Happy Canada Career Month badgers! Some of you may have no idea what I’m talking about but, simply put, November is a celebration of work and all those that have helped navigate our journey there. Here at CareerZone, we want to ensure that all Brock students are equipped with the best resources, whether that be online resources at careerzone.brocku.ca, networking events, resume/cover letter help or a 1:1 appointment with our helpful full-time staff. We want to make sure that by the time you graduate, you have a competitive edge in the job market or in applicant pools for graduate schools.
So, what can you do to get involved? The answer is simple: come out and attend some of our amazing events!
But, the big question: HOW?!
When I first started at Brock University, COVID-19 was at its peak and with first year completely online, naturally, last year was a big transition for me. Being new to the campus, I had no idea how to look for events, prepare for them or even what to do during events if somehow I managed to find one. So, now that I’m more informed, I thought I’d take this opportunity to share some tips and tricks.
How to find out about career events
To find out what events are happening on campus or in the community, check out the CareerZone portal at https://careerzone.brocku.ca. All you need to do is log in with your student credentials and navigate the platform. All Career Events are easily accessible under the “Campus Career” or “Goodman Career” tabs in the Dashboard drop down menu, under “Events”. All that’s left to do is register if necessary!
Preparing for career events
Now that you have registered, it’s important to keep in mind that each event is not just beneficial due to the new information you could learn, but also the many new connections you could make. Remember, first impressions can be long lasting, so ensure you are dressed professionally and ready to learn! Do some research on the topic before hand and come prepared with a list of questions. This way, when you are socializing, you can skip over any awkward pauses and go straight into meaningful conversation. Additionally, I would recommend perfecting your online presence before hand, so that when you go to an event and someone asks you for your contact, you can confidently give them you LinkedIn to stay in touch. Did you know that CareerZone has a photo booth? Drop in to get your professional headshot!
What to do during a career event
When you are at the event, it is most important to have fun and be yourself! Keep in mind that this doesn’t mean you don’t act professionally, but that you try your best to make everyone around you comfortable. If you are nervous, remember that this is completely okay, and many other attendees will also feel that way. Take a deep breath and find someone approachable to talk to. Once you start to feel at ease, conversations that follows will come more naturally. If you make some meaningful connections (I’m sure you will), don’t forget to ask them for their contact information and follow up with a quick message. If it’s an online event, ensure that you are clearly visible and that your background also reflects a degree of professionalism. As the event wraps up, don’t forget to thank facilitators for their time and efforts. :)
Connect With Us!
We are here to support you, so don’t be afraid to ask for help! We offer many student resources on our portal (careerzone.brocku.ca) and can be contacted via email at career@brocku.ca to answer your questions.
Follow us on our Social Media to stay up to date on our events and workshops!
Twitter: @BrockCareerZone
Instagram: @brockcareerzone
Written by Akanksha Guleria, Career Assistant
Edited by Kara Renaud, Manager of Career Education, CCEE Department
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