Nayo Gariepy is a Career and Transition advisor from McGill University School of Continuing Studies and recently joined the CACEE National Board where he is looking forward to building a strong and collaborative team as Chair of the new Quebec Regional Advisory Board. From Nayo's perspective, career advising isn’t just about helping people find a job or helping recruiters find the right talent. The work we do is also about connecting employers and professionals who want to achieve a common goal that takes into account their purpose and passion while giving them the tools and confidence needed to reach their full potential.

"We all know that when people do what they love for a company that fits with their values and vision, the world becomes a better place and results are positive on both sides. This also results in less turnover, more productivity, higher rates of innovation and most importantly, happier people."  

When you ask what Nayo enjoys most about his role, he's quick to talk about the joys of organizing events and facilitating group workshops on a variety of topics including labour market exploration and soft skills training. He also appreciates answering common misconceptions related to job search, as well as empowering and helping his students find the right opportunities for their goals and talents. Nayo loves what he does, and he gives much credit to his team saying- it wouldn’t be the same without their everyday support and collaboration.

Like many, Nayo is currently working on multiple projects and new initiatives at the same time. His focus is mainly on a new Indigenous initiative, growing the French community within McGill SCS and promoting the value of continuing education as a solution to today’s skills, needs and changing environment. He is a strong believer that short programs like the ones from continuing education certificates are going to be one of the most cost and time-effective solutions to the fast-paced and skill changing era that we are in today.

As for the future for the career and recruitment landscape, Nayo notes a rapid and dramatically evolving picture because of COVID which has forced us to move forward a lot faster than we could ever have imagined. One thing that Nayo has started to see more and more is that both career educators and recruiters are needed more than ever before. There has been a rise in job applications and not only for unemployed professionals but also for those who already have a job. He admires how fast most recruiters have adapted to the new virtual reality and demand. The same goes for career educators--we need to be creative and strategic in order to do more for our fellow job seekers in these difficult times.

Nayo is proud to be a CACEE member and reminds us; "Now is the time to unite and work together towards a solution that can help our beautiful nation from coast to coast!"