Putting that Career Plan in ACTION.

We're really glad you've decided to spend some time and work through the first 3 steps of the Career Planning Process! By now you have probably made some valuable discoveries about yourself and possible career options after having self-assessed and done your research, and you are now realizing which of Further Education or Direct Employment is the best options for you. We know making that decision was probably difficult, but we hope that our tips have made that process easier for you!

AND!... it's not over.  It's finally time to put your money where your mouth is and TAKE ACTION. A good plan is awesome, and it's a wonderful start, especially once you've made some concrete decisions about what you want to do and which pathway you've decided to follow. But unless you're going to make the appropriate steps to begin your journey down that chosen path, it's all been hard work for nothing (and you and I both know this thing called Career Planning isn't exactly easy to do!) Today I'm making some suggestions to help you figure out exactly what you need to do in order to successfully Take Action when it comes to your Career!

First and foremost, and if you haven't already, you should make sure you really have fullfilled the first 3 steps of the process. Maybe you've self-assessed and have identified the types of jobs you think you're best suited for, and thats great! But if, say, you haven't figured out what skills you have and which ones need enhancing, you could potentially run into difficulties down the road when it comes to finally creating that resume and you can't seem to solidify those accomplishment statements with a skill that was acquired or an end result that was achieved. Fill out your very own Personal Career Checklist to be sure that you've completed the previous 3 steps, and if you've missed something, make sure to go back and complete it! This is all part of making SMART Goals; if you've missed something in the Career Planning Process it's likely that you'll run into further issues in ultimately achieving your career goals in the future.

So, TIPS:

FURTHER EDUCATION

1, Entrance Exams - Find out which programs and which schools expect the completion of an entrance exams before admittance, and also be sure to give yourself enough time to both prepare mentally and financially for the examination so you don't have to worry about missing the application deadlines for Graduate School!

2. Reference Letters - Most Grad schools require the submission of 2-3 letters of reference from your professors (and sometimes one employer). Be sure to ask well in advance, and don't be thrown off if somebody you asks has to say no. Sometimes its a matter of being sure that they can provide you with the best possible reference, and if they don't think they have had enough experience with you to know, they would rather give you the opportunity to ask somebody else!

3. Letters of Intent/Personal Statements - Prepare this document well in advance, and be sure to check out each individual's institution for what is expected and what to include. You can also drop by the centre for some helpful writing too, or bring a draft and we'd be happy to look it over for you.

4. Funding - Most Graduate programs will offer you funding, depending on your marks and how much they are interested in your research. DO NOT accept Graduate Schools that do not offer this to you, especially if you're already relying on students loans. If they're not willing to pay you for your research, they are not worth your effort. If you're pursuing a Post-Graduate Degree or Certificate which is course based, funding opportunities are often still available, but for either option it is important to consider external funding opportunities if you need them. You want to get the most out of your studies, and worrying about the financial is the last thing you're going to want to do.

*If you need to work part-time during your further studies, you most likely can! Most programs allow up to 10 hours per week for employment outside of your Teaching Assistantships so be sure to check that out too!

DIRECT EMPLOYMENT

1. Network - Find out who you need to meet and what you need to do to land that awesome position that you've spent so much time researching about! You know who you want to work for, and now it's time to build up that network and make the appropriate connections to get your foot in the door! If all else fails, as for an Information Interview!

2. Keep Researching - So you've got a list of jobs and employers already in mind, but there's no guarantee that any of those positions will still be available when it comes down to applying for them. Keep your eyes peeled for opportunities that appeal to you, even if they're not the career you had in mind. Every opportunity counts and gets you one step closer to that Dream Job.

3. Interview Prep - Every interview is different, but it's important to keep yourself on your toes and prepared for whatever it is they might throw at you! Be ready to talk about your strengths, weaknesses, and the research you've done on the company. They want to know that you know yourself well, and what you think makes you a good fit for the position you're offering.


For some more tips to consider when completing the final step of your Career Planning Process, check out  our website!

Good luck and congratulations on finishing up this process!

Brittany

*Don't forget to leave a comment, send us an email at career@brocku.ca, or come by the Resource Centre on the 1st floor of the Learning Commons if you'd like us to further discuss your Career Planning Process with you!

Decisions, decisions!

If you've been following our blog over the last couple of weeks, chances are you have completed your Self-Assessment and Career Research. It's now time to start making some decisions! If you are comfortable in your degree (or you’re switching into a preferred area of study) it’s important that you start deciding on what path you are likely to take after graduation.

The two major options you should start considering are:

• Further Education: Am I interested in completing post-graduate studies?
  or
• Direct Employment: Am I interested in going straight into the work force?

When considering the second option it’s important to keep in mind that some occupations require post-secondary education.  It’s imperative that you triple check your research to determine whether or not post-secondary is necessary in order to obtain your career goal. Post-graduate studies are a wonderful way to expand your knowledge of a subject you feel passionate about but it’s important to keep in mind that it takes additional time and money to complete. 

If you are interested in going straight into the work force after graduation it’s important to network with individuals in your field and to consider finding an internship to gain relevant experience which can be included on your resume. It also never hurts to get involved in the community by volunteering which can give you even more hands on experience in something you are passionate about. The career world is as competitive as ever right now so remember to do anything you can to make yourself stand out over everyone else!

Once you’ve decided between extending your time in university or jumping into the work force it’s time to start making SMART goals:

   Specific: What are you doing and how are you going to do it?

   Measurable: Are you choosing a goal that you can watch yourself progress through?

   Attainable: Do you feel that you will be able to stay committed to your goal?

   Realistic: Are the expectations you are setting for yourself too high?

   Timely: When do you want this specific goal to be obtained by?

On the Career Services website we have a couple worksheets available to help you with your SMART goal planning:

• Goal setting worksheet: for exploring your SMART goals
• Goal Action Form: for developing an action plan to help you achieve your goals 

Brittany and I have completed both of these worksheets for our own career goals and would be more then happy to assist anyone else having difficulty sorting things out. I personally find that having a physical copy of my goals to look over is extremely valuable when sorting through my many unorganized thoughts.

Decision making can be stressful and discouraging at times, but its all about keeping things simple! Don't stress yourself out by making unrealistic goals. I mean, if you aren't going to go to med school you aren't going to be a doctor!


And don't be afraid to conduct any additional research in order to fine tune your SMART goals. Double and triple check any information that is vital to your goals to ensure any confusion and unnecessary stress down the road.


Good luck and feel free to email us or stop by if you have any questions!

~ Ashley

Always Do Your Research!

So you've self-assessed! You now know ALL about yourself, exactly what you want to do and exactly how you're going to do it! ...right? Well, for some of you it might have been that easy to figure it out, and that's great! We're happy for you! But for those of you who are still unsure, you're on the same side as most of us. Sure, we might have an idea and various options for career and/or educational pathways now  (I put mine on a flow chart :D), but it doesn't end there. Before you DECIDE on a career pathway, it's always important to first do your RESEARCH.

Ask yourself...

Is this Pathway the right FIT?

• Am I willing to proceed with Further Education or is Direct Employment right for me?
• What are the job responsibilities?
• Am I cut out for this type of work?
• What else is out there?

Do I have the right EXPERIENCE?

• Will I need experience before entry-level positions?
• How can I gain that experience now (volunteering, internships, part-time jobs)?
• What are the skills and knowledge requirements of the position?
• Is there room for professional development and on-the-job training?
• Am I looking for advancement opportunities? Is that available to me within this field?

What is the Typical WORK ENVIRONMENT?

• Will I be working inside/outside? With children, with people older than me? Alone?
• Am I adaptable?
• How much will I be making? How do raises happen?
• Is there a demand for this type of work?

Who HIRES for this type of work?

• What should I know about the field? The company/organization?
• How should I prepare to apply?
• How do I ask/prepare for an interview?

And always the BIG ONE:

• Will I be granted a pension? Benefits?

While these questions might be simple and provide you with the  little details, the affects of the answers can have some pretty great affects in the long run.

Here are some things to remember...

1. Do what is right for you. Job earnings are important, but don't let the dollar sign cloud your vision when it comes to deciding on something you know will make you happy.

*That also goes for career choices and graduate school. Some people will refrain from doing a Master's program or Post-Graduate Degree because they feel like they should be done spending money, and instead earning it. My motto is "short term pain for long term gain" - anything extra we do now will only make it easier to pay off those student loans later on.

2. While it's important to  be qualified for a position, don't let that stop you from applying to jobs of interest. Hey, you might not meet all of the job requirements, but maybe nobody did! You could still be the best applicant. If you tailor your resume and cover letter right, you could come out a shining star in their list of candidates. So come on into the Career Resource Centre for a review, and then get on out there!

3. Your work environment should never be compromised. You will be talking to these people, seeing these walls, and smelling these smells more often than you'll ever be seeing your family, your walls or the smells in your household. Make sure it's going to work for you. And if it doesn't, next!

Check out our website for some more tips and handy links for researching here. And remember, drop by the centre anytime between 9am-4pm, Monday to Friday and Ashley or I will be happy to discuss your research with you, or even help you get it all started!

See ya then,

Brittany :)

Don't Stress, Self Assess!

All through high school our parents and teachers bombarded us with questions about what type of degree we wanted to pursue once we started university. Now that we are actually in university and have chosen and experienced our current programs we are being asked a slightly more intimidating question - 'what are you planning on doing with your degree?'

This may be a more frightening question for some students than for others. Perhaps you are currently in a program that you are academically successful in but feel no passion for. It's also possible that you're studying something that you dislike altogether. Or maybe you are in a position many other students are experiencing: you love what you are currently studying but you have no idea what you want to do with your degree once you graduate.

It's time to stop stressing out! It's never too late to stop or alter what you're doing and begin moving in a more personally fulfilling direction. Here at Career Services, we have a number of Self-Assessment tools that you can complete at any time on our website. Self-Assessment allows you to explore questions such as who you are, what you are interested in, and what values you hold when it comes to the workplace. By learning about yourself through self-assessment it will be much easier to zone in on career and program choices that reflect who you are. I'll highlight a couple of my favourites below:

• Career Cruising: Career cruising has an in depth self-assessment tool that gives the user a list of potential career choices based on their personal interests. Each of these careers can be explored in great depth on the website, including information on which university or college programs need to be taken in order to enter this career path.
• Keirsey Temperament Sorter: This self-assessment is designed to help you learn more about your values, skills, and interests, which will help you develop and plan goals for the future.

Remember to check out our website to access our 11 different self-assessment tools that cover personality, skills, interests, and workplace values! Feel free to bring your self-assessment results in to Career Services and we will be happy to assist you in planning out your new career path!

It took changing my area of study 4 times before I discovered a program that I feel personally fulfilled in. Do not be afraid to explore. Taking these self-assessments has encouraged me to try new things and combine my personal interests with my area of study. Do not regret decisions you have made in the past. All of our personal experiences make us who we are and help us in determining what we dislike and what we enjoy!

Don't give up, your perfect career is just around the corner!

- Ashley

Introducing . . .

Greetings! This is Ashley and Brittany, your new career blogging friends! We just wanted to take this opportunity to introduce ourselves, and to also introduce the variety of things we've got planned for the Career Services Blog this summer!

Ashley Paolozzi
Program: Interactive Arts and Sciences, minor in Art History
Career Goal: Level Artist and/or Italian Renaissance Researcher
Career Aspiration: Disney Imagineer
How the Career Resource Centre Helped: By making her aware of the opportunities that are available in her field and by helping her organize her varying career aspirations and ideas into realities.

Brittany Stewart
Program: English Language and Literature and Dramatic Arts
Career Goal: English and Dramatic Arts Educator and/or Theatre Director
Career Aspiration: Broadway Performer
How the Career Resource Centre Helped: The variety of resources available in the centre quieted her anxieties about teaching prospects, and opened her eyes to the possibility of alternatives to in-school teaching, and to the prospect of teaching abroad! She also learned a lot about the various programs Brock has to offer, and has spiked a newfound interest in Linguistics!


So that's who we are!  Now for a preview of what we have in store for the blog over the next four months. It's definitely something to include on your reading list this summer! ;)


May: Career Planning
We'll be touching on the four steps of the Career Planning Process, from self-assessment to researching career prospects, to the decision-making process and finally on to what it means to take action! Here in the Career Resource Centre we can guide you no matter what stage of the process you are in, and we encourage you to check out the Career Planning section of our website for some valuable tips as well!

June: New Grads
First, a BIG congratulations to everyone who completed their final exams/essays/assignments/presentations/etc! You did it! You're finally done! But what comes now? In June you'll be getting that diploma and you should also be checking out our blogs for some next steps for what to do after school ends, and before the next stage of your life begins! We'll be providing tips for using social media and networking in the job search process, alternatives to joining the workforce right away, as well as 10 things all new grads should know. June is a hot month for you to be following us, no matter what year you're in!

July: Book Reviews
In the centre, we have a WIDE variety of print resources for any student inquiry. We will be reviewing four of our most popular books in order to give you the scoop, and hey, maybe we'll convince you to come by and check them out yourself! They are:

• Get Wired, You're Hired by Mark Swartz
• Job Search Magic by Susan Britton Whitcomb
• How to Find a Job on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Myspace and Other Social Networks by Brad and Debra Schepp
• 101 Career Alternatives for Teachers by Margaret M. Gisler

August: What's New?
In August, there's a lot of new things going on. New resources, the newsletter comes out, new training program to plan for the new Career Assistants, and onto another new school year! We'll be blogging to remind you about all of these things, and any other news that pops up!


That's it for now! Hope your summer has been good to you so far, that you're all happily employed, or enjoying some awesome adventure somewhere! Don't forget to stop by the Career Resource Centre for any job search inquiries, or for a resume or cover letter review to land that summer or fall position. We're always happy to help you out :) Our summer hours are Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm.

See you soon!

Ashley & Brittany

A New Beginning

It's that time of year again...exams are over and April is wrapping up. This means that it's time to say another goodbye, this time to the Career Services Blog writers for the 2011-2012 year. Here are some parting wishes from our co-writers, Hillary and Lia:

It's been a great year at Career Services for me as a Sr. Career Assistant. Leading a team has been wonderful and I've learned so much more about myself both personally and professionally. Helping students to succeed has been truly rewarding and has really added to my overall university experience by working in this role for the past 2 years. Contributing to writing this blog has also been a blast and I look forward to returning next fall and wrapping up my final year at Brock all while continuing to work in this great department! Have a great summer Badgers, and I will see you in September!

          - Lia

Over the past 2 years I've had the privilege to work at Career Services as a Career Assistant and Sr. Career Assistant. Each day that I went to work I was amazed by the calibre of information I was learning and the diversity of students at Brock. I learned so much about the variety of career paths, and amazed by each students aspirations for the future. As I leave this place, ready to take on new adventures, I encourage all to be active in the career process, to network with individuals from all fields, and to have a professional and positive social presence. May you have a wonderful summer, dream big, and always have a back up plan.

        - Hillary

Keep an eye out for our summer posts written by our Summer Career Assistants, Ashley and Brittany! We wish them well on their blogging endeavors.

Till next time! 

CA's Goodbye

This year in the Career Resource Centre we were so lucky to have 6 amazing Career Assistants who helped students with their career planning process, engaged in a variety of events and project within the centre, and provided so much life and energy to the work. 


Unfortunately we are saying goodbye to come of them, however others are coming back as your Sr. Career Assistants. After asking each of them to write a small paragraph sharing what they've learned and how this job has shaped them I thought I would share them with you. So with no further ado, here are the messages from 5 of our 6, 2011-2012 Career Assistants 

"Being a Career Assistant was a rewarding and challenging opportunity. Not only did I get the chance to help Brock University students with their career aspirations, but I was also able to better understand my own goals, skills, and areas that need improvement. One important thing that I learned through my position as a CA is to always have a well thought out, structured, and realistic plan. It makes life much easier! And if you’re reading this and worrying that you don’t have a plan, you should go to the Career Resource Center where any of the Career Assistants there can definitely help you put a great plan together!"

Amr

"My experience as a Career Assistant was invaluable. Not only did I get to learn more about my program of study and the different opportunities available to me there, but my eyes opened up to all the programs Brock has to offer and the value in every field. As an aspiring future educator, I appreciated the opportunities I got to teach and advise the students coming in to the centre with questions or for resume and cover letter reviews, and at the same time I myself was learning something new everyday, right up until the last. I am so glad I got the chance to be a part of this team and department, and am thrilled to stay on for the summer and as a Senior Career Assistant in the Fall!"
Brittany!


This past year as a Career Assistant, I have learned so much about the work world. Not only is my resume and cover letter looking great, I have learned about some great tools that help out in networking and researching when looking for that perfect job. Believe me, the perfect job IS out there. My advice for students: never stop looking, some job postings may be up in a news paper or on an online job board one day and gone the next, always have your resume tailored and ready so you can jump at the amazing opportunities! As for next year, you may just see me as a Senior Career Assistant in the Resource Centre, be sure to stop by for a visit! 
Krista

Thank you for using our services this year and allowing me as a career assistant to learn through your experiences and knowledge. I encourage you to continue to look for jobs you enjoy and get started early! All the best for summer and I look forward to seeing you guys back again in the fall.
Rosemary


Working at Career Services has been an exciting and inspiring experience. I have learned a lot about myself and about the many students I've assisted during the past year. I'm looking forward to continuing work here during the summer and into the upcoming school year!
Ashley


We are so thankful for this leadership and excited for what the future holds for each and everyone of you. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication. I know Career Services is excited to have some of you back, and wishes you all the best on your individual career paths!
-Hillary

Me to We Event

Career Services is proud to be involved in offering the following event:

Craig Kielburger, Me to We Speech
April 24, 2012 - 6:30pm - 8:00pm

Location: Holiday Inn and Suites Parkway Conference Centre

Investors Group is hosting the Me to We: How One Person Can Make a World of Difference presentation, with speaker Craig Kielburger right here in St. Catharines.
Craig Kielburger is an accomplished child rights advocate and leadership specialist, an award-winning author and a popular speaker. He is the founder of Free The Children, the world’s largest network of children helping children through education, and the co-founder of Leaders Today, the world’s top youth leadership training organization.

To attend this event you must have registered on Careerzone and obtained a ticket from Career Services.
Any questions about this event, please contact Lisa Kuiper at lkuiper@brocku.ca.

This is a great opportunity for students to engage in social activism and gain some professional development as well - take advantage if you can!

- Lia

Moving from unemployment to employment

As the end of the year winds down you may find yourself packing up your residence room, off-campus housing or for the graduating students, packing 4 years of life to move home or to a new city for a job. Either way packing is difficult and can cause some headache. After my past weekend experience I offer you 5 key words to keep in mind to help make this transition as smooth as possible.

1. Toss, Keep, Sell.  When packing to move think to yourself, what is garbage? what can be sold? what should I keep? For some reason you end up accumulating much more then what you came with. If you are able to sort through your items and separate what you can get rid of, compared to what you will keep, it makes it far less work in the long run- plus you're able to earn a few dollars by selling some of your unwanted stuff. Don't forget you can sell back old text books.

2. Be Prepared. Rent a truck. Buy a truck. Borrow a truck. Whatever it is, just make sure you have a large vehicle that will 100% fit all your stuff. Unlike from my experience, the last thing you want to have to do is create many trips to bring your stuff home. The more prepared you are the better the transition. 

3. Relax. Moving can be crazy, draining and emotional, but if you remember to relax and have the mindset that it will all come together the day doesn't become as hectic as it seems.

Not only are theses 5 key words great for moving out of student housing, but they are key words to help you move from unemployed to employment. Toss out your old resume and make a new one but be sure to Keep your skills and accomplishments so you can Sell yourself to employees. Go Prepared and dress for success and don't forget to Relax. 

I wish you all the best in your transitions!

Hillary

Tough Interview Questions: Salary Negotiations

Here's another toughie - what in the world do you say when your interviewer or potential employer asks you about what salary you're expecting? This is a question that could seriously harm your chances of landing a position if approached the wrong way - that's exactly why we're here to help!

First of all, if this is a full-time position that you are applying for and it explicitly states in the job posting "Salary to be negotiated" then you're going to want to come prepared to the interview. Even if this isn't said, you never know if during an interview you might be asked to supply a salary expectation. That being said, do your research!
 

Before your interview check out some links on our website under "Salary Information". Browse through these tools to find out what normal salary ranges are for the kind of position that you are applying to. After doing some investigating, come up with a salary range (of about $5000-$10,000) that is appropriate for this position, the bottom of this range being the least you are willing to accept. 
**If the job posting indicates that you provide an expected salary in your application, mention this salary range in the last paragraph of your cover letter and be sure to remind the employer that this issue remains negotiable.

The most important thing to remember here is that salary is bound to come up at some point during your job search, especially once you begin looking for a full-time, entry level position after you graduate. Knowing what kind of pay you'd be willing to take and what you deserve to earn will make you more successful in landing a great position in the end. That's why it really pays to be prepared, literally! 


Here's to happy future paychecks!
- Lia

Tough Interview Questions: Your Weaknesses

♫ It's the most wonderful time of the year.

Employers are hiring and some are firing

And now is your chance

To show em' your skills, and be the best  ♫

That's right- its interview season. Employers are hiring for summer positions, preparing for the fall, and maybe (if lucky) you may also have an interview for a full-time position. No matter what your interview is for, one the most common questions regards your weaknesses.

How to approach this tough questions? First be honest and only give one weakness unless asked otherwise. You want to let the employer know you are being honest, sharing something that needs improvement and a skill or behaviour that you can work on throughout your time with the company/organization

When mentioning the weakness, also mention how it can be turned positive. Although you want to be honest with your weakness, I would encourage you to share how you plan to turn it into a positive and something that can then further enhance the job.

Lastly stay away from "I work too hard" or "I like things a certain way"...because, lets be honest, everyone could work harder. When the employer hears that, they don't think of it as a weakness, but rather a poor excuse for not acknowledging your 'flaws'.

This is your opportunity to discuss places of weakness, but also how you are open to growth and learning opportunities. Its your opportunity to be honest, to show them you are not a perfect human being, but rather doing everything possible to become one.

As philosopher Jean Vanier once said "Growth begins when we begin to accept our own weakness". May you accept yours and freely start to bloom

All the best
Hillary

Upcoming Hour Changes

As we approach the Easter weekend, Career Services would like to send out a reminder:

We are closed for Good Friday.

We will re-open Easter Monday for our regular hours - 9am-4:30pm.

Also, as exams draw nearer, please note:

We will be open, as normal, Monday-Friday from 9am-4:30pm
during the month of April 9-27.

Feel free to drop by with your career questions at any time during these periods! Besides, everyone needs a break from studying!

Hope to see you soon,

Lia

Net worth or Network

This week we're linking up to an article that was writen by Chris Illich from The Brock Press titled:

Net Worth or Network

http://www.brockpress.com/focus/net-worth-or-network-1.2828471

We understand the anxieties of graduating, finding a job, and all that encompasses post-graduation. It can be stressful, there are many unknown factors and for some, financial stress. Become aware and knowledgable in your field, be confident in yourself and your skills, and ensure you are doing everything possible to get your dream job, because eventurally it will happen!

Good Luck!

How To Interview With Your Current Boss

Some time in your life you might be invited to interview with someone you already know - like your boss. This seems like a strange concept but often supervisors like to conduct interviews with their current employees before offering them a promotion or a different position. This helps your boss determine your readiness and fit for the promotion and also gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge, learning experiences, and willingness to move up in the company/organization.

If you ever have an interview with your boss, follow these tips:

• Treat it as if it is a normal interview. Practice your interview skills and take time to reflect on your experiences in your current job so that you feel ready to speak confidently about your position and the skills you have gained from it.
• Dress smart. The same dress etiquette applies even though you may interact with this person everyday at work - make sure you look the part!
• Be professional. Even though it might be tempting to act casual and joke around with your boss as per your normal relationship (if that applies to you), resist! Being well-spoken and confident will make you shine and show your boss that you are able to adapt professionally to this unique situation.
• Be prepared! Your boss may even ask you to provide references. This goes without saying that you should prepare a copy of your resume, cover letter (if applicable) and references for them should they ask. Also remember little things like offering a firm handshake at the end of your interview - make a lasting impression!

All in all interviewing with your current boss can be a tricky situation as you already have a working relationship with them. However it is an opportunity to practice interviewing and communicating your skills and experiences effectively - so take advantage!


...And you never know - it might land you a promotion!
Best of luck,
Lia

Connect Your Network - Find Your Way Into the Hidden Job Market

You’ve heard the word networking over and over but do you know what it really means? Do you understand how your network can help you connect to people to get results? Do you know how to use your network in your job search? Most importantly, how do you connect with your network to be successful?

Brock University (Co-op Programs), the St. Catharines Junior Chamber (Jaycees) and The Sean Moffett Group are excited to invite you to this FREE event on how to network to get results in your job search. Whether you are looking for a full time job, a part time job, a summer job or a co-op job, Sean Moffett will show you the way to connect with people and build a network that will be effective and engaging.

This event held on Wednesday March 28, 2012 from 5-8pm, will help connect community members, students, business owners and leaders to open your eyes to what is commonly referred to as the "hidden job market".

 

Registration is available on CareerZone and the event is open to all students, community members and employers.

Please note that business attire is required for this event View the "Dressing for Success" resources guides:

• Appropriate Attire Resource Guide: http://www.brocku.ca/webfm_send/8431
• Do’s and Don’ts Resource Guide (with pictures): http://www.brocku.ca/webfm_send/15272

Hope to see you there!

-Hillary

Mentorship Wrap-Up

Last night Mentorship Plus celebrated the end of another successful year! We celebrated the growth that is learned by both the mentee's and mentors, the relationships blossomed and the amount of voluntary time given to enhance both individuals goals and achievements.

 

 

We also took the time to acknowledge those who have gone above and beyond over the past year helping to make Mentorship Plus the sucess that it is today. With the large number of mentoring relationships that we have worked with over the last few years, this year a new position was made to enhance our participant communication efforts. 7 lead mentors were each given several mentoring pairs to communicatie with and assist in their relationship. Thank you to Anne Lau, Amy Wilson, Renee Girard, Corrin Cudlip, Amber Botelho, Marissa Rowlinson, Ketelyn Scott.

The Engagement Award went to Stephen Amoah  who has been an active participant at every level of the program, and has always promoted Mentorship at every turn. Not only does he work here at Career Services, but he goes above and beyond the call of duty with much gratitude. Congratuations Stephen!

Cam Hathaway has participated in Mentorship Plus for the past five years as a career mentor and worked at inspiring teachers and educators. Cam is the Niagara District School Board Superintendent and a great contributor to Mentorship Plus. Cam recieved the 5 year Award!

  

 

Throughout the evening we also heard from Murry Wickett- an Associate Professor and History Department Chair, as he shared his experience of mentoring, and the relationships that have flourished from the History mentoring. Yvonne Liang, a graduating student mentee gave a warm and special thank you to her mentor for giving her opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. 

 

 

Lastly a special thank you was made to our 4 Mentorship Plus assistant staff, Jennifer Langdon, Stephen Amoah, Lauren Bauer and Andrea Bobb. They work extremely hard, ensuring each partnership is strong and thriving and made this year such a success!

We are hoping to exceed 400 first and senor relationships next year, so stay tuned for how you can be invovled. It was such an amazing night celebrating a fantastic year! Thank you to all participating and supporting in Mentorship Plus and Mentoring at Brock U.

- Hillary

BUSU Summer Job Fair

Not sure what you will be doing this summer?

Want to gain valuable experience and build your resume?

BUSU will be holing its annual Job Fair in the Skybar Lounge from 9 am- 5pm

Tuesday March 20th and Wednesday March 21st.

All students are welcome!

Come out and see what full-time and part-time positions BUSU has to offer!

You are able to read job descriptions, chat with mangers and executives and talk with people who hold a student position you're interested in!

For more information please visit: http://www.busu.net/get-involved/jobs

 and for cover letter and resume writing/reviews please stop by the Career Resource Centre

Have Fun!

-Hillary

Stay On Track

This is Career Services sending out a reminder to as you finish up your academic term:

-> Time to visit your Academic Adviser!

As an undergraduate student it is crucial that you check in with your Academic Adviser at least once a year to make sure you're on track with your degree.Verify with your Adviser that you have all the correct mandatory courses for your program and that you're choosing electives that complement your minor or simply your interests!


It's important to have such conversations with your Academic Adviser to ensure that you are succeeding academically and are on the right path to graduation and even further studies. Your Adviser can help you to narrow down your career choices and even recommend programs that students from your department typically choose to pursue. They often have great ideas as they've had tons of experience with students who are in your shoes - so be sure to take advantage of all their knowledge!


Booking an appointment is as easy as 1-2-3. Visit the Book an Appointment page on the Brock website to set up a meeting with your Adviser, or to view their walk-in hours for quick consultations.


Good luck & stay on track!
- Lia

Why take spring/summer Courses?

This past weekend the sun was shining and we broke records for the highest reached temperature for March 11. People were wearing shorts and t-shirts (crazy), snow shovels were put away, outdoor patio furniture taken out of sheds and spring cleaning was underway.

For some students, this was also the realization that spring is just around the corner and summer shortly follows. It may mean moving out of residence, house hunting, packing to move home, or some even graduation. It also means the time is coming to register for spring and summer courses.

Here are some reasons as to why take spring and/or summer courses:

• Earn credits ahead of schedule, which may lead to an early graduation
• Work towards an associate degree, or minor
• Accelerated, concentrated class time- allowing for intense focus on the topic
• Allows for you to take courses that interests you, and that may otherwise not fit in your schedule
• Smaller classes allowing for greater interaction between students and instructors
• Gives you a chance to upgrade a mark, or retake a class to maintain your overall average and to keep on track
• Opportunity to get demanding courses out of the way with fewer distractions
• Allows you to have a job throughout the summer, as many courses are in the evening
• Reduces the difficult transition students feel after taking a summer off
• Opportunity to take specific-topic or interesting classes that are only offered during spring/summer terms

So as you prepare for spring and summer, will you be taking courses?
-Hillary

We're Hiring!

It's that time of year again, students are in the midst of their summer job search and starting to think about employment for next fall. Now is definitely the time to begin your search! If you're looking for a great on-campus job for the summer and/or next fall that will work around your academic schedule and provide you with some awesome work experience...

...Well you're in luck - Career Services is hiring!

We're looking for students to fill various positions within our department, inlcuding:

• 5-6 Career Assistants to staff the Career Resource Centre in the Learning Commons
• A Social Media Assistant to effectively represent Career Services on social media networks and to work on various marketing campaigns
• 3 Plus Program Assistants to work with our Mentorship Plus, Experience Plus, and Experience Works programs

For more information about these positions and to find out how to apply, visit Career Zone to view the full job postings.

Don't forget to get your resume and cover letter reviewed at the Career Resource Centre before submitting your applications - put your best foot forward!

We look forward to hearing from you and welcoming new staff to our team!
Best of luck!!
Lia