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

Police Recruitment Showcase-Success!

The Police Recruitment Showcase that took place

Tuesday January 24, 2012 was a HUGE sucess!

With over 10 recruiters from various policing units, and over 100 students in attendance, everyone walked away with a deeper understanding, more knowledge, and questions answered.

 

The recruiters as well as our Career Service staff were extremely impressed by the calibre of questions, depth of interest, and overall professionalism of all attendee’s.

Waterloo Regional Police mentioned that this was one of the best recruitment events they have attended and particularly impressed by the variety of students from various programs.

 

The event was student powered and sucess driven. Thank you to all those who attended!

-Hillary

Police Recruiting Showcase: Tuesday January 24

Interested in a career in policing? Stop by the Sean O'Sullivan Theatre at Brock University on January 24th at 1:00pm to meet HR Recruiters from various Police units including:

• Peel Regional Police
• York Regional Police
• OPP
• Halton Regional Police
• RCMP
• Niagara Regional Police
• And more!

This is a great opportunity to network with recruiters within the field of policing and learn more about the application process, testing requirements, and career opportunities that are available. These representatives will be here to answer all your questions and provide you with valuable information as a prospective student interested in policing!


If you're looking into policing and looking to start your professional network, don't miss out on this event!


Register on CareerZone by noon on January 24th to confirm your spot. If you require further information don't hesitate to contact Lisa Kuiper, lkuiper@brocku.ca or Jeanette Ramsay at jramsay@brocku.ca.

- Lia

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

Product development

Converting an idea or even a lab prototype into a real, customer-ready product is no simple task. Learn how to turn your idea into a successful product by following the “V-model” of concept development and how to differentiate the steps of product development including:

• research
• design
• implementation
• testing
• verification
• validation
• operations
• maintenance

The resources below offer a foundation upon which you can build your knowledge and skills in these areas.

See video Here!

Building you a better Career
Nick

How Employers Hire

As students many of us feel left in the dark about how employers hire, and by consequence what kind of things we should know in order to up our chances of scoring that dream job.

In reality, the hiring process employers use to hire new employees varies depending on the company. Typically though, the process begins by reviewing the applications that come in for the open position, which usually entails going over both resumes and cover letters provided by the applicants. Stop by Career Services to go over any portion of your application, and make sure all of your documents are free of spelling and grammar mistakes - this is seen as extremely unprofessional.

*However* it is important to note that many employers are now using various social networking tools such as LinkedIn as part of the applicant screening process - the quality of your online profile can play a huge role in determining whether you move on to the next stage of the hiring process. Make sure your profile is professional and highlights all of your valuable and relevant experience!

If you get a call for an interview, congrats! This is the next stage of the process. Interviews may come in many forms including group interviews, panel interviews, individual interviews and even Skype/phone interviews depending on the location of the job. Make sure you Prepare for your Interview properly by doing your research and anticipating the kinds of questions they might ask you.

This stage will usually either be followed by another interview or the decision making process by the employers. Give the employers some time in order to make their decision (1-2 weeks) and follow up if necessary. Always provide a Thank-You note!

The hiring process may seem daunting to those of us who are the prospective employees and not the employers, but the most important thing is to be prepared and confident in your skills and abilities. Stop by Career Services for more resources & tips!

- Lia

Challenging the Generation Y Stereotypes for Finding a Job

When you think about the stereotypes that exist about our generation, do you think they are fair? Do you think there even are any? When it comes to employment, it is clear that a rift is forming between Generation X (those born 1965-1979) and Generation Y (those born 1980-1994). Recruiters are noticing differences in the working styles of those groups and in order to get a job, it might be a good idea to recognize the stereotypes people think about you.

As a member of Generation Y, I know I have different values and working style than older generations. Obviously, those born in the 60s and 70s are seen to be more dedicated to their work and those my age are seen to be lazy and spoilt. It isn’t really fair, but when technology has been so pervasive in the time we have been alive, it can be easy to see why older people perceive us as unmotivated.

When it comes to working, Gen X take directions and get work done, as Gen Y are all about asking questions and getting immediate feedback, which is another difference thanks to technology. To younger people, money is the ultimate reward for work completed as it helps us maintain the lifestyles we have set for ourselves. Those born in the 70s have always enjoyed a culture which celebrated freedom, so working to take time off to enjoy with family is their reward.

I think the perceived selfishness of Generation Y employees is because of the increased workload expected today. Extended work weeks mean that young employees take more personal days off. We are always looking for new opportunities where as older workers spend decades of dedication to the same company.

Knowing your work style and the stereotypes associated with our generation can be helpful in securing employment. We know we aren’t lazy, but sometimes it is easy to see when you talk to your grandparents and they start every sentence with, “Back in my day …”. If you would like more information on the type of person you are and your work style, I suggest taking a look at personal assessments available on the Career Services website.

- Rachel

Marketing for tech start-ups

Examination of the basic concepts and principles of marketing that are relevant for early stage start-ups by introducing participants to the “marketing toolkit.” Real-life examples are used to illustrate points relevant to start-ups, incliding tips on how to create a marketing plan for a technology start-up by addressing the unique challenges of marketing technology products.

The resources below offer a foundation upon which you can build your knowledge and skills in these areas

See video Here!

Building you a better Career
Nick

Starting Your Own Business

Have you ever wondered if you had the entrepreneurial skills needed to start your own business? This is definitely an attractive route for students, new grads, and those looking to change their career goals as it provides the opportunity for you to be your own boss and see your ideas develop and thrive.

However, there are a lot of things to take into consideration before taking the leap into starting a business - it takes a lot more than just a great idea. It's important to plan, discuss, and get the opinions of others before making a final business plan. 

At Career Services we can provide you with the resources you need to start your business off on the right foot. On our website we have a handy section on Starting Your Own Business that asks you the necessary questions before you begin the process and lists some online resources that can help you get started. 

For students who are looking into taking advantage of their summers off by starting their own business during the summer months, the Ontario government provides a program called  Summer Company that provides funding for students to start their own business and become entrepreneurs as they learn the ropes of managing their own company. This is a great option for students who are both looking for a summer job and want to test out their business skills. 

With online programs & resources as well as helpful books located in the Career Resource Centre that are full of useful information, we're confident that you'll be on your way to starting your own business in no time.

Stop by Career Services today for more information!
- Lia

Happy Holidays!

Career Services just wanted to wish you a Happy Holiday!! 

We hope that you are able to take some time this holiday season so spend time with loved ones and enjoy a well deserved break. Remember this is a great time to start thinking about Summer Job Opportunities, updating your resume, or networking with individuals in your field. 

We look forward to seeing you in the New Year!

- Hillary & Lia

 

 

 

RBC Mentorship: January Applications

Are you interested in learning more about the banking industry? Do you want a chance to meet with RBC professionals? Here’s your chance!

Career Services offers a dynamic partnership with RBC to promote mentorship between students and professionals. During the course of the academic year, as a student in the RBC Corporate Mentorship program you will meet with an RBC staff member each month. Participation is voluntary, and you will need to commit to 3-4 hours per month.

WHO WILL BE YOUR MENTOR?

In previous years mentors have had the following jobs with RBC:

• Investment and Retirement Planner
• Financial Planner
• Branch Manager
• Financial Services Representative
• Investment Advisor
• Client Care Manager
• Commercial Account Manager

Applications for the 2012 Mentorship program will be available in January via the Career Services website. Keep your eye open for this great opportunity!

- Lia

Your Personal Brand

It’s a new brand world,

From the crocodile on your polo to the initials on your underwear, you are branded. Why do you automatically know what the words Nike and Coca Cola mean? It’s because they’re the top two recognized brands in the world… they’re so international the only other word that beats it is “no”. And it’s all because of their strong brand campaigns. Everywhere you look there are brands: the browser you’re reading this from, the chocolate milk the guy across the hall is drinking… where does your name stand in the mix of things? It’s time you become more than the brands you use and stand out by developing your own personal brand.

You might wonder what the point of branding yourself is. Simple, who do you think will look more professional, the applicant with a plain resume – or the one with a logo and business card? Personal branding is the process of marketing ourselves to others and making our name represent our specialties.

To brand yourself you must first know yourself. Is your self-impression equal to how people perceive you? Do you know your strengths and skills well enough to specialize? Here’s a few ways you can start defining your name to the public:

1.       Business Cards
Carry a few with you at all times – you never know when you could give one out! And if someone ever asks for your information it’s an easy solution.

2.       Resume
Your resume should describe your skills and focus on your area of specialization.

3.       Portfolio
Keep a collection of work you’ve done in relation to your specialization so you may showcase your work to potential employers.

4.       Blog/Website
Having a blog or website to showcase your work is a great asset. You could even include this information on your business card.

5.       Linked In
Complete your LinkedIn profile and connect with professionals. The people you are connected to are just as important as the words on your page. Remember – this is a professional profile, don’t go adding people you met at the bar or old highschool friends unless it’s for networking purposes.

6.       Facebook Profile
Use your privacy settings! Facebook even updated the interface to make it easier for you. Keep your status updates professional – using lyrics to describe how sad your life is is unnecessary.

7.       Tweets
Is your twitter account focused on specific topics or are you tweeting people about how much you drank last night and responding to every possible trend. If your account isn’t protected then your tweets had better follow your personal brand.

8.       Wardrobe
Your wardrobe makes a lasting impression. A classmate of mine always wore a skate hat & wanted it to be part of his brand image. Once you make a decision like that you have to stick with it. If he showed up in a suit one day it would seem out of character for his brand. Chose a wardrobe that suits you and your personality.

9.       Email Address
sexychicka69@yahoo.com will probably not receive an email after she drops off her resume. If you haven’t already switched to Google do it now! yourname@gmail.com will look a lot more professional, and it’s more efficient than Hotmail too.

By branding yourself you are attaching your name to a specific area of expertise. To make your brand last you need to walk, talk and breathe it. Create a brand manual to assist you in keeping to your brand. The manual should describe in detail what your brand is, why it was created, future goals and standards. Take a look at Brock University’s Brand Toolkit for reference.

Begin creating your personal brand over the holidays so the next time you tell someone your name, they’ll know exactly what it means.

- Samantha

Extra Reading:
10 Ways Personal Branding can Save you from getting Fired

Large Company vs. Not-for-Profit: Who do you want to work for?

Deciding on the type of company you want to work for after graduation is usually not a question many people ask. Usually students have an idea if what industry they would like to be a part of, but haven’t considered the advantages or disadvantages of working for a corporate versus non-profit organization. There are many differences and it is something that you have to think about as it corresponds with your working style greatly.

Non-Profit          Advantages: Obviously working for a non-profit is extremely rewarding. The misconception still exists, however, that those who dedicate their lives to working non-profit work more hours for less money. This simply isn’t true. There are so many skills to learn and growth within organizations by taking this path. As non-profits get more sophisticated in how they do their business, they are looking for anyone to utilize their skills to change the lives of others.

                                Disadvantages: Working for a non-profit means you have to work miracles with very limited resources. Usually, there are no concrete ways to measure just how much of an impact you are making. The ability to raise money is extremely important, so every penny spent has to be planned and accounted for. This leads to many working in this field to burn out early in their careers.

Large Corporations         Advantages: Working at a large corporation means you get to meet a lot of new people who are of all ages and stages in their career. More people stay at large companies because they have security and enjoy the work they do. Many large corporations also offer perks such as trips and gym memberships to their employees who have worked there for a few years.

                            Disadvantages: Job descriptions are often set in stone and there may not be a lot of room to move around once you get your foot in the door. Promotions can only go so high and many people dislike the routine of the standard 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. job. Many new grads do not get the opportunity to work in a position where they make decisions, so all work must be approved by someone else which can be frustrating and time consuming.

Thinking about this information now can save you making a costly mistake in the future. Choosing what kind of environment suits your work style should be high on your priority list and is a great question to ask an employer on an interview. So what will it be, non-profit or large corporation? You decide.

- Rachel

Tips for Introverts on Networking

So you're a little shy. Maybe you like to keep to yourself sometimes. You're an introvert - and that's okay!! Your skills and accomplishments are just as important as everyone else's. It also means that you, as a student or potential job-seeker, need to learn the ropes of networking!

Never fear, Career Services is here!

As an introvert myself I've learned that successful networking is beneficial to both my personal and professional goals - I've learned to be more confident and clear when explaining my past experiences and have also learned to take more initiative in setting up a networking experience. It's amazing how the more you practice, the more comfortable you are in speaking to and/or meeting with professionals!

Here are a couple tips for my introverted friends out there:

• Remember those things called Information Interviews? They're a great way to network one-on-one with professionals who are in your current position of interest. These are less intimidating situations that can allow you to obtain great information from a professional. They can happen in-person or over the phone. A great stepping stone to other forms of networking!
• Do your research before attending networking events or meeting with employers. If you feel more comfortable with your knowledge on the company, you'll feel better about getting up to approach professionals or other people within a networking setting.
• Know yourself! If you're confident about your skills and abilities, talking about them with others will come a lot more naturally.
• Practice, practice practice. Not sure about your interview skills or how you would answer certain questions that employers may ask you? Try your hand at Interview Stream to perfect responses to a variety of questions you may come into contact with.
• Update your online profile(s). Yes - that means twitter, your blog, LinkedIn, and even facebook. Make sure your social networking sites that are meant to be private stay private, and update the rest to reflect your achievements and career goals. A lot of networking nowadays can take place online - so make sure that you maintain a professional online image.

Bottom line: Always take advantage of networking opportunities regardless of your comfort level!

Make sure to stop by Career Services if you have any questions or would like to go over some more networking strategies.

- Lia

Basic nuts and bolts of building a business

Starting from scratch this weeks V-log descibes the overview of the legal and tax considerations of starting a business including how to register and structure your business. Emphasis on the importance of understanding the entire “ecosystem” of your business, including distribution partners, industry contacts, lawyers and human resource specialists.

The resources below offer a foundation upon which you can build your knowledge and skills in these areas

See video Here!

Building you a better Career
Nick

Holiday Schedule

Brock University is in full exam mode, but why not update your resume or research future employers during your study break?

Career Services is OPEN during the holidays and our hours are regular.

Monday-Friday, 9:00am-4:30pm.

We are closed when the University is closed, from December 24- January 2 and reopen on Tuesday January 3, 2012 at 9:00am

We want to wish you all the best while studying for your exams and to those lucky Badgers that don't have exams- enjoy your break!

-Hillary & Lia

 

Writing Resumes

Resume Writing takes time and energy. Its is the one document that showcases all your eduaction, skills, and experience and is a key document for so many applications; work, post-grad, scholarships etc. A resume is a personal document that can be customized and tailored to your liking, however requires some key information in order to best highlight yourself.

Your resume is fundamental to any job search because it provides important inforamtion about you such as;

• your career goals
• your work/volunteer experience and extracurricular involvement
• your academic/educaional achievements
• your skills and accomplishments

Your resume is a representation of you on paper. The information you choose to include, the words you use, and how you express yourself in writing are all critical.

Here are some quick tips for creating your resume:

• have a job/career goal in mind when writing your resume
• keep your information relevant to the job/employer you are applying to
• highlight your accomplishments as opposed to general job duties
• have it proofread, and review it for spelling/grammatical errors

If you have any questions regarding resumes, or looking to have it reviewed- please stop by the Career Resource Centre. We offer a FREE drop-in, no appointment necessary review. Feel free to check out our online resume workshop found HERE

Happy Writing!
-Hillary

Different types of entrepreneurship

Today's entrepreneurship tip describes different types of business structures. We discuss some of the early questions that an entrepreneur must ask before committing to a business:

• Will your business be a for-profit enterprise, a not-for-profit or somewhere in between?
• What are the different requirements and resources necessary for your selected enterprise model?
• What type of financing should you target: equity, debt, grant funding or a combination of all three?

Check out the video below which constructs a foundation upon which you can build your knowledge and skills in these areas.

See Video Here!

Building you a better Career
Nick

TESOL/TESL Certification

Have you ever thought of teaching English abroad? With an opportunity to immerse yourself in a different culture, meet all kinds of interesting people, and secure a teaching position overseas, it's definitely something worth looking into!

TESL(Teaching English as a Second Language) and TESOL(Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certification courses are offered by plenty of different companies in a variety of areas all over the nation. Some are more accredited than others though, so make sure you do your research!

If you're looking for a certification course in the Niagara Region, Oxford Seminars is hosting a TESL/TESOL course at Brock University during the end of January and early February. Visit www.oxfordseminars.ca for more information regarding fees, course times and dates, and registration information.

Career Services can also help you to start looking for jobs in teaching English overseas once you've completed your certification. If this is an experience you're interested, don't hesitate to research available TESL/TESOL courses or stop by the Resource Centre for more information.

Second language learners can be easily overwhelmed by the complexity of the English language - why not help them to succeed while learning on the way?

- Lia 

Making SMART Goals

Goals are probably the easiest thing to make, but also the easiest thing to break--Unless you're doing your part, and making them SMART!

As a 4th year student who is taking 5 courses, works on campus, volunteers within the community, and enjoys hanging out with friends, getting through my weekly tasks was always a challenge; until I made SMART goals. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely and here is how your goals, can be SMART.

Specific- Your goals should be straightforward and emphasize what you want to have happen; what are you going to do? How are you going to do it? Why are going to do it? What is its importance?

Measurable- Choose a goal with a measure progress this way you can watch the change occur.

Attainable- The goal should stretch you slightly so you feel you can do it while staying committed to it. Goals which are too far out of your reach you probably won't commit to it.

Realistic- This means the goal should be 'do-able'; it may push your skills and knowledge as you work on your goal, but it shouldn't break you; set the bar high enough for a satisfying achievement

Timely- Set a time frame for the goal- 1 week, 2 months etc; this will give you a clear target to work towards; without a time limit there is no urgency to start taking action now. Don't forget: the time you set must also be measurable, attainable and realistic!

I wish you all the best as you set and achieve your goals. Remember: Nothing is impossible, the word itself says 'I'm possible'!

-Hillary