Niagara Artists Centre: STRUTT Call for Submissions!

In Niagara we are lucky to have a great community that loves art and culture! The Niagara Artists Centre is a part of that community and they are looking to help artists show their wearable art this year! If you are studying Visual Arts or you are a graduate from Visual Arts you can appreciate this opportunity that NAC is offering.

Currently, I am going into my third year of Visual Arts, concentrating in Intermedia and Design. I know I want to take my career in a direction that uses the applications of other media to impact lives. Opportunities like this one help me discover how I can do that. It also builds up great experience on your resume and in your portfolio! Another great thing about not only showing your work but also just attending the event! Attending the event is a great way to network with other artists and professionals and gain connections within this community. You can learn a lot from talking with someone who has had years of experience within this field.

If you are living in Niagara and has a passionate interest in wearable art and transforming the human body then check out this website for more information about submissions: http://www.nac.org/calls-for-submissions/strutt-wearable-art-runway-show/

Below are some photos from STRUTT 2013

Online Resource Review: Ten Thousand Coffees!

In a time when networking is one of the most important aspects of job seeking, meeting up with a professional for coffee would be a fantastic learning experience. Ten Thousand Coffees is an online mentoring website for students and recent grads to use to connect with professionals in a wide range of fields. Ten Thousand Coffees lets you create a profile and then look up different professionals by industry. For example: Finance, Arts, Marketing & Ad, Science, etc. After finding someone with a desired career of yours you can look at their profile to read a little bit about them and then decide if you want to meet with them for coffee, email them, or call them.

     Having a conversation with someone who has years of experience can help you pursue your own passions and dreams. Along with that you will instantly be networking with people who are developed in their careers.    
     The professionals on Ten Thousand Coffees are able to help give you advice on your career, job searching, what qualifications people are looking for and how you can go about finding opportunity. They are giving their time to act as a mentor to the next generation.
     If you're interested in getting more information on the job market, a specific industry, or just some over all career advise then I recommend you try out this resource! It can be a lot of fun browsing through the profiles and thinking about what you would ask them if you had the chance. Now you do have the chance so don't be shy :). We would love to know what you think of it, comment below with your thoughts!

Resource Review: The Power Formula for LinkedIn Success!

Here at Brock University we try to help students with as much as we possibly can. Something that has become a very popular question from our students is how to use LinkedIn effectively for job search and networking. Lately we have received some new resources to add to our library that can help answer that question.

The resource I am going to be focusing on is "The Power Formula for LinkedIn Success" written by Wayne Breitbarth. This is a great how-to book on one of the fastest growing social media platforms out there today. The reason why it is so popular? It helps lead people to networks, personal branding and of course careers.The world has become increasingly globalized in the last decade that we depend on sites such as LinkedIn and networks to connect us with professionals all around the world.

Breitbarth explains how LinkedIn can be used as a tool, just like a hammer or drill. It has a reason and can be used to do a job correctly. To obtain success from LinkedIn he lays out a formula to follow:

Your Unique Experience + Your Unique Relationships + the Tool (LinkedIn) = The Power

Breitbarth also says that along with these 3 components is how you display yourself online. Everything from your photograph to your headline are important things to keep in mind. Professionalism is key to having a successful LinkedIn account. 

Later, he explained how joining groups and making connections with professionals is important for those especially looking for jobs and connections. Joining groups will increase the likelihood of you becoming discovered over LinkedIn. LinkedIn may be a new and developing tool to use but if you combine what you know with who you know you will see how it can be rewarding. 

The best part of this resource in my opinion is the Profile Perfection Checklist it gives us at the end. It reminds you about all the tips and tricks throughout the book and how to use them. This is a great resource for university and college students looking into their future. Come in to visit us in the library to check it out for yourself!  

Alysha-Lynn Kooter, Graphics and Promotions/Career Assistant, Intermediate/Senior Concurrent Education, Visual Arts

How to use your Resource Centre

Throughout the summer, university and college students have time to involve themselves with experiences and research about their specific degrees and career goals. Many universities and colleges have a department to assist students with gaining this information. I strongly suggest any student to visit their Career Services department often to learn more about opportunities, events, and experiences you can be a part of. They hold lots of value for your future. At Career Services and the Career Resource Centre at Brock University we offer many services for students to use such as resume/cover letter reviews, portfolio reviews, mock interviews, and many print resources and online resources they can access. Here are a few reasons why you should visit your Career Services department:

• They are made up of people who know what you are going through and can help you start your career path and reach your goals
• Most services are free of charge (like resume reviews, cover letter reviews, and portfolio reviews)
• They have many resources, books, and magazines to read and take home so you can gain knowledge in your desired field
• They know where to find the best online resources for job searching and networking
• They can give you tips for personal branding and social networking, so you can use them as a job-seeker
• Lastly, they are friendly and want to see their students succeed after graduation!

For the next few weeks I will be discussing different career resources that we offer to students such as magazines, books, articles, and a variety of guides. Stay tuned for this information!

Dear first years, don't limit yourself to the one career outlook!

As I am sitting in the Career Resource Centre in the middle of summer break, I am starting to see the faces of new students walking around the school. Most of them seem excited, but they also seem to be feeling nervous and don't know exactly where to start. I would like to tell them that there is nothing to be afraid of and that you don't have to make huge decisions yet, so enjoy the time that you have now. 

When picking your courses for first-year, don't have just one career outlook on your radar. Do what you love! Take classes that interest you and take full advantage of those elective credits. A lot of students will pick a degree and then not even want to continue after they have found something else they truly enjoy doing. In highschool we are forced to make these decisions that alter the rest of our life, and it's not your fault if you thnk you chose the wrong path. It's a whole other ballgame when you finally get to sit in the seminar and lecture rooms. You will know if you want to be there or if you'd rather still be in bed.  

Don't let anyone pressure you into doing something you don't really want to do. You don't want to waste this time learning about something you've decided isn't for you. Also, don't have just one thing in mind. You may not even be aware of the possibilities your degree offers. Most importantly, visit your Career Services department at your school, they are there to help you make these decisions and guide you into a career.  

Alysha-Lynn Kooter, Career/Graphics and Promotions Assistant, 3rd Year Education and Visual Arts

Alternatives after graduation

If you’re like me, the idea of settling into a career after graduation can be intimidating. Not that I don’t want to find the right career for me, I’m just not sure I will want to do it right away.

The fact of the matter is, as a new grad, you are at your prime right now to discover the world. Now more then ever is it accessible for you to do so. Here is a quick list of alternatives after graduation:

1)      Take a gap year. We all know of somebody who has taken the world by storm, hopped on a plane to a foreign country to travel, volunteer, or sometimes work. It may take some planning and saving but the cultural awareness and worldly views that you will obtain may be one of the greatest experiences of your life. There are many ways you can go abroad and many programs you can do this through. Here are a few favourites:

·         www.projects-abroad.ca

·         www.swap.ca

·         www.gooverseas.com

2)      Freelance. Freelancing is another way to gain experience outside of the typical 9-5 job. If you are a freelancer it means that you are your own agent, you create your own market, and you provide clients with the services you would like to give. Some popular industries for freelancers are graphic design, web development, branding, and information technology. Freelancing is a good way to network and figure out where you would like to find a career. You have the unique ability to work at your own pace and only do projects that interest you.

3)      Go for a paid internship. Many people use internships as a way of getting out of their towns and experiencing a new one. Internships last anywhere from 6-16 months and they give you a good chance to see if that kind of job is right for you. Internships can also be rewarding for building your network. The more people you know, the more jobs you will be aware of.

You've worked hard for the last four years, and taking some time to gain real world experience can really be beneficial in the long run. Experience culture; experience the new borderless world that lies ahead. If you aren't going to do it now, then when will you!

Alysha-Lynn Kooter, Career/Graphics and Promotions Assistant, 3rd Year Education and Visual Arts

Be the competition: Connect with Grad LINK!

Networking is something that is becoming more essential between new grads and employers. The hidden job market is where you will find 80% of jobs, and the key to finding them is through your network.

Career Services strives to help you find employment after graduation. With convocation just ending last week, we know that Brock grads are eager to find jobs! The Grad LINK Network on LinkedIn will connect you with Career Services staff, employers, and your graduating peers. Through the LinkedIn Network, we share career and employment related information to help you prepare for transition from school to work.

As part of the Grad LINK Network you will have access to:

• Highlighted job postings
• Employer recruitment/ networking sessions
• Career related articles and information 

Ready to register!?

1. Complete the online registration form 

www.brocku.ca/career-services/students-alumni/graduating-year/gradlink

2. Review the Getting Started Presentation

3. Create your LinkedIn profile, if you do not have one already

4. Join the Grad LINK Network group on LinkedIn

Have other questions? Email: gradlink@brocku.ca

Convocation and Congratulations!

Dear Brock University grads,

Here's to you. You who made it through 8am classes, palm-sweating exams, extensive assignments, and you who read the abundance of textbooks that are probably still piled around your room. Now that it's all over, you're ready to take on the world!  Spring Convocation 2014 will be happening at Brock University from June 3rd to the 7th. Make sure you check out Brock's website to see what day your faculty is on.

Career Services wants to help you be successful post graduation. Drop in Monday- Friday from 9 to 4 (closed 12:30-1 for lunch) to ask any questions concerning job search, resumes/cover letters, interviews, portfolios, degree information, etc! Also visit our CareerZone website to access job postings, Career Services Events, and our Online Resource Centre (which is full of tips and worksheets to help get you started)!

If you are ready to jump into the workforce, get connected with Grad LINK. Once you sign up with Grad LINK you will have access to highlighted job postings on LinkedIn, employer recruitment and networking sessions, and career related articles and information. Visit our website for more: http://www.brocku.ca/career-services/students-alumni/graduating-year

We understand that it can be stressful to figure out what you want to do after graduation. But don't sweat, whether you want to jump into the workforce, go abroad, or take graduate studies, Career Services has the resources you need and is here to help!

 Alysha-Lynn Kooter, Career Assistant, 2nd Year Intermediate/Senior Con-Ed Visual Art and English 

How to Find a Job You Love!

The professionals from Glassdoor have created a wonderful infographic with tips on finding a job you love. With students recently graduating, we thought it would be great to share with you!

Alysha-Lynn Kooter, Career Assistant, 2nd Year Intermediate/Senior Con-Ed Visual Art and English 

Lights... Camera... Action! Step four:

Over the last month I have posted about the Career Planning Process and we are now arriving at the fourth and final step. You have assessed your interests, values, and skills, researched possible career options, made a decision, and now its time to TAKE ACTION!

Taking Action is about putting your plans into action- whether you have decided on a career or to continue with further education, the time is now! Below are some tips for both scenarios: 

Employment:

- Researching potential employers

- Thoroughly reviewing job descriptions

- Completing on-line or facilitated workshops offered by Career Services

- Developing marketing tools such as achievement based resumes, cover letters, and portfolios

- Accessing and expanding your network (using LinkedIn and other networking methods such as Information Interviews and attending Career Expos) 

- Practicing effective interview skills 

- Locating part-time, full-time, summer and volunteer work experiences

Further Education:

- Researching educational programs, requirements and deadlines

- Speaking with Program Coordinators and Advisers about program

- Visiting the institutions you are considering

- Looking at the Career Services events calendar to see what institutions will be on campus

- Preparing for educational entrance exams

-Collecting transcripts and letters of reference 

- Preparing a personal statement, letter of intent, curriculum vitae, resume, and/or portfolio

Our friends from Cosmic Coaching Center also wrote some greatly inspiring tips to help you take action. 

How to Take Action in Career Planning

Once you have made up your mind as to what career path you are going to pursue, the next step is for you to figure out how you can make the successful career move. It is never enough that you keep planning, because at the end of the day, it is all about executing your action plan.

Here are some tips you can use to create an excellent action plan.

#1 Set specific goals.

Planning to change careers or perhaps return to school is a bit too general. For you to get enough motivation, it is important that your goal be specific. You could set a goal like “look for a career in the medical field” or in whatever industry you want to be in. What really matters is that you know what it is exactly that you want to achieve and when you should do it.

#2 Plan it step-by-step.

One essential thing to do to move forward is to know what steps to take to get closer to your goals. It isn’t enough that you know what you want to achieve; you must figure out ways to achieve it. You can do this by determining the steps you need to take. If you are sure about pursuing a career in dentistry, for instance, you should know what qualifications you should have to become a dental practitioner. Do you have the qualified degree? Do you possess the certificates needed for such a career? This way, you will know what you already have and what you still don’t have. This will also guide you as you make a concrete plan for the achievement of your ultimate goal.

#3 Prepare an excellent resume.

Your resume reflects who you are as a professional and what you can do that will benefit the company that is to hire you. With that said, it is important that you make it as informative and accurate as possible. Bear in mind as you write your resume that it should impress the potential employer or hiring manager. Make sure that you put in only the information that is relevant to the position you are applying for. There is no need for your resume to be wordy and lengthy. Go straight to the point and show the hiring manager the many reasons you deserve the job you are applying for.

#4 Put all your plans into action.

At this point, you may already have listed all the things you need to do so you could execute your career plan. What you should do now is set deadlines for every task that you have. Use a calendar where you should note the names of the companies you wish to work for. If you think you need to enhance your resume by adding relevant experience, then start looking for corporate events or even training seminars that you can participate in. This is a crucial part of your career planning because there is no sense in making plans without properly putting them into action.

About the author: 

Cecile Peterkin is a certified career and retirement coach, and a registered member of the Career Professionals of Canada and the International Coach Federation. She is also the Founder and Senior Career Strategist at Cosmic Coaching Center, provider of career and life management services for middle managers and mid-career professionals across Canada, United States and Europe.

Alysha-Lynn Kooter, Career Assistant, 2nd Year Intermediate/Senior Con-Ed Visual Art and English