Dear first years, don't limit yourself to the one career outlook!

As I am sitting in the Career Resource Centre in the middle of summer break, I am starting to see the faces of new students walking around the school. Most of them seem excited, but they also seem to be feeling nervous and don't know exactly where to start. I would like to tell them that there is nothing to be afraid of and that you don't have to make huge decisions yet, so enjoy the time that you have now. 

When picking your courses for first-year, don't have just one career outlook on your radar. Do what you love! Take classes that interest you and take full advantage of those elective credits. A lot of students will pick a degree and then not even want to continue after they have found something else they truly enjoy doing. In highschool we are forced to make these decisions that alter the rest of our life, and it's not your fault if you thnk you chose the wrong path. It's a whole other ballgame when you finally get to sit in the seminar and lecture rooms. You will know if you want to be there or if you'd rather still be in bed.  

Don't let anyone pressure you into doing something you don't really want to do. You don't want to waste this time learning about something you've decided isn't for you. Also, don't have just one thing in mind. You may not even be aware of the possibilities your degree offers. Most importantly, visit your Career Services department at your school, they are there to help you make these decisions and guide you into a career.  

Alysha-Lynn Kooter, Career/Graphics and Promotions Assistant, 3rd Year Education and Visual Arts

Alternatives after graduation

If you’re like me, the idea of settling into a career after graduation can be intimidating. Not that I don’t want to find the right career for me, I’m just not sure I will want to do it right away.

The fact of the matter is, as a new grad, you are at your prime right now to discover the world. Now more then ever is it accessible for you to do so. Here is a quick list of alternatives after graduation:

1)      Take a gap year. We all know of somebody who has taken the world by storm, hopped on a plane to a foreign country to travel, volunteer, or sometimes work. It may take some planning and saving but the cultural awareness and worldly views that you will obtain may be one of the greatest experiences of your life. There are many ways you can go abroad and many programs you can do this through. Here are a few favourites:

·         www.projects-abroad.ca

·         www.swap.ca

·         www.gooverseas.com

2)      Freelance. Freelancing is another way to gain experience outside of the typical 9-5 job. If you are a freelancer it means that you are your own agent, you create your own market, and you provide clients with the services you would like to give. Some popular industries for freelancers are graphic design, web development, branding, and information technology. Freelancing is a good way to network and figure out where you would like to find a career. You have the unique ability to work at your own pace and only do projects that interest you.

3)      Go for a paid internship. Many people use internships as a way of getting out of their towns and experiencing a new one. Internships last anywhere from 6-16 months and they give you a good chance to see if that kind of job is right for you. Internships can also be rewarding for building your network. The more people you know, the more jobs you will be aware of.

You've worked hard for the last four years, and taking some time to gain real world experience can really be beneficial in the long run. Experience culture; experience the new borderless world that lies ahead. If you aren't going to do it now, then when will you!

Alysha-Lynn Kooter, Career/Graphics and Promotions Assistant, 3rd Year Education and Visual Arts

Be the competition: Connect with Grad LINK!

Networking is something that is becoming more essential between new grads and employers. The hidden job market is where you will find 80% of jobs, and the key to finding them is through your network.

Career Services strives to help you find employment after graduation. With convocation just ending last week, we know that Brock grads are eager to find jobs! The Grad LINK Network on LinkedIn will connect you with Career Services staff, employers, and your graduating peers. Through the LinkedIn Network, we share career and employment related information to help you prepare for transition from school to work.

As part of the Grad LINK Network you will have access to:

• Highlighted job postings
• Employer recruitment/ networking sessions
• Career related articles and information 

Ready to register!?

1. Complete the online registration form 

www.brocku.ca/career-services/students-alumni/graduating-year/gradlink

2. Review the Getting Started Presentation

3. Create your LinkedIn profile, if you do not have one already

4. Join the Grad LINK Network group on LinkedIn

Have other questions? Email: gradlink@brocku.ca

Convocation and Congratulations!

Dear Brock University grads,

Here's to you. You who made it through 8am classes, palm-sweating exams, extensive assignments, and you who read the abundance of textbooks that are probably still piled around your room. Now that it's all over, you're ready to take on the world!  Spring Convocation 2014 will be happening at Brock University from June 3rd to the 7th. Make sure you check out Brock's website to see what day your faculty is on.

Career Services wants to help you be successful post graduation. Drop in Monday- Friday from 9 to 4 (closed 12:30-1 for lunch) to ask any questions concerning job search, resumes/cover letters, interviews, portfolios, degree information, etc! Also visit our CareerZone website to access job postings, Career Services Events, and our Online Resource Centre (which is full of tips and worksheets to help get you started)!

If you are ready to jump into the workforce, get connected with Grad LINK. Once you sign up with Grad LINK you will have access to highlighted job postings on LinkedIn, employer recruitment and networking sessions, and career related articles and information. Visit our website for more: http://www.brocku.ca/career-services/students-alumni/graduating-year

We understand that it can be stressful to figure out what you want to do after graduation. But don't sweat, whether you want to jump into the workforce, go abroad, or take graduate studies, Career Services has the resources you need and is here to help!

 Alysha-Lynn Kooter, Career Assistant, 2nd Year Intermediate/Senior Con-Ed Visual Art and English 

How to Find a Job You Love!

The professionals from Glassdoor have created a wonderful infographic with tips on finding a job you love. With students recently graduating, we thought it would be great to share with you!

Alysha-Lynn Kooter, Career Assistant, 2nd Year Intermediate/Senior Con-Ed Visual Art and English