers gain the advantage in the marketplace. Employers also benefit by gaining an early sense of potential candidates who may be a good fit within their organization.

The Sprott School of Business offers "one-stop shopping" for employers with prospective candidates available at the undergraduate, MBA and PhD levels.

Sprott has launched a redesigned MBA program for professionals, which offers four concentrations targeted for the National Capital Region – financial management, management and change, international business and technology management. The program begins this September and MBA students will be available for internships starting in May 2009.

At the undergraduate level, Sprott offers a Bachelor of Commerce with seven concentrations and a unique Bachelor of International Business that features intensive language training and mandatory study abroad in the third year. Students in the Bachelor of Commerce program can take part in a co-operative education component, which allows employers to "test-drive" candidates prior to permanent hiring.

Campus-industry partnerships create critical feedback channels for universities. Valuable input from industry is incorporated into future academic planning to keep university programs current and relevant, enabling students to add value immediately in the workplace.

To learn more about Sprott Career Services and Sprott programs, visit sprott.carleton.ca/careerservices.

Dotti MacNeil is the Business Career Co-ordinator for the Sprott School of Business at Carleton University. If your company would like to explore opportunities to partner with Sprott Career Services, please contact Dotti at 613-520-2600 ext.3118 or sprottcareers@sprott.carleton.ca.