Summer Goodbyes and Fall Starts!

Sadly, this will be the last blog by your Summer Career Assistants. Don't worry, we'll be back starting September 4th!

Where you can find us in September:

• Look out for CareerZone on the Go at Vendor Fair from September 4th-5th
• In the resource centre Monday - Friday from 8:30AM - 4:30PM

Even better news: we're looking for students to join CareerZone's Street Team!

What is CareerZone's Street Team?

A group of students that hit the halls spreading the message about CareerZone's resources, opportunities and how CareerZone can help students.

Interested? Find us at Vendor Fair for more information or email us at career@brocku.ca.

Getting Ready For Fall!

With less two weeks left until we jump into a new school year, we have been busy renovating the resource centre as well as updating our books, magazines and resources.

If you were keeping up with our Summer DEGs of the Week, you'll be just as excited as us to see our new set up for easy access to all the DEGs (check out the picture below).

If you're graduating this upcoming year you might find use in all of our updated graduate school books and magazines:

• Cracking the LSAT Book
• Cracking the GMAT Book
• Advanced Prep for MCAT 
• Cracking the GRE Book
• Prep Plus for PCAT Book
• Graduate Guide Magazine

Along with these, don't forget we have all sorts of books and magazines to help with social networking, job interview, graduate admissions, and much more!

As For Next Week...

CareerZone will be closed from Monday, August 27th - Monday, September 3rd to train our new team members! Don't worry, doors open at 8:30AM on Tuesday, September 4th for all your career needs.

Thanks for joining us this summer!

Final DEG of the Week! (August 19 - 24)

Final DEG of the Week!

Sadly, this is the final DEG of the week for this summer. But you know what that means? School is right around the corner! Reminder: CareerZone is open Monday - Friday from 8:30AM to 4:30PM all school year long.

For our last week, we have decided to explore the DEG for Political Science!

The Department of Social Sciences offers an amazing Political Science program which aims to teach students how to focus on the ideas, institutions, and processes that shape our lives, helping them to become better members and effective leaders of the Canadian political community. 

The Political Science program may be studied at a Honours or Pass level but can also be combined with other disciplines that can set a career path depending on your area of interest:

• Political Science Co-op
• Public Administration Co-op
• Emergency Management Program (Combination with Sheridan College)
• Paralegal Program (Combination with Seneca College)
• Policing and Criminal Justice Program (Combination with Niagara College)
• Political Science and Labour Studies (Combination with George Brown College)

What can you do with all of this? Here are some potential career options:

• Attorney
• Campaign Organizer
• Civil Servant (Federal, Provincial, Municipal)
• Diplomat
• Public Policy Advisor 
• Foreign Service Officer
• Government Administrator
• International Relations Manager
• Journalist
• Judge 
• Law Enforcement Officer
• Legal Assistant
• Politician 
• Paralegal
• Public Relations Officer
• Researcher / Reporter 

....and many more!

Degree Specific Skills:

• Aptitude for Leadership
• Conceptualizing and Implementing Projects
• Interaction with Diverse Populations
• Logistical Thinking
• Mediating /Negotiating Skills
• Organizing and Interpreting Social, Economic, and Political data
• Research Skills

Do any or all of these skills sound like you? Check out the Department of Political Science's website for more information:  https://brocku.ca/social-sciences/political-science/

Interested in a job in the Political Science field now? The DEG offers the following links to help you with the job search in some relevant areas:

Job Bank Canada: htttp://jobbank.gc.ca

Correctional Services Canada: www.csc-scc.gc.ca

Canadian Security Intelligence Service: www.csis-scrs.gc.ca

Law Plus:

If you are going into your first year or know someone who will be soon and interested in Political Science, keep an eye out for our upcoming Law Plus program aiming to start September 2019. This co-curricular program is for Brock students looking to pursue a career in law.

Law Plus will mirror the already established Med Plus program here at Brock and the new program will accept applications from students in any Faculty who have an interest in a legal career. This program will run throughout your undergraduate studies and will provide practical experiences to prepare you in the rigours of careers in law. 

Thanks for checking in this Summer for every DEG of the Week! Remember, you can find our Degree Exploration Guides in CareerZone and at https://brocku.ca/ccee/career-education/campus/what-can-i-do-with-my-degree/. 

DEGs outline a list of common career options related to a certain program, as well as degree specific skills. Also, DEGs offer various links to help with job and volunteer search in that chosen field! Who wouldn't want one of these for their program?

DEG of the Week! (August 13 - August 17)

New DEG of the Week! This is our 2nd-last DEG of the Week for Summer 2018! Crazy right?! It's like summer flew by!

You can find our Degree Exploration Guides in CareerZone and at https://brocku.ca/ccee/career-education/campus/what-can-i-do-with-my-degree/. DEGs outline a list of common career options related to a certain program, as well as degree specific skills. Also, DEGs offer various links to help with job and volunteer search in that chosen field! Who wouldn't want one of these for their program?

Each week we will be choosing one Degree Exploration Guide to focus on and welcome all students to come and learn about the different programs here at Brock!

DEG of the Week: Psychology

Our DEG of the Week is Psychology! This 3- or 4-year program is very popular at Brock University and also offers combined programs with other colleges in Canada.

Career Options:


Addictions Counsellor
Case Manager
Clinical Social Worker
Corrections Officer
Counsellor
Intervention Specialist
Mental Health Services Worker
Pscyhologist
Rehabilitation Officer
Speech Language Pathologist
Therapist
Trauma Support Specialist

Degree Specific Skills:

Analytical Skills
Ethical Awareness
Interpersonal Skills
Logical Thinking
Time Management Skills
Work Well in a Team

Job Search Resources:

Careers in Psychology: http://www.careersinpsychology.org

Professional Associations and Career Resources:

Additions and Mental Health Ontario: www.amho.ca
Canadian Addiction Counsellors Certification Association (CACCF): http://www.caccf.ca
Ontario Art Therapy Association: www.psych.on.ca
Ontario School Counsellors' Association: www.osca.ca

Further Education and Entrance Exams:

Canadian Council of Professional Psychology Programs: http://www.ccppp.ca
Graduate Record Examinations (GRE): www.ets.org/gre

Business and Employer Directories:

Encyclopedia of Psychology: www.psychology.org


Note: These are not the only career options, skills and resources available. For the full degree exploration guide, visit https://brocku.ca/ccee/wp-content/uploads/sites/68/DEG-Social-Sciences-Psychology.pdf

For more information on the Psychology program at Brock University, visit https://brocku.ca/webcal/2018/undergrad/psyc.html

It's The Season For Part-Time Jobs!

So it's a brand new school year and classes are well underway. What are you going to do to fill those spaces between lectures, before (or preferably after) you're done your assignments, and to make some extra cash?

...Well, you're going to apply for a part-time job, of course!

The benefits of working part-time during your studies?

• Meet new people as well as network with professionals that can lead to opportunities post graduation in your field!
• Expand your resume and skills which can give you essential experience for your future career path!
• Help finance your education and other expenses including books, events, activities and much more!

Where can I find a part-time while I'm in school at Brock? 

Career Zone: Don't forget we have an online job board for students! You can access this at careerzone.brocku.ca. 

Local Resources: If there aren't any positons posted that catch your eye on Career Zone, we suggest reaching out to local organizations. Check out Job Gym, a website posting positions all around the Niagara Region both part-time and full-time.

Popular Employers: There are opportunities all around you! Specifically, there are places that hire tons of students such as the Niagara Outlet Collection and the Pen Centre. For these employers, you can look online or submit resumes in person!

How can you prepare for your job search?

1. Visit Career Zone online or in person
2. Grab a resume and a cover letter template to get started on your documents 
3. Stop on by for a drop-in resume and cover letter review 

Other ways Career Zone can help you find that perfect part-time job?

Shop For Jobs!

Where: The Pen Centre 

When: October 16th, 2018

What: A job fair at the local mall to hire students! 

Keep an eye out for more tips and events to help with finding a part-time job and for more information visit careerzone.brocku.ca

DEG of the Week! (August 7 - August 10)

We're back and hope everyone enjoyed the relaxing long weekend! Unfortunately, back to reality but fortunately this means DEG of the Week!

This week's DEG of the Week is Biology!

The Faculty of Mathematics and Science offers a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences and also the opportunity for a minor in Biological Sciences. 

The Biological Sciences program can also be referred to as Life Sciences which encompasses a broad spectrum of topics including molecular biology and ecology as well subjects such as biochemistry, biophysics, genetics, and physiology!

BONUS, this program comes with many bonus opportunities such as:

• Experiential Learning 
• International Opportunities
• MedPlus 
• Concurrent Education Options

PLUS Brock is ranked highly among undergraduate universities in Canada for medical and scientific research grants. In this program, you'll have access to modern labs and the teaching and research knowledge of professors who have received provincial, national and international acclaim!

What can you do with all of this? Here are some potential career options:

• Bacteriologist 
• Coroner
• Doctor 
• Food Scientist
• Forensic Researcher
• Marine Biologist 
• Paleontologist 
• Pharmacist / Pharmaceutical Technical 
• Teacher
• Veterinarian 
• Wildlife Biologist
• Zoologist 

..... and many more!

Degree Specific Skills:

• Ability to Understand Complex Concepts
• Compiling & Organizing Information
• Deductive Reasoning 
• Evaluating Ideas, Theories & Evidence
• Observation Skills
• Report Writing 
• Working in a Team

MedPlus:

One of the best opportunities for students in a science-based program is MedPlus, a four-year non-credit program that runs concurrently along student's study period. 

Learn about and build experience in the health field through this unique program that includes job shadowing, networking opportunities with healthcare professionals, skill development workshops and community service projects.

Students who complete Med Plus go on to pursue further education in medical, physiotherapy, chiropractic, graduate school and more.

Learn more about MedPlus at https://brocku.ca/ccee/career-education/med-plus/

You can also find more information about Brock's Biology program at:

 https://brocku.ca/mathematics-science/biology/

Check back next week for another DEG of the Week!

Until then, you can find a DEG for any program at Brock online at https://brocku.ca/ccee/career-education/campus/what-can-i-do-with-my-degree/. 

DEG of the Week! (July 30 - August 3)

New DEG of the Week!

You can find our Degree Exploration Guides in CareerZone and at https://brocku.ca/ccee/career-education/campus/what-can-i-do-with-my-degree/. DEGs outline a list of common career options related to a certain program, as well as degree specific skills. Also, DEGs offer various links to help with job and volunteer search in that chosen field! Who wouldn't want one of these for their program?

Each week we will be choosing one Degree Exploration Guide to focus on and welcome all students to come and learn about the different programs here at Brock!

DEG of the Week: Music

Our DEG of the Week is Music! This 3- or 4-year program is offered through the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts and attempts to prepare students for their intended musical career.

Career Options:

Architectural Acoustician
Broadcaster
Composer/Arranger
Concert Promotor
Copywriter
Jingle Writer
Music Therapist
Organist
Producer
Recording Artist
Teacher (Private Studio or School System)
Vocal/Opera Coach

Degree Specific Skills:

Appreciation of aesthetics
Conducting skills
Edit/proofread materials
Familiarity with foreign languages
Imagination and creatvity
Music pedagogy skills
Music theory (harmonic and melodic) skills
Sight-singing and keyboard skills
Pitch and tuning

Job Search Resources:

Media Job Search Canada (Audio and Music): www.mediajobsearchcanada.com

Professional Associations and Career Resources:

American Federation of Musicians: www.afm.org
ArtsAlive.ca: www.artsalive.ca
Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Science: www.carasonline.ca
Canadian Independent Music Association: www.cimamusic.ca
Music Canada: www.musiccanada.com
Ontario Registered Music Teachers Association: www.ormta.org
Songwriters Association of Canada: www.songwriters.ca

Internships and Volunteering:

Music Ed Plus: www.brocku.ca/miwsfpa/music

Note: These are not the only career options, skills and resources available. For the full degree exploration guide, visit https://brocku.ca/ccee/wp-content/uploads/sites/68/DEG-Humanities-Music.pdf

For more information on the Music program at Brock University, visit https://brocku.ca/webcal/2018/undergrad/musi.html

How Starting a Blog Can Benefit Your Career!

How Starting a Blog Can Benefit Your Career!

In today's world social media is exerting an influence on almost every aspect of our lives - including job search. From Twitter to LinkedIn to blogging, almost every social media tool can be used to further your job search if you use the right strategies.

For example, blogging - which to some people is just a personal writing outlet - can be used to help you connect with professionals and even land you a job! 

Blogging can lead to nnumeorus relevant career choices:

• Novelist 
• Advertising 
• Screenwriter / Songwriter
• Article Writer / Journalist
• Public Relations Specialist
• Editor

and many more!

How can this happen you ask?


1.  Enhances Your Professional Profile

Well, first of all, blogging helps to increase your visibility and credibility online. If you research and analyze certain topics, you seem passionate and motivated  - also showing you are in touch with the industry. Hiring managers will use this as proof that your expertise is legitimate!

2. Attracts Others

By writing on your blog and creating an onine presence, you are attract the right type of people to you. A blog can put your name on the map, and allow like minded folks to come your way.  Remember to include your social media handles and contact information. 

3. Compliments Your Resume 

Hiring managers and recruiters receive dozens or more resumes for a single job posting. The tech market is especially in right now - meaning every last detail on your resume and cover letter has to be on point. A blog can add context to your experience and shows how you apply your skills.

As you can see, blogging is a great tool, if used correctly, to establish an online presence and add to your job search. You can also add pieces from your blog to your portfolio as examples of your writing and dedication to your work!

So what are you waiting for? Get blogging!

DEG of the Week! (July 23 - July 27)

This week's DEG of the Week is Tourism Management! (July 23 - 27th)

The Department of Tourism Management offers a four-year program leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree (Honours BA and BA with Major) and a three year BA Pass degree program.

The program is designed to meet the needs of the fast-growing tourism industry and incorporates co-op, internship, professional and field experiences for students.  This program integrates principles of sustainability (environmental, social, economic and political) in tourism management.

Career Options: 

• Attractions/Theme Park Coordinator
• Cultural Resource Specialist
• Economic Developer
• Event Planner 
• Flight Attendant
• Hospitality Manager
• Outdoor Recreation Planner
• Program Coordinator
• Resort Facilities Manager
• Sustainable Tourism Developer
• Travel Agency Manager
• Urban Planner

.....and many more!

Degree Specific Skills: 

• Coordinating and Directing Others
• Planning and Organizing Skills
• Possess Ingenuity and Imagination 
• Understanding of Cross-Cultural Perspectives 
• Work Effectively with Diverse Populations 

                                                                                    THE BEST PART: 


This program is designed to incorporate co-op, internship, professional and field experiences for students INCLUDING a Disney internship with the University of Florida!

Additionally, there are many opportunities to participate in field courses around the world!

You can find more information about Brock's Tourism Management program at: 

www.brocku.ca/programs/undergraduate/tourism
-environment/

You can find our Degree Exploration Guides in CareerZone and at https://brocku.ca/ccee/career-education/campus/what-can-i-do-with-my-degree/. DEGs outline a list of common career options related to a certain program, as well as degree specific skills. Also, DEGs offer various links to help with job and volunteer search in that chosen field! 

Come visit us at Smart Start and LEAP!

CareerZone booth at Smart Start and LEAP through July and August!

Hey 1st Year Brock Students! Have career-related questions and are wondering where to get help? Interested in on-campus opportunities? Want to know where to get your cover letter and resume reviewed? Come visit CareerZone's Career Assistants at our featured booth at Smart Start! We will be there for an hour during each Smart Start session to answer any questions you may have about career-related topics. At CareerZone, we offer resume & cover letter reviews, help with job search, career-related resources, and much more! Come pick up a handout that will explain everything we have to offer, plus get information about related programs like Experience Plus and Med Plus! We will also be putting on a fun presentation for students who signed up for the LEAP program starting next week. Hope to see you there!

Smart Start is a program offered by Brock University that helps new students have an easier transition into post-secondary education. Students get the chance to talk to representatives from the different services Brock offers while also getting a tour of the school! There's a big group of student employees involved to answer any questions students may have, whether it be about their class schedule or where a certain facility is located. 

DEG of the Week! (July 16 - July 20)

New DEG of the Week!

You can find our Degree Exploration Guides in CareerZone and at https://brocku.ca/ccee/career-education/campus/what-can-i-do-with-my-degree/. DEGs outline a list of common career options related to a certain program, as well as degree specific skills. Also, DEGs offer various links to help with job and volunteer search in that chosen field! Who wouldn't want one of these for their program?

Each week we will be choosing one Degree Exploration Guide to focus on and welcome all students to come and learn about the different programs here at Brock!

DEG of the Week: Early Childhood Education

Our DEG of the Week is Early Childhood Education! This two-and-a-half year program builds off of a two-year Early Childhood Education diploma and gives students the chance to learn in an on-campus and community-based environment.

Career Options:

Case Manager
Child Life Specialist
Children's Book Publisher
Day Care Worker
Educational Assistant
Family Child Care Home Provider
Inclusion Specialist for Children with Disabiltities
Infant Development Worker
Special Needs Assistant Teacher
Toy and Book Sales Representative

Degree Specific Skills:

Cross-Cultural Understanding
Desire to Help Children
Ethical Awareness
Interpersonal Skills
Sensitive to Needs and Emotions of Children
Understanding Different Learning Styles
Working in a Team

Professional Associations:

Association of Early Childhood Educators: www.aeceo.ca
Council of Canadian Child and Youth Care Associations: www.cyccanada.ca
National Association of Child Care Professionals: www.earlylearningleaders.org
Ontario Ministry of Child and Youth Services: www.children.gov.on.ca

Internships and Volunteering:

Big Brothers Big Sisters: www.bbbsmentors.ca
Free the Children/Me to We: www.we.org
Plan Canada: www.plancanada.ca/volunteer

Job Search Resources:

Canadian Nanny: www.canadiannanny.ca
Nursery World Jobs: www.nurseryworldjobs.co.uk

Note: These are not the only career options, skills and resources available. For the full degree exploration guide, visit https://brocku.ca/ccee/wp-content/uploads/sites/68/DEG-Education-Early-Childhood-Education2.pdf

For more information on the Early Childhood Education program at Brock University, visit: https://brocku.ca/programs/undergraduate/early-childhood-education-2/

Do Your Research: The Way To Your Dream Career

Do Your Research: The Way To Your Dream Career!

When it comes to career planning, conducting independent research is key! Why you may be asking? Well, without research, you may not fully understand what encompasses the career you are working towards! Without research, you may:

• Miss out on opportunities in your field of interest because you aren't looking for them 
• Not know if there is further education needed or specific professional development required for your career of choice
• Misunderstand or have a limited understanding of what your desired career path entails as far as job description and duties 
• Have no clear direction when it comes to properly network within your desired field

The best thing about today's age is the biggest resource: the internet! Because the internet is so broad, it can be confusing getting to all the information you need to know but it also can be the gateway to the most helpful information. Don't stress, we're here to tell you what to look for online to help you find your dream career.

1. Career Assessments
Remember when we mentioned missing out on opportunities you don't know about? This is where career assessments come in. Online career assessments are your best friend! Available through Career Zone's website, you can take numerous career assessments through multiple websites.

Career assessments are tests/quizzes where individuals answer questions based on a variety of personal attributes: values, preferences, motivations, skills, etc. In the end, these attributes are assessed to develop a list of suggested career choices! These attributes affect your career options and environments and the assessment offers career choices that meet your interests, motivations, preferences etc!

2. Post Graduate / Masters / Continuing Education 
When you do discover your dream career - or even if you are still searching, researching continuing education is essential. Many career options require or prefer an individual with different levels of education, depending on the career!

This is possible by researching a specific career and searching programs relevant through universities and colleges offering degrees, certificates and much more. This can be done through specific schools direct websites or online at websites such as universitystudy.ca or ontariocolleges.ca!

3. LinkedIn 
One of the best online networking platforms is LinkedIn! How can it help you with researching your dream job? In many ways:

• Connecting with individuals who have a position in your desired field, seeing how they achieve this position - through what schooling or past experience
• Discovering position postings all over the world at a wide range of companies 
• Following a specific industry or company for updates on their positions - you can learn a lot from accessing their list of empty or filled positions
• Keeping up to date with new and upcoming events to attend for networking purposes
• Discovering other's careers which interest you 

These are just three ways to get you started on researching your possibilities. Warning: once you start looking into it, you might not be able to stop!