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

International Student? Get your Certificate for Success!

Are you an international student looking to ease the transition into university life in Canada? Or maybe just looking to gain valuable skills and experience?

Created in collaboration with the Office of International Services, the Student Development Centre, the Academic Integrity Officer, Career Services, the Brock University Library, Human Rights and Equity Services and Community Services, the Certificate for Success offers students a chance to gain a diverse set of skills and experiences that prepare them both academically and professionally.

To complete the certificate, candidates must complete 2 mandatory workshops, 4 elective seminars, and 8 hours of volunteer work. Click on each link to be guided to the website to read about the various workshops offered to you.

"But Brittany," you ask, "what is the benefit of attaining this certificate?". Well, besides the focused workshops in academic integrity, time management, essay writing, note taking and study skills, you can also use your certificate in job search, school applications, or for something extra to add to your portfolio!

Feel free to drop by the Career Resource Centre between 9 and 4:30pm, Monday-Friday for assistance with starting up in this worthwhile program, or even for assistance in figuring out how to attain the 8 necessary volunteer hours!

See you soon,

Brittany
Sr. Career Assistant

It's Happening!

We are half way through International Education Week, and Jack McIsacc has been half way around the world. Monday he was in Peru, Tuesday he was in England, and today Jack is visiting somewhere in Africa. 

Stop by and guess where Jack is for a chance to win some cool prizes. Everyone also has a chance for their name to be placed in a draw to win a $100 giftcard from the Brock Bookstore.

Our Med Plus photo reflection has also been displayed in our Resource Centre, and will continue for the remaining of the week. Check out what Med Plus did when they visited Peru, and the difference they made in the lives of so many.

 

We also have a variety of different resources showcased on our front table with information on studying, volunteering, internships and working abroad. If you are looking for websites, places of work, or have any questions- please stop by and ask. We are more than happy to assit you.

Take advantange of the opportunities that are available for you. You never know where they may lead.
-Hillary



Ready for an Adventure? Apply to Go Abroad!

Since it's International Education Week here at Career Services we'd like to emphasize the incredible opportunities that students (or anyone, for that matter!) have to travel abroad. The options are endless - you could study a semester abroad in Britain, or volunteer in the summer in Kenya...the sky's the limit!

This week we are focusing on four main paths that students normally take when deciding to go overseas - studying abroad, interning abroad, volunteering abroad and working abroad. Whatever your goals may be, Career Services is here to help you make the best decision for you.

A great resource to help you get started is available exclusively to Brock Students via CareerZone - under the Resources section. Going Global is an international database that boasts a variety of tools that students can access when researching into a country, looking for an internship, or exploring job opportunities around the world. A great way to start planning your time abroad would be to explore this website - it has information on everything from visas, cultural advice, to employment trends in each country!

On our website, we have a variety of links that you can also explore in regard to international internships, study abroad programs, and volunteer agencies that operate all over the world. Check out our Online Job Boards & Programs for some of these great links. Check out our Work Abroad section as well, which hosts a variety of resources for those looking to be employed in a different country.

Planning to go abroad can be a daunting task, but there are a ton of resources available both online and in the Career Resource Centre that can help you get started. Be sure to take advantage of International Services on campus too - they know the ins and outs of student exchanges and other opportunities!

So what are you waiting for? Start planning your time abroad today!
Happy Travelling!
- Lia