Resume Reviews & Why You Should Get One!

Getting your resume reviewed is crucial in today's competitive job market. A second set of eyes never hurts and can also help with figuring out whether or not your resume is appropriate for the job you are applying for. However, many neglect this step in the resume editing process. Why? Because many of us don't have the time! Job hunting can take hours and writing personalized cover letters and tailoring your resume can be a job within itself! Luckily, most post secondary institutions (including Brock!!) offer review services to make sure your documents are looking good before you start applying to different positions. Here are THREE reasons you should utilize resume review services:

1. Subjectivity 
When we as individuals are working on and editing our resumes, we often times overlook obvious errors simply because we are being subjective. Perhaps we might even avoid being too hard on ourselves since the job market is hard enough sometimes! But this subjectivity can lead to missing things which could make or break the strength of an application! Spelling errors, typos and alignment are the three most common errors made when creating resumes. Getting a quick review can help prevent a small mistake from costing you the job of your dreams.

2. Content
Many of us have the standard categories in our resumes: Work Experience, Volunteer Experience & Education. However, there are many other categories which can be utilized! Getting your resume reviewed may open your eyes to new headings you can utilize to highlight your experiences! For example, having a "Special Skills" section is a great way to highlight language and technical skills. 

3. Opportunities
If you are working on your resume right now, chances are it is because you are looking for paid or volunteer opportunities. By getting your resume reviewed, you can not only ensure you are representing your skills and experiences in the best way possible, but you can also find out about opportunities through simply visiting a career centre! Our Career Assistant team at Brock is super knowledgeable about current and upcoming opportunities and we love helping students find that perfect position that suits their unique needs!

So what are you waiting for? Look up your nearest career resource centre and get your resume reviewed today! And for all Brock students, getting a resume review is MUCH easier than you think! Simply bring a hard copy of your resume (or cover letter or CV!) to the Career Resource Centre in the Learning Commons and we can review it in roughly 15-20 minutes! We are also FULL of information about job hunting, interviews, career events and much more! Check out our website by clicking HERE. Also, don't forget to follow us on social media:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/brockcareerserv/
Twitter: twitter.com/BrockCareerServ
Instagram: www.instagram.com/brockcareerserv/?hl=en

Have a great day!

Scarlet Stark
Sr. Career Assistant
Psychology Major 

Succeed at Career Events!

The On-Campus Jobs Fair recently wrapped up at Brock and it was a huge success! In light of this event, I thought a blog on how to prepare in order to succeed at career events might be a great way to help guide students for future career events on campus and elsewhere.

Prepping before the event to do well during the event is necessary to succeed! In order to prepare yourself, keep these 6 factors in mind:

1. Do your research!Find out which employers will be at the event and check out their website! This will help you tailor your documents as well as give you an opportunity to come up with questions you may have about the company that you can ask at the event!
2. Review the opportunities!Many employers post the positions they are looking to fill prior to the career event itself. Check these out! See which positions speak to your knowledge and skills! Again, this will help you tailor your documents and allow you to go into the event with focus!
3. Define your KSA's!Knowing your Knowledge, Skills & Abilities allows you sell yourself to employers! Figuring out what you have to offer employers prior to the event will help you sell yourself to employers during the event! It will also help you develop your elevator pitch!
4. Develop an elevator pitch!It's important to be able to describe yourself, your skills and where your headed career-wise briefly and concisely! Jot down what you want to tell employers about yourself and how you want to be remembered by them and practice this pitch! This will allow you to introduce yourself to employers in an efficient manner, while still highlighting who you are and what your goals are!
5. Bring your documents! And ask for documents!Go to the event equipped with resumes & business cards! And make sure to grab any information sheets or business cards from the employers/recruiters! They are handing this information out for a reason, typically to inform you of the company and how to get in touch with them! You may want to bring a briefcase or professional looking bag to store your documents in too!
6. Dress the part!
Dress professionally! If you are unsure how to go about this, it wouldn't hurt to use your friend Google to look up the company and see what employees typically wear to their career events or on the job! See the photo to the right for help with this!

Thanks for reading! Come visit us at the Career Resource Centre for any questions/concerns you may have regarding career events! We are always happy to help!

Have an excellent day!

Scarlet Stark
Sr. Career Assistant
Psychology Major 

Seasonal Jobs & Potential Permanent Positions

It's December and seasonal employment positions seem to be everywhere! Many retail stores are on the hunt in order to find the perfect seasonal employees to help them survive the most wonderful - yet most busy - time of the year. For many, seasonal positions are ideal. It's a chance to get some extra hours over the holidays when money can get tight. But for others, seasonal jobs just don't fit the bill. Perhaps something more permanent is what they had in mind.

If you are hesitant about your seasonal employment opportunity because of a lack of permanency, have no fear! I have come up with a few tips to turn your seasonal employment opportunity into a possible permanent position.

To Infinity & Beyond
Try and view your seasonal position as a permanent one. And if you are interested in a more permanent position within the company, be sure to express this to superiors right from the get-go! It's easy to act indifferent if you think you'll be out of a job in a matter of weeks so try and think beyond the word "seasonal". View the position as one with infinite potential rather than limited potential!

Presence & Productivity
Being present and productive are key when it comes to seasonal opportunities. Being present includes being on time and being aware of what is going on around you. By being present and aware, you will see opportunities for productivity. Use these opportunities to your advantage to not only show that you are a hard-working, capable, and valuable employee, but also to highlight that you have initiative and you are not afraid to use it!

Following & Leading
At any new job, we must shadow more seasoned employees and ask questions in order to learn more about our position. But once comfortable, flex those leadership skills! Take on a project or ask your superiors for opportunities to take on new tasks or be the leader for a particular initiative. Never be afraid to ask for leadership opportunities within your position - it shows that you are not afraid of a challenge which is something all employers love to see in their employees!

If you find out your seasonal position will end soon even after you've done all that you can to make it permanent, keep the below tip in mind:

It's Not You - It's Me...
Remember that many employers might not have the means to keep you given their budget or number of allowable employees after the holiday season ends. But don't take it personally! In that case, it's not that you weren't a good employee, it's simply that they don't have the room for an additional employee. This is by no means a reason to burn bridges and is not necessarily a jab against your skill set or abilities! Always leave seasonal opportunities on a good note because you really never know when an opportunity within the company might come up again. And if you are interested in these opportunities, communicate this to your superiors so they can contact you as opportunities become available.

As always, be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date with our resources!

Happy Holidays everyone! 

Scarlet Stark
Sr. Career Assistant
Psychology Major 

Track Your Experiences!

Now that we are a few weeks into school, I'm sure many of you have had the opportunity to attend a campus event or activity, sign up for a club, or maybe you've started volunteering already! But did you know you can track these experiences too?

Well the secret is out! You totally can track your experiences! And not just in one way, but TWO ways!

Want more details? Then keep reading!

Experience Plus is Brock's co-curricular transcript program and the first of it's kind here at Brock! Not only can you track your experiences (which include on-campus jobs, volunteer hours, awards/certificates, professional development and workshops), but you can also earn a certificate for your volunteer hours through Volunteer Plus (for more info, click here), as well as get your official transcript printed which includes ALL of the experiences you've inputted that are verified. To get started, head to my.brocku.ca/portal/ then go to the Student Self Serve menu. The tab on the left that says "Career Services" is where you would go to track your experiences (under "Student Data") and request your transcript to be printed. The transcript can be presented to employers to highlight your involvement and is also a great addition to a career portfolio!

Experience BU is Brock's student involvement portal and is the best place to find out about upcoming events and activities happening around campus and within the region as a whole. And not only does Experience BU provide you with event details and local happenings, you can also track your experiences through the Campus Wide Co-Curriculum which encompasses different facets of experiences, from Arts & Culture to Career Prep (which we can help you with!).  Click here to explore the different curricula you can complete, as well as events and activities which you can track on your Co-Curricular transcript!

Now that you are in the "know" of how to track all that you do here at Brock, why not get started! If you would like our help with anything, please stop by the Career Resource Centre and speak with one of our student staff! We are all trained on how to use both Experience Plus and Experience BU and can help you navigate these platforms successfully!

Have a great day Badgers!

Scarlet Stark
Sr. Career Assistant
Psychology Major

New CA Team Introductions 2015!

It's hard to believe that September is here already! But I must admit, I'm excited for the campus to get busy with new and returning students and staff!

Training week for the new Career Assistants and the Senior/Lead Career Assistants will be run from Monday, August 31st until Friday, September 4th. Because of this, the Career Resource Centre will be closed during this time. Please e-mail career@brocku.ca for questions or concerns during this week and we will respond as efficiently as possible!

Now it's time to introduce our new Career Assistants and re-introduce our Senior and Lead Career Assistants!

New Career Assistants
Lydia Collins
An English Language and Literature major and a cat lover, Lydia has a passion for literature and feminism and has a warm and friendly personality! But aside from this, her interest in helping other students succeed is what will make her a great addition to the team!
Sean Pereira
Sean is pursuing a BA in Accounting here at Brock and is also involved with the Brock University Accounting Students' Association! He also loves taking photos, running, and ice cream! He is a professional yet friendly individual who will excel in his position as a Career Assistant and we are happy to have him on board this year!

Andre St. George
Andre is the last new addition to the team this year! A business administration major, Andre is also a twin, loves the outdoors, and has a knack for flags (like knowing which flag belongs to which country)! He will make a great Career Assistant this year and we are excited to have him!

Senior Career Assistants
Tyler Harris
The musician of the team, Tyler has had a busy summer of bag-piping, travelling, and riding on segways! A psychology major (who will also be the president of the Psychology Society this year!), Tyler has an amazing sense of humor and a huge amount of wit. Tyler's approach to helping students is casual yet extremely informative with a dash of humor! We can't wait to have him back and missed him a ton this summer!

Kaitlyn Daw
Trying to briefly describe Kaitlyn is difficult; she truly is a woman of many talents! Not only is she working as a Sr. Career Assistant this year, she is also working with Mentorship Plus, is the president of the English Students Association, an avid photographer, a website creator, a mentor... and the list goes on (and on and on)! Her approach to helping students is inspiring and it's truly an honor to work with her again this year! Can't wait to see you in action again Kaitlyn!

Sarah Mitchinson
Another psychology major (there's a lot of us!!) & cat lover, Sarah is always smiling and she truly lights up the Career Resource Centre when she is here! I've had the pleasure of both working and taking classes with Sarah and can honestly say she is one of the most down to earth people I've ever met, something which stands out when she's helping students with resumes or job searching! Get back here already Sarah! We miss you!

Lead Career Assistants
Mike Pratas
A Political Sciences major with a love for country music and a habit of losing his student card (and finding it months later!!), Mike is great at advising students and did an excellent job of showing us Senior's the ropes last year. After spending the summer working at a camp in his hometown, we are all super excited for Mike to return back to Career Services in a lead role! Can't wait to see you Mike!

Alysha Kooter
A vegan and animal lover, Alysha is a warm and understanding individual with a flair for graphic design, the arts, as well as a natural when it comes to baking delicious desserts (that are also healthy!!). Alysha has been, and will continue to be, a great mentor and leader, and I know she will do extremely well in her role as a Lead Career Assistant this year. You rock Alysha!

Anthony Mancuso
A Sport Management major and the Sr. who made Bubble Soccer happen last year (which was AMAZING!!), Anthony is always making sure everyone is having a good time while also offering his support. He did a fantastic job last year with training myself and the other CA's and we are super excited that he is now in a Lead role this year; he will be a natural at it! We can't wait to have you back!

Thanks for reading about our amazing team! Come visit us in the Learning Commons between 9 - 4:30 starting Tuesday, September 8th! We can't wait to assist you with your career related needs and look forward to another successful school year! 

Scarlet Stark
Psychology Major
Sr. Career Assistant

Faculty Focus: Goodman School of Business

The Goodman School of Business here at Brock is extremely popular and includes many different programs. To explore them all, check out the 2015-2016 Goodman Degree Guide by clicking here! Even though Goodman students have exclusive access to their own Career Development Centre, Goodman students are also able to utilize the Career Resource Centre as well! Here is a breakdown of all that we have to offer Goodman students:

                                      Resources in the Centre/Online
Programs

• Cafe Connect (for more details, click here)
• Mentorship Plus (for more details, click here)
• Experience Plus (for more details, click here)
• Experience BU (for more details, click here)

Books (ALL books are located in the centre)

• Careers in Business
• Great Jobs for Business Majors
• The Best 295 Business Schools
  

Resources

• Degree Exploration Guides (to see yours, click here)
• Business Resume Samples Binder
• Goodman Career Binder 
• Post-Grad Studies Binder
• Brock Plus Programs Binder
• Go Abroad Binder
• Considering Grad School Handout
• Master of Business Administration Information Guide
• Career Edge Handout
• Entrance Exam/GPA Conversion Handout
• Grad Studies Overseas Binder

Don't forget to come visit us in the Learning Commons for any career related questions, inquiries, concerns, or to explore the resources listed! And remember, if you can't make it to the centre, head to our Online Resource Centre via Careerzone for online access to many of our resources!

Scarlet Stark
Psychology Major
Career Assistant 

Faculty Focus: Mathematics & Sciences

This weeks faculty focus is geared towards students in the math and sciences programs here at Brock. This faculty encompasses a wide variety of programs including: biology, chemistry, computer sciences, earth sciences, environmental geosciences, mathematics, neuroscience, oenology & viticulture and physics. The Career Resource Centre has many specific resources for students in these programs. Let's explore them further!

                                       Resources in the Centre/Online

Programs

• Cafe Connect (for more details, click here)
• Mentorship Plus (for more details, click here)
• Experience Plus (for more details, click here)
• Experience BU (for more details, click here)

Books (ALL books are located in the centre)

• Careers in High Technology
• Careers in the Sciences
• Scientific Research as a Career
• Great Jobs for Chemistry Majors
• Opportunities in Biotechnology
• Academic Job Search Handbook

Resources

• Degree Exploration Guides (to see yours, click here)
• Faculty of Mathematics and Sciences Resume Sample Binder
• Post-Grad Studies Binder
• Brock Plus Programs Binder
• Go Abroad Binder
• Considering Grad School Handout
• KOM Consultants Binders
• Biomedical Sciences Portfolio Sample

Don't forget to come visit us in the Career Resource Centre for any questions, concerns, or inquiries you may have about finding work, volunteer, or other opportunities in your field! And remember, if you can't make it in to the centre, head to Careerzone and access our Online Resource Centre from home!

Scarlet Stark
Career Assistant
Psychology Major 

Faculty Focus: Social Sciences

The Faculty of Social Sciences here at Brock encompasses many different individual programs which include child and youth studies, communication, economics, film, geography, labour studies, policing and criminal justice, political science, popular culture, psychology, social justice and equity studies, sociology, tourism and environment and women's and gender studies. There are many different directions one can go with these programs, which is great! Here are some resources to explore your options:

                                         Resources in the Centre/Online

Programs

• Cafe Connect (for more details, click here)
• Mentorship Plus (for more details, click here)
• Experience Plus (for more details, click here)
• Experience BU (for more details, click here)

Books (ALL books are located in the centre)

• So You Want To Be A Lawyer, Eh?
• Careers in Childcare
• Careers in Communication
• Careers in Social and Rehabilitation Sciences
• Careers in Travel, Tourism, and Hospitality
• Great Jobs for Criminal Justice Majors
• Great Jobs for Environmental Studies Majors
• Careers for Environmental Types and Others Who Respect The Earth
• Great Jobs for Political Science Majors
• Great Jobs for Sociology Majors
• Opportunities in Childcare
• Opportunities in Forensic Sciences
• Opportunities in Psychology 

Resources

• Degree Exploration Guides (to see yours, click here)
• Faculty of Social Sciences Resume Sample Binder
• Government Jobs and Uniformed Services Binder
• Post Grad Studies Binder
• Brock Plus Programs Binder
• Go Abroad Binder
• Considering Grad School/Social Work/Law School Handouts
• KOM Consultants Binders
• Sociology Portfolio Sample

Don't forget to come visit us in the Career Resource Centre for any questions, concerns, or inquiries you may have about finding work, volunteer, or other opportunities in your field! And remember, if you can't make it into the centre, head to Careerzone and access our Online Resource Centre right from your couch! How awesome is that!

Scarlet Stark
Psychology Major
Brock University

Schedule, Plan, Prioritize: The Student Juggling Act!

School can be a challenge all on it's own. From papers, to readings, to lectures, to tests - there is no shortage of things to do! But most of us have prior obligations on top of our school duties that we have to take care of too. Whether it be working, volunteering, making time for family and friends, or even making time for ourselves, going to school and juggling life's other duties can be extremely difficult. Why is this? Because there are only so many hours in a day! So how can we juggle it all? By following these simple steps:

Schedule

Making time for everything is only possible if you schedule. Scheduling means you are allotting time to get a task done. Whether it's an essay, a shift at work, or a night out with friends, scheduling will allow you to do it all! How? Because you'll know what you need to do, when you need to do it, and how much time you realistically have to get it done. A great way to avoid not 'biting off more than you can chew' is by simply scheduling! Most phones have a scheduler and even the option to be alerted when you need to do something - what a life saver!

Plan
Planning ahead can also alleviate the stress of juggling life, school, work, and other obligations by allowing yourself time to prepare what you need to in order to get the task done! Maybe you need to visit the library before you start that paper; or maybe before your friends birthday bash, you need to prepare a cake and pick up a gift - whatever the task or tasks may be, making a plan of attack allows you to break down what you need to do into steps in order to reach your goal. Planning and scheduling go hand in hand; scheduling allows you to set aside time whereas planning allows you to decide how you will allocate that time you set aside.

Prioritize
Imagine you had a list of things to get done, but no timeline or end goal for each task. How would you decide what to get done first? It would be difficult, wouldn't it! Prioritizing what's important will help you get tasks completed that need to be, allowing you ample time for those tasks with open ended completion dates. That paper may be due next week, but that night out with your room mates has no due date! So why not get all that writing out of the way so you can enjoy a night out with friends afterwards? Even though prioritizing sometimes means putting off fun for responsibilities, it allows you to get your main priorities in check which will not only make you feel good, but will make that fun night out even funner!

It's as simple as 1-2-3! And remember, we at Career Services at Brock are here to support students while they juggle everything. If you need to find work or volunteer opportunities, need help deciding on a career path, or even just want to discuss your different career options, schedule some time to come visit us. We can help you make a career plan and prioritize what steps to take in order to reach your goals! Thanks for reading!

Scarlet Stark
Psychology Major
Brock University

Faculty Focus: Humanities

The Faculty of Humanities here at Brock encompasses a vast array of programs which includes Applied Linguistics, Canadian Studies, Classical Studies, Dramatic Arts, English Language and Literature, History of Art and Visual Culture, History, Interactive Arts and Sciences, Intercultural Studies, Liberal Arts, Medieval and Renaissance Studies, Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures, Music, Philosophy, Studies in Art and Culture, and Studio Art. As you can probably imagine, the career options for Humanities students are endless! Here are some resources that can help you explore your many options:

Resources in the Centre/Online

Programs

• Cafe Connect (for more details, click here)
• Mentorship Plus (for more details, click here)
• Music Ed Plus (for more details, click here)
• Experience Plus (for more details, click here)
• Experience BU (for more details, click here)

Books (ALL books are located in the centre)

• The Successful Artists Career Guide
• 101 Careers in the Music Business
• The Music Industry Handbook
• Great Jobs for Theatre Majors
• Great Jobs for Foreign Language Majors
• Great Jobs for History Majors
• Great Jobs for Liberal Arts Majors
• Opportunities in Cartooning & Animation
• Opportunities in Foreign Languages
• Opportunities in Interior Design/Decorating
• Opportunities in Museums
• Opportunities in Visual Art 

Resources

• Degree Exploration Guides (to see yours, click here)
• Faculty of Humanities Resume Sample Binder
• Classics Portfolio Sample
• Dramatic Arts & Theatre Binder
• Careers in Video Games Binder
• Post-Grad Studies Binder
• Brock Plus Programs Binder

With all these great resources, why not begin exploring your career options! Also, don't forget to come visit us in the Career Resource Centre for any questions, concerns, or inquiries you may have about finding work, volunteer, or other opportunities in your field!


Scarlet Stark
Psychology Major
Brock University 

Is Grad School Right For You?

So you finished your undergraduate and are wondering what's next. Perhaps you are considering working full-time or going abroad for awhile; or perhaps you are considering whether or not graduate school is right for you. This is a big choice to make because there are many factors and quite a bit of preparation to consider which can impact your final decision to go to graduate school. Here are some things to think about:

Factors & Preparation

• How will you pay for graduate school? (grants, becoming a teaching assistant or marker)
• Where will you go to graduate school? (location, reputation, services, campus)
• What type of graduate program will you choose? (requirements, averages, research interests)
• Is your GPA high enough for the school you would like to go to? (each school is specific! make sure to research this information by individual institution)
• Do your research interests match the topics of the program? (is it suitable based on your interests? are there potential research supervisors you would like to work with?) 
• Have you developed a CV or statement of intent? (do your documents outline all of your scholarly work? do they outline your research/professional interests? how you will contribute to the program/institution through your research/program?)
• Are your references prepared? (reach out to professors who can speak of your academic abilities and who can shed light on how you would be successful in the graduate program; you usually need 2-4 letters of reference!)
• Do you need to write an admissions test? (find out which test is necessary and look into study materials, test dates/times, deadlines for submitting scores)

As I'm sure you've gathered, there is a lot that goes into applying to graduate school which is why it's important to consider whether it will be the right decision for you. Need help making this decision or preparing your application? Come by Career Services! 

How We Can Help

• We can review your letter of intent or CV prior to applying to graduate school and provide helpful templates and examples to facilitate improvement
• We can assist with researching post-graduate programs, school specific requirements, and different career options 
• We can provide you with entrance exam and admission test information and practice books as well as GPA information
• We can help you figure out if graduate school is necessary based on your future career goals

Can't make it in to see us?  Check out "Your Future: A Guide for Potential Graduate Students" or visit our Online Resource Centre and head to the "Further Education" tab to explore options and find out more information about taking that next step!  

Scarlet Stark
Career Assistant
Psychology Major

Faculty Focus: Education

The Faculty of Education here at Brock encompasses the Education, Early Childhood Education, Adult Education, and Concurrent programs. As many readers will know, getting a job in the field of education can be very competitive. But not to worry! These specific resources can help you to get your foot in the door:

Resources in the Centre/on Careerzone

Programs

• Cafe Connect Program (for more details, click here)
• Mentorship Plus Program(for more details, click here)

Books (ALL books are located in the centre)

• 101 Alternatives for Teachers
• The Inside Track: Getting Hired to Teach in a Canadian School

Resources

• Teachers College & Teacher Resume Samples Binder
• Career Paths for Teachers Binder
• KOM Consultants Binder
• Faculty of Education Resume Sample Binder
• Considering Teacher Education Handout
• Teacher Cover Letter & Resume Guidelines
• Teacher Accomplishment Statement Chart
• Skill Words for a Teaching Resume Handout
• Board of Education Cover Letter Template
• Personal Teaching Philosophy (Templates & Sample)
• Applying to DSBN/Niagara Catholic/Halton District/Peel District/Hamilton-Wentworth Boards
• Degree Exploration Guides (to see yours, click here)

Additionally, our Online Resource Centre through Careerzone contains a whole section dedicated to teachers and teacher candidates. Log-in to peruse through them today & be sure to also come visit us in the centre to check out these great resources in order to help you enter the field of education!

Scarlet Stark
Career Assistant
Psychology Major

Twitter & Facebook for Job Searching

For many, social media is just a means to keep in touch with friends and family and a way to share photos, jokes, and memories. But for others, social media is also a way to find employment opportunities. From Twitter to Facebook, using social media to job search is not only quick and easy, but it also allows you to tap into the hidden job market to find the opportunities that others don't know about who aren't using social media in this way.

The key factor to utilizing social media to job search is to make the right connections. So, as an example, if you are a psychology major like myself, liking or following the American Psychological Association (APA) could lead to knowing about job opportunities within that association. This goes for almost every area of interest or expertise; there will always be an association you can like or follow in order to stay in the loop with upcoming or current opportunities. Our Degree Exploration Guides are a great resource to help you figure out who to follow within your field. 

There are also more general ways to seek out employment opportunities using social media. Many job search companies and organizations have created pages on social media and post employment opportunities constantly. Here are a few companies and organizations to like and/or follow to help get you started:


Brock Career Services
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brockcareerserv
Twitter: @BrockCareerServ

Indeed
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Indeed?fref=ts
Twitter: @Indeed

Job Bank
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Job-Bank/22724568071?fref=ts
Twitter: @JobBank_GC

Monster
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Monsterca?fref=ts
Twitter: @Monster

Workopolis
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/workopolis?fref=ts
Twitter: @Workopolis

Glassdoor
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Glassdoor?fref=ts
Twitter: @Glassdoor

Before you know it, your news feed will be full of job opportunities! Just remember that if you utilize social media for job searching, you'll want to make sure that all the content available about yourself is professional. Read last weeks blog for some tips on how to clean up your social media in order to make a good first impression! Thanks for reading!

Scarlet Stark
Career Assistant
Psychology Major

Faculty Focus: Applied Health Sciences

Starting now until Mid August, each faculty here at Brock will be blogged about in order for students to gain insight into the different resources, services, and programs we offer here at Career Services for all the different faculties within Brock.

Our first faculty of focus will be Applied Health Sciences, a diverse faculty ranging from Child Health programs to Sports Management. Even though this faculty includes a wide range of programs, we offer resources to suit all students within this faculty! Here is a breakdown of resources geared towards Applied Health Sciences students:

Resources in the Centre/on Careerzone

Programs

• Med Plus Program (to find out details about this program, click here)

Books (ALL books are located in the centre)

• Opportunities in Health & Medical Careers
• Opportunities in Hospital Administration
• Opportunities in Medical Imaging
• Opportunities in Laser Technology
• Opportunities in Sport & Fitness
• Top 100 Healthcare Careers
• MCAT Prep Book

Resources

• Degree Exploration Guides for each major within the Applied Health Sciences faculty (ie. Child Health, Community Health, Medical Sciences, Nursing, Physical Education & Kinesiology, Public Health, Recreation & Leisure Studies, and Sports Management which can be accessed online by clicking here or come into the centre)
• Faculty Specific Resume Samples (in the centre or Online Resource Centre; to access online, click here)
• Portfolio Samples for Sports Management and Kinesiology (in the centre ONLY)
• Considering Medical School Resource (in the centre or Online Resource Centre; to access online, click here)
• Entrance Exam & GPA Conversion Resources (in the centre or Online Resource Centre; to access online, click here)
• Careers in Healthcare Resource (in the centre or Online Resource Centre; to access online, click here)

So there you have it! Be sure to check out all of these helpful resources and come visit us in the centre soon for all career related questions, concerns, and assistance! Have a great weekend!

Scarlet Stark
Career Assistant
Psychology Major

Cleaning Up Your Online Image

Social media has not only changed the way in which we communicate with one another, it has also changed the way in which we look for job opportunities. With more and more employers utilizing platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Linkedin, job hunting on these platforms has become easier then ever before. But one more thing has also become easier too: screening applicants! Employers and recruiters often check you out 
the same way you are checking them out. This is why it is important to clean up your social media and/or online image. If right now you're saying "Me? I would never post anything inappropriate for a potential employer to see!", try a simple Google search of you're full name. If anything comes up which you wish hadn't, the content that relates to you on the web, especially via social media, may need a cleaning more so than you initially thought. Here is an easy three step method to cleaning up your on-line image:

Delete Existing Negative Content
Sometimes, this step is easier said than done. If someone else has posted something damaging about you or of you, it may require reaching out to them in order for the content to be removed. But remember: even if your Twitter, Facebook, or Linkedin profile is riddled with inappropriate unprofessional content, there is always the option to delete the account entirely and start from scratch. Although this means you are losing contacts, it may be the best way to re-brand yourself entirely, as well as help you to make wiser decisions about who you decide to network with in the future.

Create New Content
Once all that negative content is gone, start filling up you're social media and professional profiles with positive content. Whether it be work related, school related, or even nice weather related, maintaining positive content is key in order to successfully re-brand yourself and in order to squash all that preexisting negative content. As already mentioned, you may need to start you're Twitter, Facebook, or Linkedin profile from scratch; but no worries! Re-branding yourself takes time but will be worth it in the end when recruiters start to call and e-mail you with job opportunities!

Ensure Consistent Maintenance 
Now that you have re-established yourself online, be consistent and try and maintain you're newly created online image! Ensure that all you're online content is in line with both personal and career related goals and also follow, friend, or link with fellow professionals in your field or sector. Another great tip is to utilize advanced settings and filters so you can control what others can post about you as well as control who can see you're content and who can post content linked to you're name or profile.

So now that you've got a squeaky clean online presence, you can now confidently share you're Linkedin URL under "Contact Info" on a resume or add that Twitter handle to you're business card knowing that you're image online is a positive reflection of what you have to offer employers and recruiters. If you'd like more tips, check out "Find a Job Through Social Networking: Use Linkedin, Twitter, Facebook, Blogs, and More to Advance Your Career" by Diane Crompton and Ellen Sautter, a book you can find here at the Resource Centre! Thanks for reading!

Scarlet Stark
Career Assistant
Psychology Major

Consistency & The Personal Brand

Personal branding is now easier than ever, with most people already having a personal brand, even if they haven't actively identified it yet. Think of your personal brand as your "image", or the way in which others see you and what you have to offer. Outlets like social media help people promote this image, but often times, inconsistency can occur between the image you are portraying online or on the job, and who you actually are as a person. With that being said, here are three reasons why consistency is beneficial while you are identifying and shaping your own personal brand:

Confidence
If you are consistent with your personal brand, you will most likely experience a new found sense of confidence. But why? Because evaluating your strengths and positive characteristics helps you realize what exactly you have to offer, which naturally makes you feel good. In doing so, you also realize what you don't have to offer, which isn't necessarily a bad thing or a confidence crusher. It simply means you can now live in accordance with your strengths and build your personal brand to focus on what you can do, rather than what you can't.

Credibility
Consistency leads to credibility. If you are good at something and do a good job every time, others will notice. Personal branding and credibility both go hand in hand, but never forget that consistency is also key. If 4/10 jobs aren't done correctly, people will notice. If 10/10 jobs are done correctly, people will also notice. People want to know they can trust your work, so delivering your best every time will not only help you shape your own personal brand, but will also help you remain consistent with your strengths, all the while creating a positive reputation of yourself to your audience and peers.

Differentiation 
What makes you different from everyone else? This question is difficult to answer without a consistent personal brand. If you have no idea what makes you unique as far as strengths and skills, you can easily get lost in the crowd. The best way to remain consistent with your personal brand while standing out from the crowd is to identify what your audience wants and needs from you (and deliver!), and understand what sets you apart from the competition.

If you'd like to explore more on personal branding, check out "Personal Branding for Dummies" by Susan Chritton which actually inspired this blog post. We have a copy of her amazing book here at the Career Resource Centre so pop by to get more tips and information on how to identify and work on your own personal brand! If you can't come to the centre but want to read more, check out our other blog on personal branding here. Thanks for reading!

Scarlet Stark
Career Assistant
Psychology Major

Using Linkedin for Career Success!

It's one thing to simply have a Linkedin profile, but it's quite another thing to utilize this platform to maximize the amount & caliber of job opportunities that come your way. This is a rather simple thing to do that involves utilizing the job search function, working within your network, and joining or following groups, organizations, and companies you wish to work for!

The job search function on Linkedin is a great starting point to begin using Linkedin for career success. Using Linkedin, you can search by job title, keyword, company name, and company location. You can even save jobs to apply to later, save your searches, and look at past applications! In this sense, Linkedin helps you organize and plan your job search, making it super easy to hunt and apply for the perfect position.

You can even discover jobs within your network without even searching, allowing you to leverage your connections! At the bottom of the "Jobs" page on Linkedin, you'll find jobs coming from within your network, meaning you can easily reach out to your connections for details about the job or find out information regarding hiring and interviews for that particular company. This is a great way to use those already made connections to your advantage while you are job searching.

But beyond just utilizing the "Jobs" tab on Linkedin and working within your already established network, there are also other ways to find the position of your dreams and achieve career success. Joining groups or following companies or individuals which relate directly to your skills and career goals is another way to search for employment. By joining these groups and following these companies, you will be notified when positions become available without even searching! You can also begin making connections with other professionals within these groups and companies in order to expand your network and learn more about the industry you wish to work for.

Another great way to expand your network is to follow professional associations and related to your field. For example, I follow the American Psychological Association (I'm a psychology major!), which allows me to learn more about professions in psychology while also allowing me to join discussions and network with well established professionals. Check out our Degree Exploration Guides to find the associations that relate to your major!

With platforms like Linkedin becoming more and more popular, it's clear to see that we've come a long way from the traditional format of physically handing in resumes to employers which has truly made the duties of the job seeker much more simple and streamlined. So what are you waiting for? Job hunt the easy way by utilizing Linkedin for career success!

Scarlet Stark
Career Assistant
Psychology Major

Smart Start 2015!

Looking back and reflecting on my first year here at Brock University, the first word that comes to my mind is "chaotic". I had a hard time navigating my way around campus, had little knowledge of the resources available to me, and did not get involved in any on-campus activities. Now I am in my third year at Brock and I am not only an extremely active member on campus, but I am also well versed on all that Brock has to offer me as a student! But instead of being like myself in first year, why not start university on the right foot? Luckily, there is a way for new Brock students to start university with an arsenal of knowledge on how to become an active member of the Brock community!

Smart Start is a program implemented by Brock University to help make the transition to university seamless for first year and mature students. Aside from getting the grand tour of Brock facilities and faculties, new students will also get the opportunity to visit the Career Resource Centre and our expo table to begin thinking about career options and exploring different degrees and skills, and to find out about all the great involvement opportunities that Brock has to offer, like the Mentorship Plus Program!

Whether it be tips or advice on getting an on-campus job or exploring the different career options based on faculty and program, we at Career Services are all about providing the resources students need so they can reach their career goals and their fullest potential during their time here at Brock.

In order to keep up with all that we have going on at Career Services, my best advice for incoming students is to follow us on social media. Upcoming events, new resources, professional development, employment opportunities, as well as tips and tricks on everything from interviews to social media for job searching are posted regularly on our Facebook and Twitter pages! Click HERE for our Twitter page and HERE for our Facebook page and get in the loop today! See you at Smart Start!

Scarlet Stark
Career Assistant
Psychology Major

Linkedin for Students

If your a student and do not already have a Linkedin profile of your own, follow these 5 easy steps and you'll be on your way to utilizing one of the best social media platforms for job searching and professional networking!

1. Choose Your Picture (Wisely!)
It doesn't have to entail booking a professional photo shoot, but there are a few things you'll want to keep in mind. If you are making "the duck face", are with a large group of people, or are engaging in non-work related behavior in the photo (chugging a beer with friends or crowd surfing at a concert), it might not be the wisest choice for your Linkedin photo. Remember, Linkedin is for you to connect to professionals & employers and is really about making a good first impression. So make that impression count and keep your photo as professional as possible.

2. Make Your Headline
Your headline is one of the first things others actually read on your profile before they get to the other content. Highlight what you are currently doing and what you are looking for. For example, "Student at Brock University" isn't eye catching and is rather vague. A headline like "Marketing BA Candidate at Brock University Seeking Internship Opportunities in Business Promotions" is specific and informative.
                

3. Write Your Summary
As the section title suggests, summarize what you are currently doing and mention your goals and future plans as well as any other skills or interests related to this. Make sure your content is concise yet professional! And if you'd like, mention opportunities you are looking for! This will help your audience figure out your overall objective professionally and may lead to connections which can aid you in reaching your goals.

4. Add Your Experiences
This includes: work experiences, volunteer experiences, professional development, certifications, diplomas/degrees and awards (to name a few). Obviously, you may not have content for every category, but that's perfectly alright! Just like with a resume, you don't need to have an experience for every section. However, adding your experiences may highlight areas you could be working on or areas in need of improvement. For example, if you have no volunteer experience, perhaps it's time to explore some volunteer opportunities so you can implement that section into your profile.

5. Customization
Adding work samples, photographic examples and content, creating a personalized URL, and adding specific keywords to your "Skills" section are all ways you can customize your profile and set it apart from the rest! Linkedin is constantly updating the ways in which you can customize your content, so keep in mind that customizing your profile will be an ongoing work in progress, much like a resume!

So there you have it! A simple guide to creating the perfect student Linkedin profile! And don't forget, we offer free drop-in Linkedin Profile Reviews here at the Career Resource Centre at Brock. Using our newly developed criteria checklist, we can go through your profile and ensure that the content is the best it can be. Additionally, we offer handouts on building your student profile and are more than happy to aid in any way possible! So what are you waiting for? Get Linkedin today!

Scarlet Stark
Career Assistant
Psychology Major 

6 Things ALL New Grads Should Know

To end this month long theme of graduation related blog posts and information, here are 6 things ALL new graduates should know:

1. Know Your Network
So you have a network of 500 + people on your Linkedin; but how many do you make an effort to keep in touch with or catch up with professionally speaking? Make sure you know your network and everyone in it. By this I mean making meaningful connections that can open up opportunities for both parties! Even if your network is small, make the effort to maintain contact. Also, keep in touch with your graduating class and professors; these connections are great to maintain, especially if the thought of doing graduate school has ever crossed your mind!

2. Know Your Skills
Identifying the key skills you gained through your education, work, and volunteer experiences is imperative to finding work that correlates to your expertise. If your skilled at writing and have extensive experience writing blogs and articles, you can narrow down fields to work in by looking for those skills in job postings. This will help you to be on your way to utilizing what you know professionally to land the perfect entry level position! Our Degree Exploration Guides can help with identifying degree specific skills so be sure to check them out!

3. Know Your Transferable Skills
We've all had that job where we said to ourselves "What am I learning from this experience?". Often times, it's occupations in the service industry like serving coffee at your local Tim Horton's or waiting tables at Boston Pizza. However, never forget the transferable skills being gained through these types of positions. Not only are skills like teamwork and customer service being gained, but also other valuable skills like time-management and organization. So if the job of your dreams isn't available right now, never turn down other opportunities! Where there is work, there are transferable skills to be gained!


4. Know Your Goals
And when I say goals I mean both short term and long term! The job of your dreams may not be hiring right now, but that doesn't mean you should put your life on hold. If something is in the way of a long-term goal, work on your short-term goals, and vise versa. And never stop setting goals for yourself! It's truly the difference between those who find themselves stuck in a "rut" and those who progress! For some extra goal-setting tips, check out another great blog post here. 

5. Know Yourself

It's the classic scenario: you are in an interview and they ask you to "Describe yourself in 5 words" or "Tell us your biggest strength or biggest weakness". Even though we spend all day with ourselves, these questions are sometimes the most difficult to answer. This is why knowing yourself inside and out is beneficial! Write down some strengths and weaknesses or words you feel encompass your own personal brand in order to get to know yourself better. This will not only help with goal-setting and networking, but will also make interviews not only easier, but much more successful! 

6. Know Your Resources
If you need help, it's important to know where to get it. For example, as Brock Alumni, new graduates will have access to extensive career resources both in the Career Resource Centre here at Brock and on-line through Careerzone and the Online Resource Centre. From career document reviews, to workshops, to job search help and interview practice, and even graduate school information, we've got you covered on all fronts! Be sure to check out Grad LINK via Linkedin and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter too! Utilize the resources you have available to you to succeed!

Again, a big congratulations to ALL graduates! Hopefully these must-knows will help you not only get to know yourself better, but also make the transition from university to work seamless & successful!

Scarlet Stark
Career Assistant
Psychology Major