Last day to register is TOMORROW: Smart Finish!

Tomorrow, February 1, is the last day of registration for the Smart Finish Conference

Specifically designed for 3rd and 4th year students

held Saturday February 4, 2012

It's your life, your degree, your future: Make the most out of it!

It's only $20.00 and lunch is included.

To register please visit: http://www.brocku.ca/career-services/students-alumni/smart-finish

Keynote speaker is Mark Swartz, author of Get Wired, You're Hired 

 Conference Sessions: alumni panel, networking session, speaker panel o ninterviews, further education options, information on OSAP repayments, resume dos and don't, and more!

Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity! Register today

- Hillary

Police Recruitment Showcase-Success!

The Police Recruitment Showcase that took place

Tuesday January 24, 2012 was a HUGE sucess!

With over 10 recruiters from various policing units, and over 100 students in attendance, everyone walked away with a deeper understanding, more knowledge, and questions answered.

 

The recruiters as well as our Career Service staff were extremely impressed by the calibre of questions, depth of interest, and overall professionalism of all attendee’s.

Waterloo Regional Police mentioned that this was one of the best recruitment events they have attended and particularly impressed by the variety of students from various programs.

 

The event was student powered and sucess driven. Thank you to all those who attended!

-Hillary

Police Recruiting Showcase: Tuesday January 24

Interested in a career in policing? Stop by the Sean O'Sullivan Theatre at Brock University on January 24th at 1:00pm to meet HR Recruiters from various Police units including:

• Peel Regional Police
• York Regional Police
• OPP
• Halton Regional Police
• RCMP
• Niagara Regional Police
• And more!

This is a great opportunity to network with recruiters within the field of policing and learn more about the application process, testing requirements, and career opportunities that are available. These representatives will be here to answer all your questions and provide you with valuable information as a prospective student interested in policing!


If you're looking into policing and looking to start your professional network, don't miss out on this event!


Register on CareerZone by noon on January 24th to confirm your spot. If you require further information don't hesitate to contact Lisa Kuiper, lkuiper@brocku.ca or Jeanette Ramsay at jramsay@brocku.ca.

- Lia

Smart Finish Conference- It's Coming Soon!

Not Smart Start, nor Smart Serve...this is SMART FINISH!

A conference specifically designed for 3rd and 4th year students. A conference where you will walk away feeling refreshed, relaxed, and confident for the next chapter of your life.

Smart Finish is a one-day conference that will help take the stress and worry out of life after graduation. Featured speakers will provide you with the inside scoop on career exploration, resume and interview strategies, further education, and OSAP repayment.

 

So mark your calanders for:

Saturday February 4, 2012

8:30am-4:15pm.

Located at Brock University, Academic South.

The cost is $20 which includes lunch

Registeration is online and limited spots are available. Please go here: http://smartfinish.eventbrite.com/ to register by January 31, 2012

For detailed information, check out this link

Still have questions?
Stop by the Career Resource Center in the Learning Commons or email gradlink@brocku.ca

See you there!
Hillary

Product development

Converting an idea or even a lab prototype into a real, customer-ready product is no simple task. Learn how to turn your idea into a successful product by following the “V-model” of concept development and how to differentiate the steps of product development including:

• research
• design
• implementation
• testing
• verification
• validation
• operations
• maintenance

The resources below offer a foundation upon which you can build your knowledge and skills in these areas.

See video Here!

Building you a better Career
Nick

How Employers Hire

As students many of us feel left in the dark about how employers hire, and by consequence what kind of things we should know in order to up our chances of scoring that dream job.

In reality, the hiring process employers use to hire new employees varies depending on the company. Typically though, the process begins by reviewing the applications that come in for the open position, which usually entails going over both resumes and cover letters provided by the applicants. Stop by Career Services to go over any portion of your application, and make sure all of your documents are free of spelling and grammar mistakes - this is seen as extremely unprofessional.

*However* it is important to note that many employers are now using various social networking tools such as LinkedIn as part of the applicant screening process - the quality of your online profile can play a huge role in determining whether you move on to the next stage of the hiring process. Make sure your profile is professional and highlights all of your valuable and relevant experience!

If you get a call for an interview, congrats! This is the next stage of the process. Interviews may come in many forms including group interviews, panel interviews, individual interviews and even Skype/phone interviews depending on the location of the job. Make sure you Prepare for your Interview properly by doing your research and anticipating the kinds of questions they might ask you.

This stage will usually either be followed by another interview or the decision making process by the employers. Give the employers some time in order to make their decision (1-2 weeks) and follow up if necessary. Always provide a Thank-You note!

The hiring process may seem daunting to those of us who are the prospective employees and not the employers, but the most important thing is to be prepared and confident in your skills and abilities. Stop by Career Services for more resources & tips!

- Lia

Challenging the Generation Y Stereotypes for Finding a Job

When you think about the stereotypes that exist about our generation, do you think they are fair? Do you think there even are any? When it comes to employment, it is clear that a rift is forming between Generation X (those born 1965-1979) and Generation Y (those born 1980-1994). Recruiters are noticing differences in the working styles of those groups and in order to get a job, it might be a good idea to recognize the stereotypes people think about you.

As a member of Generation Y, I know I have different values and working style than older generations. Obviously, those born in the 60s and 70s are seen to be more dedicated to their work and those my age are seen to be lazy and spoilt. It isn’t really fair, but when technology has been so pervasive in the time we have been alive, it can be easy to see why older people perceive us as unmotivated.

When it comes to working, Gen X take directions and get work done, as Gen Y are all about asking questions and getting immediate feedback, which is another difference thanks to technology. To younger people, money is the ultimate reward for work completed as it helps us maintain the lifestyles we have set for ourselves. Those born in the 70s have always enjoyed a culture which celebrated freedom, so working to take time off to enjoy with family is their reward.

I think the perceived selfishness of Generation Y employees is because of the increased workload expected today. Extended work weeks mean that young employees take more personal days off. We are always looking for new opportunities where as older workers spend decades of dedication to the same company.

Knowing your work style and the stereotypes associated with our generation can be helpful in securing employment. We know we aren’t lazy, but sometimes it is easy to see when you talk to your grandparents and they start every sentence with, “Back in my day …”. If you would like more information on the type of person you are and your work style, I suggest taking a look at personal assessments available on the Career Services website.

- Rachel

Marketing for tech start-ups

Examination of the basic concepts and principles of marketing that are relevant for early stage start-ups by introducing participants to the “marketing toolkit.” Real-life examples are used to illustrate points relevant to start-ups, incliding tips on how to create a marketing plan for a technology start-up by addressing the unique challenges of marketing technology products.

The resources below offer a foundation upon which you can build your knowledge and skills in these areas

See video Here!

Building you a better Career
Nick

Starting Your Own Business

Have you ever wondered if you had the entrepreneurial skills needed to start your own business? This is definitely an attractive route for students, new grads, and those looking to change their career goals as it provides the opportunity for you to be your own boss and see your ideas develop and thrive.

However, there are a lot of things to take into consideration before taking the leap into starting a business - it takes a lot more than just a great idea. It's important to plan, discuss, and get the opinions of others before making a final business plan. 

At Career Services we can provide you with the resources you need to start your business off on the right foot. On our website we have a handy section on Starting Your Own Business that asks you the necessary questions before you begin the process and lists some online resources that can help you get started. 

For students who are looking into taking advantage of their summers off by starting their own business during the summer months, the Ontario government provides a program called  Summer Company that provides funding for students to start their own business and become entrepreneurs as they learn the ropes of managing their own company. This is a great option for students who are both looking for a summer job and want to test out their business skills. 

With online programs & resources as well as helpful books located in the Career Resource Centre that are full of useful information, we're confident that you'll be on your way to starting your own business in no time.

Stop by Career Services today for more information!
- Lia