Career Services Compass

Career Services Compass

Finding summer employment can be stressful for many students. Timing is important; starting your job search while preparing for final exams can add an extra layer of stress. Help is available at the Career Resource Centre.

It is important to understand what jobs interest you when beginning your job search. Are you looking for an opportunity within your field? Are you focused on gaining transferable skills or earning a certain salary? At the Career Resource Centre we can help you narrow your focus and know where to look for jobs that match your interests. You can expect to see a large increase in postings from January to March. Remember to regularly check job search websites, like careerzone.brocku.ca, for new opportunities.

After you find a job posting that interests you, the next step is to prepare the documents you will need for your application. We can help you build a strong cover letter and resumé, and provide assistance with preparing for interviews.

Don’t wait until the last moment — visit the Career Resource Centre and start your summer job search early.

Andre St. George, career assistant

Don’t let winter fool you — start your summer job search now

Why study abroad?

Newsletter | Winter | 2016

Have you ever considered studying abroad or participating in an exchange? Going abroad while studying at Brock is a cost-effective way to experience another culture while gaining credits towards your degree. If you do an exchange through Brock University, you will pay Canadian (Brock) tuition fees instead of pricey international tuition costs. As a student, you are eligible to go abroad as long as you:

• are an undergraduate or graduate student in your second year

• have an average of 70 per cent or more

• can provide three references

• are able to attend an interview

If you want to have a fulfilling exchange experience be sure to do your research. You should spend time exploring destination choices, identifying potential course options, understanding the cost of living and determining other important personal criteria. If you need assistance or have any questions, visit the Career Resource Centre.

Sean Pereira, career assistant

Career Services Compass

Internships — a step into your career

Informational interviews — a benefi cial exercise

Are you looking to gain experience and learn new skills in your fi eld of interest? If you’ve answered “yes” then an internship could be the perfect fi t for you. An internship is a temporary paid or unpaid position in which you have the opportunity to gain experience in your area of study with a particular organization or company. Internships provide training that will help you build or enhance your skills and ensure you are better prepared for future career opportunities. Whether you are an aspiring artist or have a passion for science, there are internships for you.

Internship opportunities can be very benefi cial as a stepping-stone into your career after graduation. To learn more about internship programs and opportunities, visit the Career Resource Centre.

Lydia Collins, career assistant

Considering what to do with your degree after graduation can be one of the highest sources of stress for students. Conducting informational interviews is a proactive way to help alleviate that stress by opening up potential networks in your fi eld of interest and gaining insight into jobs that interest you. It’s an opportunity to ask a professional to describe their own job or to tell you about the variety of occupations that may be available in their company or industry. This “inside information” can help you make an informed decision about which jobs align with your goals and expectations.

Café Connect is a program offered by Mentorship Plus that provides students with the chance to connect with professionals from various industries. Choose a mentor and meet them in person (or online) to learn about the fi eld, job, and industry, or about their personal transition from education to career. Create an account on mentormatch.brocku.ca to get started.

Here are a few ways to keep in touch with Career Services:

facebook.com/brockcareerserv

@BrockCareerServ

instagram.com/brockcareerserv/

Facebook “f ” Logo CMYK / .eps Facebook “f ” Logo CMYK / .eps

instagram.com/brockcareerserv/

Newsletter | Winter | 2016

B: brockcareerservices.com/

E: career@brocku.ca

W: brocku.ca/career-services

Visit the Career Resource Centre for more information about Café Connect or setting up informational interviews. Kaitlyn Daw, senior career assistant