In business, it can be all about who you know. Lakeland College's business students' networks just got a little bigger.

The Lloydminster Chamber of Commerce's Mentoring in New Dimensions (MIND) program works to pair businesses with college students. The goal is for students to gain a greater understanding of what it is like working in their chosen field, receive real-world advice and to build valuable connections.

Dan Kinaschuk, a first-year business administration student majoring in accounting, found a lot of value in attending the virtual event.

Dan Kinaschuk completes accounting tasks on his computer during one of Lakeland's free tax clinics

“It was nice to be able to connect with some professionals to ask them questions and learn about the difference between school and the real world,” Kinaschuk explains. “Having a little glimpse of the industry before I'm actually in it was so helpful for my confidence as I move into the business sector.”

During the mentorship event in March, there were 37 students and 12 mentors in attendance on Zoom, including MNP, city of Lloydminster, Synergy Credit Union, Assure Occupational Testing, Famos Consulting, Cooper Concrete, Musgrave Agencies, Servus Credit Union, One Vision Consulting, McGowan Professional Corp, Lloydminster & District CO-OP and Atlas Appraisals.

“As students begin to enter the workforce, the knowledge and experience gained by mentorship is an invaluable asset to the growth and success of their futures,” says Serena Sjodin, executive director of the Lloydminster Chamber of Commerce. “At the Chamber, we believe that not only the student benefits from the program, but our member businesses also gain the ability to develop and guide potential future members of their teams. It is a win-win for the local community.”

As for Kinaschuk, who applied for the accounting program after it was recommended by an aptitude test, he's enjoying the program so far and the Chamber's mentorship event only solidified his confidence in his choice.

“I like the business sector,” he says. “I like to use my head to solve problems rather than fix them with my hands. I definitely feel like I've taken the right steps and I'm planning to continue working on my education and get my CPA. It seems like a really good move forward.”

Photo: Dan Kinaschuk helps at one of Lakeland's free tax clinics.