This is not Goodbye, Just Farewell for Now!

As we come to the end of another academic year, we want to extend our gratitude to members of our Career Assistant team who are graduating or moving on to new opportunities. Thank you all for your hard work and contributions during your times spent. Good luck on all your new adventures!

Yaa Asare

(Honours Bachelor of Public Health)

Hi, my name is Yaa Asare, and as the schoolyear wraps up, I just want to take a moment to reflect on my journey as a Career Assistant. I can say that when I first started my role, I was a bit shy, but overtime I was able to gain the needed confidence in my own skills and abilities. Being a part of a wide variety of projects such as Co-op work integrated Learning (CEWIL), Canada Career Month, the CZ blog and many more have allowed me to gain new knowledge, as the journey of learning never stops. I have enjoyed my time working here, and the experiences I have gained will stay with me both professionally and personally.

I am so excited to announce that I will be starting a new position as a Talent Development Assistant at Brock University and can’t wait to begin this new journey. I’m looking forward to all the different projects I will be apart of and working with members from the larger CCEE team. I sincerely thank and appreciate all those who I have worked with, and my supervisors for their dedication and commitment towards my growth. Your supports do not go unseen, and I deeply appreciate your help.

Liam Nowacki

(Bachelor of Business Administration – Minor in Applied Computing)

My name is Liam and I'm entering my final weeks as a Senior Career Assistant for the Goodman School of Business. I'm very excited to be graduating in a few weeks with my Bachelor of Business Administration and a minor in Applied Computing. My time as a Career Assistant working with CCEE has been an amazing journey with a fantastic group of people. We've been able to accomplish so much at CareerZone whether it be the CEWIL campaigns to our weekly cafes and everything in-between. Being able to assist students with their career development proved to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my undergraduate career, and I'm extremely sad to be going! Seeing everything transition to an online environment last year, to the uncertainty and ever-changing conditions of this year, our team has never failed in its goal of continuing to provide students with the highest quality resources and support for their career development.

I'm currently undergoing the interview process and trying to finalize the next steps of my professional development, looking forward to solidifying my next chapter. I'm looking forward to entering the next stage of my career and am hopeful to come back for my MBA at Brock in a couple of years! I can't speak highly enough of my time here as a Career Assistant and know the next generation of students is in good hands as our current Career Assistants grow into leadership positions, and new individuals passionate about career development join the team. Sad to go, but excited for the future. Surgite!

Jordan Sheridan

(Honours Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences & Med Plus Student)

I have thoroughly enjoyed being a Career Assistant over the past 2021-2022 school year! It is a very rewarding role to be able help others in areas which you have likely also previously struggled (I know I have)! To enhance resumes, provide tips on how to successfully interview, discuss networking and support one’s job search, amongst many other roles, was a delight. Not only did this role allow me to support my fellow students and peers, but it also developed my skillset on both a personal and professional level. The skills developed are ones I can take with me into my future!

This past year has been a whirlwind for me. It is more than okay to change your mind or explore various professions; my best advice is to let yourself flow in whatever direction the wind may take you! My next steps will be to undergo research this summer within the Pathobiology department of the Ontario Veterinary College – University of Guelph. I will then return to complete my fourth and final year at Brock University in which I plan to take a year off afterwards to continue working as a Veterinary Assistant and a Procyon Wildlife Rehabilitation Volunteer. My eventual goal will be an application to the Ontario Veterinary College to pursue my passion and dreams!

Mansi Vansia

(Bachelor of Business Economics)

It is a bittersweet moment to finally bid adieu to something that played an instrumental role in shaping my future career steps towards this uncertain yet wonderful journey I am headed towards. I still have a clear memory of the day I received an email from CareerZone, informing me of their decision to select me as one of the Career Assistants for the year 2021-22. Since then, there has been no looking back. The experience has been such an enriching one that not only allowed me to contribute towards others’ growth, but also my own. Being a CA helped me develop various new skills and improve upon the ones I have. From having excellent communication skills to learning how to ace at working on resumes/cover letters to improving upon my interview/presentation skills, this role has been a significant aid in getting me a step closer to my career goals. This role allowed me to approach my future interests with a new perspective while being able to become a contributing factor to help others do the same.

As this role has finally come to an end, it wouldn’t be an overstatement to say that this role opened the door to new opportunities for me. I am humbled to have had the opportunity to work with such a collaborative and encouraging student team and supervisor, that made this role so engaging. As I look forward to completing my co-op term at Mercedes-Benz Financial, I wish to apply the skills developed through this role towards my future career goals. I wish the best to the incoming CA team, and I cannot wait to witness this team to succeed!

Aditi Gopikrishna

(BBA – Human Resource Management, minor in Applied Computing)

When entering my position as Career Assistant this year, I did not know what to expect and what this role entailed, but most importantly, I did not realize the amount of impact it would have on my personal growth. I found this role, to be one, that I immensely enjoyed and felt rewarding, every step of the way, whether that was with CareeZone cafes or simply meeting students who drop in. We started our year virtually, and as that was challenging, it also helped in developing some of those experiences within the professional space. I slowly started getting comfortable with the roles and tasks needed and it quickly began to be an exciting feeling, coming to work, meeting the students, staff and simply helping others with their career exploration needs.

Finding the next steps in life is something that comes with its obstacles but also excitement throughout the way, whether that is in the workspace or on future endeavour plans. My next steps at the moment, being a 4th-year student, moving on to my 5th year is to focus on completing my minor in Applied computing, along with some business-related certifications before I graduate. This year has been challenging but I am excited to also start my summer internship placement as a Marketing and Sales Intern, part of the IFS team at PricewaterhouseCoopers. My summer internship is something very important to me, but it is also something that would not be possible without the support of the CareerZone team and the skillsets and experiences that I have been able to gain in my Career Assistant role. I am excited to see what the future holds for me and to be able to pursue my passions, work hard and reach my dream!

Connect With Us!

We are here to support you, so don’t be afraid to ask for help! We offer many student resources on our portal (careerzone.brocku.ca) and can be contacted via email at career@brocku.ca to answer any inquiries you may have. 

Follow Us Our Social Media to Stay Up-to-Date With All our Upcoming Events and Workshops!

Twitter: @BrockCareerZone

Instagram: @brockcareerzone 

 

Written by Yaa Asare, Lead Career Assistant, Blog Manager

Edited by Kara Renaud, Supervisor of Career Education, CCEE Department

Experience More Opportunities

The first thing all employers look for is relevant experience. It is often one of the key factors in landing a job. But most of us are at the beginning of our career path and have not had the chance to gain enough experience relevant to our field yet. Some people find themselves in a cycle where to get a job you need experience, and to get experience you need a job. But do not worry! There are various ways to gain valid experience and expand your professional network as well.

Networking

Finding and learning about new opportunities will become easier if you have connections in the field you are pursuing. Professional networking may sound intimidating at first, but it is one of the best approaches to the job search process and further career advancement. Eighty percent of the job market is hidden and cannot be found on job-search platforms. The only way to access the hidden market and learn about these opportunities is through networking. By expanding your professional network and developing meaningful long-lasting relations, you will increase your chances of finding out about an open position ahead of other applicants which will give you an advantage. Luckily, Brock University provides numerous opportunities to get to know more about your industry and connect with professionals and employers from your field. Annually, Brock hosts and participates in career fairs and networking sessions for students from all programs. Make sure to keep track of the events posted on the CareerZone (https://careerzone.brocku.ca/) and ExperienceBU (https://experiencebu.brocku.ca/) websites as they get updated regularly with new opportunities. And to help you present yourself in the best way to potential employers and professionals, CareerZone hosts online cafe workshops on Teams, where we share helpful tips on networking.

Social Media & Branding

Another approach to expanding your professional network is using social media. LinkedIn is the biggest professional platform that allows you to make connections in your field and explore various opportunities. We encourage everyone to update their profile regularly and remain active on LinkedIn to increase your chances of getting noticed, make useful connections, and not to miss out on opportunities. Online recruiters often look for potential candidates on platforms like LinkedIn. However, you have to regularly update your profile and remain active on social media to increase your visibility. In addition, there are other networking platforms such as Ten Thousand Coffees which allows you to connect with alumni. This gives you a chance to request an informational interview with professionals and gain more insight into a career that is of interest to you. CareerZone (https://careerzone.brocku.ca/) > Student Resources > Social Media and Branding has multiple resources to help you set up a professional account and useful tips on online networking. 

Memberships & Professional Associations  

Now that we learned about opportunities for making career connections, let’s explore ways to get experience and learn in new environments. One such option is to join a professional association in your field. These organisations provide networking and professional development opportunities relevant to your pursued profession. Joining a professional association would allow you to expand your professional network, gain valuable industry knowledge, attend academic conferences, and most importantly learn about job opportunities. A lot of associations have job boards that are exclusive to members. Check out a list of Canadian professional associations at http://www.cpmdq.com/htm/org.canada2.htm.

Volunteering Experience

Another common way to get experience is volunteering. Some people may think that just because it is unpaid work, it is not as valid to employers as work experience. However, volunteering is just as valid as a job and helps you to develop core skills. It is important to be strategic when selecting volunteer experience that is relevant to your field. Consider the type of work you want to do and its relation to your future career goals. This will allow you to gain an insight into your chosen profession and connect with the right people. It is not rare for a volunteering position to lead one to employment if enough passion and commitment is demonstrated. Helpful resources and platforms as well as a Volunteer Board with opportunities can be found on the CareerZone website (https://careerzone.brocku.ca/) > Student Resources > Gain Experience. In addition, check out the Brock University Volunteer Association (BUVA) that provides students with opportunities and skill development workshops. To learn more about BUVA visit the ExperienceBU website.

Internships

Internships are another great opportunity to gain relevant experience. Many organisations provide internship opportunities for students and recent graduates to give practical skills and relevant knowledge. Internship placements can be remote or in-person, international and domestic which gives you a lot of flexibility and options to explore. It is also common for an internship to turn into a full-time position offer after a successful completion. You can find more information and platforms with internship postings on CareerZone website (https://careerzone.brocku.ca/) > Student Resources > Gain Experience. 

With summer coming up, it is the perfect time to make connections and fill your resume with new relevant experience. Every step on your career journey counts, as it adds up and fills you with confidence and knowledge. Whether it is working on your resume, volunteering, or completing a professional development workshop, your efforts will not go unnoticed by employers!

Connect With Us!
We are here to support you, so don’t be afraid to ask for help! We offer many student resources on our portal (careerzone.brocku.ca) and can be contacted via email at career@brocku.ca to answer any inquiries you may have. 

Follow Us Our Social Media to Stay Up-to-Date With All our Upcoming Events and Workshops!
Twitter: @BrockCareerZone
Instagram: @brockcareerzone 
 
Written by Angelina Shtramel, Goodman Career Assistant
Edited by Kara Renaud, Supervisor of Career Education, CCEE Department

Questions to Ask in a Job Interview (Job Interview Anxiety)

You’ve got the interview, that’s awesome, but what do you do now? Interviews can be stressful and nerve-wracking so here are some tips and best practices you can try to get the butterflies in your stomach to settle down.

Preparation is key so make sure you: 

Know the Company: 

• Research the company! Know about their policies, values and current events that could help you make conversation in the interview! 
• Come with questions to ask the interviewer! Be curious and have a few questions ready for the interview. Employers like to know that you’ll be willing to ask questions when you’re confused, and they want to make sure that the person they are hiring is serious about working there. Perhaps a question related to the organization’s values or motto/catchphrase if they have one.  
• Here are some sample questions: 

• What does a typical day look like in this role? 
• Is there anything you would like clarification on? 
• What are the biggest challenges of this job? 
• Would you like a list of references? (Only if you’ve already confirmed with your references that you can use them) 
• How does one advance in this company? 
• What is the company’s management style? 
• What’s your favourite or least favourite part of working here? 
• Do you provide professional development opportunities? 
• When can I expect to hear from you? 
• How will I be trained? 
• How will my performance be evaluated? 
• What are the next steps after the interview process?

Dress to Impress: 

• Make sure you are dressed appropriately for your interview! You should be dressed in professional attire for any interview you attend. You want to look polished and presentable.  
• Plan out your outfit the night before so you aren’t stressing the day of.

Day of the Interview 

Time to Go to Sleep: 

• Try to get a good night's sleep beforehand so you’re not overly tired and can focus during the interview.  
• Don’t forget to set an alarm to wake you up in the morning.  Give yourself plenty of time to get ready and travel to the interview. 

Food & Drinks: 

• Minimize your caffeinated beverages. I understand the need for caffeine, but it might make you more anxious and jittery before your interview.  
• Bring a water bottle to your interview and make sure you stay hydrated throughout the day. In the interview you can pause to take a drink of water to give yourself time to think of an answer, don’t do this for every question but if there’s one you are having trouble with pause and take a second to think of an answer. 
• Eat before you go! Interviewing on an empty stomach can impact your energy, cause you to feel faint or make your stomach rumble during the interview. 

What to Bring & Other Etiquette: 

• Print a copy of your resume, cover letter and any other things you submitted with your application! Also be sure to bring your references (make sure you’ve reached out to them beforehand so they know they may be getting a call about you). 
• Write down the names of your interviewers in advance so you can address them by name in the interview. Especially at the end when you’re saying goodbye and thanking them for their time. 
• Remember to breathe! You’ve got this! 

After your Interview: 

Congratulations, you’ve made it through your interview, but now what should you do? I would recommend sending a “thank you” email. In the email you can add on to what you said during the interview, add any thoughts that you forgot to mention and restate your interest in the position. This email could help to set you apart from other applicants who don’t send a “thank you” email since it adds a personal touch at the end and a final thought before goodbye. Sometimes through email is where you will be asked to send your references. 

How CareerZone Can Help: 

For more interview tips and tricks please visit https://careerzone.brocku.ca/home.htm.   Once you’re logged into CareerZone, go to “Student Resources” and click on “Interview Prep”. There you’ll find links to a web-based interview practice tool call InterviewStream, tips for different types of interviews, tips on dressing for success and much more. To book a mock interview appointment with CareerZone staff go to careerzone.brocku.ca then click on “Campus Career” and then “Appointments”.  You can book by appointment type or times available.  

Linked below are some CareerZone tips:

• InterviewStream 
• CareerZone
• SOAR Technique 
• Personal Sales Pitch 
• There are many more documents and tips available on CareerZone

Good luck in your interviews and please feel free to send any questions to career@brocku.ca. We also offer document review services, just send us an email with your document in Word format, and we’ll get back to you with feedback. 

Connect With Us!
We are here to support you, so don’t be afraid to ask for help! We offer many student resources on our portal (careerzone.brocku.ca) and can be contacted via email at career@brocku.ca to answer any inquiries you may have.
 

Follow Us on Social Media to Stay Up-to-Date With All our Upcoming Events and Workshops!
Twitter: @BrockCareerZone
Instagram: @brockcareerzone
Written by: Jessica Kroeze, Career Assistant 
Edited by Kara Renaud, Supervisor of Career Education, CCEE Department