Friday, June 15, 2018

Internships, Co-Ops & Much More

Internships, Co-Ops & Much More...

Internship & Co-Op Season is approaching! Summer's not over yet, but as students already start planning their Fall here at Brock, we just want to remind you of some useful tips once you start the process of looking for an internship, co-op or even a job!

STEP 1: Resume

When applying for internships, co-ops or Fall jobs, your resume is your most important asset. Your resume highlights your experience and much more and this is what employers will base you off of. If you don't have a resume or do but it is outdated, don't stress! This is where we come in.

At CareerZone, you can get help creating a resume, using one of our templates (available in center or online). But also, we can help edit your resume!

STEP 2: Find A Position

The hardest part in your internship, co-op or job search is finding those positions that interest you. Although they can be hard to find, the perfect internship, co-op or job is out there. Here are some places to do some digging and find that perfect place.

LinkedIn
You probably never realized how beneficial LinkedIn can be for you at this point in your career but think about it, you connect with many people on a professional database! The best part: those professionals you connect with often hire interns and co-op students. Reaching out on LinkedIn could be your first step in search!

  • Make a post sharing you are looking and interested in a position in your field!
  • Introduce yourself to professionals you are interested in working with!
  • Keep up to date on organizations and companies hiring in the area of your interest!
Connections
Reach out to personal connections that you have in the industry of your interest!

  • Remember the networking event you attended last year? Who did you meet?
  • Your favorite prof in your department? Maybe he can recommend you!
  • Your friend/family has the inside scoop on a company? Reach out!


CareerZone
Don't forget we have an online job board for student access! Keep up to date and you never know when you could your perfect fit.

Step 3: Cover Letter
The next step in your internship, co-op or job process is writing a cover letter! Once you've found that dream position, you're still going to have to work to get it.

When you apply for your internship, co-op or job, most likely you will need to submit a cover letter and resume. Of course, we can help you with this too! We also have templates online and in center to get you started.

In your cover letter, you will want to outline your skills, experience and why you are the dream candidate for your dream job. Don't worry, it's not as hard as you think and we're here to help.




                                               Things to remember during your search:
Stay positive! Ask questions! Reach Out! 













Tuesday, June 12, 2018

DEG of the Week! (June 11 - June 15)

DEG of the Week: Communication

Our DEG of the Week is Communication! Within the department of Communication, there are many degrees Brock students can receive:

  • Business Communication
  • Film Studies
  • Media and Communication Studies
  • Popular Culture      

This week, we will mostly focus on Business Communication and Media and Communication Studies but a lot of what we'll cover connects with Film Studies and Popular Culture!

Business Communication is an interdisciplinary program combining the study of communication with some apsects of business. Basically, this program aims to give students the knowledge and basis of practicing and acting within the business environment!

Media and Communication Studies is also an interdisciplinary program but it focuseson the impact of media and communcation in society. This program especially emphasizes the study of media content, audiences, and institutions in their political, economic, and social contects in Canada and elsewhere.

Communication Combination Programs

One of the best things about Brock is all the different streams and program oppurtunities that are available for all students with different interests! In the communication department, Brock has two popular combination programs:

  • Journalism: The Journalism program is a five year program that combines courses in Journalism at Mohawk College with an Honours degree in Communication Studies at Brock! This program caters to students who wish to have a career in journalism and broadcasting.
  • Public Relations: The Public Relations program is a four year program that combines Public Relations at Mohawk College and a degree with Brock. This program caters to students who wish to have a career in public relations!





Career Options:

  • Advertising Executive
  • Broadcaster
  • Columnist
  • Event Planner
  • Journalist 
  • Marketing Director 
  • Media Consultant
  • Public Relations Specialist 
  • Publisher 
  • Reporter (Television/Radio)
  • Writer 

Degree Specific Skills: 

  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Media Knowledge and Practice 
  • Organizing Information/Materials
  • Planning and Management Skills
  • Public Speaking Skills
  • Research Skills
Do these career options and degree speficic skills sound like some of yours? Maybe take a look at Communication classes offered this upcoming Fall through the link below!

https://brocku.ca/webcal/2018/undergrad/comm


Friday, June 8, 2018

How to Spot a Scam!

How to Spot a Fraudulent Job Posting or Scam

The job search process can be hard enough as it is, and trying to decipher which postings are legitimate does not help. It may be difficult sometimes to recognize a fraudulent job posting, so we’ve complied some tips to help make your search a bit easier! It is always important to ensure that the positions you are applying for are honest, in order to avoid being scammed or stolen from.

The most popular types of scams that we see here at Brock University involve the “employer” of a company trying to steal an applicant’s money or identity through the job search process. They will ask the applicant to send a “pre-hire” deposit, or accept a cheque that turns out to be fake and must be repaid by the employee. Fake employers will also ask applicants for personal information beyond what is usually needed for a legitimate position. 


RED FLAGS:

  • An employer offering or asking for money: Do not accept or give any funds to an employer before signing a contract that outlines the duties of the position.
  • “Pre-hire payments”: The employee should never be paying for any training or screening for the position. If you are required to obtain a police check, pay directly to the police. Anything else should usually be paid for by the employer.
  • Fake Companies: Do your research before proceeding to apply to a position. Compare the company’s website to the information in the job posting. Check for minor spelling changes in the contact information: Ex. career@brocku.ca vs. carear@brocku.ca. 
  • Banking/Personal Information: Do not provide your SIN number or your banking information until after you’ve signed the contract for your position. Never give this information over the phone or through email/online applications.

Other kinds of job scams:

  • Bait and Switch Scam: Job description is dishonest – Promises entry-level job with transferable skills and room for advancement but ends up being a door-to-door sales position.
  • Pay for Software/Programs Scam: Employer asks applicant to purchase software for position, promises reimbursement and are never heard from again.
  • Trial Employment Scam: Applicant is told that they must go through a “trial period” before offer of employment, while asking for personal information, including your SIN number and banking information.


For more information on fraudulent job postings and scams, visit: https://careerzone.brocku.ca/content/documents/Link/tips-fraudulent-job-postings-brocku-career-services.pdf

Tuesday, June 5, 2018

DEG of the Week! (June 4 - June 8)

We're back!

Our blog was down for a couple of weeks due to technical issues, but we’re up and running again and back with our new DEG of the week!

You can find our Degree Exploration Guides in CareerZone and at https://brocku.ca/ccee/career-education/campus/what-can-i-do-with-my-degree/. DEGs outline a list of common career options related to a certain program, as well as degree specific skills. Also, DEGs offer various links to help with job and volunteer search in that chosen field! Who wouldn't want one of these for their program?

Each week we will be choosing one Degree Exploration Guide to focus on and welcome all students to come and learn about the different programs here at Brock!

DEG of the Week: Oenology & Viticulture

Our DEG of the week is Oenology & Viticulture! This program is focused on the science of winemaking and grape growing and Brock is the only Canadian university to offer this type of degree. This program offers a Bachelor of Science, a minor in Oenology and Viticulture or a certificate in Grape and Wine Technology!

Career Options:
  • Agronomist
  • Wine Consultant
  • Food/Wine Critic
  • Sensory Specialist
  • Sommelier
  • Winemaker

Degree Specific Skills:
  • Administration of Chemical Testing
  • Designing and Performing Experiemtns
  • Evaluating Ideas, Thoeries, and Evidence
  • Observation Skills
  • Presenting Summaries and Resrarch Findings
  • Working in a Team

Professional Associations and Career Resources:

  • Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers
    • http://www.sommelierscanada.com
  • Oenologist: The People of Wine
    • www.oenologist.com
  • Wine Country Ontario
    • http://www.winecountryontario.ca
  • Wines of Canada
    • www.winesofcanada.com
Job Search Resources:
  • Wine Jobs & Careers
    • http://www.vinoenology.com/wine-jobs
  • Wine Jobs Canada
    • www.winejobscanada.com
  • Wine Jobs Online
    • www.winejobsonline.com

Note: These are not the only career choices, skills, associations and job search resources related to this program. Visit the resource section on careerzone.brocku.ca to find more options and https://brocku.ca/ccee/wp-content/uploads/sites/68/DEG-Math-Oenology-and-Viticulture.pdf for the full DEG!


For more information on the Oenology & Viticulture program at Brock University, visit https://brocku.ca/programs/undergraduate/oenology-and-viticulture/