Career Services Informer

Catching the Spirit 2008 is an outdoor environmental stewardship program designed for
youth that will take place this summer in various Metro Vancouver Regional Parks. The
program involves camping, environmental education and restoration projects; each providing a number of opportunities for career preparation credit as well as basic training in a variety of outdoor skills for grades 7-12.
We are currently accepting applications for Program Supervisors who will run programs at various Metro Vancouver Regional Park locations in Vancouver, North Vancouver, Burnaby and Surrey.

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It’s easy to see brands everywhere you look. I’m drinking brand-name coffee, wearing brand-name shoes, and I’m sitting inches away from my brand-name bag. But sometimes you forget that YOU’RE a brand too! When you’re looking for a job, it’s important to develop a personal brand – it makes you memorable, helps you stand out from the other applicants, and shows off your communication skills and attention to detail. “Branding is about building a name for yourself, showcasing what sets you apart from the others, and describing the added value you bring to a situation” (QuintCareers.com).

So how does one go about developing a personal brand – what even makes up a personal brand? The first step is to know what you’re branding – make sure you know what you want to say about your experience, skills, interests. Once you’ve sorted out the messages that you want to create with your resume and cover letter, you can start developing a personal brand. (Need help with the first step? Check out SFU Career Services!) (more…)

Sharing Farm Coordinator

The Richmond Fruit Tree Sharing Project (RFTSP) is a non-profit community organization that grows vegetables on donated lands for the Richmond Food Bank and other agencies. The Richmond Fruit Tree’s Sharing Farm grows organically and is located in Terra Nova Rural Park at the west end of Westminster Hwy. Successful candidates will report to a team of volunteer Board Directors and a Farm Manager. The Sharing Farm site is not on a direct bus route. It is accessible by bus with about a five minute bicycle ride from the nearest bus stop. For more information about the Sharing Farm please visit www.richmondfruittree.com

Please submit resume and a cover letter by March 31, 2008 via email to: info@richmondfruittree.com

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Plant seeds/transplants, cultivate, water, weed and harvest
• Keep records and a farm journal
• Assist with the supervision and training of volunteers
• Assist with educational programs, tours and special events
• Assist with the transportation and distribution of vegetables
• Keep farm and storage areas organized and tidy

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Urban Fare in Yaletown is looking for great people to add to their teams. Possible roles include:

• Food Store Clerks
• Food Service Clerks
• Cooks
• Guest Services
• Pharmacy Technicians

A fun place to work, it’s also rewarding. Urban Fare offers both a referral and a retention program. Make extra money by referring a friend or for averaging a certain number of work hours.

There are many opportunities for those who want to work early mornings or late into the evenings to accommodate your schedules.

Come work for us!   We will offer you: (more…)

Perhaps it is the most important subject to any student or alumni’s life, yet personal financing is not covered anywhere in your degree, or offered for course credits.  No matter who you are or where your degree may take you, you’ll have to deal with the cost of life, including the debt that may have accumulated through your schooling.  If you’ve managed to stay mostly debt-free during your school, due to miracle assistance or hard work, it’s just as important to learn how to establish your personal wealth and learn how to make the most of what you’ve got once tuition is no longer an expense.

The first step is to have a plan.  Ensure that you have an understanding about where you’re money is coming from and where you are putting it.  Living expenses can add up quickly, as will entertainment, but you should keep an eye on more hidden cash-drainers like the interest that accumulates on loans, fees that add up at banks and on credit cards, while taxes take a chunk out of your pay check.  But making smart investments, living choices and creating a solid budget can help you stay on top of your funds (unfortunately the tax part is unavoidable).

Fortunately, you don’t have to teach the tricks of personal financing to yourself, or hire a personal accountant.  There are many print and online resources for you and financial coaches available to assist you.  Murray Baker, author of “The Debt-Free Graduate” has been hailed as the leading authority of student financial planning in North America and will be a presenter at the annual SFU Career Services’ Backpack to Briefcase conference on Saturday March 15.  Murray will be sharing his expertise from student loans, to cost cutting at the Supermarket.  It really does come down to small savings, like switching to store-brand, products instead of the more expensive name-brand items (food and clothes).  Other simple tricks are turning down the heat by a few degrees, or by driving just 10km less a week.

Murray understands the costs of living, where the money goes and where it comes from.  He has obtained a ton of knowledge and  vast experience with the student financial situation and is eager to assist students understanding the same.  The guy’s a genius, with money tips about the following:

• Finding the best summer jobs
• Strategies for making your money go further
• Information on eating and entertaining on a shoestring budget
• Tackling the realities of debt repayment, loan consolidation and interest relief
• Avoiding the big bank heist
• Traveling on the Cheap

You just can’t afford to miss this conference!  Check out some of the other valuable speakers and events taking place, along with registration info, at www.sfu.ca/career/b2b.  For more information on Murray Baker, you can check him out online: www.debtfreegrad.com, or grab his book in the Career Services’ Student Resource Library.  You can check out some of the other great financial resources like “Your Financial Future: Guide to Life After Graduation” at www.lifeaftergraduation.com.

Every weekday, the population of a small city migrates from around the region to Microsoft’s headquarters in
Redmond.They work in more than 70 buildings spread out on both sides of Highway 520 for a mile. The 388-acre corporate campus, one of the world’s largest, consumes enough electricity to light some 50,000 homes.But it’s not big enough for the giant software company. Not yet.Today, a half-dozen construction cranes and swarms of workers are carving out a major addition to the campus. This biggest growth spurt in company history will ease crowding and usher in a new design scheme meant to improve how employees work.

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Young Women in Business presents the beyond p!nk conference which includes a tradeshow, interactive workshops, speakers and a gala dinner on Friday, March 28 and Saturday, March 29, 2008 at the Sheraton Wall Centre, Vancouver, BC.  Complete details and registration information can be found on their website www.ywib.ca.

I was waiting for a not so time conscious friend at waterfront sky train station with ample time to kill. Wandering past another Starbucks, I came across this bright yellow sign, Welcome to Small Business BC! 

Everyone dreams of starting up your own business and selling it to Google for 1.65 billion dollars, but how many people actually do it? According to Scott Shane, author of The Illusions of Entrepreneurship only 33% of people get a start up and running in seven years. Taking the Entrepreneurship test (although it was very US specific), showed that I knew about 40% of the harsh reality of entrepreneurship.  However Guy Kawasaki only scored 40% too!  

I had an idea, but how am I going to get there? Stepping into the huge Small Business BC office I was bombarded by the different types of resources. From books to electronic databases to financing guides, everything was easy to access and the people were friendly.  

Continuing with my resource list beyond small business BC I was presently surprised to see what I could find on the web. The SFU library has many books (print and electronic) on the subject and even has a club on campus! Advancing Canadian Entrepreneurship (ACE) is where you can meet like minded individuals all up on the SFU campus!   

Would you like to hear from a panel of experts who will cover the basics of entrepreneurship and how to run a business?  Join us for:

• Start Your Own Business
• Tues Mar 4th @  11:30 am – 1:00 pm
• Career Services ~ MBC 0300
• Register online @ www.sfu.ca/career 

Rebecca – Career Peer

Are you looking for work in the Arts? Whether is Arts Administration, Management or Production work check out the Alliance for Art and Culture. The Alliance is a BC based not-for-profit organization, which serves the arts and culture community in Greater Vancouver area.
http://www.allianceforarts.com/
Š

Chelsea – Career Peer

Still thinking about working for the government?  As mentioned in a previous blog article, the Public Service of Canada has been named one of the Top 100 Employers of 2007 in Canada, and in British Columbia.  This same article also listed five of the top ten reasons to aim for a career in public service.  Read on to end the suspense of the remaining top five reasons:

5.  Advancement Opportunities – With a large number of employers expected to retire within the next decade, the prospects for talented individuals has never been better.  Various programs are offered to accelerate your career progression within PSC.

4.  Work in Your Field – There are jobs available for everyone, from test pilot, to nurse to geologists to program managers.  Modern technology is available in all fields of employment.

3.  Variety of Job Opportunities – Whether you’re just beginning, or are an experienced professional, there is a position for everyone, each offering the means to acquire a new skills and development.

2.  Attractive Salary and Benefits – Everyone always talks about the financial security of working for the government and there is a reason why!  Competitive salaries, excellent benefits, pensions, medical, dental, paid vacation and various types of leave in case something happens to come up.

1.  Job Satisfaction – It is very important that people like what they do.  Surveys are sent out to ensure the majority of employees are happy with their work.  And there is always the added benefit of personal fulfillment from making a difference.

Did these ten reasons peak your interest in working for the government, but you’re not sure how to go about getting in?  Don’t miss the  “What Can I do in Government” Panel Discussion on Wednesday. February 27 at 2:30-4:30pm.  Hear about the work, the people and the opportunities at the provincial and federal level.  Register Now.

You can always check out other great resources Career Services is offering you for tips on working in government!

 

Automotive Technician/Car Mechanic

NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY!

There’s more to being a Mr. Lube service technician than changing oil and replacing parts.

There are lots of reasons Mr. Lube might be the right place for you.

Here are a few:

• Extensive, paid training
• Flexible hours
• No late nights
• No need to watch the clock
• Great people
• A supportive work environment
• Weekly Contests – Great prizes like PSPs, iPods, and gift cards!!!!!
• Building of a long term career.
• Ongoing training on new products and exposure to the latest technology in automotive maintenance
• BONUS program that can come close to doubling your hourly wage!

If this sounds like an exciting opportunity please email your resume to: spilon@mindfieldgroup.com

Wild ARC is located 20 kms outside Victoria in Metchosin and is the only wildlife rehabilitation centre on southern Vancouver Island. Wild ARC is a branch of the BC SPCA and admits over 1,700 injured, sick, and orphaned wildlife per year. A variety of small and medium sized mammals and birds are treated at the center, including: deer, raccoons, squirrels, river otters, raptors, songbirds, seabirds, and waterfowl.

INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

Interns volunteer full-time under the supervision of certified wildlife rehabilitators and AHTs to perform animal husbandry duties and medical treatments. Some of the skills interns acquire include species identification, cage set-up and proper husbandry techniques, animal handling, tube feeding of mammals and birds, dosage calculations, administering medication, performing lab work, data analysis, and various other procedures. Interns will also work with, and train, volunteers and interact with the public. Interns should have prior experience in animal handling and husbandry.  Internships are two months in length, during one of the following two periods: May–June OR July-August.

All internship positions are voluntary,no stipend or salary is offered. 

Application deadline is March 1, 2008. Details and application info available at:  www.wildarc.com or by calling 250-478-WILD (9453)

 

Higher Grade Learning Center is looking to expand its team of teaching instructors! 

If you are a certified teacher or planning on getting into teaching / tutoring, and looking for employment then we want to hear from you! Higher Grade Learning Centre currently has openings for part time and full time employment. We are seeking individuals who possess the following traits:  

• Highly motivated, self-starter with initiative, dedicated to job responsibilities.
• Outgoing personable with positive attitude.
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Strong oral/interpersonal/communication skills
• Teaching and customer service experience an asset
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Previous tutoring experience an asset
• Experience teaching high school math and science an asset
• Salary $15 to $20 dollars an hour

If you posses the above requirements, please forward your resume and cover letter to naz188@hotmail.comOnly candidates selected for interview will be contacted.  Application Deadline is February 29 2008 but any early applications are welcomed!  If you have any questions you can email naz188@hotmail.com or call 604-723-6400 

  I first heard about the Peer Educator Volunteer Opportunities back in the Spring of 2007 through a SFU Business Co-op e-mail.   I had already completed 6 work terms and the experience gained from my last co-op position helped me to land my present career working in HR for Business Objects an SAP Company.   I believe that each of my previous co-op jobs have been great learning experiences that have helped prepare me for my current role.  (http://coopcommunity.sfu.ca/modules.php?op=modload&name=zProfiles&file=detail&cat=109&vc=ac&profileID=538)

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Did you walk by ASB last week and saw two tables decorated with hardhats, dumptruck and construction tape?  Did you realize that it was an awesome event hosted by Career Services and Microsoft?  Ginny Cheng and Rian Sammy Sacquitne, the two Microsoft Recruiters, along with Christine Gilbert from Career Services, Avry Janes from Computing Science Co-op and Career Peer Educators were in the ASB Atrium on Wed and Thu, Feb 6-7, to talk to Tech students regarding their resumes.  27 students signed up and brought their resume to be reviewed by our resume experts.  Don’t worry if you have missed out the event, we’ll be hosting similar events throughout the year!

(L-R) Christine Gilbert, Ginny Cheng, Rian Sammy Sacquitne, Rebecca Ho 

Please note the Microsoft – How to Survive a Technical Interview information session has been cancelled.  They will reschedule the seessionto March.  If you would like to talk to representatives, they will be attending Op Fair (Feb 13) to answer questions and accept applications.

Stop by SFU Career Services on Thursday, February 14 anytime between 10:00am and 1:30pm for your date with Networking.  A small booth will be set up with tons of networking strategies, along with information about the upcoming Summer Hiring Fair where you can put your winning introduction and handshake to work.  Stick around to attend the Resume and Cover Letter workshop, starting at 1:30 and walk away with award-winning resume writing tips!

And like any great date, there will be tasty treats and free coffee to help boost your caffeine and sugar levels for the day.
Be sustainable and bring your own mug!

You might think that your chances of securing a great job are, well, not so great if your GPA doesn’t reflect your talent. With all the pressure placed on grades and exams, it makes searching for work a lot more stressful if your grades aren’t as high as you might like.

Don’t stress! Remember that your GPA isn’t a reflection of how well you will do in any particular job. Employers would much rather you have relevant paid or volunteer experience, and core skills like written and verbal communication, interpersonal skills, experience with relevant software programs, developing presentations or reports, research experience or sales experience – whatever the job requires. In fact, “research cited by NACE (National Association of Colleges and Employers) in the Job Outlook 2005 stated  employers placed GPA toward the lower end of their wish list” (Duke.edu, 2008)

Brian Krueger, author of College Grad Job Hunter, says that he “would prefer to hire someone with a lower GPA with work experience, rather than a high GPA with no work experience” (CollegeGrad.com, 2008) and that GPA is only one criteria used. Use your resume and cover letter to emphasize what you have to offer that is more important than your grades: experience in the field, skills developed, core competencies, and communication skills.

A good general rule is that the more experience you have in your chosen field, the less your GPA might matter in looking or work – many employers or applications won’t even require it! But depending on your field, you might want to think about how to answer questions about a lower GPA.

If you did better in your last 2 years of school or when you switched majors, for example, mention that. Talk about how you chose to include practical work experience with your education rather than just concentrating all your attention on school. Mention any additional classes you have taken to improve your skills since leaving school, or future plans to improve your education or skills.

And, most importantly, make sure that your resume and cover letter emphasize what you have done well on: volunteering or working, presentations or projects – whatever will make you stand out in your job search!

Still worried about those low numbers impacting your job search? Stop by SFU Career Services and speak to someone about how to make the most of your skills and accomplishments outside the classroom.

Chelsea W ~ Student Blog Reporter

The 2010 volunteer program and 25,000 jobs are up for grabs ~ from olympic flamewatcher, parking cars to greeting heads of states.

Do you want to add experience to your resume, gain additional skills, interact with international visitors and more?   “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity”….

General volunteers are needed for helping with event services, accreditation, ticket-taking, handling spectator needs and assisting people at the airport. People fluent in other languages are needed!

Donna Wilson, 2010’s Human Resources, says volunteers will need to be “energized, flexible and committed”.Volunteers will have to be willing to commit to 13 shifts for the Olympics and 7 for the Paralympics.

Interested individuals can apply online at:  www.vancouver2010.com or at www.workopolis.com.  The online application will take 30 – 40 minutes to complete, requires individuals to list their skills, experience, interests and provide ID such as a driver’s license. Minimum age is 19 (as of Sept 2008)
The process:  In the spring a telephone screening process will begin and in the fall, the successful applicants will receive a 5 hour security-screening and training session.

Volunteering:  How to see the Olympics up close and personal!

(Condensed from The Province, Monday, February 11, 2008)

 Do you possess a teaching certificate and are looking for work?  Then you do not want to miss this opportunity to learn about the 30 school districts and their communities who will be at the BC School Personnel Association’s Job Fair.  Come and hear about anticipated and current teaching vacancies. This is your chance to talk with the actual Human Resource professionals who do the hiring and will share valuable information about hiring procedures.

Details are as follows:
Date: Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Time: 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Where: Four Seasons Hotel – 791 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 2T4

This event is free to attend, and pre-registration is encouraged.  For a registration form, please go to the BC School Personnel Association website at www.bcspa.net.

On a fuzzy, cloudful morning Jerome, our first opening speech presenter, just woke us all up with his great public speaking skills and well-structured opening to leadership and the challenges that bars our way to the top.  For those of you who enjoy children’s stories, well, Jerome, told one to us and it was a heartful one ? One that touches our souls in that leadership involves giving and taking and looking after the ones around you.  We make life-changing decisions and we tear our-selves away from the comfort of standing below the leader.  We have reached a stage of passing on continual support, motivation, inspiration, and for all in the group to be recognized for their efforts and contributions.  We all can make a difference at SFU!!! (more…)