Events

The Hiring Edge: Employer Expectations Uncovered

Dean's Speaker Series poster featuring the four speakers

This Panel Discussion offers students a valuable opportunity to hear directly from industry professionals about what employers are truly seeking, and how they can better position themselves for success in today’s job market.

 

Event Details:

  • Date: October 27, 2025
  • Time: From 2:00 – 4:00 pm
  • Venue: Unilever Lounge (4th Floor_ Sobey School Building)

Agenda:

  • 2:00 – 2:30 pm – Arrivals and Networking
  • 2:30 – 3:15 pm – Panel Discussion: The Hiring Edge: Employer Expectations Uncovered
  • 3:15 – 3:30 pm – Q&A
  • 3:30 – 4:00 pm – Networking Session
  • 4:00 pm event concludes
Meet the panelists!
Meet the panelists!

Jennifer Crawford serves as the Manager, Early Careers and Talent Planning at Sobeys Inc., bringing over 23 years of diverse experience within the organization. Throughout her tenure, she has held progressive roles across multiple functions including Finance, Operations, Merchandising, and Human Resources. Her career journey has included positions such as Senior Analyst – General Accounting, Manager, Finance – Foodland, and Category Manager – Home Meal Replacement.

In her current role within Human Resources, Jennifer is deeply committed to supporting early talent development. She leads initiatives that guide students in their career exploration and manages a team responsible for designing and launching student programs aimed at cultivating the next generation of leaders at Sobeys.

 

Jennifer Crawford

Bruce Bowser is a highly respected Canadian business leader and Chairman of AMJ Campbell Van Lines.Bruce Bowser

Previously a banker from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Bruce joined AMJ over two decades ago. His keen business acumen saw him rise through management where he reached his current position as Chairman. Bruce also served as President and CEO for AMJ Campbell's parent company, publicly-traded CamVec Corp., and led a management bid to take the company private in 2002.

Bruce oversaw the growth of eight separate business divisions in 50 locations across Canada, running over 75 operations, with more than 2,800 staff. Under his leadership, AMJ has grown to become an internationally respected brand, with over $250 million in sales. Bruce sold the Company to an employee led group in 2019.                                                            

Bruce has also been involved in the health care business, having served for several years as a member of the Cleveland Clinic Canada Senior Management Team and currently as CEO of Atlantic Centre for Ambulatory Care. He is passionate about having an impact on the future žžžÑÐϰËù of public health care in Canada. Bruce is also a Founder of , a fast growing chain of Veterinarian owned clinics in Canada, opening 7 new clinics since 2024.
Bruce values the importance of giving back and has served on several charity boards including the National Ballet School of Canada, Canada Company, Teen Ranch Foundation, Credit Valley Hospital Foundation and the Halifax/Dartmouth YMCA. Bruce has also served on several corporate boards including FYidoctors, The National Club, and Atlas Canada. An avid pilot, Bruce lends his time to supporting the Royal Canadian Air Force and our Canadian Armed Forces. Bruce was appointed to Honorary Colonel (RCAF) in November 2017. He recently Chaired the 100th Anniversary of the Royal Winter fair and currently serves on their Board of Directors.

A well-known business authority, Bruce is frequently sought out by media to provide his innovative and entrepreneurial point-of-view. He has appeared on CBC's “Back to the Floor" and CNN Balance with Dr. Gupta. Bruce has also been featured in notable publications such as the National Post, The Globe and Mail, and Business Edge.

Bruce is also the co-author of the best selling book, The Focus Effect.

Simon has been with RBC for 30 years.  In this time, he has had a variety of roles in Regional Office, Branch as well as now with HR.  When not working with RBC you can find Simon enjoying time at home with family and friends, cheering on Team Canada in any sport out there and of course cheering on the Toronto Maple Leaf’s to that elusive Stanley Cup (a man can dream!).  In his current role as Senior Recruiter Simon supports Atlantic Canada hiring needs within our Personal and Commercial Banking space.

Simon Hurd

PhD, McMaster University

I’m an experimental economist with a passion for understanding how people make decisions — in health, environmental, and everyday contexts. Some of my experiments even take place in virtual reality. As Social Director for the Canadian Experimental and Behavioural Research Group (CEBERG), I help connect researchers across Canada. My work is highly interdisciplinary, from evaluating the social return on investment of community programs to consulting with private industry. Before joining Saint Mary’s University, I taught Quantitative Techniques for Business at Curtin University in Western Australia.

Stephanie Thomas