Summer Jobs

S: Start Early

U: Umm isn’t an option, start your engines... literally, there are so many job search engines for your viewing

M: Meet with people that help you become the best version of yourself! Like career services (shameless promotion)

M: Make use of your free time at the beginning of the semester and search!

E: Everyone wants to start late. But most of the jobs are posted early. Make sense? Not even a little, but that the reality!

R: Rule the world! When you start now, you can be picky over what jobs to apply for! There may be a job that is perfect for you! You won’t get this luxury later in the year.

J: Journal the progress of your job hunting so you can keep track of your progress

O: OH MY GOODNESS HELP! These moments is natural, trust me, I have them on the daily. That’s why there are resources like our Career Resource Centre along with other amazing facilities like the YMCA that is there for you. So don’t be afraid to reach out!

B: Boost up your resume and supporting documents all the time. This can be done by tailoring your documents through each job individually. We have some great tips readily available for you!

S: Stay positive! Control what you can, and let go of the things you can’t.

This was our fun way at saying, you have to start early! It’s amazing how early jobs are posted, so begin your summer process as soon as you can. Now, let’s chat with just the two of us on this. I really want you to get the position of your dreams. But what would that look like? Just imagine it… Seriously, take a few moments and just reflect, I’ll wait right here.

Welcome back. So think about the steps you need to do in order to achieve that dream goal. I can guarantee that people are going to need relevant experience and that is the beauty of having a summer job!

Happy searching, and all of the very best in your applications! 

Tyler Harris & Anthony Mancuso

Career Assistant's

How to Impress at a Job Fair

Sometimes it can be hard to juggle going to school with having a part-time job; however, in the long run it can help you to gain valuable experience while also helping to pay off student expenses! The Pen Centre in St. Catharines is holding a Shop for Jobs event on September 29, 2015 from 12:00pm to 6:00pm. This is a great opportunity for Brock University and Niagara College students to find a part-time job. Here are some suggestions to make the most of your job fair experience for this specific opportunity and also any other job fairs you attend in the future:
1. Research the participating stores - This would be beneficial because it will help you to see what stores you need to be tailoring your resume and cover letters to and to also find out information about the employers.
2. Create a resume and cover letter for each of the stores or positions you would like to apply to- Bringing resume's and cover letters will show the employer that you are prepared and have put thought into working for them. It is also an awesome way to showcase your talents!
3. Dress professionally- Make sure you dress to impress the employers you are applying to. Typically you should accommodate your style with the stores style, however, remember that just because a store may sell a specific item such as jeans does not mean you should wear them for an interview.
4. Bring pens, notebooks and planners- Be prepared for on the spot interviews and the opportunity to take notes to show the employer you are really interested in the position. It is also important to have a planner so that you can schedule a future interview and not have to reschedule if you see you are busy.
5. Ask Questions- Asking questions shows the employer that you are interested in the position. Some possible questions you can ask the representative include:What qualities are you looking for in your new hires? Would the work hours be flexible with my school schedule?
6. Finally, have fun! This is an opportunity for you to gain experience in networking and interviewing. It is important that you have a good experience so that you feel confident for future opportunities like this.

For the Shop for Jobs event specifically, you can look for some of these employers to be participating: Arie, Dynamite, Garage, EB Games, Old Navy, Sears, Winners, Hudson's Bay and many more.. Also, follow the event on Twitter #ShopForJobsFair14.

Come into the Career Resource Centre to pick up the resource labelled 11 Tips for Success at Shop for Jobs and also for a free resume and cover letter review!

Sarah Mitchinson, Senior Career Assistant

Upcoming Career Events!

To mark the beginning of 2014-2015, Career Services has lots of opportunities for students to find employment and to get involved in volunteering around Niagara! Two major events that are coming up are the VolunteerFEST held at Brock University, and also the Shop For Jobs Fair held at the Pen Centre shopping mall.

Whether you want to make some extra money while at school or if you just want to volunteer for a little while, these events could help you find what you are searching for! Participating in experiences such as volunteering or employment not only add to your resume but also help you become a well rounded person that knows how to manage their time efficiently.

VolunteerFEST is an event for all students looking for opportunities to get involved in the community. This event is partnered with Student Life and Community Engagement at Brock, along with the Brock University Student Union. With a great number of companies and programs attending the event, you are bound to find something that interests you! VolunteerFEST will be held on Thursday September 11th from 10am-2pm in the Guernsey Marketplace. If you are looking to add some experience to your resume, come check it out!

Shop for Jobs Fair is an event held at the Pen Centre shopping mall for students looking for employment close to Brock University. Although it is not on campus, the Pen Centre is a short drive or bus ride from Brock. Stores all around the mall will set up tables on September 16th from 12pm-6pm for students to approach and drop their resumes off to. You should be prepared to have an interview right on the spot so make sure you dress interview-appropriate and have lots of resumes with you! Also, make sure you bring a reference list to hand to the employer after the interview.

Coming Soon: Shop for Jobs Fair!

Mark Your Calendars!

  The 2013 Shop for Jobs Fair will take place on 

Tuesday, September 17th from 12PM - 6PM!

Shop for Jobs Event, 2010 (Image from The Brock News, 2011)

Brock University and Niagara College welcome their current students to the annual Shop for Jobs Fair at The Pen Centre in St. Catharines! Only a quick shuttle bus away from Brock's main campus, this popular shopping destination for Niagara residents is filled with a variety of stores that are looking to hire students for part-time positions during the school year!

Stores participating in the Shop for Jobs Fair this year include:

Clothing Stores:

Aeropostale
Aldo
American Eagle
The Bay
Buffalo David Bitton
Bootlegger
Danier
Garage Clothing
Jean Machine
Journey's
La vie en Rose
Le Chateau Ladies
Mexx
Ricki's
RW & CO.
Sears
Spring Shoes
Stiches
Suzy Shier

Electronics and Entertainment Stores:

Best Buy Mobile
HMV
Telus

Miscellaneous Stores:

Bath & Body Works
Green Earth
Zehrs
NJN Jewelers
Things Remembered
Michael Hill Jewelers
Pen Centre Guest Services
Stitch It

Visit the Pen Centre on September 17th between 12PM and 6PM with your resume, professional attire, and a sparkling personality for the opportunity of receiving on the spot interviews from all of the store listed above! For more information on preparing for the Shops for Jobs Fair feel free to stop by the Career Services office to talk to one of our incredible Career Assistants and to grab a copy of our "10 Tips for Success: Shop for Jobs" handout.

See you soon!

Ashley Paolozzi, Lead Career Assistant
4th Year History of Art (Honours)
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For other opportunities working at the Pen Centre be sure to check the Job Opportunities section of there website which can be found here.

Shop For Jobs 2011

The day has finally arrived! It's time to Shop for Jobs!

Retail employers are looking to hire students for the academic term. Visit us at the Shop for Jobs booth at the Pen Centre entrance infront of Green Earth and Coles to enter for a chance to win a $100 certificate to the mall and ask questions to make your pre-interview butterflies go away.

Keep in mind employers are probably hiring students to cover shifts throughout the holidays as well! Boxing Day is a busy time at the Pen.

Good Luck today!

- Sam

Nick, Sam and Rachel at the Shop for Jobs booth

What is Shop for Jobs?

School is officially underway! Yay! Starting a new term is always so exciting. When I was a student here at Brock, there was nothing that got me into the school spirit than coming to campus, meeting up with friends, lining up for hours to get my bus pass and buying super expensive textbooks.

Talking about expensive textbooks, many students struggle with their finances while at university. A great way to lift some of the burden is to get a part time job while completing your studies. To help students find work, Career Services is once again holding its annual Shop For Jobs event at The Pen Centre in St. Catharines.

If you are looking for a job in food services, retail or customer service, this event is for you. We have over 15 stores at The Pen Centre who are setting up tables outside of their stores on Tuesday September 13^th from 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., eager to interview Brock students for available positions. All you have to do is visit the information table where Sam and I will check you in, bring your resume and any questions you may have, wear your business casual clothes and go wow some employers!

We strongly encourage you to visit the Resource Centre this week to get your resume reviewed by a Career Assistant before attending the event. We want all attendees to be successful in finding work and this is just one way to ensure that employers take you seriously. Another would be practising your interview skills on Interview Stream so no questions leaves you stumped. Quick tips and a cool Prezi about the event can be found on the Career Services website.

Good luck everyone!

- Rachel

OWeek at Brock

Welcome to Brock University! Get used to calling this campus home because trust me, you’ll be here as long as you’re not sleeping (and sometimes even then!). O-Week is prime time for you to venture the campus, meet your roommates, find your classes and get free stuff!

If you’ve already been at Brock for a while, welcome back! It’s our duty to pass on our words of wisdom to freshmen regarding Frosh week. BUSU plans a jam-packed schedule every year to get students acquainted with Brock. The first day (today) starts up with the Vendor Fair. This is where you can scope out tons of Brock clubs and services and fill your bag with stuff! Visit our booth for a chance to win a television and get more information on Shop for Jobs. The rest of the week can get pretty messy between concerts, barbeques, dances, bonfires etc.

Have a great week! You know where we’ll be if you have any questions about work and your degree!


- Samantha

Sonya, Molly & Stephen setting up the booth this morning

Shop For Jobs

Shop for Jobs is an annual event held at The Pen Centre which allows Brock University and Niagara College students an opportunity to apply for part-time work during the school year.

The job fair provides various opportunities for students to work in retail, customer service and food industries. Depending on your school schedule, a job at the mall could be the perfect solution for you if you’d rather work weekends, night shifts etc.

This year the event will take place Tuesday, September 13^th between noon and 6pm. Sign in at the Career Services booth for a chance to win a prize and ask any questions prior to meeting employers. Don’t forget to review your resume and customize your cover letters with a Career Assistant before the event! Do not wait till the last minute! The Resource Centre is a busy place during this time of year so be sure to give yourself enough time to have it reviewed and actually make the appropriate changes.
You can speak with a Career Assistant about everything you should prepare before attending the job fair and pick up a Quick Tip postcard on the way out so you don't forget.

So, if you’re looking for a part-time job this school year, definitely check out Shop For Jobs! More information about the event and participating employers can be found on our website.

- Samantha