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

The Right Education for You

Have you ever thought about your educational pathway and where it's taking you? Sure, you might be in University right now, but there are a ton of options out there to add additional qualifications to your degree.


For example, Brock has a ton of Articulation Agreements, Joint Programs, and Collaborative Programs with other education institutions that allow students to complete their undergraduate degree and a college program within 4 years of study. This is a great way to experience both theory-driven learning and practical, hands-on schooling that will prepare you for a career in a specific field.


Have you thought about doing a College Post-Grad Program after you graduate? This is a great option that won't take up much of your time - these graduate certificates are only 1-2 years in length and are designed for students who already have a university degree or college diploma. These programs are specific and targeted toward a certain career or field and can help get you where you'd like to go.

Graduate School or Professional School are also options if your chosen career path dictates you need Master's level knowledge or above. Make sure you do your research before choosing to enter any kind of further education - you want to be sure that your career goal actually requires this kind of financial and time committment!

Stop by the Career Resource Centre if you're looking into any of these options - we'll be able to help you narrow down your choices and determine what path is best for you!

Happy Learning!!
- Lia 

It's Happening!

We are half way through International Education Week, and Jack McIsacc has been half way around the world. Monday he was in Peru, Tuesday he was in England, and today Jack is visiting somewhere in Africa. 

Stop by and guess where Jack is for a chance to win some cool prizes. Everyone also has a chance for their name to be placed in a draw to win a $100 giftcard from the Brock Bookstore.

Our Med Plus photo reflection has also been displayed in our Resource Centre, and will continue for the remaining of the week. Check out what Med Plus did when they visited Peru, and the difference they made in the lives of so many.

 

We also have a variety of different resources showcased on our front table with information on studying, volunteering, internships and working abroad. If you are looking for websites, places of work, or have any questions- please stop by and ask. We are more than happy to assit you.

Take advantange of the opportunities that are available for you. You never know where they may lead.
-Hillary



Ready for an Adventure? Apply to Go Abroad!

Since it's International Education Week here at Career Services we'd like to emphasize the incredible opportunities that students (or anyone, for that matter!) have to travel abroad. The options are endless - you could study a semester abroad in Britain, or volunteer in the summer in Kenya...the sky's the limit!

This week we are focusing on four main paths that students normally take when deciding to go overseas - studying abroad, interning abroad, volunteering abroad and working abroad. Whatever your goals may be, Career Services is here to help you make the best decision for you.

A great resource to help you get started is available exclusively to Brock Students via CareerZone - under the Resources section. Going Global is an international database that boasts a variety of tools that students can access when researching into a country, looking for an internship, or exploring job opportunities around the world. A great way to start planning your time abroad would be to explore this website - it has information on everything from visas, cultural advice, to employment trends in each country!

On our website, we have a variety of links that you can also explore in regard to international internships, study abroad programs, and volunteer agencies that operate all over the world. Check out our Online Job Boards & Programs for some of these great links. Check out our Work Abroad section as well, which hosts a variety of resources for those looking to be employed in a different country.

Planning to go abroad can be a daunting task, but there are a ton of resources available both online and in the Career Resource Centre that can help you get started. Be sure to take advantage of International Services on campus too - they know the ins and outs of student exchanges and other opportunities!

So what are you waiting for? Start planning your time abroad today!
Happy Travelling!
- Lia

The Brock MBA for Non-Business Students

What do you want to do after graduation? Do you want to compliment your undergrad major or go in a whole new direction?
Think about doing an MBA.

The Master of Business Administration is a highly flexible degree that is perfect advancing your career- even if you don’t have work experience!

Learn more about the Brock MBA during a Lunch & Learn with Andrea Johnson from the Faculty of Business at Brock University on November 24, 2011. She’ll be providing an overview of what the MBA is and how it can help you jumpstart your career.

The event will be hosted in Sankey Chambers from 11:30am-12:30pm. Free lunch is included!

Make sure to register on CareerZone by Friday, November 18th at noon at careerzone.brocku.ca to secure your spot.

Don't miss out on this great opportunity!
- Lia

International Education Week

Next week is International Education Week! November 14-18, 2011

Please update yourself on all the different activities that will be happening around campus and opportunities available for you.

In the Career Resource Centre we will have three specific days focusing on 'Working Abroad', 'Volunteering/Interning Abroad' and 'Studying Abroad'. Jack McIsaac is also travelling around the world. Come visit the Resource Centre to find out where he is and for a chance to win a $100 gift card to the Brock Campus Store. You can also view the photo reflection from the trip Med Plus Trip took to Peru. Theses events will be happening ALL WEEK.

We also have a Going Global Workshop that is happening from 1-2pm in Sanky Chambers. To register for this workshop please visit Career Zone at http://careerzone.brocku.ca

Other events that will be happening throughout campus and for more information please visit THIS website:  http://www.brocku.ca/international-education-week

We hope you will join us in celebrating International Education!
- Hillary

Today's the Day- Career and Post-Grad Expo

Friends,

Today is the day we've all been waiting for. CAREER AND POST-GRADUATE EXPO 2011! Tables are ready, exhibitors are in the midst of registering and setting up, and doors will open soon.

There are approximately 120 exhibitors showcasing employment organziations, non-profit organizations, and educational institutions. There is something for everyone. If you have yet to register it's not too late, and can be done from Career Zone.

We look forward to seeing you at some point today. Even if you aren't a graduating student we encourage you to come by and take a peek. Its never to late to start planning your future!

See you soon!
-Hillary

*Special for you today- a homemade poem brought to you by one of our CA's Rosemary and myself

Career Expo is Today!

In Ian Beddis Gym- hip hip hooray!

So come on out, from ten to two.

Don't forget to wear dress shoes.

Bring your resume and look your best,

To increase your chance of leaving the nest.

It's one life. one future. one event.

Which will prove to be, time well spent.

Dress Code at Career Expo

To make the best first impression to an employer, dressing appropriately should be a no brainer. You should be surprised, however, at how many people don’t make the effort to look their best. Sam and I made a video on “What Not To Wear” for job interviews this summer which would be a good first place to start if you aren’t too sure what you should be wearing, with examples from our wonderful models, Stephen and Sonya.

For our Career & Post-Graduate Expo event, it is encouraged that attendees dress business casual. A popular question that many people ask is what business casual dress actually consists of. Obviously there are differences between male and female business casual, which I will attempt to explain (I wouldn’t leave you to work it out on your own… J)

For females, dress pants or a knee length skirt should be worn. Jeans are definitely not appropriate, or anything too baggy or skin tight for that matter. A top or shirt which is not low cut would be fine and a jacket or cardigan would be optional. For shoes, low heels that are closed at the heels that are closed at the toes should be worn and keeping jewelry to the minimum keeps your look classy and professional.

For males, suits are always the best way to go. Ties should be worn, but again, jackets would be optional. Shirts should be long sleeved and ironed and shoes polished. It’s that simple!

A general note to everyone would be to stay away from chewing gum and heavy perfume/aftershave. Hair should be clean and tidy and having a shower before the event wouldn’t hurt. Employers do like you to be clean. Who would have thought?

I have also heard that people try and dress for the company they are applying to. So, if they wanted to get a job at Sportchek for example, they would go to their interview in track pants and running shoes. I can see the logic, but it is always better to be the one person dressed up than the one person who didn’t make an effort.

I really like this website that goes into detail about the guidelines for business casual. Just remember, as students, you aren’t expected to buy a new wardrobe for interviews. Looks are meant to be classic, not trendy and expensive. Having just one outfit that you are comfortable in will help your confidence and land you the job of your dreams!

- Rachel

Preparing to Meet with Employers: Career Expo

If you haven’t already researched the organizations coming to the Career & Post-Graduate Expo, now is the time to do so! We have over 100 post-grad institutions, employers and non-profit organizations attending who are eager to network and recruit Brock students and alumni. Many students have found their dream jobs at the Expo, and doing your research of attendees saves time and allows you to focus your efforts on companies that interest you.

We really do have something for everyone this year. Whether you are a business student, in Recreation and Leisure studies, Computer Science or Community Health, there are organizations that want to talk to you. A full list can be found in our guidebook which is available in the Career Resource Centre, online on the Career Services Website, or on the downloadable app.

I can’t emphasize enough how important doing research is before you attend. You may look through the list of attendees and come to the conclusion that no organization is relevant to what you are studying at Brock. This couldn’t be further from the truth! Service Canada, for example, is looking for majors in Community Health, Sociology, Nursing, Biological Science, Political Science and English. If you didn’t do your research, you might not have given them a second thought. You will be surprised who is hiring for what positions, and the only way to know is to research them beforehand.

A major turn off for employers is to have potential employees ask them what they are hiring for. Don’t be that person! If you are serious about finding a job, have your research done and know what positions are available so you are ahead of the curve.

If you have any questions about the Career & Post-Graduate Expo, or about any of the exhibitors attending and how to prepare, visit the Career Resource Centre and speak with a Career Assistant. Additional information can also be found on our website.

- Rachel

Business Cards

Career Expo is next week already! This much anticipated event could potentially add some professional contacts to your network circle. The best way to connect with employers is the good ol’ fashioned business card swaperoo. We’ll call it a Networking Card for our purposes since you’re still a student.

By offering your networking card to an employer you are extending your relationship beyond your elevator pitch and encourage further discussion. Your card should definitely include your full name, email and phone number (define whether it’s home or cell). Some extras might be your website/blog/linked in, university program/year of study, skill words or title of specialization. Don’t cram too much information onto your card – you want to be concise and professional. If you’re a creative type, Google business card designs to get the juices flowing.

Remember, the Career and Post Graduate Expo is not a job fair – it is an opportunity to network. Although employers and organizations are looking to fill positions they may not necessarily take your resume on the spot. Ask to swap business cards and contact them after the Expo to touch base and remind them of your first interaction & your interest to pursue a position with their company.

You can have your cards printed by Brock University’s printing services, but Staples is just as good. If you’re a business student I believe you can order cards from Brock.

Visit Career Services for more tips on how to prepare for Career Expo and represent yourself as a professional applicant.

- Samantha

What Is Career Expo?

A question frequently asked in the Career Resource Centre is, “What can I do with my degree?” The second most popular question is, “Where can I find a job?” Career Services has created an event to help students find work and decide what they would like to pursue after graduation all in one day!

The seventh annual Career & Post-Graduate Expo is an event in which over 120 employers, non-profit organizations and post-graduate institutions come to Brock to recruit and network with the best and brightest we have to offer. It is set up trade show style where students can visit the booths of exhibitors that interest them and find out more information that could be valuable when deciding on a career.

Career Expo features a wide variety of exhibitors, all of whom are excited and eager to talk to Brock students about opportunities available to them. If you need a job, are looking to travel, want to get some professional development or are unsure about what to do after graduation, Career Expo is the event for you.

The Career & Post-Graduate Expo will this year be held on

Tuesday November 8, 2011

from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

in the Ian D. Beddis Gymnasium.

This is a free event but registration is required and can be done from Career Zone. A business casual dress code will be in effect and a full list of exhibitors is available online on the Career Services website and on our notice boards around campus in October. For more information on what to expect and how to prepare, keep reading the blog and checking the Career Services website for updates. Also, those with a smartphone, iPhone or iPad should look out for the Career Expo app!

- Rachel