Is Graduate Studies Right for You?

While the fourth years are currently busy filling out their graduate school applications it's time for the third years to start looking into what schools and programs they are interested in applying to next year. Making the leap from post-secondary to post-graduate school is both difficult and stressful but it's the path that a lot of students are considering today for a number of reasons. However, graduate school isn't necessarily for everyone, nor is it something that everyone will benefit from doing. (For more information
check out my previous blog post "Pass vs. Honours? Master's vs. Undergrad?"

You should ideally be choosing graduate studies only if you have a specific reason for doing so. If your dream career requires a Masters, PhD, or post-graduate certificate then it is definitely something you should consider. Grad school should not be an alternative to avoiding the 'real' world outside of the university campus. Not having a exit-strategy in mind for when you complete graduate degree will only leave you 1-7 years older and in more dept then when you left university the first time around. Ask yourself "why do I need to go to graduate school" and don't tell yourself "I have nothing better to do then go to graduate school". The application process is stressful and time consuming and you more then likely wont want to complete the entire process unless you are passionate about what you are applying to.

Consider graduate studies if you need additional education in order to gain entrance into the field you want to work in. If you have done in depth Occupational Research (as discussed in a previous blog) then you may already know which careers require post-grad and which ones don't. Is spending an addition 1-7 years completing a Master's and/or a PhD worth the time to acquire the job you are interested in?

I'm definitely not trying to scare anyone out of applying. If going to graduate school is what you want to do then you already know this and are probably already looking into the schools you will be applying to next year. However, if you are on the fence about it then it is important to take the following into consideration:

• Are your grades high enough and, if not, will you be able to improve upon them before next year?
• Find the required GPA for a particular program by consulting that particular program's website. Each university and program will have different entry GPA requirements, however you should aim for having a B+ (75%) average at the minimum.
• How do you plan on paying for graduate school? 
• Considering the potential expenses involved in living in a different city as well as program costs, textbooks, etc. There are also grants and fellowships that are available for many students as well as scholarships opportunities.
• Do you actually want to go to grad school?
• Seriously ask yourself this question. What would be your reason for going? Do you truly think it will be worth your time? Go through potential programs that may interest you and take the time to understand your reasons for applying.

We have a number of student staff that are currently filling out their graduate school applications (including myself!) so we are well aware of the stress and time involved in this process. If you need any help figuring out if graduate school is right for you then we encourage you to stop by the Career Resources Centre for a quick chat about your options!

If you have any additional questions feel free to stop by or email us at career@brocku.ca.

Ashley Paolozzi, Lead Career Assistant
4th Year History of Art (Honours)

___________________________________________
Check out the Canadian Guide to Graduate Studies' Guide for Potential Graduate Students which can be found here: http://www.brocku.ca/webfm_send/27174

FYI: Career Services Holiday Hours

The 2013 exam season is upon us.
If you need help with any of your career related conundrums we are operating with full service hours  December 2nd through December 20th, Monday - Friday,  9:00 am - 4:30 pm.
Full service resumes for winter term on January 6th!

Good luck on your exams!

How to Organize your Occupational Research

Our friends at cosmiccoachingcentre.com sent us this great article about organizing your occupational research! Enjoy :)

Job hunting is one of the most difficult tasks a new graduate is about to face, mainly because there are thousands of occupations out there to choose from. In fact, there is said to be over 13,000 new occupations right now in Canada. Many new career fields are emerging and many are also declining. Thus, it is very important for any individual to do some intensive occupational research just to make sure he or she will land a job that will offer security and satisfaction.

There’s no question that it is a daunting task to find information on the many different occupations you are considering, especially if you have no idea where to look and how you should go about the process of gathering information. By doing an extensive research on various occupations as well as the labor market, you may come to a conclusion of whether or not an option is a good one. Here are some points to remember when doing an occupational research:

·         It is important to know the skills, interests, values, and personal traits that are required by a particular occupation. You need to compare this with the result of your Self Assessment to be able to determine if you have what it takes to succeed in such occupation.

·         You can gather relevant information for your occupational research through the internet. It is vital, however, that you choose the websites from which you’re getting the information. The most reliable sites are those sponsored by educational organizations, governments, and even professional associations.

·         The Government of Canada has provided job searchers with a very useful resource for occupational research. You can access the National Occupational Classification both online and in hard copy. What makes this resource very helpful is that it catalogues the many occupations available in Canada and it also includes more than 30,000 occupational titles. Getting information through this is easy as occupations are arranged by a numerical code.

·         Newspapers are also a great tool you can utilize for researching about occupations. The job ads you can find in newspapers can help you learn more about the nature of jobs for different occupations, along with their requirements.

·         You may also take advantage of computer-assisted career guided systems for doing occupational research and self-assessment. Through these systems, you will also have a better idea of the job market and also about the educational institutions that relate to a particular occupation.

·         Local and campus libraries are seldom used for the purpose of conducting an occupational research, but there is a lot of useful information that you can get from the library. You will find various print resources on particular associations, educational institutions, career pathways, and others, which can be of big help to you as you try to figure out which career will suit you the best.

Smart Finish Conference 2014

Smart Finish Conference is fast approaching and we want to make sure you are in the know!

Graduating students must understand what employers are looking for when reviewing resumes and interviewing candidates. Smart Finish is a one-day conference for graduating students that will help take the stress and worry out of life after graduation. 

Featured speakers will provide you with an insider’s view on creating your own personal brand, resume and interviewing strategies, and post-graduate studies.  Participants can take advantage of pre-conference workshops such as career decision making, go global adventures abroad, further education and information on OSAP repayment.

Smart Finish is offered by Career Services in partnership with the Faculty of Graduate Studies, Financial Aid Office, The Goodman School of Business Career Development Office and MBA Program, and the Alumni Relations Office

Date: Saturday February 1^st, 2014 (with various pre-conference dates in January 2014)

Location: Academic South, South Building

Time: 8:30 – 4:00 pm

Cost: $20/person (lunch included)

For information on Conference Sessions and to register, visit: https://www.brocku.ca/career-services/students-alumni/smart-finish (or register on CareerZone)

*Last day to register is January 17^th, 2014

 

 

Online Degree Tips--The Importance of Accreditation

Ever thought of extending your education, but don't want to settle in to a brand new school? Online education may be the option for you!

In Canada, there are many online programs available for students to complete in the comfort of their own home. This is a great option for someone who is working, has a family, or doesn't have the time or desire to attend a physical institution.

How do I know which program to choose?
It can be like looking for a needle in a hay stack when it comes to finding the right online program. Make sure you do your research! An important thing to look for is to make sure the program is accredited. The accreditation process ensures that education received within a program is acceptable and meets standards to produce qualified individuals. Employers may also state in job postings that they require applicants to have education from an accredited program and/or from an accredited institution. A non-accredited degree could mean you don't get the job!

Where to start
For information on academic and occupational credentials for studying and working in Canada and abroad visit the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials.

American Options
The infographic below has some great information and tips to consider when searching for American online programs. Also check out http://www.accreditedonlinecolleges.org/ for more information!




Source: Accredited-Online-College.org


Nella Paris
Senior Career Assistant
Psychology Major (Honours)

Labour Market Info: Is Your Future Career in Demand?

A frequent (and legitimate) concern most students have is the question of whether or not the career they hope to pursue after graduation is in high demand. Thankfully, there are a number of resources available for this type of research to be conducted.

Under the 'Labour Market and Salary Information' heading on the Occupational Research section of our website (which I discussed in my previous blog regarding the initiation of your career research) are a number of useful websites that have been specifically selected to assist you with researching industry specific labour markets. 'Working in Canada' is my personal favourite to use when helping students in the Career Centre and when conducting my own labour market research. Working in Canada gives region specific information regarding industry job creations and layoffs in order to help you construct an informed and viable career path for yourself. If your industry isn't doing well in a specific region in the country then try searching a different nearby region or even one on the other side of the Canada.

Taking the time to explore your career path early on will help you prepare for your job search after university. However, keep in mind that a career that isn't in high demand is not impossible to get into - there might just be more round-about ways of being promoted into or acquiring these types of positions.

Keep your career research fun and interesting for yourself. Research careers that you feel passionate about - you will naturally feel more willing to explore something that stimulates your mind then something you feel that you have to do. Finding a balance between passion and realism is important.

Good luck! Feel free to drop by our office if you have any problems with your research. :)
We are here to help Monday to Friday from 9AM to 4:30PM.

Ashley Paolozzi, Lead Career Assistant
4th Year History of Art (Honours) 

Grad Survey Statistics are in!

In case you were wondering what your degree is worth, the Graduate Employment Survey results are in! Here is the link to the article for rates specific to BROCK. We have also printed out the results for all university grads and have placed it in the very front of our TRENDS binder in the Career Services Resource Centre - come in and take a look!

IEW 2013 - Volunteer Abroad

In staying with our theme of International Education Week, our friends at Ecoteer were gracious enough to write us an article about volunteer abroad! Check out their website at:

http://www.ecoteer.com/

Here’s the big question: “What do you want to do with your life?”

If you already have an answer and the motivation to pursue your dream at all costs then you’re luckier than most.  But, how can YOU seize that once-in-a-lifetime opportunity over the thousands of other starry-eyed hopefuls with exactly the same idea?  Even if your talent and commitment surpass the competition, how do you make the world recognize your potential?

My “dream” was always frustratingly vague.  I enjoy writing but love being outdoors and physically active – I can’t sit at a desk for hours or surround myself daily with the same office walls.  I’m a nomad at heart and have only ever held down a ‘proper’ job for long enough to save up traveling money.  It would be easier if the work was more inspiring but whenever I return home, funds depleted, to scan the jobs market for exciting, creative and meaningful I am forced to settle instead for realistic, available and paid.

You can only keep up the work – travel cycle for so long before potential employers grow suspicious.  One gap year might gain you credit but when your life becomes a series of gap years you need more to show for it than “confidence and social skills” or employers will read “international barfly”.

The good news is there are various travel options that actually enhance your career prospects.  Teaching English as a Foreign Language is one very accessible option for graduates that can lead straight into paid work on completion of a short, inexpensive qualification.  I started working abroad as an English teacher in 2010 and would recommend it to anyone as a unique cultural experience or potential career.

Volunteering abroad is another option.  Though unpaid, it does offer a far broader range of possibilities.  I enjoy teaching English but I don’t want to do it forever and the volunteering concept has always appealed to me:  Having adventures whilst helping people - like a superhero!  Brilliant.

So this year I took a gamble, turning down paid TEFL work in favor of a long-term voluntary position with Ecoteer at Jogja Wildlife Rescue Centre, Indonesia.  The internship utilized my English teaching but also taught me new skills and introduced me to conservation and ecotourism – sectors that interested me but in which I had no prior qualifications or experience.  I didn’t know quite what to expect but anticipated that it would be an unforgettable year and would “look good on the CV”. 

Volunteering is incredible and I would urge anyone to get involved – for the people you’ll meet, the discoveries you’ll make and the joy you’ll spread.  If you commit to a long-term project over several months, the benefits may be even greater.  You’ll build a relationship with a company from the inside, showing them you have passion and initiative rather than having to convince them.  Whatever your interests, you can find a volunteer placement to suit you and then bring your unique skills to the table.  I offered free yoga classes for volunteers at WRC Jogja and now Ecoteer pay me to teach yoga retreats at conservation projects all over Asia and to write about it – the perfect “dream job” that I never knew existed, tailored to my abilities! 

Volunteering has been a challenge that has helped me to learn, grow and play to my strengths.  I feel so lucky that I can do what I love and see the world at the same time.  There’s no telling exactly where volunteering will lead you – I never imagined where it would lead me – but the possibilities are endless and there’s nothing to lose.  Take that first step towards your dream and never look back.

You’ll find a great selection of long-term volunteer placements at:  www.ecoteer.com

For TEFL try: www.loveTEFL.com

Bio of writer, Ashley Michaelis

Karma Yomad (yogi-nomad) Ashley Michaelis is a globetrotter on a mission to explore yoga and the art of kindness.  A communication arts graduate, qualified masseuse and certified Ashtanga yoga instructor, she is currently based in Asia where she facilitates Karma Yoga retreats with Ecoteer, inviting fellow yomads to join her journey.  

Ashley has a diverse volunteering record reflecting her passion for the arts, education and conservation.  Perpetually mobile since 2009, she taught English as a Second Language for 3 years in Europe before her wanderlust reached intercontinental proportions.  Occasionally she returns home to England until she remembers about the weather. 

Meet Fantastic People like the staff and volunteers at WRC Jogja.

Lend a Hand: Sharing unforgettable moments and supporting endangered wildlife.

Use Your Skills:  Teaching Conservation English and yoga to kids from the local village.