What happens at FoodGrads Tasting Room?

Last Updated on August 22, 2024

In an increasingly digital world, FoodGrads developed a virtual networking event dedicated to learning about career paths, job openings, and meeting professionals in the food & beverage processing space. These Tasting Room events, held entirely online, are available to students and graduates from colleges and universities that have made the forward-thinking decision to become FoodGrads education partners! 

Find your internship, co-op opportunity or summer job as well as your first position in the industry.  Connect with employers and associations to grow your professional network.  Taste your future! 

Why does the Tasting Room work?  

One of the primary advantages of virtual events like this—career fairs if you want a traditional comparison—is their accessibility. Unlike traditional in-person events, which require participants to travel to a specific location, the Tasting Room can be attended from anywhere with an internet connection. This is particularly beneficial for job seekers who may not have the means to travel or who live in remote areas.  We’ve had jobseekers join our events in their lunch break, from their car or stay the entire time—it’s truly that flexible.  

For employers, this accessibility translates into a more diverse talent pool. Companies can connect with candidates from different geographic locations, increasing the likelihood of finding the right fit for their roles. This is especially valuable for organizations looking to diversify their workforce or those based in areas with a limited talent pool, not forgetting that jobseekers who attend are ONLY interested in roles in food & beverage processing.

The Tasting Room is designed to streamline the job search and recruitment process. For jobseekers, these events offer a user-friendly platform that allows you to browse company booths, submit resumes, and chat with hiring managers in real-time via messaging and video. 

Come Meet Us! 

Some companies present a ‘Meet Us’ webinar session, and downloadable resources, making it easier for participants to gather information and make informed decisions about their career paths.  The Tasting Room Digital Swag Bag is an interactive resource to support your job search, and all attendees can download it. 

Employers, too, benefit from the efficiency of the Tasting Room. Hiring managers can interact with multiple candidates simultaneously, reducing the time it takes to identify and shortlist potential hires. The digital format also allows for easy collection and management of candidate data, enabling employers to follow up quickly and efficiently. Additionally, the opportunity to network and review jobseekers from their digital profiles including their downloaded resumes can help match candidates with job openings that align with their skills and experience, further streamlining the recruitment process. 

Reaching a broader audience and inclusivity is non-negotiable today 

The advantages of the Tasting Room don’t stop there.  Reaching a broader audience is easier and essential—why choose candidates from the same talent pool over and over? Traditional career fairs are often limited by physical space and location, which can restrict the number and diversity of participants. In contrast, the Tasting Room can accommodate a virtually unlimited number of attendees, making them more inclusive and representative of the food & beverage focused job market. 

This broader reach also allows employers to tap into a more diverse talent pool. The Tasting Room attracts candidates from different cultural and educational backgrounds, providing companies with access to a wide range of perspectives and experiences. This diversity can be a significant asset for organizations looking to innovate and remain competitive in a globalized economy. 

We would be remiss if we didn’t mention the Tasting Rooms’ positive impact on the environment.  We know this is an important topic for many in our community, so by eliminating the need for travel and physical materials, these events significantly reduce our carbon footprint. This is an important consideration for companies committed to sustainability and for jobseekers who prioritize working for environmentally conscious organizations, something we encourage in this amazing industry! 

So…. 

As the job market continues to evolve, the Tasting Room is proving to be a powerful tool for both jobseekers and employers. The accessibility, cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and broad reach makes it an attractive option for those looking to navigate the complexities of modern career development. Whether you’re a current student or recent graduate entering the workforce, the Tasting Room offers a convenient and effective way to connect with potential employers and take the next step in your career. 

Visit The Tasting Room to see about dates and to register.  Also, follow our socials as we celebrate and highlight the companies who’ll be attending in the weeks leading up to the event.  We’ll see you at the next one!  

About the Author: Nicole Gallace is a Talent Solutions Manager focused in the food and beverage processing industry.  After 10 years of third party recruiting in the industry she noticed a gap with regards to support for students and graduates to start their career, she also saw the need to attract people to careers in the sector.  She started FoodGrads in 2016 and is key partner of Food and Beverage Ontario ‘CareersNOW!’ program.