Career Planning Guide (Fall 2010)

FALL 2010 1ST& 2ND YEAR

G U I D E

ABROAD Build a skills

base

hey GOOD LOOKIN’…

WANT

A JOB?

YOUR B.A. I S N ’ T BS

GR ADUATE

free

debt

working

Prep for your

interview

Y O U R

CAREER

BEGINS

NOW bling your

résumé | everything but the paycheque.

BUSINESS DEGREES BUSINESS DEGREES IN: Accounting e-Business Marketing Fashion Management Human Resources Management International Business Tourism Management

business.humber.ca

fall who’s

hiring

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Hey. Did you know that these companies have a whole bunch of sweet jobs for students? Visit their websites to see a full list of positions available.

3 5 7 8 11 11 13 30 31 !BC

Sun Life Financial College Pro Certified Management Accountants Mining Industry Human Resources Council Ontario Power Generation The Home Depot Insurance Institute Nexen Hydro One Insurance Institute

yay! more school IFC 23

Humber College the Business School Georgian College, Canada’s Automotive School of Business

stufftobuy OBC 16 20 25

Rogers Wireless Fisherman’s Friend Excel Skittles

getsmarter Image: iStockphoto/Thinkstock

28

Ace

findjobs 2 22

jobpostings.ca  Media Job Search Canada

jobpostings.ca | fall 2010 | career planning guide

Beauty and the Paycheque

It’s not always in the eye of the beholder, especially when it comes to hiring. Here’s what you can do about it.

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Your Career Begins Now

6

Get to Know Your Career Centre

12 29 2 8 10 14 15 21 24 32

Did you know that employers recruit summer students as early as January? Here’s what you can do from day one to exceed employer’s expectations.

Graduation may seem a long way off, but your campus career centre can do a lot for you even before you trade in your backpack for a briefcase.

Your B.A. isn’t B.S.

From careers in fashion and law to computer animation, arts grads are highly prized commodities .

Strategic Volunteering

You may not realize that volunteering is one of the best ways to develop skills that could be useful to an employer. Here’s how.

How to Write a Cover Letter.

Pimp Your Resume.

The Informational Interviews.

Network Your Way to a Dream Job. Prep for the Job Interview.

Internships and Co-ops.

Working Abroad.

Graduate Debt Free.

1

What is a

COVER LETTER

AND W H Y DO YOU NEED ONE?

by Amy F.McPherson, Associate Director, VT Career Services Most cover letters are read in eight seconds or less. That’s not much time for you to introduce and sell yourself to a prospective employer. Thinking of leaving out the cover letter since it seems to command so little attention? Think again. Most employers say they won’t even give a résumé a second look if it is not accompanied by a cover letter.

The purpose of the cover letter is to:  Introduce you to a potential employer.  Highlight your interest in and qualifications for the position.  Demonstrate how your skills are a fit for the employer’s needs. Make sure you refer to specific items on your résumé.  Request an interview.

Even though this sounds like a lot of information to share, you need to be concise and brief with your cover letters. They should be no more than one page in length. The goal of the cover letter and résumé are to give enough information to encourage an employer to invite you for an interview. In the interview you will give more detailed examples.

GETTING STARTED  Begin by putting your contact information in a block in the upper left or right corner of the page. Include your full mailing address, telephone number, and email address.  Skip one line and list the current date.  Skip another line and list the name, title, and address of the person to whom you are writing.  Skip a line and write your salutation.

The salutation should always use a formal greeting such as Dear Mr. Smith or Dear Ms. Greene, not first names.  For an email format, your contact information will be located under your signature line at the bottom of the letter.

DEAR (FILL IN THE BLANK)  Cover letters should be written to an individual not “To Whom it May Concern.”

Research the organization and find the name of a person.  If you are unable to find a name, address the letter to the position title (Director of Human Resources, Director of Research and Development, etc.).  Mention the name of the organization in your letter instead of referring to it as “your company/organization” since this is also impersonal.

You may be thinking that this sounds like it takes a lot of time. You’re right! Personalizing each letter takes time, but your letter will stand out as one from an applicant who is truly interested!

FIRST PARAGRAPH  State why you are writing and how you learned of the position (be specific –

a website, the local newspaper, a family friend who works with that organization, etc.)  Give a brief introduction of yourself, including your major and graduation date.  Be concise and do not use gimmicks to try and attract attention.

BODY OF THE LETTER Demonstrate how you are a good match for the position listed. Do this in the body of the letter by identifying specific requirements of the job listed in the job description and describing the experience you have that supports those requirements. Your main goal is to show the employer that you have the skills necessary to do the job. Be careful not to simply repeat everything in your résumé. You want to call the reader’s attention to specific aspects of your résumé and elaborate on them. You may be able to accomplish this in one paragraph or it may take a few.

CLOSING PARAGRAPH  State what you would like to happen as a result of sending the letter and résumé – AN INTERVIEW. Ask for an opportunity to meet and discuss your qualifications for the position.  Mention what you will do to follow-up.  Include information on the best way to contact you. Following the closing paragraph, skip a line to write “Sincerely,” then skip four lines and type your name.

When you print the hard copy, you will sign your name in the blank space.

That’s it! Good luck!



there are out there

Whatever you need to build your dream career, jobpostings.ca is here | careers. education. ideas. all of it.

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career planning guide | fall 2010 | jobpostings.ca

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can help.

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jobpostings publisher:

by Julie Stevenson and Panagiota Panagakos ABOUT

get to know your career centre // Begin by familiarizing yourself with the student services at your university or within your faculty. During first year, visit your career centre and make an appointment with a career counsellor. Your counsellor will help you identify your skills, interests, and values and relate them to the working world. They will review all workshops and programs available and help to identify which ones are for you. And, yes, they can help you create an up-to-date résumé reflecting your university experience. consider co-op/internship programs // Find out if your school offers co-op or internship programs.

Pursuing a co-op or internship placement will catapult your career forward by providing you with related work experience and by enhancing your network. It will also help you become more focused at school as you learn to make the links between the working world and what you’re learning in the classroom.

choose the right summer jobs // Identify potential summer jobs that will help you develop the

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associate publisher:

CAREER

planning early in your academic career is incredibly valuable. We all know that your classes are very time consuming, so outlined below are suggestions that are not too demanding and that will significantly help you when you are looking for work. When you begin a new school year the last thing on your mind is finding employment. But did you know that employers recruit summer students as early as January? So what can you do from day one that will prepare you to exceed those employers’ expectations?

nlaurie@jobpostings.ca

Mark Laurie mlaurie@jobpostings.ca

skills you are currently missing.

Each summer job should make a contribution toward your long term career aspirations.

editor:

Jason Rhyno jrhyno@jobpostings.ca graphic designer:

get a mentor //

Alumni love to give back to their alma mater. What better way for you to find out what’s happening in your field than to talk to someone who is in it? Sign up for a mentorship program to find a mentor who will be able to provide you with guidance and support.

develop a working relationship with your academic counsellor // If you’re having difficulty, or run into any trouble which may interfere with your grades, seek out your academic counsellor’s assistance immediately. Your counsellor will be able to teach you coping strategies and study habits. Don’t wait until it’s too late! Share your career aspirations with them because they will be able to help you identify courses that are sought after in your field of choice.

get involved // Join groups and associations at your university or within your community. Locating associations that are impressive to potential employers is as easy as doing an online search. As a student you can join many of them for free or for a discounted rate. Your involvement can be as little as attending quarterly meetings, to volunteering at annual events or conferences, or taking on an executive position.

The information and experience you gain through your involvement will increase your marketability to employers. Your participation will demonstrate your ability to multitask and manage your time effectively. If you are a student whose GPA may not be at the top of your

Sonya van Heyningen svanheyningen@jobpostings.ca

web editor:

Emily Minthorn

class, your involvement in activities will allow employers to see that you are well-rounded and have spent time seeking out opportunities that will compliment your academics.

practice the art of networking // Networking is the best way to find and secure employment, so start building your network early. If you don’t want to join a structured organization to network, don’t forget that often social and/or classroom events can provide networking opportunities. Have you ever thought about how your upper year peers, particularly those graduating, are no longer looking for summer employment? That means that many of them who have similar interests to yours are leaving summer employment opportunities vacant. It would be beneficial to get to know your graduating students. Develop relationships with them and their past employers.

bottom line //

Get involved. Start exploring your interests and abilities. Don’t wait until you’ve completed your academic year to start thinking about employment. After all, you are preparing academically for your career, so by identifying your career goals you gain focus, prepare accordingly, and make the right connections. The payoff for planning and preparing well in advance is a smoother transition from school to work!

eminthorn@jobpostings.ca circulation & production:

Amy Kappus akappus@jobpostings.ca interns:

Austin Bahadur, Michelle Holden National Account Managers:

Sarah-Lyn Amaral, Lori Blanchard, Mary Vanderpas, Kathi Wood

Published by Passion inc.

25 Imperial Street, Suite 100 Toronto, ON M5P 1B9 www.jobpostings.ca 1-877-900-5627 ext. 221

jobpostings publishes the Career Planning Guide annually, in October. 40,000 copies are distributed to over 105 universities and colleges, via career centres and residences.

Contents of this publication are protected by copyright and may not be reprinted in whole or part without permission of the publishers.

on the cover: © iStockphoto.com/ Andrew Rich

career planning guide | fall 2010 | jobpostings.ca

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THINKING

Nathan Laurie

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GET TO know YO U R CAREER CENTRE SO IT’S YOUR FIRST OR SECOND YEAR OF

university or college. You’ve gotten to know the classrooms, your advisor’s office, the bookstore, the gym and the best campus hangouts. You’re pretty much set, right? Not so fast. How about your campus career centre? Graduation may seem a long way off, but your campus career centre can do a lot for you even before you trade in your backpack for a briefcase. Here’s how:

by Cindy Petrites, PhD, Alumni Career Counsellor, University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee

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A

MAJOR

Students commonly worry about picking a major. And rightly so! Your major gives focus to your university education and often provides important career preparation. If you’re undecided at this point, your career centre can help.

Your campus career centre has a library full of resources and staff who can help you select a major based on your interests, skills and priorities. Better still, a career specialist can encourage you to consider your major in light of your overall career goals and help you find opportunities that will make you more competitive down the road for the career you seek.

FIND YOUR CAREER PATH But what if you don’t have career goals yet?

No dream career? That’s OK. Maybe you know you’ve always liked writing. Or you want to help people. A campus career specialist can help you sift through your

priorities and talents and match what’s “in you” to what’s “out there.” That might mean introducing you to assessment tools and exercises, helping you navigate career options, or connecting you with a network of professionals who can provide you with firsthand career information.

BUILD YOUR SKILLS Figuring out your career path and pursuing it successfully is a skill that, like most skills, takes practice. In addition to individual help with your résumé or cover letter, many career centres offer in person or online workshops on such topics as: identifying your interests, skills and values; choosing a major/career; careers in specific fields; networking; conducting employer research; interviewing and negotiating a job offer. Your campus career centre can also give you suggestions on building your skills now – through practice, campus involvement and much more.

FIND A GREAT SUMMER JOB OR INTERNSHIP Bored with the summer job you’ve had since high school? Want to be marketable in that hot field when you graduate? Your campus career centre can help you discover and land a great summer job or internship. A campus career specialist can strategize with you about finding an opportunity that excites you and that aligns with a career path you want to explore.

Your campus career centre can also help you find out about more specialized opportunities – some even allow you to apply and interview for them onsite. Many campus career centres also host job fairs where you can meet hiring employers.

This is just a sampling of what you might find at your campus career centre. The earlier you take advantage of what it has to offer, the better prepared you’ll be to embark on the career you always wanted. So stop by and get to know the place.

career planning guide | fall 2010 | jobpostings.ca

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WHAT EXACTLY IS A RÉSUMÉ, AND WHY DO YOU NEED ONE? A résumé is

WHICH FORMAT SHOULD YOU USE?

Many of us are most familiar with a chronological format résumé (one where you focus on work experience beginning with what you are currently doing and working back in time). While this may work fine for someone whose work experience has primarily been related to the type of job she is now seeking, it may not work well for everyone. College students may prefer to use a more functional résumé which allows for a variety of headings that relate very specifically to varied experiences, including work, projects, research, leadership and more. Be sure to list the sections on your résumé in order of importance as they support your objective.

Keep in mind that although many word processing programs offer résumé templates, these templates may present challenges in letting you present your information the way you’d like to. You can easily create your own template by creating a two-column table in your word processing program.

SECTIONS

You can add others based on your knowledge of the field or industry to which you’re applying, but these sections are essential:

 Heading – Your name, address, phone number, email, web address (only if it’s a professional website with your résumé and project information – no spring break pictures!)

 Objective – Tell the reader why you’re sending them this résumé. Don’t talk about your life goals or use ambiguous phrases that really convey you’ll take any job.

 Education – List your degree(s), major, minors, institution, location (city and province) and your expected graduation date.

If you have more than one degree, list your current degree first. This section can also include your GPA, a study abroad experience, and selected courses that relate specifically to the job you’re seeking.

 Experience – I prefer the word “experience” to “employment” because some of our best experiences may not have been ones we were paid for! List your experiences in reverse chronological order starting with your current or most recent and work backward. If you have a particular experience that you’d like to highlight

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by Amy F.McPherson, Associate Director, VT Career Services

and it’s not your most recent, create a separate heading such as “Related Experience” or even give it a specific name (for example, “Working Overseas”) and discuss that experience. Then you can have another section called “Additional Experience” for everything else.

 Skills – List computer, laboratory, language or other skill sets that will support your objective.

 Honours/Activities

– This could be a combined section or these headings could be listed separately. Highlight leadership roles. Choose these items carefully and list only post-secondary level honour or activities – with rare exceptions.

Do not include references on your résumé or even the phrase “References Available Upon Request.” You will need to create a separate reference page which will include names and contact information for three or four professional references. Current or former employers and faculty members are good choices.

Good luck as you create or revise your résumé. Remember to have at least one other person proofread it for you. And visit your campus career centre for a formal critique!



career planning guide | fall 2010 | jobpostings.ca

Image: Hemera/Thinkstock

a marketing tool that you use to introduce your educational background, experiences, skills and achievements to prospective employers. You need one (and a good one) because, in many cases, this is the first impression that a potential employer will have of you, and it is what they will use to determine if they want to invite you for an interview. Whether you’ve never written a résumé or you’re revising one that you’ve used for years, here are some basic things to keep in mind and tips to help you along the way.

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DECIDING WHICH CAREER PATH TO TRAVEL

down can be a difficult task. Figuring out which job you’re best suited for without having worked in the position can be an even bigger challenge. Informational interviews are a great way to gain real insight into the career you’re considering. jobpostings spoke with Paul Merrigan, former academic career counsellor and special needs advisor for Mount Allison University in New Brunswick, about how the informational interview can help you.

what is an informational interview?

An informational interview is an interview you initiate, with the goal of gathering information about a field or career. It is not about getting a job. It’s a great networking tool to help you build a circle of contacts in the field.

who do I interview and how do I arrange it?

Merrigan suggests taking stock of people you know. Are any of your family friends, neigbours or professors working in the field? If you don’t know anyone in the field, Merrigan encourages students to start making connections. He suggests asking people you know if they know anyone in your chosen field. Alternatively, he recommends calling a company and asking for someone by position rather than name. When asking for the interview, state your objective. Try something like: “Hello, my name is (blank) and I’m a (blank) major at (blank) school. I am interested in a career in (blank).Would you be willing to spend 15 to 20 minutes with me discussing your career?”Make sure you are flexible about dates and times.

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by Ileana Brito

what should I have prepared?

how to conduct the informational interview

“Know what information you’re looking for and bring your questions with you. This shows you’re prepared and respectful of their time,” says Merrigan. First impressions are important, so Merrigan advises students to “Present yourself as someone who is very interested in the field and is a possible future professional in that field.” He also stresses the importance of staying focused during the interview. While the atmosphere isn’t as formal as in a job interview, your tone and conversation must remain professional.

> Arrive properly dressed. > Bring paper and pen. > If bringing a tape recorder, you must ask the interviewee if you can tape the interview. > Be respectful of their time (and be punctual).

what questions should I ask?  What is your educational background?

What education and training is required to get a job in this field?



What skills/qualities do you think are necessary to be successful in the position?



What do you find most interesting or rewarding about the job?



What is the most challenging aspect of the position?



Are there opportunities for advancement?



What is the typical salary range in the field?

how to conclude the informational interview “First and foremost, thank the person you have interviewed for taking the time to speak with you. It’s also a good idea to ask them if you can contact them in the future should you have any further questions. Finally, make sure to send a formal thank-you note within one week of the interview,” says Merrigan.

 What is the employment outlook for the position/field?



Is there anyone else who you think I should talk to?

(Make sure to get your interviewee’s permission to use their name as a referral when contacting the person they have suggested.)

career planning guide | fall 2010 | jobpostings.ca

Image: iStockphoto/Thinkstock

nformational interviews

Which paint dries faster?

Thought about a part-time job after school?

Working during summer? Do you like learning new things and helping others? If the answer is, “yes!”, then The Home Depot wants to hear from you. We know that students have a special enthusiasm for learning and earning – and building skills that could serve them well in the future. So, as the leading home improvement retailer in Canada, we make sure you have the training and hands-on coaching need to make it work for you.

Now hiring for part-time and seasonal positions.

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“I knew I wanted to be a police officer, so I focused on courses that would help me do that,” says Jason Hamilton, currently on the police force in Sudbury, Ont. Majoring in sociology and criminology while at university, Hamilton says the foundation he received from his arts degree provided him with a wealth of knowledge and prepared him for different experiences, including a year-long stint teaching English in China.

“Employers recognize the fact that the arts student has a foundation to build on,” says Gerry Goodine, a career counsellor at the University of Western Ontario, in London. Besides having learned transferable skills, such as problem solving and research, arts graduates are self-reflective and make this connection when seeking a potential career, Goodine says. “The value of an arts degree is the ability to effectively learn and to be successful. It’s effective to communicate these skill sets. Arts studies widen your perspective instead of making you too analytical.”

Former arts graduates attribute their success to their adaptability and continued development of new skill sets, says Goodine, who often talks to employers looking for grads with bachelors degrees ranging from English to political science. “They (employers) create opportunities,” he says, adding he’s seen many newly-minted BAs volunteer to gain experience for the jobs they eventually sought and got. “Employers are really looking for life experience,” notes Hamilton, who also volunteered before and after graduating.

TRANSFERABLE SKILLS

“Think outside the box,” is Goodine’s advice to graduating arts students. “I ask them what kinds of skills they’ve developed that are different from other degrees…it certainly empowers them.” Besides being adaptable and creative, arts students are resourceful, says Charles Kovacs, director of the Centre for Career Services at Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, Fla.“Through the liberal arts and training they get here, they have enormous flexibility to go potentially in any direction. Our students are working as visual designers and collaborators, not just in a studio setting but also worldwide,” Kovacs says.

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SO, WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH A BA?

Grads say their arts degrees are highly prized by potential employers, says Kovacs, adding many have gone on to work in some of the world’s most prestigious companies, including Lucas Arts, CNN, DreamWorks and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

That’s because BAs don’t just learn to think creatively, they learn how to think, he says.“We infuse students with soft skills, creative problem solving, knowledge mediation, synthesis of resources and services to come up with a hypothesis to identify ways of varying their research. Students are trained to use their skills as a basis for other things. There you see the strength of the liberal arts – flexibility.

Especially in economies that change so frequently,” says Kovacs.

“We help students to learn transferable skills, but also to use what they’ve learned through all their years of studying,” says Snjezana Linkes, a career counsellor at the University of Western Ontario.

Career centre staff guide graduating arts students through network ing events and career fairs created specifically for them. “Employers send their representatives and those skills that employers are looking for they find,” says Linkes.

Choosing a major is like choosing what flavour ice cream to buy at Baskin Robbins. But with well over 31 choices it’s easy to see why a BA can mean bachelor of anything. From careers in law and fashion to computer animation, arts grads are highly prized commodities.

So don’t think those endless hours spent pouring over Nietzsche are going to waste. “Because of my degree I’ve had access to higher quality jobs,” says Hamilton, who believes arts grads have infinite career options. So next time some nosy relative asks you what you expect to do with an arts degree over dinner, artfully reply, “Anything I want.”

by Caroline George

career planning guide | fall 2010 | jobpostings.ca

Images L-R: Hemera/Thinkstock, Jupiterimages/ Brand X Pictures/Thinkstock, iStockphoto/Thinkstock

YOUR B.A. ISN’T BS

How many times have you heard a parent or older relative say “So what will you do with your (insert bachelor’s of arts degree here)?” You may quietly seethe and answer with clenched teeth, “None of your business,” you may become reflective and leave the question unanswered, or you may boldly reply, “My options are endless.” Any way you slice it, the question has got you wondering if you made the right choice.

Where do you want your education to take you?

Sara Runnalls Broker

“A college diploma or university degree in any subject is helpful for entry into the profession, although those who have

Here’s a career path with unlimited potential.

What are you looking for in a career? Earning potential? Security?

Whatever you've learned in school and in life, you’ll have the chance to use it in the insurance industry.

It’s hard to imagine a career choice where you’ll have the opportunity to use more of your skills than insurance. Why? Because insurance is already a part of everything you do. It protects homes, jobs, cars, property and the continuity of lives. And because insurance is all around us, the industry has a wide variety of careers to match your education and amazing flexibility to change directions along the way.

Broker / Agent

You’re a people person and a great communicator Insurance brokers and agents help consumers find the right coverage to protect their cars, homes, businesses, boats and belongings against loss through accident, fire or theft.

While brokers usually represent several insurance companies, agents are more likely to sell policies for just one. These are the entrepreneurs of the insurance industry with many of them working for themselves or for small independent firms.

Gavin Mascarenhas Loss Adjuster

There are more than 110,000 Canadians working in the property & casualty insurance sector. It’s an industry that reflects the face and the values of Canadian society and has a constant need for talented, creative, motivated people.

“The best advice is to specialize in law or business-related courses.”

Are you a people person? Brokers work with clients to create a strategy to protect their assets.

Gifted at math? You could thrive as an actuary.

Good at listening? As a claims professional, you’ll help people who are coping with an accident, fire or theft.

Strategic thinker? You could work as an underwriter and develop the products that keep people protected from unforeseen loss.

As your career in insurance progresses, every day can present interesting new opportunities, new challenges, and the flexibility to pursue new goals.

Loss Adjuster You’re part private investigator and part therapist The loss adjuster is responsible for ensuring compensation and assistance they are eligible to receive. Whether employed by the insurance company or working as an independent contractor, the loss adjuster investigates the accident, arranges medical treatment if necessary and negotiates the final settlement to restore policy holders to where they were, as closely as possible, before their loss.

To find out more about where you might fit in with your post-secondary education, please visit our Web site at www.career-connections.info. You may be surprised to find that insurance isn’t what you think. It’s a whole lot more.

Your interests and your experience may add up to a great career in insurance.

mathematics or business would have an advantage.”

Michelle Snowdon Underwriter

“For a greater advantage, and the highest placement value, I would recommend courses in law as well as successful completion of a business or insurance program.”

Underwriter You’re a relationship developer and decision-maker Underwriters accept or reject risk on behalf of insurance companies. They assess the kind of insurance required by organizations as diverse as a shopping mall, a professional sports team, a manufacturer, a city government or a construction company. Underwriters examine every facet of the organization’s operation and its request for insurance, then decide what the insurance company should cover and how much it should charge.

by Dr. John Boyd,Director, Career Services, Baylor University

What is networking?

Networking is connecting with others. This connection can be on a professional, personal or social level. It is a mutually beneficial process. And connections can make all the difference when it comes to securing the job you want. It has been said that, “It can often be a case of networking or NOT working.” Networking is a process that is lifelong and very dynamic in nature.

In fact, you do it almost every day when you connect with others, whether it’s family, friends, relatives, classmates, or fellow workers. All of these connections are potentially beneficial to your job quest. You never know which of the many connections you make in your life will turn out to be the very one that opens the door of opportunity for you. “It’s not what you know, but rather who you know,” is an old cliché, but it’s also true.

So, how do you use your networks to get your dream job? > Develop of list of contacts. > Decide which ones will be helpful to your goal. > Research yourself (“Know thyself”). > Create a simple, short self-introduction.

After doing the above you are ready to implement a winning networking strategy – one that will maximize the probability of finding the job you seek.

Networking myths There are many myths floating around relating to networking. A few of the most common ones are: > Networking is only for the well-connected. > Networking is only for extroverts. > Networking bothers people. > Networking is not asking for a job.

The purpose of networking is to gather information and obtain advice. It can be beneficial to all parties involved in the process. And it can really help in your job search.

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It is not a matter of being popular or well-connected.

The benefits of networking are clear and numerous.

Networking can help you: > Obtain advice about your job search. > Validate your choices. > Uncover job opportunities. > Gain employer information.

Practise makes perfect Needless to say, the art of networking does not always come naturally. It takes a conscious effort and practise to ensure you maximize its benefits. If networking is new to your skill set, then practise, practise, practise! There are many opportunities available to you to practise networking. Here are just a few: > Attend a career fair. > Rehearse mock interviews. > Talk to advisors. > Talk to alumni and professors. > Talk to attendees at a professional conference. > Talk to people at a sporting event. > Talk to your neighbors. > Talk to your family and relatives. > Talk to people while you are waiting in line.

While not every networking effort will be successful, the more you network and the better you become at it, the more opportunities you will uncover, and the more likely it is that one of your networking connections will help you land a great job. The fact is, networking will always be an essential skill. It will help you choose the right career, uncover jobs, help others and will pay big dividends throughout your career. Besides all that, by engaging in the process of networking, you have the opportunity to enjoy the company of those with whom you network. It is definitely the way to go!

career planning guide | fall 2010 | jobpostings.ca

Image: Hemera/Thinkstock

Finding a job can be a daunting task. Whether you’re a first-time job seeker or a first year student makes no difference – you need to start preparing for your search now. Regardless of your class standing, networking is one of the most powerful tools of job searching and it should begin now!

dream

j o b

your way to your

PREPARING FOR

YOUR JOB INTERVIEW a

As with any successful performance, you must research and practise every aspect – understand your character and your character’s role, know your audience, learn your lines, carry out a dress rehearsal and, finally, remember to take a bow. You’re not being asked to be someone you are not, but you do have to be well-prepared so that key decision-makers see you as the best person for the role.

Image: Jupiterimages/ Photos.com/Thinkstock

Q

I keep going to job interviews but no one ever calls me back. What advice do you have for me?

preparing for the interview



Understand your character. Who are you? What are your strengths? What experiences do you bring to this job that make you a front-running candidate? Be very clear about your answers to these questions as they are the keys not just to greater personal understanding but also to convincing a potential employer that you have the core capabilities they are seeking.



Understand the role. Research the role’s responsibilities and required skills by reviewing the job posting, examining the vacancy description and/or talking to people who know about the important on-the-job deliverables.



Know your audience. Find out as much as possible about the company, its mission, values, reputation, products or services, clients, competitors, culture, positioning in the market place, etc. What do they look for in their employees?



Learn your lines. Begin by practicing your answers to the most commonly-asked interview questions. (Take a moment to check out jobpostings.ca for examples.)

Prepare responses to the job requirements you identified in Step 2, as you will most likely be asked to answer interview questions which are positioned as “behavioural” – these ask you to identify experiences you’ve had in the past that relate to the criteria identified for future success on the job.



Conduct a dress rehearsal. Know what you will wear and have it cleaned and ready. It’s important to pay attention to your grooming in order to look like you belong in the company. Find out the correct address of the interview, determine how you will get there and how long it will take. Remember to make 

by Kaitlin Eckler and Barbara Kofman

jobpostings.ca | fall 2010 | career planning guide

Congratulations – you’ve been invited to an interview, which means you can write a decent résumé and cover letter. That said, you’ve still got that interview ahead of you, and going to a job interview is like appearing onstage for the very first time – you only get one chance to make a good first impression. Your goal?

To generate rave reviews from your interviewers. The following questions and answers will tell you how.

15

www.FishermansFriend.ca 速 Trademark of Lofthouse of Fleetwood Ltd.

Dist. by TFB & Associates Limited, Makham ON L3R 0E7

allowances for traffic and parking and aim to arrive 10 minutes early to give yourself some breathing space. (We often advise our clients to actually do a practice run to gauge travel time, check out dress codes, etc.)



Take a bow. Following the interview, analyze your performance – think about the questions you were asked and the answers you gave.

What you would have said differently? Are there any perceived gaps?

Compose a very brief thank-you note and send it to the interviewer(s), thanking them for their time and for offering more clarity. Reiterate your enthusiasm about the position, correct any weak points you may have identified, and reinforce your strengths as they relate to the job.

By following these steps you will feel confident about your ability to perform in an interview situation and it won’t be long before an employer offers you a job.

what are the latest trends in interviewing?

When preparing for the interview make sure to investigate what kind of interview situation you will find yourself in. Most employers will tell you what to expect, but if they don’t, ASK. Over the last decade, behavioural interviews have become increasingly popular. This is because traditional interviewing has been shown to be very poor at predicting success on the job. There is, however, some correlation between the results reached in identifying the best candidate through behavioural questioning.

The type of interview you might face is also dependent on the kind of job you are seeking. Different types of jobs call for different types of interviews.

types of interviews The behavioural interview: This type of interview is based on the premise that past activities are the best indicators of future performance. Questions are developed by analyzing the vital factors for success in the job, and then framed in a manner that asks for specific examples from your experience. These questions generally begin with “Tell me about a time when” or “Give me an example of a situation where.” As discussed in the response to the previous question, you must be well-prepared for behavioural questions.

most senior employees. But now that some companies are savvier about the cost of a bad hire, they are more willing to use assessment centres, particularly when looking to fill positions that require a large upfront investment in the individual. Assessment centres can require candidates to participate in a variety of activities, including making presentations, sorting through “in baskets,” role playing, etc.

These activities can last from a few hours to several days, and can also require interaction with other job candidates as well as major decision-makers.

The group interview: Group interviews frequently function like mini-assessment centres.

They involve being assessed along with other potential candidates and commonly by more than one person. A group interview might entail asking questions of all the participants and evaluating the responses, but it often also involves interaction between the candidates in a manner that enables interviewers to observe who stands out and how they interact with others, their ability to deal with this kind of pressure, leadership and team-building.

OTHER INTERVIEW TRENDS

Structured questions are based on real on-the-job experiences. Generally, there are specific responses they’re looking for – ones that have been identified as a best fit for the role and for the company’s culture.

Situational questions are set up like mini case studies. They’re designed to gauge how well you synthesize information and your ability to think on your feet.

Panel interviews which were previously the domain of government, are now commonly used by all types of employers partly for their expediency but also because they provide the opportunity for key stakeholders to judiciously compare the responses given to questions asked.

Image: Brand X Pictures/Thinkstock

The case-style or technical interview: Casestyle interviews are very common in the consulting sector. This style of interview focuses not on the answer but on the process used to get there. It can also be used to delve into technical competencies by means of a technical interview given by a qualified technical expert.

There are a number of revamped and new interview techniques now being employed. Some of the most common ones use assessment centres, conduct interviews of candidates in groups, or have candidates interviewed by panels.

The assessment centre Interview: Assessment centres were extremely popular in the ‘80s but were ultimately seen to be too costly for all but the

jobpostings.ca | fall 2010 | career planning guide

17

HEY

GOOD LOOKIN’…

WANT A

JOB?

&

How good looks will get you the job increase your earnings.

NOBODY WILL ADMIT TO IT. NOBODY.

Not your boss, not your co-workers, and certainly not anybody in HR. But it happens whether we agree with it or not: looks matter. Your clothes, the way you style your hair, your actual physical features — height, weight, facial symmetry, eyes, skin quality, and every other little physical thing that could make you a lead in the next Twilight movie — affects 1) whether you are hired 2) your salary and 3) any future promotions. And aside from shelling out money for plastic surgery, there really isn’t that much you can do about it.

by Jason Rhyno

But like I said, nobody in HR or recruiting would admit to hiring based on the physical attractiveness of a candidate, so I went on Facebook and asked if anybody in my network had any direct experience with it.

My cousin, who manages a window covering factory in Atlanta, GA, wrote “my boss has done it over and over again. Out of the group[s]… that show up to look for jobs… he only picks the pretty ones. One instance, a lady had been making blinds for 7 years… [he] took the younger, prettier one over her even though she knew absolutely nothing.

His reasoning? He doesn’t want to look at an ugly face all day. Good man just with strange logic.” My southern cousin also admitted to not hiring candidates who were overweight as “I just can’t have one person slowing down my assembly line because they [are] tired.”

Another person, who wished to remain anonymous, quoted her boss as saying “our booth is going to get way more traffic with two hot chicks in it,” which, given the relaxed work environment where she works, is probably best taken lightly — even complimentarily (although at the expense of the other female employees who weren’t asked to work the booth).

She also asked how the article was going to be based. “I mean, attractiveness, and its varying levels, is subjective. [W]hat one person may find attractive another may not.”

It’s a typical beauty-is-in-the-eye-of-beholder maxim, but looking at the scientific data demonstrates that beauty might not be as subjective as we would like.

SCIENTIFIC STUDIES THAT BREAK STOMP ON YOUR SELF-ESTEEM

AND

Dr. Stephen Marquardt is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon who is the founder of Marquardt Beauty Analysis.

What Dr. Marquardt and other researchers propose is that there is a mathematical number, called “phi” (or the “Golden Ratio” which is 1.618:1) that can be found not only in beautiful people’s facial dimensions, but also in great works of art. What Marquardt and his researchers did was create a database of thousands of faces commonly judged as attractive and created masks — which are now used as a basis for cosmetic surgery.

One of the authorities on the physical attractiveness phenomenon is Dr. Gordon L. Patzer, author of “Looks: Why They Matter More Than You Ever Imagined”.

When I tell him over the phone that I couldn’t find anyone who would admit to hiring someone on their looks, he isn’t surprised. “People will not admit to that — but they do base their decisions on a person’s looks.”

In his book, Patzer compiles various studies done on the physical attractiveness phenomenon, demonstrating how looks play a role from the minute we’re born (nurses will spend more time with healthy, attractive babies) to family dynamics, school and how they influence our careers.

Image: iStockphoto/Thinkstock

One study examines how height relates to income.

8,590 people in four different studies were followed throughout their career, and the final result? Participants above the US national height average had many advantages throughout their career, and raked in US$789 more annually than their shorter colleagues.

The professors who conducted the study had a difficult time rationalizing the outcome, as, aside from basketball, when does height necessitate a larger paycheque? Other studies prove that highly attractive employees rise quicker and higher within an organization, but also take home anywhere from 7.5 percent to 15 percent more earnings than average Joe and Jane.

The height issue affected men more than women, but in another study by Rice University, women who were attractive never landed jobs such as truck drivers or switchboard operators. Those jobs were awarded to women considered less attractive, a constant finding at jobs where employers didn’t consider looks important for the position. The study also found that attractive females in high-level positions had their success perceived as “luck” while less attractive women’s success was because of ability. Another study discovered that highly attractive women who made a mistake were disciplined more harshly than less attractive females.

And, of course, attractive men were punished the least.

And this is just the tip of the iceberg.

In a study conducted by various economists on Holland’s advertising agency, it was found that a company

jobpostings.ca | fall 2010 | career planning guide

that hired beautiful Brangelina-esque employees increased year-end profit. Even though the comapny had to pay above industry standard for the sexy execs, the investment was worth an average return of $68,718 CAN.

SIT T ING UP OTHER TRICKS

S T R AIGH T

AND

Jennifer Kushell, author of the New York Times bestseller “Secrets of the Young and Successful”, cofounder of ysn.com, and career advice guru knows the importance of looks in advertising. “If you are in the advertising industry, you have a responsibility to put yourself together really nicely. They will eye you up and down,” she tells me over the phone from Los Angeles, where, she admits, even she has to step up her game because it’s, well, Los Angeles.

Kushell advises emulating the leaders in your industry.

“Look to them for how they dress,” she says. “You have to look at where you are in your career, how much you still have to prove yourself and also what industries your going into,” she says.

Toronto-based image consultant and founder of Esteem Image Consulting, Christine Felgueiras, agrees with Kushell on knowing yourself and the industry. “I think it goes beyond [attractiveness] and has far more to do with the image that somebody is projecting and ensuring that image is appropriate for whatever they are interviewing for. It’s really about honing your image so that you can be, essentially, at your best.”

Image consultants like Felgueiras take a holistic approach to appearance. They examine your personality, skill sets, and what profession you’re going into. Felgueiras also points to non-physical communication as a very big part of how you are perceived. “Self-esteem, self-confidence and self-image are completely intertwined.” The better you look, the more confident you are going to feel. “And that immediately shows outward.” In addition to that, they will train you in appropriate gestures and body language, even running through skits. “We go through the steps of what to look for in an interviewer, what their gestures are—it’s basically what we call mirroring.”

While your physical appearance is certainly something that you shouldn’t jeopardize your health for, it is something you should take pride in, and think carefully about. The job market is “hyper-competitive right now,” says Felgueiras, “and you need to step it up.” A bias towards the attractive is hard-wired into our collective social and biological memory, and something that, in most cases, isn’t done consciously. Employers and recruiters know this and will actively be aware of their inherent bias. All that you have to do is look and feel your best. So comb your hair, invest in some business clothes, stand tall and be confident.

I 19

GOODBYE

ONION BREATH

?

 AN IN-DEPTH LOOK AT

CO-OP P L A C E M E N T S &INTERNSHIPS What’s the difference between an internship and a co-op placement?

The terms internship and co-op are often used interchangeably, however, traditionally they are not the same thing. Internships are short-term and can be done on a part-time or full-time basis. They are often unpaid and are typically done for academic credit.

Image: iStockphoto/Thinkstock

Co-op placements, on the other hand, combine fulltime work experience with academics, alternating a semester of school with a term of work. Work terms are typically four months long but can vary in length. Unlike most internships, co-ops are usually paid and typically count toward your degree. So, at the end of the program, you not only have your degree but also up to two years of work experience.

MYTH: ALL INTERNSHIPS ARE PAID AND OFFER CREDITS. REALITY: SOME DON’T OFFER EITHER SO BE WILLING

to work for free! Students should be aware that some internships are not only unpaid but also do not offer a credit.

by Liz Foley

jobpostings.ca | fall 2010 | career planning guide

21

WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE?

FINDING THE RIGHT PLACEMENT

Internships and co-op placements are great for everyone and are highly recommended for:

There are a number of different types of internships and co-ops, so choose wisely.

Within internships alone there are academic internships, professional internships, internship exchange organizations, and internships with international organizations. The latter two can be paid or unpaid and are typically not done for academic credit.

 Students without any work experience in their field.  Students doubting their decision about their field of study (it’s better to find out earlier rather than later that you need to switch into another program).

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS? Internships and co-op placements allow you to:  Try out a career to see if it’s the right choice for you.  Get answers to any questions you have about the career or field.  Gain valuable work experience and to strengthen your skills.  Build your résumé (and with more students doing internships and co-ops, employers are starting to expect them on your résumé).  Earn more money once you graduate because they provide you with valuable work experience.

Co-op placements can be either mandatory or optional. This depends on the program you’re enrolled in. Placements are usually paid. To determine which is right for you, you need to do your homework. What do you want to get from the experience? Can you afford to work for free? Can you afford travel and accommodation expenses? Do you want a summer internship? These are just some of the questions you need to ask to find out which opportunity is right for you.

First decide what field interests you and what your future career goals are. Then begin to research possible internship or co-op opportunities. Job fairs are always a good place to start, as they give you the opportunity to speak with recruiters. Companies some-

times visit campuses to find intern and co-op students. Check with your career centre to find out which companies are visiting.

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, start sending out your résumé and cover letter. Remember to tailor it to the company and to have someone look it over before sending it out. Co-op placements usually require a more vigorous application process. Make sure to attend available lectures or seminars for co-op programs to decide which one is right for you. Visit your career centre to discuss your options with a career counsellor. When you know which program you want to participate in, then you can start polishing up your résumé and cover letter.

WHAT CAREERS OFFER INTERNSHIPS/CO-OP OPPORTUNITIES? What careers don’t? There are a wide variety of fields that offer placements. It is hard to find an industry or organization that is against hosting a co-op student or intern.

Companies see these placements as a vital opportunity to prepare students eager to enter the field for possible hiring afterwards.

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22

career planning guide | fall 2010 | jobpostings.ca

They also enjoy having someone else to do the odd jobs and mini-projects that other employees may not have time to tackle.

If you are unsure, make an appointment with a career advisor in your campus career centre. Advisors are a great resource. Not only can they help you determine which type of opportunity is best suited to you, but they can help you with your application process and can advise you on making the most of your placement.

LEAVE A POSITIVE IMPRESSION Remember, even if your placement ultimately leads to you discovering you’re on the wrong career path, you always want to leave your employer with a positive impression. So, conduct yourself professionally, work hard and remember to thank your employer for the opportunity.

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR INTERNSHIP OR CO-OP PLACEMENT Do^ :

 Investigate the internship beforehand.  Arrive on time.  Focus on learning all you can from professionals about the company/industry.  Listen carefully.  Take initiative.  Network.  Ask a lot of questions.  Stay busy.  Find a mentor.  Accept constructive criticism gracefully.  Speak to people in all job positions.  Take the job seriously.

Don^'T^:    

   

Be late.

Dress too casually.

Leave work undone.

Wait for your supervisor to figure out you need a new task.

Overstep your authority.

Use the telephone or Internet for personal use.

Seem uninterested in the profession.

Be intimidated.

DID YOU KNOW?



DON’T SEEM UNINTERESTED 

Image: © iStockphoto.com/Dean Murray

Some companies hire exclusively from their intern pool! So remember to work hard and make a great impression… if you do, a fulltime job offer just might come your way.

jobpostings.ca | fall 2010 | career planning guide

23

working abroad

by Caroline George FROM TEACHING ENGLISH IN JAPAN TO

working as an accountant for a Swiss bank, finding a job overseas is a great opportunity to discover a new country and experience its culture. “I think what’s common is that people want to get out and see a different part of the world… they generally want to learn about a place and try to understand the perspectives of the people there,” says David Smith, director of SWAP working holidays.

where to start // Searching for a job overseas can be daunting, so it’s important to know where to start. Before moving to South Korea to work as a teacher, Sheryl Francisco researched the culture and local customs of the city where she would be staying. “Always know you have options. Do your research about the company and the culture,” says Francisco. Talking to relatives, friends and colleagues who have worked overseas will help you to gain greater insight into what to expect before the big move. Francisco notes many companies have additional resources to help get you comfortably settled while abroad. But she says doing your research beforehand will definitely help smooth the transition moving to a new country.“Really commit to that decision or else you’re just going to be miserable in that environment.

There are a lot of recruiting companies out there that will hold your hand through the whole process if you don’t know how to initially begin.”

do or buy in Canada because she knew they weren’t available in her host country. “[I made] a list of Western items that the country I’d be in wouldn’t have,” she says.

Working for over a year as an English teacher in Tokyo, Dustin Martin says having a basic grasp of the native language beforehand always helps – something he wished he’d accomplished before going to Japan.

“The most difficult thing is being dependent because I had no experience with the language. Start taking some basic courses in the language. It will pay huge dividends in the end,” says Martin.

Being mentally prepared to understand that people have different views of the world is also important, adds Martin. It’s a big challenge to overcome the initial culture shock such as the change in routine and your way of thinking, he says, but over time most people adjust.“The culture and lifestyle is a very big change. You always have to remember that you’re a visitor and that things are different.”

Francisco agrees that acceptance is a large part of working abroad, but explains people will always embrace you. “You ask a lot of questions and you [learn to] envelope yourself within the culture. Everyone is willing and wanting to help.”

landing a job // Landing a job before moving saves not only a lot of time and energy, but also money. “It usually costs about $250 more to go through us (SWAP),” says Smith.“Most people are going to spend much more learning how to do things both in Canada and abroad… we’re there to help by minimizing the cost.” Programs like SWAP provide participants with help obtaining accommodations and landing jobs. Some people opt to do everything by themselves, yet Martin agrees that going through a company is easier than doing all of the legwork alone.“When I arrived everything was taken care of,” he says.

Be aware that acquiring a permit – in the form of a visa – is often a requirement to work, visit and study in a foreign country.

Some companies (like SWAP) will help to set you up, but you can also contact the embassy or consulate of the country you want to work in before you go. Because of the amount of time it takes and varying regulations on the type of visa needed it’s wise to apply for it as early as possible, says Martin.

Taking the plunge into working abroad may seem overwhelming, but who knows, it could lead you down an exciting and rewarding career path. “Sometimes, being in one place for a long period of time makes you forget that there are so many other countries out there. You really don’t know about a culture until you’ve actually lived in it,” says Francisco. Not to mention how great it looks on your résumé.

before you go // Do you know where you’re going to live? Are vaccinations required?

How much money will you need? What languages are spoken? Preparing a to-do list of everything from buying travel insurance to what clothes to bring will ensure your last day is not spent scrambling to validate your passport. Francisco says the items on her list only included what she could only

24

career planning guide | fall 2010 | jobpostings.ca

Image: Jupiterimages/ Photos.com/Thinkstock

[

BUILD A

skills

BASE

THAT WILL GET YOU NOTICED

by Caroline George

26

career planning guide | fall 2010 | jobpostings.ca

You may not realize it, but you already have skills that can be transferred to work.

Knowing what your skills are is a skill in and of itself; unfortunately, there isn’t a course on it, no one-size-fits-all method.

But there is a process to developing skills.

During your university experience, you will learn to identify the skills you already have, decide which ones you would like to develop and determine how to do so. There are three types of skills: personal, transferable and work/knowledge specific.

RECOGNIZE THE SKILLS YOU HAVE Have a look at the skills lists below and choose those that you already have. Then list the skills that you do not have, but would like to develop.

DEVELOP THE SKILLS YOU NEED Think about how you can develop the skills you need. During your four years of undergraduate studies, you will have the opportunity to develop skills through your academic studies, paid and volunteer work, membership in clubs, leadership in student unions/ associations, internships and even through shadowing someone else at their job.

HOW TO IDENTIFY SKILLS YOU’RE GAINING What kind of skills can you gain from academic experience? As an undergrad, you not only learn about specific disciplines, you also learn how to conduct research, analyze issues, write reports, give presentations, manage time, solve problems and work as part of a team. You are exposed to a variety of subjects and you begin to understand issues of access, diversity and equality. You have the opportunity to learn how to communicate effectively, to reason inductively and deductively, to think, to synthesize, to exercise judgment and to understand global issues. These are all skills that that you can apply to future employment. And they are all skills which your employer will want to know you have!

But school isn’t the only place where you can develop skills that will make you more attractive to employers. Volunteer or paid positions can also provide valuable experience. Are there some skills that you think might be more attainable through volunteer work? And then there are the skills learned through extracurricular activities, which include leadership, organization, time management, problem solving, financial, budgeting, initiative, and responsibility – to name just a few.

SKILLS CHECKLIST 

Image: Hemera/Thinkstock

Personal skills are those that make you who you are. They include: warmth sensitivity drive humour self-confidence sincerity honesty initiative respect for diversity risk taking responsibility assertiveness attention to details physical fitness sincerity integrity energy determination

accountability inner strength enthusiasm thoughtfulness vision depth reliability positivism ethics loyalty co-operation maturity intelligence global thinking optimism Transferable skills include: Thinking critically analyzing listening

presentation mathematical ability computer ease goal setting teamwork design delegating negotiating influencing coaching motivation gathering budgeting writing management interviewing observation researching organizing problem solving decision making

You have four years to build an impressive skills base so that when you graduate you are able to articulate to a potential employer how your skills can help his/her organization. At the start of your first or second year, take the list of skills you currently have and identify where you developed them. Divide your skills list into the three categories – personal, transferable and work/knowledge specific. Describe where you developed and/or used each skill – was it through your academic experience, paid summer or parttime job, or through volunteer work, sports, club or association or internship.

Now make a list of the skills you would like to develop throughout the rest of your university experience. Beside each write where you think you might best develop the skill – in class, working in a particular environment, volunteering somewhere specific, joining a club or association and taking on a leadership role, playing a particular sport, or taking part in an internship or job shadowing program. One of your jobs as an undergraduate is to learn how to identify your skills, develop new ones and be able to articulate to a potential employer the skills you have, where they were developed and how they match those needed for the position to which you are applying. You can build a skills base that will get you noticed.

language ability teaching time management leadership debating setting priorities trouble shooting scheduling adaptability communicating selling Work/knowledge specific skills can include: Laboratory languages software knowledge public relations accounting interior design social research waste management

word processing policy analysis field testing commercial banking newsletter writing system architecture telemarketing benefits/compensation translation nursing medicine electrical engineering drafting graphic design advertising web design marketing research



Wondering how YOU will stand out when speaking to the many potential employers found in this magazine?

Hard work, determination and dedication - three elements needed to be successful in the workplace. Also three traits you will develop through involvement with your school’s SIFE team.

An opportunity to make a difference in your community, gain real world experience, be part of a dynamic team and most importantly - land the career you’ve always dreamt of.

What are you waiting for?

Your future starts now.

Visit www.acecanada.ca today.

SIFE is a program operated by ACE in Canada

WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR CAREER, PLANNING AND STRATEGY ARE CRITICAL. THIS IS WHERE STRATEGIC VOLUNTEERING COMES IN. You may already float from volunteer job to volunteer job without a plan or direction. And your heart is in the right place. What you may not realize, however, is that volunteering is one of the best ways to develop skills that could be useful to a future employer. By volunteering, you also have the opportunity to apply your newly developed skills as you complete your education. This can help you, and potential employers, make a connection between yourself, your education, and, ultimately, your career. Here are some tips on volunteering with an eye to your future:

Image: iStockphoto/Thinkstock

STRATEGIC VOLUNTEERING

by Tara Orchard

jobpostings.ca | fall 2010 | career planning guide

29

What do you hope to learn, gain or experience? Consider these questions as you prepare to pursue a volunteer opportunity: WHAT ARE YOUR INDIVIDUAL PREFERENCES, SKILLS AND INTERESTS?

Select opportunities to use and/or develop these skills and interests further.

WHAT TYPE OF PERSON ARE YOU?

Understand the way you want to work, identify what types of work environments you would enjoy, what types of people you want to work with (not only as colleagues but also as the people you are serving), and what types of skills you want to learn.

WHAT ARE YOUR EDUCATION AND CAREER GOALS?

Seek out opportunities to apply the skills you’re learning in school. You want to spend your time doing what you will enjoy while learning. Perhaps you can organize an event, serve on the board of directors or a committee involved in planning and decision-making. There are many opportunities to consider when you know why you are volunteering.

30

STEP 1 : HAVE CLEAR GOALS Do you really know why you are volunteering?

STEP 2: DEFINE YOUR AVAILABILITY Be realistic about the type of commitment you are willing and able to make. How much time, energy, resources and money can you commit? > Volunteering for the purposes of career development will require at least a 25-hour commitment. Ideally, you should be prepared to commit 50 -100 hours of time (or more). > A volunteer immersion, which is a powerful way to gain skills and learn about yourself and an industry, should consist of a minimum of 50 hours over a few weeks or months – enough time to get past the initial excitement and nervousness and actually process the opportunity.

While worthwhile, volunteering for one weekend to raise money or help out on a single day will generally not be enough time to provide you with valuable career insights (or something of real quality for your résumé. This type

of volunteer commitment might be a good place to start, to try out an organization or role, but do not become limited by focusing only on these opportunities. Your ability to learn about yourself and understand a career or industry is enhanced when you have time to immerse yourself in the experience.

Depending on your interests and the organization’s needs, volunteer activities which may be accomplished from your own home can include: writing reports, conducting research, making phone calls or managing finances. Some volunteer roles may require you travel to an office or other location.

Some volunteer opportunities may require travel. Or you may choose to go on a working vacation and pay to travel to another country to help build a school or count frogs in a rainforest. You also need to consider time requirements, location and available resources, as well as your skills and interests.

STEP 3: RESEARCH VOLUNTEER OPTIONS Once you have a firm grasp of interests, availability and resources, you can start your search for a position.

career planning guide | fall 2010 | jobpostings.ca

> You may begin by identifying organizations and/or community groups that actively seek volunteers. > You may choose to connect with organizations where you have had previous involvement or move in a new direction to expand your experiences. > Your school may have excellent ideas and contacts for both on-campus and community-based volunteer activities.

If you cannot find a volunteer opportunity in your community, consider creating one for yourself by finding other like-minded individuals and starting your own project.

STEP 4: REFLECT Once you have spent some time volunteering you need to evaluate the experience. Reflect on how much the opportunity is contributing to your goals. Although you need to fulfill your commitment to an organization, a situation which is not working benefits no one. If you decide the organizational culture, the skills you are using or the people you are working with are not a good fit, talk to your volunteer supervisor. See what changes can be made.

If a volunteer opportunity doesn’t give you the skills and experiences you were seeking, or you realize you do not enjoy the opportunity, you have learned a valuable lesson. No experience is wasted if you learn from it. You have gained invaluable insight into the skills and environment you were considering before you committed your education or working life pursuing a career.

There are so many options and opportunities, so many reasons to volunteer and so many volunteer positions to consider that it can be overwhelming. With all of these choices, the option to volunteer can seem like a lot of work. Before you decide to throw your hands in the air and take the first or easiest volunteer opportunity that comes along, consider your time finding a strategic volunteer opportunity as time well invested in your future career. For more information on volunteering check out the following websites: new.volunteer.ca/en; or worldvolunteerweb.org

HOW CAN YOU LEARN ABOUT YOURSELF? Start by seeking help from career counsellors at your school. They may suggest assessments (to identify your interests, skills, per-

sonality type, etc.). They can provide you with suggestions as to the types of skills you need to develop or the kinds of roles that match your interests or potential career paths.

WANT TO TRY AN ASSESSMENT ON YOUR OWN? Check out Services Canada’s website at jobsetc.ca

T I P Informational interviews consist of speaking to people in relevant volunteer roles or organizations you are considering. Ask these people for 15 - 20 minutes of their time (in person or over the telephone) to discuss the role or organization. You want a realistic picture of the role and the commitment before making a decision. Ask the person if you can spend a few hours shadowing them so you can see for yourself what the role entails.

GRADUATE DEBT FREE

by Melina Manna

MAKE THE EFFORT, REAP THE REWARDS Corrinne Madden, an account coordinator for Ketchum Public Relations Canada, has been paying off her student line of credit for a year and a half now, and recommends future college or university students apply for every single sponsorship that’s available. She says she regrets not doing so herself. “I had friends who did that and managed to get significant chunks of money to pay for books or other parts of their tuition for just applying,” Madden says. “But, it’s very time consuming because you have to write essays for a lot of them.”

Still, it’s worth the effort, says Angelique Saweczko, associate director for scholarships and bursaries in the student financial services at York University. “For example, the amounts start at $500 per year and it’s renewable for four years for an average 80 per cent,” Saweczko says. “And, they could go as high as $3,000 a year for four years depending on what the applicant’s admissions average is.”

FREE MONEY VS. LOANS Scholarships, grants and bursaries, all of which do not have to be paid back, can be subsidized by government, or not. And the criteria for obtaining them vary, says Saweczko. Scholarships are typically awarded to academic achievers, but also reward extra curricular activities. Other criteria can include religion and ethnicity, for example. Grants and bursaries are based on financial need.

Sometimes grants can also be based on

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other criteria, for example, a study grant for a student going on an exchange program.

As for student loans, there’s the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP), which is not meant to cover the whole cost of a student’s education, says Saweczko. OSAP looks at the family income, how many children the parents are supporting, how many of those dependents are in post-secondary education and the student’s savings. “Based on all that criteria, OSAP will determine how much funding a student is eligible for,” Saweczko says.

Saweczko definitely recommends taking OSAP over a student line of credit. “OSAP does not have to be repaid for as long as you are a fulltime student maintaining a 60 percent course load. You don’t have to make any payments nor do you incur any interest,” she explains.

“As soon as you stop being a full-time student, the loan will start to accrue interest, but you are given a six month grace period before you have to start making payments.”

That’s not the case when you borrow on a line of credit. Madden had to make monthly interest payments from day one. “With OSAP the interest rates don’t hike like with a student line of credit,” Madden says. “And depending on the economy and what the prime rates are, I could end up paying out $500 in interest per month. So, how am I ever going to pay this off?” Madden asks.

Images L-R: ©iStockphoto.com/redmonkey8; Hemera/Thinkstock

Do you dream of graduating college or university debt-free? You can make it a reality by also applying for as many scholarships, grants and bursaries as possible – the best way to ensure you finish college or university with little or no debt at all.

THE MORAL OF THE STORY? Don’t borrow if you can help it.

career planning guide | fall 2010 | jobpostings.ca

Consider a career that builds on your education

Students from all disciplines can explore careers in a stable and rewarding industry.

Where is your education taking you? If you open your mind to the possibilities, you can find a career as individual as you are.

With more than 110,000 Canadians working in the insurance sector, it's an industry that creative, motivated people. is all around us, the industry has a wide variety of careers to match your education.

www.career-connections.info