Career Services Informer

With a semester of co-op experience, I figured finding my next work term would be a breeze. After all, now I had relevant office experience to add to all the volunteer and part-time work on my resume. Unfortunately, I was mistaken. I didn’t get hired on a work term, and while my story comes from a co-op standpoint, what I learned is relevant and important for anyone looking for work.

I figured this seeking semester would be a breeze – after all, I had a good amount of experience, and pretty well-written application documents. Without doubt, I’d have a second co-op in no time. Well, the months passed, and I still didn’t have an offer. Sure, I got a nice number of interviews thanks to my strong resume and cover letter. I’m even confident I was a strong interviewee, based on feedback I’ve received from others in the past.

Still, no offers. So what was I doing wrong? When I followed up with my advisors and coordinators in an effort to get some feedback, I was rather surprised and confused about what I learned.

I realized that I had been falling into two different traps: I was either a very promising candidate, but simply lacked directly applicable experience; or the recruiters had liked everything I’d done but just didn’t think I was the right “fit.” I learned that even if I did everything right in the application process, and had lots of experience on my resume, there was no guaranteed job waiting for me right away.

It might be the same for you. If you didn’t get that job you really wanted, the reasons might be completely out of your immediate control: you can’t instantly gain experience you don’t have, and you certainly can’t change who you are. Simply put, it’s a buyer’s market: there’s heavy competition for students and new graduates, and companies can afford to be very picky on who they select.  I don’t want to discourage looking for jobs right now; rather, I hope that this can help you to avoid obsessing over why you didn’t get an offer, or stressing out about what you did wrong.

No matter what happens, never give up. If you can’t find the paid work you want, think outside the box for alternatives. Can you work towards your goal by volunteering part-time to gain the direct experience you’re missing? How about taking on a less related role that would develop some transferrable skills? There are more possibilities than you might think, and Career Services and Volunteer Services on campus can help you learn where to start, both on and off campus.

Seventeen applications, seven interviews, and zero co-op placements later, I ended up taking classes and volunteering with two positions on campus. You might imagine that I would be pretty depressed about all the rejections and failures I experienced, but I managed to stay positive throughout the process! If I learned anything from this, it’s to avoid getting emotionally attached to a job possibility when the outcome is still uncertain. At the end of the day, you don’t know what’s going to happen, so why hop onto an emotional rollercoaster?

Jennifer Gutzmann

Jennifer is a Career Peer Educator at SFU Career Services, and a fourth-year business student pursuing a career in Human Resources. She loves being with people, and wants to do something to help others.

CareerMotion is a research study conducted by The Social Research and Demonstration Corporation (SRDC) and sponsored by HRSDC. 

This pilot project seeks to test the effectiveness of an interactive web-based career guidance tool designed by BC career counsellors. The tool provides relevant information and personal activities that can help participants make better use of their skills in the labour market.

All participants who complete the project will receive $75 for their time.  To participate, individuals must be under 40, have a degree from a Canadian college or university, and live in BC.   Enrolment is limited – participants are encouraged to register before May 1, 2010.

To learn more please review the attachment or visit CareerMotion.ca

**********

About The Social Research and Demonstration Corporation

The Social Research and Demonstration Corporation (SRDC) is a non-profit research organization, created specifically to develop, field test, and rigorously evaluate new programs. Their mission is to help policy-makers and practitioners identify policies and programs that improve the well-being of all Canadians, with a special concern for the effects on the disadvantaged, and to raise the standards of evidence that are used in assessing policies. SRDC’s offices are located in Ottawa, Toronto, and Vancouver. www.srdc.org

About Training Innovations Inc.

Established in 1992, Training Innovations delivers a full spectrum of career development services in the Lower Mainland and the Sea to Sky Corridor. Training Innovations provided consultation on the CareerMotion project and was commissioned to design and build the web-based career intervention. www.training-innovations.com

Backpack to Briefcase is an annual event to help upcoming and recent SFU graduates with transitioning from university to the world of work.

ONLY 3 DAYS LEFT TO REGISTER:

I know I was always curious about this when I was an undergraduate student at SFU. This is why I’m thrilled to let you know that on Thursday, March 18, SFU Peer Programs and Career Services are hosting an event called Peer into your Career. Featuring a panel of five SFU alumni, each person will share their story on what they did to prepare themselves for the transition from university to career.  

These five alumni share a unique experience. While at SFU, they all supplemented their academic life with volunteer work as peer educators. Their motivation to become peer educators was varied. For some, it was to meet new people and make a difference at SFU. For others, it was chance to get professional experience and develop a host of skills that would be useful in their career.

I’m excited because this is the first time we’ve invited peer educator alumni back to campus. I’m curious about their journey since graduation. How did they land their jobs? What challenges did they face? What advice do they have for current students? In the past eight years that I’ve been working with peer educators, I’ve enjoyed getting to know students, following their development and witnessing their professional and personal transformation. So what a delight it will be to see them again and hear about their career experience!

Are you keen to hear how volunteering can help you with your career and meet some successful SFU alumni? If so, please register yourself for this event. Space will be limited, so REGISTER TODAY!: www.sfu.ca/wil/symplicity

When:  March 18
Time:4:30-6:30
Where: WMX Lounge
Who: Alumni Panel
 

Chris Lo
HR Advisor – Recruitment , City of Burnaby
 
Chris Lo has a BBA from SFU with a concentration in HR Management (Grad of ‘09). He is currently working for the City of Burnaby, named the “Best Run City in Canada” by Maclean’s Magazine. He is responsible for recruitment activities across the City including developing strategies, job profiling, posting, sourcing, screening and interviewing candidates. He also helps to facilitate interview preparation / feedback for internal candidates and his experience gained from volunteering as a Career Peer Educator at SFU has definitely been beneficial!
 

Shawna Lum
Program Coordinator, Burnaby MoreSports
VP – Operations, Twinbro
 
Shawna graduated from SFU in June 2009 with a B.Sc. in Kinesiology. She currently leads Burnaby MoreSports, a non-profit which provides sport opportunities for underprivileged youth. She is also involved with building Twinbro, an organization which provides inspiration and information for youth to access post-secondary education and achieve their goals. Shawna volunteered as a Peer Health Educator during her studies at SFU.
 
 
Jennifer Liu, Regional Communications Consultant
Service Canada, BAT Region (British Columbia/Alberta/Northwest Territories)
 
Jennifer graduated from SFU in June 2009 with a BA in Communication. As a student, Jennifer was a Learning and Writing Peer Educator as well as a Career Peer Educator, volunteered with local NGOs, participated in the Vancouver Board of Trades’ Leaders of Tomorrow program, worked part-time, and of course, took courses. In November 2009, she made a leap from Vancouver to accept her current position in Edmonton.
Cameron Cunningham
Medical Student, UBC
 
Cameron completed an honours degree in Kinesiology at SFU in 2006 and was involved as a Peer Health Educator and Nightline volunteer. Since then he has obtained an MSc in Neuroscience and is currently in medical school at UBC. Outside school, Cameron enjoys doing triathlons and exploring the great outdoors.
 

Kirtida Lad
Staff Associate 1, CASB Student
Dale Matheson Carr-Hilton Labonte LLP Chartered Accountants
 
Kirtida graduated from SFU in 2008 with a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in both accounting and finance. While at SFU she was a Career Peer Educator, belonged to the Accounting Student Association and was involved in various events and competitions. She currently works for a mid-sized accounting firm and is working towards attaining a Chartered Accountancy designation.

Connect with alumni, current students (and maybe a few managers!) with experience working in the federal and provincial public service in Ottawa, Victoria, and Vancouver and hear what they have to say about the work, the people, and the opportunities.

The event will run as follows:

12:30pm – 1:50pm – Session 1 (with mini-networking session)

2:00pm – 3:30pm – Session 2 (with mini-networking session)
Register now to secure a spot in this traditionally full house event! Please RSVP on Symplicity. You may only RSVP for ONE session.

• Date: Wed, Mar 24
• Time: 12:30pm – 3:30pm (2 sessions)
• Location: MBC 2290, SFU Burnaby

(more…)

Date: Tue, Mar 9, 2010
Time: 11 am – 2 pm
Location: Burnaby Campus, AQ North Concourse

Go for the Gold in 2010 & get a summer job! SFU Career Serivces offers the Summer Hiring Fair for SFU students to:

Explore and apply to various meaningful and exciting summer employment opportunities.  Meet representatives from a diverse group of companies.  Build new contacts and expand your network.  

Here is the current list of exhibitors:

• YMCA of Greater Vancouver
• Tamwood Summer Camps
• TD Canada Trust
• Grandtag Financial Canada Inc
• WorkSafeBC
• Southwestern Company
• Sun Life Financial
• Management Development Program
• Pacific National Exhibition
• Go Bee Industries Inc.
• Pepsi Bottling Group

Career Services Resume Consults also available.

Check it out at: http://www.sfu.ca/career/shf/shf-students.html
**********************************************************************************************

Venture Meetup is a forum focused in helping student entrepreneurs at every stage of their business and from every faculty. We bring you stories of successes, struggles and quirks from real industry professionals. Meet-ups will feature a guest speaker, Q&A, followed by general conversation.
The Meetups are open to all SFU students, recent alumni and students from other post-secondary institutions.  Pre-registration is required, athttp://www.sifesimonfraser.com/node/193

(more…)

You’ve done all you can do to prepare for that big interview. You’re professionally dressed, confident and ready to roll. Here are some last minute tips that will ensure you make the best impression possible.  (more…)

“Think Engineering”

Friday, Jan. 29, 2010, at the Renaissance Vancouver Hotel. 
3rd annual event that connects you with over 170 students, faculty members, and industry representatives. 

IEEE non-student member: $25
IEEE student member: $20

If you are interested in attending, please send an email to me at (dchana@sfu.ca)

leave an imprint
by making excellent mistakes
prove persistence trumps talent
know, no, it is not about you
work strengths
weaken weaknesses
there is no plan
be brave like bunko
be brave like bunko
there is no plan
weaken weaknesses
work strengths
know, no, it is not about you
prove persistence trumps talent
by making excellent mistakes
leave an imprint

This mirror poem is for present and future fans of, “The Adventures of Johnny Bunko: The Last Career Guide You’ll Ever Need” by Daniel H. Pink.  Check it out at www.johnnybunko.com

By Rosa, Practicum Student

Do you want to work for a not-for-profit organization or want to know what it’s like working in the non-profit sector? 

Good news! SFU Volunteer Services and Career Services are holding their annual “Working in the Non-Profit Sector” panel event on February 2, from 2:30pm to 4:30pm!

A variety of panelists will speak about the organizations they work for, the value of working in the non-profit sector and the ways it is different from employment in the private sector. Speakers will also give their personal stories of their journey to a position in the non-profit sector, as well as answering student questions from the floor. 

Panelists:

• Farah Kotadio, HR and Communications Director, DIVERSEcity
• Leslie Nadon, General Manager, Dance International Magazine
• Rhea Kikkert, Counsellor, SHARE Society
• Jeanine Bond, Conversation Programs Specialist, Duck Unlimited
• Carolyn Sinclair, Reorganization Coordinator, BC Crime Prevention Association

Date: February 2nd, 2010

Time: 2:30pm to 4:30pm

Location: MBC 0300 – Career Services

Visit Symplicity to register! See you there.

Do you want to work for an Organization named one of the Best Employers in Canada?   Here is information you don’t want to miss!  SFU Career Services are holding their annual “Work for the Best” panel event on January 28, from 3:30pm to 6:30pm!

A variety of panelists will speak about the organizations they work for, and what makes their organization one of the Best Employers in Canada.   Speakers will also give personal stories of their career journey, as well as answer student questions from the floor.

Panelists:

• Cheryl Stafford, Director, Human Resources with BC Children’s Hospital
• Raj Sharma, Corporate HR Manager with BC Hydro
• Jaime O’Connell, Business Recruitment Officer for Pacific Region for TD Bank
• Shauna Robinson, Employment Services Peer Specialist at FedEx
• Danny Kam, Senior Director & Site Manager for Ericsson Canada Inc.

Bridge Park Earl’s (also one of the 50 Best Employers in Canada) will attend and offer a food sample during the reception.

Date: January 28th, 2010

Time: 3:30pm to 6:30pm

Location:  WMX 3rd floor lounge

Visit Symplicity to register! See you there.

HR Council is looking for young nonprofit employees to profile in new video series on hrcouncil.ca.   Are you a young person under 30 with employment experience in the Canadian nonprofit sector? Are willing to tell your story about developing your career in nonprofits?  We’re looking for young people to share their advice about job search strategies and career development in the nonprofit sector in a new video series on hrcouncil.ca.  For more information, see: http://hrcouncil.ca/about/news-details.cfm?nid=296

Deadline for applications is Sun. Jan. 17, 2010.

VENTURE NETWORK: A new Student Club for Entrepreneurs

Ever had a business idea? Imagine making money while sleeping… Join Venture Network and make it a reality!

Venture Network (VN) is a new student-run entrepreneurs’ organization of passionate and motivated youths of all educational backgrounds who are interested in, or have begun, their entrepreneurial adventures. VN encourages and supports the development of new and existing ventures amongst its members through mentorship and collaboration.

(more…)

As the province gears up for the provincial election, Elections BC plans to hire 32,000 temporary workers (great for students and recent graduates) ~ most of them to work on election voting day May 12.  Most positions are paid $200.00 for the day on election day when the polls are open from 8 am to 8pm.   So get your application in or make a phone call….

Election officials do not have to be registered voters and no previous experience is required.  Applicants must be reliable and responsible and those hired must take an oath citing that they will perform their duties impartially and fairly.  More info on available jobs can be found in the employment section of the Elections BC website:  www.elections.bc.ca  or by calling 1-800-661-8683

During the busy times of the holidays, whether you feel as though you’re getting lost between the decorations, or blending in to the other seasonal staff members, there are ways you can stand out and be noticed.  Your skills and talent can be harnessed to extend your current position to continuing status, bump up your pay, or to earn a glowing reference when you move on to another employment opportunity.

Don’t assume that your manager or supervisor will be able to notice you automatically.  They too are getting distracted by ornaments, year-end quotas and the looming economy.  Follow some, or all of the steps below to make sure your full potential is being recognized:

1. Ask clearly for what you want.
Let your boss, or human resources know you are interested in pursuing something more with the company. Outline the type of position(s) you want, or would be interested in and why you’re the right person for the job.

2. Make a list of your accomplishments.
Put together the list for yourself covering your time with the company. Present it to your boss and send a copy to human resources and request it be added to your personnel file.

3. Ensure you are acknowledging and promoting other staff members.
Acknowledge your boss for the qualities, skills and accomplishments you appreciate and how they’ve benefited you.  Acknowledge your fellow co-workers too, this shows you’re a team player and encourage others to work their best too.

4. Take relevant training, seminars and regular education courses, especially those offered by the company.
Remember to thank the company for supporting you in taking the courses and to send them a brief overview of what you learned and how it will benefit you, the leadership team and the company.

Adapted from an article by, Bruce Sandy, for The Province.bsandy@shaw.ca or 604-461-8789.

Bruce Sandy of Pathfinder Coaching and Consulting is a certified coach, facilitator and speaker. He can be reached at