It's Been Real...but What's Next?

We have officially kicked off Spring Convocation week, Badgers! Congratulations to all who will be walking across that stage and entering a new chapter in their life. You've spent four years or so working towards getting into the field you love. Now that it's over, where do you go from here? Whether you are going on to pursue further education, travel the world, or go directly into your career, we want to help! 

Transitioning from university can be nerve-racking, overwhelming and stressful, but mostly, it should be exciting! The hard work you put in has paid off, so start with being proud of yourself. 

Although you may no longer be an undergraduate at Brock, you'll always be a Badger, and with being a Badger comes benefits. We value our alumni and want to ensure that you are provided with the necessary tools and resources to make the most of your degree. Our services are indeed still open to you and we are happy to assist with your next steps. As a New Graduate, some reasons you should stop by the Resource Centre are: 

• Get Your Professional Documents Reviewed. You now have the skills and abilities to do the job, but making sure that you can showcase it in the best way possible on your resume, CV or cover letter will be a big factor in determining whether or not you land the position. 
• Pick Up a DEG. Degree exploration is something you'll do now more than ever. Come grab a Degree Exploration Guide for your program to look at possible career options and professional associations you could join!
• Look Through our Going Abroad Resources. If travelling is something you are itching to do now that your undergraduate experience has come to an end, then be sure to look at our Going Abroad resources! Whether you want to teach in Korea or volunteer in Spain, we can help you figure out how to work your way around the world!
• Careerzone. One thing you won't have to leave behind as a New Graduate, is Careerzone. This Brock exclusive job posting portal is still accessible to you, as long as you remember to set up your alumni account! Check it out for workshops and other resources as well.

Just because you are no longer enrolled as a Brock undergraduate, you are still part of the Brock community, and we are always happy to help. For those of you who are not local and are still interested in using our services, email us at career@brocku.ca, or message us directly on our Online Chat, accessible through the career services website. 

Time to take the next step into your future!

Lydia Collins

Senior Career Assistant 

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 

10 Things New Grads Should Know...

So you have just graduated from university...now what??? There are a few things you should become aware of during your transition from university student to professional adult:

1. What can you even do with your degree?

• The answer is...LOTS! It may take some research, self-reflection and time, but there are so many opportunities available to you...it may just be a matter of looking in the right place. Consult your Degree Exploration Guide to find out what you can do with your specific degree and helpful resources related to your field (and don't be afraid to look at DEGs outside of your field if you like!)

2. All experience is good experience!

• You may not think that your part-time serving job has prepared you very much for a job in your field...but it probably has in more ways than one! Transferable skills that you have developed during your work and volunteer experience are usually skills that potential employers value as well. 
• Spruce up your resume and cover letter by visiting the Career Services Resource Centre to receive  a free review session with a Career Assistant (all you need is a hard copy of your resume and/or cover letter that you would like reviewed!). You can also email us your documents at career@brocku.ca and we will send them back to you will constructive feedback and additional resources.
• Volunteering or interning in your field is also an awesome way to gain related experience and looks great on a resume!

3.  Get to know the hidden job market...

• Did you know that only 15-20% of job opportunities are advertised? Crazy, right?! That means that 80-85% of jobs are hidden and required you to take a more active approach to find them. 
• How to target the hidden job market:
• Network (you never know who you may come in contact with)
• Contact employers directly (ask them if they are hiring - you never know until you ask)
• Refer to business, community and employer directories
• Job search with others (enhance your productivity)
• Combine all of the previous steps!

4. Speaking of Networking...

• Networking is a great way to stay in touch with friends, classmates, professors, past employers and to create new and valuable connections that can help you land a great job!
• Grad LINK offers Brock students a way to stay connected on LinkedIn after graduation, receive job postings and tips, and much more! Join today! 

5. Social Media for job search...

• Social media sites such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter offer new and innovative ways to connect with employers. Check out some of our print resources, such as "Find a Job Through Social Networking" by Crompton & Sautter located in the Career Services Resource Centre.
  

  

6. Research current trends...

• Get to know where the jobs are and in what industries there are better prospects. Taking this extra step can help you target particular sectors and/or companies so that you can have the best results! Career Services also keeps current reports and articles in our Trends binder and our Labour Market binder, located in the Resource Centre!

7. Develop strong interview skills...

• Effective interviewing can take practice and research. There are so many things you want to know before going in, like:
• What types of questions will they ask me?
• What should I bring with me?
• What questions should I ask the interviewer?
• What is the point of a job interview?
• What should I know about the company prior to my interview?
• Can someone help me pratice??

....all of these questions and more can be answered by consulting our "Interview Techniques" binder and interview help books/handouts (located in the Resource Centre), by checking out InterviewStream, by completing our online interview workshop through CareerZone, or by emailing career@brocku.ca to book a mock interview (this service can take up to 2 weeks to arrange so don't wait until the last minute!)

8. There are alternatives to work...

• Some people do not want to jump right into the work force...they may travel, volunteer, accept an internship position, etc. We recently received this great write up from Cosmic Coaching Centre:

Alternatives after Graduation

Your graduation day marks the end of your student life, and the beginning of your actual career. While there are many reasons to celebrate during this day, you still have to prepare yourself for the daunting task of looking for a job and establishing a good career for yourself. To make this process and the transition easier for you, you had better make your preparations even before you receive a diploma. Below are some alternatives you can take following your graduation, which will guide you as you get ready for the bigger stage.

Internships

Joining an internship program is perhaps the best thing you can do to get yourself ready to compete in the job market right after you graduate. There are many reasons why this is a good path to take. First of all, internships will give you an idea of what kinds of jobs are available in your field. With this knowledge, you may determine if the path you are taking is the right one for you. It is also through internships that you can gain experience working in the real professional environment. This experience of yours will then be reflected in your resume, which may also give you an edge over other job applicants. Finally, and probably the biggest benefit of getting an internship is that it can result to you getting a job offer. In most cases, companies end up hiring those who perform outstandingly in their internship programs.

Volunteering

The biggest challenge you are to face as a job seeker is how you can stand out from the rest. One option is to volunteer at some nonprofit groups or organizations that can give you relevant experience. You may also get involved in some community activities promoted by your own school perhaps. Turn to your professors and other industry professionals for advice on how you will stand out.

Networking

Searching for a job can be difficult if you hardly know anyone in the industry you are entering. With that said, you should make an effort to get to know as many people as you can, who can help you establish your career in the field. You can do this through proper networking. You can increase your connections and network by taking part in webinars, conferences, trade shows, and other events where different professionals from your field gather and meet. These people that you will know have the expertise and experience that can guide you in your own job search.

Travel

Many college graduates look forward to a short break following their graduation day. If you think you need time to relax and unwind before you engage in the battle of looking for a job, you can go for a short trip to a different city or even country. You can even use this trip to see if there are opportunities for employment in other places. Good career planning means putting yourself in a position where you can choose among several opportunities to build a great career.

9. Get to know yourself...

• Getting to know yourself is imperative in finding a career and life path that you will enjoy and love. For some, this may be traveling abroad and exploring foreign places, for others it may be self-reflection and/or career assessments. Whichever way you do it, get to know what you want out of life and what makes you happy and fulfilled. 

 10. The last thing you should know, as a new graduate, is that...

•  Your future is bright and your whole life is ahead of you! There are so many places, people, and jobs to explore and the best part of the adventure can be the ride! So buckle up and start today because your future and career are waiting :)

Jami Coughler, Senior Career Assistant
Bachelor of Public Health [Honours]; BA Sociology '11 

Work or Travel--Which one will you choose?

 

The plan after graduation may be very different from person to person. Some may be ready to hit the work force, while others may want to explore internship opportunities or travel before settling into a full-time career. Whatever your choice, Career Services has some great resources to help you with your plan.

If you are ready to start looking for work after graduation, check out Career Services’ list of online job boards. You can find anything on there from general job search sites, to government jobs, and even work/intern abroad opportunities for the more adventurous folk.

Working, interning, or volunteering abroad would be a great way to couple travelling with gaining valuable skills and work experience. A great way to merge 2 experiences into one!

Additionally, as an Alumni, you have access to CareerZone—Brock’s internal job board. This site includes postings for jobs, internships, or volunteer experiences. You can also refine your search to Niagara specific jobs, national or international jobs. Make sure to keep an eye on CareerZone because postings can pop up at any time.

To find more detailed tips about what to do after graduation, check out my blog post from June 4, 2013, or Jami’s blog post from June 6, 2013.

Nella Paris
Senior Career Assistant
Psychology Major (Honours)

Grad LINK

Worried that once you graduate you will be out of the loop?  Trying to find another way to view current job opportunities? Need additional career-related information? Grad LINK is the perfect solution to this problem!!!

The Grad LINK Network on LinkedIn is a great way to stay connected with Career Services staff, employers, AND your graduating peers! By joining the Grad LINK Network, you can view:

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

To become a part of a growing, dynamic and informative network, follow these steps...

1. Complete the online registration form
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

Read more about Grad LINK and LinkedIn in one of our past blog posts HERE! If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to email gradlink@brocku.ca 

 Happy Networking!!

Jami Coughler, Senior Career Assistant
4th Year Public Health (Honours)

Something to Consider...

Have you found yourself wondering if Grad school is right for you? Not sure if it's worth the extra time and expense? Well the following website may help you make your decision a lot easier. A company called Graduatedegreeprogram.net emailed us the following link called "15 Careers Where Grad Degrees Boost Your Income" .  Now, I am not suggesting that money is everything - you should always do what you love and are passionate about - but, if money is very important to you or you are just wondering if it's worth it to go to grad school, I would suggest checking it out! 



The infographic shows you 15 different careers and compares the potential earnings for those with bachelor degrees vs. graduate degrees - neat! It also shows you the average "lifetime earnings" for each career. Graduatedegreeprogram.net itself is a very informative website with some interesting "Top 10 Lists" and articles for you to browse through. Thanks Graduatedegreeprogram.net for sending this our way!

Have yourselves a great weekend and don't let the weather get you down - go outside and  play!!

Best Regards,
Jami Coughler, Senior Career Assistant
4th Year Public Health (Honours), BA Sociology (Honours)

How to get Information on Job Markets

Finding information on job markets is important, especially for new grads, as it can help them to narrow their job search. If they know which industries are at their peak in terms of hiring and which have already passed their peak than they can spend their time applying to jobs that they actually have a chance of getting because they are actually hiring.

Job search is a difficult process and is extremely taxing especially if you are applying to job after job and then seeing rejection after rejection. However, this rejection is not meant to be personal. It is just a reflection of the fact that that industry is not in need of help. But there are others which are and these are the industries new grads, especially those who have no set position or industry in mind should be applying.

Thankfully there are some online job market information sites which can aid in this process of finding these open industries. These are:

Niagara Occupational Profiles list a variety of occupational categories that provide job profiles and statistics of careers found in the Niagara Region

National Occupational Classification (NOC Codes) is Canada’s occupational directory that helps job seekers understand the labour market in Canada

Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) is America’s occupational directory that helps job seekers understand the labour market in the USA

The Alliance of Sector Councils (TASC) is a group representing 37 industry sectors that work collaboratively to address Canadian labour market issues

Canadian Salary Survey offers a wages and salary guide for different occupations and trades in Canada

MyEducationHasValue outlines information on job trends in Ontario and around the world

Niagara Workforce Planning Board issues monthly and annual reports on labour market trends and issues in the Niagara Region

Working in Canada provides you with an overview of Canada’s job market, labour market projections and wages which is searchable by city/region and by job title


These are the most common labour market information sites. So whether you are a new grad looking to narrow your job search or if you’re a lower year undergrad just wondering if the career you want to pursue has a good outlook, these tools can be helpful for you.

In addition to these online resources, we also have a trends binder in the resource centre which is frequently updated and has some really interesting information about top occupations, top employers, upcoming job markets etc.

As you can see there is a wealth of information on the topic so I would really encourage you to check out all of the information to be fully aware of all that is going on in the field. Who knows, you may even be able to impress a hiring manager in an interview with all of your knowledge of the industry.

That’s all for now folks,

Rosemary
Sr. Career Assistant

University, College, or Both?

If you're in post-secondary, you've heard it. If you're in high school you hate it. If you're in elementary school you barely know yourself well enough to decide but we all know the age old question that begins back in your elementary school days: will you be going to university or college?

Remember back when you had to pick your high school courses in grade 8 and you had to choose academic or applied? Or later in high school when you had to decide whether to take university or college level courses? For so long before you ever get to applying for post-secondary school you are forced to make decisions about where you're going to go, possibly before you even know what you want to do!

There are lots of differences between the institutions of university or college, and today I am going to tell you about some of them.

First let's begin with recalling what they told us way back when:

College:
 - more hands on approach to learning
 - directs you into a field rather than providing a lot of theory

University:
 - theory-based learning style
 - learning the how, emphasis on writing and research

So I mean, this isn't innaccurate; the programs colleges offer usually provide for a very direct employment type learning style, however, this DOES NOT MEAN there is no writing, researching, or theory to accompany the program. AS WELL, university is NOT ALL THEORY. Most universities cater to varying learning styles in the classroom; a lot of university programs offer lab components and group work with hands on learning. There are also fieldwork courses and practicum courses as well.

The MAIN difference between the programs is this: the skills you learn.

 In college, you are gaining many skills, but a lot of special and specific skills to prepare and train you for a specific job. While you will be qualified for certain jobs outside of your field after going to college, you are really learning to master something specific while being there.

 In contast, in university there are some programs that facilitate direct employment with special training toward one job, for the most part the skills you are learning are diverse and transferrable. This means a few things: you may experience more difficulty finding a job once you complete your degree but the good news is that you have a plethera of skills under your belt so that you can apply to a wide variety of jobs.

 And guess what?! Many university graduates end up attending college once completing their degree to complement what they learned and to specialize in something specific! Some college students end up going to university, transferring some credits if possible in order to complete their program in a shorter time, gaining a wider variety of skills that they can apply to their field.

So what does this mean? It means that there is equal value in doing university or college, and that lots of people do both! There are over 60 collaborative programs offered at Brock University, where students earn both a diploma and a degree at the same time!

So whether you're a current or projected student, or maybe even a university or college graduate, just remember the value of your diploma or degree. Know that there are options for both college and university programs, and that through studying both you can help vary the opportunities available to you.

To those of you applying to post-grad right now: good luck! And remember to come by the Career Resource Centre at any time to recieve help with preparing your application documents! We review cover letters, resumes, personal statements and letters of intent!

See you soon,

Brittany
Sr. Career Assistant

7 Things All New Grads Should Know

1)    Your Level of Education is Unique in Canada
As a university graduate you have gained a level of education that most Canadian citizens haven’t achieved. As of June 2011, only 24.6% of Canadians between the ages of 25 and 64 had obtained a university degree. So be proud of your education and remember to highlight it on the top of your resume!

2)      You Can Apply for Jobs Outside of Your Field
Just because you graduated in Psychology doesn’t mean you are limited to applying for counseling positions. Allow yourself to be creative and consider the extremely valuable transferable skills that you developed throughout your degree. Consider consulting our Degree Exploration guides online to view these skills as well as occupations suggested by your faculty.

3)      Do Not Lose the Connections That You Gained During your University Studies  

      Now that you’ve graduated it’s tempting to leave your university life behind. However, the networking that you conducted during your time at Brock can continue to be valuable to you throughout your career. If you had a professor, instructor, or another staff member at Brock that you feel you gained a valuable relationship with make sure you stay in touch! Add them on LinkedIn or drop by for the occasional visit. They can prove to be an excellent reference to provide for an employer or even a friendly contact if you are ever in need of a mentor within your field.

4)      Continue Learning and Develop More Marketable Skills

       If the job you are applying for requires a university degree then you will be qualified over an applicant that hasn’t received this level of education. However, after you’ve passed this checkpoint there will be a number of other skills and experiences that each employer will require of potential employees. So my best advice to you would be to continue learning! You don’t need to go back to school, but teaching yourself new skills relevant to your industry will continue to benefit you and make it easier when job hunting. 

5)     All Your Experience is GOOD Experience! 

      So you worked at a camp for three summers but you’re not going into childcare or teaching – you just graduated from a Business Degree..?! NEVER fear! It’s easy to get caught up in the “Related Experience” section that you want to have on your resume and forget that all experience can be related, as long as you’re constructing solid achievement statements! Think about the skills you enhanced at your jobs rather than focusing too much on the job title. As a Camp Counsellor you were organized, you time-managed and you demonstrated excellent leadership – all things that an employer in the Business sector is looking for. If you’ve worked in the industry before OF COURSE that’s a plus, but if not you’ve still got what it takes, you just have to prove it!

6)     Give Employers a Taste of Your Personality

           It’s important to stay professional during an interview but it’s also extremely important to show the employer a bit of your own unique personality. Once you are hired these people are going to have to work with you so give them a reason to want to! The workplace isn’t only about getting work don’t – co-workers form friendships with each other and can work on many projects together, so it’s important that they all get along! So remember to smile and show them that you are not only a hard worker but a fun person to be around!

7)      Get Comfortable with Social Media – it’s Getting you Hired (and fired..)!
Social media is the fastest growing employer recruitment and job search strategy today –everybody is using it, it cannot be avoided. Sites like LinkedIn are designated for job search and networking, but even Twitter and Facebook can be helpful job search tools for the average job seeker so it’s important to keep all of your Social Media professional. Employers can see everything you do on there (trust us – many employers hire people to do their check-ups!) so ensure that the image you’re projecting online is a positive one. Then you can feel comfortable exercising all of the benefits to Social Media in job search today! 

*Keep an eye out for Ashley’s upcoming blog post where she will review a book called “How to Find a Job on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Myspace and Other Social Networks” for more helpful information about online and social job search!

Thanks for reading!

- Ashley and Brittany 

Realistic Goals for 4th Year

As this term comes to its middle point and will draw nearer to its end, those of us entering 4th year are starting to think of the big picture:

Next year is my FINAL year.

... I'll be graduating...

What am I going to do?!

Don't fret! It's true, along with 4th year usually comes many decisions and big steps that some of us might not feel ready for. But since you're such smart students, you'll be thinking ahead, right??

Of course!

Here are some realistic goals to keep in mind for your final year of University:

• To post-grad or not to post-grad. Yes, this would be the right time to start looking into post-grad college programs or graduate schools that you might be interested in applying to. Deadlines will be coming up soon come fall, so be prepared with your choices!
• New grad job search - where to begin? If you plan on entering the work force after graduation, plan to start your job search during the second term of school. Starting early will allow you more time to research companies/organizations and meet deadlines for job openings.
• Target your career path. If you're still confused about what you want to do in the future in general - complete some self assessments and explore some possible occupations that you might be interested in. Having an idea of the kind of position you want will make the rest of your planning process a lot easier.
• Work hard, play hard. This is your last year of undergraduate degree! Make sure you keep your grades up (especially those who are applying to post-grad) and enjoy your time as a university student. By planning ahead and having realistic career goals for yourself, there won't be need for a pre-graduation panic attack.

And as always, keep these things as well as Career Services in mind as you enter your final year!
- Lia

 

Last day to register is TOMORROW: Smart Finish!

Tomorrow, February 1, is the last day of registration for the Smart Finish Conference

Specifically designed for 3rd and 4th year students

held Saturday February 4, 2012

It's your life, your degree, your future: Make the most out of it!

It's only $20.00 and lunch is included.

To register please visit: http://www.brocku.ca/career-services/students-alumni/smart-finish

Keynote speaker is Mark Swartz, author of Get Wired, You're Hired 

 Conference Sessions: alumni panel, networking session, speaker panel o ninterviews, further education options, information on OSAP repayments, resume dos and don't, and more!

Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity! Register today

- Hillary

Smart Finish Conference- It's Coming Soon!

Not Smart Start, nor Smart Serve...this is SMART FINISH!

A conference specifically designed for 3rd and 4th year students. A conference where you will walk away feeling refreshed, relaxed, and confident for the next chapter of your life.

Smart Finish is a one-day conference that will help take the stress and worry out of life after graduation. Featured speakers will provide you with the inside scoop on career exploration, resume and interview strategies, further education, and OSAP repayment.

 

So mark your calanders for:

Saturday February 4, 2012

8:30am-4:15pm.

Located at Brock University, Academic South.

The cost is $20 which includes lunch

Registeration is online and limited spots are available. Please go here: http://smartfinish.eventbrite.com/ to register by January 31, 2012

For detailed information, check out this link

Still have questions?
Stop by the Career Resource Center in the Learning Commons or email gradlink@brocku.ca

See you there!
Hillary

Graduation, now what?

Another graduation ceremony has come and gone at Brock University - another group of graduates finally received their degree this past weekend at Brock's Fall Convocation.
But possessing a fancy piece of paper and being done school at an undergraduate level seems to beg the following question...

Now what?

To all those students, graduated or not, Career Services is here to help you answer that question! Graduating can lead to many different paths - directly entering the work force, pursuing graduate school, an internship, or a post-graduate diploma program as a few examples. Career Services can help you with the career planning process and assist you in determining what the next stage in your life could be.


Remember that Experience Plus Transcript we talked about earlier? Well for starters make sure it is up-to-date and printed so you can be ready to show off your accomplishments and experiences to graduate schools and potential employers! Read more about the transcript here.


Not to mention, the annual Career & Post-Graduate Expo is returning to Brock on November 8th, so come prepared to find employment opportunities, volunteer positions, and representatives from schools that offer post-graduate programs in nearly every discipline. 


Log onto CareerZone for descriptions of these and upcoming events, and feel free to stop by the Resource Center to speak with a Career Assistant about your plans and goals.

- Lia