Career & Placement Services

Counselling and Development
1455 de Maisonneuve, West
Room H-440
Montreal, Quebec
H3G 1M8

Key Staff Contacts:

Francine Salinitri, Senior Advisor

fsalin@alcor.concordia.ca

Upcoming Events:

Education Career Fair
Feb 3, 2010
1:00 – 6:00 pm
Atrium of the LB Building

Social Science & Humanities Career Fair
Feb 4, 2010
10:00 – 4:00 pm
Atrium of the LB Building

Engineering & Computer Science Career Fair
Feb 4, 2010
10:00 – 4:00 pm
7th Floor of the Hall Building

“I am a fortunate man; rainbows fall on me where ever I go. I am a truly remarkable individual, and you are soon to be in awe of my presence.”

“But, why,” they ask “are you so lucky? Why should we be jealous of you? You aren’t a rock star, we have not seen you on television.”

The answer was simple. “I am employed. I have a job where I work and in turn they compensate me for my time with money.”

“That’s not so rare, many people have jobs!”

“Ah yes, but I am young. I’m only in my early 20’s.”

The crowd released a collective gasp, and they spoke in hushed tones to one another.

“We’ve heard about people like you,” The crowd replied, “Can we touch you?”

“Umm, no,” I said.

The crowd then proceeded to chase me until we came to a cliff, which I fell from waking up just as I was about to hit the ground.

Mine is not a typical situation. According to a recent Globe and Mail article, (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/young-and-jobless-the-recessions-toll/article1387796/), youth employment is shockingly low. Moreover, earlier this year, student employment was also at an all time low. This is mostly due to the recession (surprise). So how did I escape the plague of my generation? I mean unemployment, not H1N1 or Chlamydia. Statistically speaking, I should still be looking for work, maybe living with my parents. I had no large career aspirations upon graduation. I was, as my counsellor told me, like many students who weren’t going on to grad school. I was drifting aimlessly. While I have a dream job in mind (why yes, I would like to hold the Minister of Culture position without having to run in an election or be tied to the ruling party) I mostly wanted to pay the bills without working retail. Considering when the government announces the creation of new jobs, they tend not to be manufacturing or office-y jobs but low-level retail; I was in for an interesting ride.

I heeded my friends’ and relatives’ advice and applied to temp agencies. I was successfully accepted into those (I didn’t know I could type 60 words per minute as Queen and David Bowie put it “Under Pressure”). Yet, as I had no serious experience as a secretary, receptionist or administrative assistant, I was passed by. I have pure luck to thank for my current employment. I just happened to be in the right city at the right time, where a company was expanding. This coupled with a modicum of employment ambition led me into a great job opening, with opportunity for advancement beyond learning how to work a deep-fry.

While normally, I’d brush off some of the severity of a report like that in the Globe and Mail article, in this instance I can’t. I have friends with GPAs much more impressive than mine, and pages upon pages of extracurricular activities that are having trouble even getting interviews. Not to go too deeply into a political rant, but the federal government, according to the Globe and Mail article, isn’t worried about us. Instead, it is focusing its attentions on the older generations. But, if they lose us, where will Canada’s future lie?

The bottom line is that finding a job is a terrible situation, but there is hope for you dear blog reader! I will detail two escape plans I have plotted from the actions and advice of my friends and family. When I was still in university, I was talking to one of my professors who told me about the last big recession. According to him, as a result of the poor job market in the 90’s, there was an unexpected bubble of people who stayed in university and went on to post-grad work. Generation X has a disproportionate number of university professors as a result. I can’t vouch for any numbers that would justify his claim, but it makes sense.

This leads me to the first option: do as Obama says and “Stay in school”. Don’t do it because it’s cool; poverty comes hand in hand with education and doesn’t wear well. Keep hitting the books because if you do land a job right now you’ll likely be making minimum wage pouring coffee just like you did back in high school. So, rather than travel that avenue again, you may as well get some more education. It will probably come in handy once there are jobs available. Besides, book learnin’ never hurt no one!

The second option is one that has become more and more popular. Bail! Run! Get out while you still can! Go teach English overseas! They’ll pay us money! Grab your passport! Head to Korea, China, Japan, and teach those people a new language! The world (except for Canada) is our oyster!

These are some of the only jobs where you will actually be able to pay down or off entirely, your student loans. Plus, you have the added benefit of being in a cool new country. Teaching English appeals to my generation’s passion for affecting positive change in the global socio-political environment while still satisfying our self-interest. It’s win-win, so pack your bags! We’ll listen to the CBC on the Internet and imagine what our country could have been if they had hired us!

What? No, it’s ok go on without me. I’ll keep pushing paper and trying to make it safe for you to return.

What are your plans? Is finding a job a bigger stress than it should be? Already thinking of new ways to decorate your parents’ basement? What’s your game plan?

Sam Barton

In today’s fast moving job market, social networking through social media platforms are an amazing way to land that next job. Not only do we see a huge number of general job postings listed on the internet, but social networks have given us the chance to more directly engage with peers and professionals. Recent international studies  have shown that not only are there a lot of job seekers on the Web, but an overwhelming majority of professionals as well. Engaging with these same professionals gives you the chance to learn about new jobs available that are not normally posted publically. In fact, the majority of professional jobs for new graduates coming out of post-secondary are not posted for everyone to see. Research a bit about where you want to make your next move, and then join a number of networking sites and online communities. A very good start is at http://www.linkedin.com which is tailored for professional social networking, where you create a virtual resume and a profile for other professionals to browse. Other social media such as Facebook and Twitter are also great to use depending on your own personal experience.

Any other of these sites that you know of? What are your personal experiences with networking?

Career Services & Co-op Education Centre

UBC Okanagan

University Centre Room 207
3333 University Way
Kelowna, BC

Key Staff Contacts:

Robin Whittall, Career Advisor

Telephone: 250.807-8828

Email: robin.whittall@ubc.ca

Upcoming Events:

2-day Job Fair 2010

Date: Wednesday, January 27 & Thursday, January 28, 2010
Time: 10:00 am–3:00 pm
Location: The new University Centre Ballroom, 200

Begin your search for summer employment opportunities at the 2 Day Job Fair!

• Network with potential employers
• Investigate career options
• Obtain information on Career and Job opportunities

Make a connection that will help your future!

Career Services can help you develop interview, resumé writing, and job search skills in preparation for the 2010 Job Fair. Check out interactive workshops during UBCO Career Week, January 25-29, 2010.

Monday, January 25

Resumés and Cover Letters Workshop, the ticket to an interview! Bring a draft resumé and cover letter to maximize your benefits.  Refreshments provided. RSVP to careerservice.ubco@ubc.ca

4:00 to 6:00 pm – Career Centre UNC 207

Tuesday, January 26

Resumania Does your resumé make the cut?  Bring your resumé to our qualified team and create a document that says “Hire me!”  Drop by, it will pay off for you!

1:00 to 4:00 pm  Drop in, no need to RSVP – Career Centre UNC 207

Career Development Services

Huron University College

1349 Western Road, Academic Services Centre

London, ON

Phone: (519) 438-7224, ext. 220

Email: huronasc@uwo.ca

Key Staff Contacts:

Ms. Maxine Dubuc, BCom

Manager, Community Based Learning & Career Development

Email: mdubuc2@uwo.ca

Student Career Centre

Agora 7-153 (Student Success Street)

Prince George, British Columbia

Telephone: (250) 960-6598

Hours of Operation: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm (closed for lunch between 12:00 and 1:00pm)

Key Staff Contacts:

Maria Trujillo, Student Career Centre Coordinator

Tel: (250) 960-6426

Email: trujillm@unbc.ca

Career Services

Telephone: (902) 563-1639

Key Staff Contacts:

Angela MacKinnon, Director

Angela.Mackinnon@cbu.ca

Diane Tomey
Academic and Career Advising
diane_tomey@cbu.ca
902-563-1278

Main Centre Line: 604-854-4507

Fax: 604-870-5627
E-mail: career.centre@ufv.ca

Location:
Abbotsford Campus B236/B238
33844 King Road
Abbotsford, BC V2S 7M8

Hours:
Monday-Friday, 9:30am-4:30pm

Key Staff Contacts:

Deborah Bartlette, Ed.D
Phone: 604-851-6320
Email: Deborah.Bartlette@ufv.ca

Student Resource Centre

City Centre Campus

10700 104 Ave, Room 7-112A

Edmonton, Alberta

Telephone: (780) 497-5064

Email: src@macewan.ca

Key Staff Contacts:

Huong Bui, MacEawen Career Centre

buih3@macewan.ca

According to a 2009 Forbes article about the top-10 most recession-proof jobs, Commerce students can still be envied for excellent job prospects. Ranked at the top of the Forbes list was Sales Representative, while Accounting Executive ranked fourth, Accounting Staff ranked fifth, Business Analysis/Research ranked ninth, and Finance Staff ranked a solid tenth. The majority of Commerce students are set for opportunities in these fields, with 29 percent of upper-year Commerce students registered in Accounting, 25 percent in Finance, and 22 percent in Marketing. Although investment banking opportunities are limited, there is clearly still a stable demand for students with a business background. Times of economic hardship create an even greater need for marketing efforts to stimulate sales, as well as financial expertise to cut costs and pass the savings on to price-sensitive consumers. Accounting jobs are known to be very secure, as accounting services continue to be needed regardless of the economic forecast. Shannon Thompson of Certified Management Accountants BC (CMA BC) reiterates this message, stating that “accountants are always in demand, whether we’re faced with
a recession or a booming economy.”

Ernst and Young, one of the “Big Four” accounting firms that feverishly recruit students in the fall, echo a similar stability. Nancy Hudson, Campus Recruiting Manager for Ernst and Young in Vancouver, comments that the firm hasn’t made any plans to cut back on hiring students. “In fact,” she says, “our hiring was up approximately five percent [in 2009] from last year… We think it’s even more critical to attract and retain the very best people during an economic downturn.” She went on to say that the firm doesn’t foresee any changes to its hiring plans for 2010 either.So how will Commerce students ultimately be affected by the current economic climate? Those students who were looking to make it big on Wall Street may have an even slimmer chance of doing so than usual, but in other areas, there is room for optimism.

While some businesses may turn to hiring freezes, the best companies will take advantage of this time to secure the best and brightest candidates, as financially weaker competitors are forced to cut back. Linda Gully, Director of the Business Career Centre at the Sauder School of Business, says,“What’s more important to them [companies] is the upcoming labour shortage, so they still have to keep their hiring funnel quite wide.” She adds, “The bottom line is, if you’re good at what you do, you will be picked up.” As for future prospects, once companies gradually recover from the crisis, they will have to confront the shortage in their human resources targets, coupled with an external labour market shortage. At that time, there should be a surge of opportunities and hiring activity. With a little patience and determination, today’s Commerce students can look forward to everything they imagined when they first set foot in the faculty. CO

Alicia Woodside is a fourth-year student at the University of British Columbia who is specializing in the Marketing Bachelor of Commerce program. As a senior co-op student, she enjoys sharing her experiences and assisting others in their career advancement.

At Huron University College, for example, students enrolled in the second-year English course “Victorian Literature: Major Authors” can opt to participate in a community-based learning project with Frontier College, a national non-profit organization that is focused on helping children and adults learn how to read and write. In the course, students study literacy issues in the Victorian era and draw links to modern society. They are expected to volunteer with Frontier College for two to five hours per week, and one of their assignments is a paper that explains what they learned in school and in the community.

By the end of the volunteer placement, students have acquired practice with teaching methods and experience working with children in an academic environment, as well as meeting the outcomes specified in the course. For Dennis Mungar, working with Frontier College helped him later during teacher’s college: “My CBL experience has been a great help to me in my young teaching career. Teaching is all about connecting theory and practice, and CBL gave me the head start I needed to become the best teacher that I can be.”

Co-curricular: Facilitated by the school but no credits are obtained

Many schools have alternative spring break programs in which students can participate. Sharon Lam, a Huron student, travelled to Honduras in 2007 with a group of 10 other students and a faculty member. Sharon learned how to speak Spanish, how to fundraise in a group, and how to teach students from other cultures, as well as other valuable cross-cultural skills. “While we were staying in the city of Copán, we lived, ate, worked and played with the local people,” says Sharon. “It’s when you immerse yourself fully in this way that you begin to develop some actual understanding of the people and the dynamics of a society.”

Independent: Your own project or volunteering

Andrea Cole, a student at the University of Western Ontario, started a program to get teaching experience working with children aged nine to 15. Inspired by what she was learning in her writing course at Huron University College, Andrea decided to create her own tutoring program through the London Public Library. “I phoned and offered my services as a volunteer,” she says. “It took over a month to get in contact with the right people and get my proposal approved, but it was worth it. The best thing I could have done for myself was to create a program that was specific to the type of experience I needed to gain.”

For two hours a week over two years, Andrea scheduled appointments with students and their parents to review anything from a speech to an essay, in both English and French. Tutoring not only helped Andrea get accepted into teacher’s college, it also added experience to her resume and gave her an enormous sense of satisfaction. From working with children from various backgrounds, Andrea has also developed cross-cultural skills and experience that will help her teach in multicultural classrooms. “The most important thing I learned was how to communicate effectively, and instruct without bias,” says Andrea. “I probably learned more from my students and their parents than they did from me. I have no doubt that being open to different cultures will become increasingly important in today’s society.” CO

How to make the most of community-based learning opportunities

1. Assess yourself and your career goals: Think about the types of careers that interest you and the skills and experience you would like to develop. Come up with a list of two or three areas you would like to explore.
2. Connect with your school: Contact someone at your college or university to find out about the opportunities offered. A list of contacts for many schools in Canada is available on the Canadian Alliance for Community Service Learning website: http://www.communityservicelearning.ca/en/partnerships.htm
3. Make the commitment: Make sure to allocate time to take part in your community-based learning activities. Also, keep a journal to log your experiences and thoughts to reflect upon later.
4. Reap the rewards: Make sure to feature your community-based learning activities prominently in your resume and cover letter.

Associated Video Content (in 3 Parts):

Reflecting on his choice to participate in co-op, Chris says, “The Co-op Program has been one of the best parts of my university experience. When I think back to how nervous I was during my first work term compared to how comfortable I felt at the end of my third work term, it becomes clear to me that I needed co-op.”

As Chris sought out and completed assignments that got more and more challenging each work term, he chose to return to SaskPower, where he demonstrated his value and his potential for full-time employment. By the end of his fourth work term with SaskPower, Chris had a long list of accomplishments. He had not only completed all the traditional assignments for his co-op position, including data entry and inventory management, but he was also coordinating the United Way Campaign for his work site and beginning to design a database. Back on campus, he was helping the Career Centre and the Faculty of Arts develop promotional materials to entice new students to join Arts Co-op.

Chris says, “The Co-op Program worked as an important stepping stone for me because it was on my work terms that I learned how to apply the skills I learned in university to business world problems. Before co-op I was leery about applying for office jobs because I didn’t have a lot of business experience. Now I know that I am ready to graduate and enter the workforce because I have built up an excellent resume with some top-notch references. Co-op gave me the confidence, experience and skills I need to excel in an office environment.”

In 2009, Chris began a permanent full-time job with SaskPower, where he offers guidance and mentorship to current Arts Co-op student Jon Milani. While Chris is quick to point out that he is not the official supervisor of his work group, he is prepared and required to provide management coverage when more senior managers are away. Chris shows leadership through action. As he explains, “I am always happy to give direction and help to [my fellow] employees and the co-op student if they require it.”

When asked how others might pursue a similar career path, Chris says, “My advice to any student would be to join co-op because it will give you an edge after graduation that you will not get in class.” CO

Regan Seidler is the Arts Co-op Coordinator at the University of Regina.

Current labour market statistics and information? Check.
Lists of possible occupational titles? Check.
Interest inventories and personality tests? Check.
Salary scales? Check.
Grad school admission stats? Check.
Company/organization information? Check.

Personally satisfying and fulfilling career path? Uh… not so sure.

Astonishingly, despite the depth and prevalence of career-related information currently available, survey data reported in a recent Globe and Mail article (“Did you make the right career choice?” June 11, 2009) indicates that many North Americans report feeling unsure as to whether their chosen career path was the best one for them. An earlier article in The Vancouver Sun (“Dream job may only be a dream,” August 29, 2007) went even further in noting that a substantial majority (82%) of Canadians have not entered their ideal career path.

The fact is that information may not be enough, in and of itself, for you to choose that ideal career—at a certain point you also need to indulge your imagination. For all that you benefit from knowing the concrete facts and parameters influencing your career decisions, allowing yourself the time and space to dream and to wonder, to imagine change and possibilities, is absolutely essential.

Effective career planning is about getting a job, yes, but it can also be about so much more: honouring your beliefs and values; getting back to the essence of who you are and what you care about; deciding on the kind of life you want to lead and the kind of world you want to help build. In short, imagining the possibilities from the personal all the way to the global.

At the recent Canadian Association of College and University Student Services Conference in Kitchener-Waterloo, I was enthralled by the final keynote speaker, Lisa Glithero, a committed environmental educator who spoke passionately about the need to inspire students to effect meaningful change. It is clear to Glithero that our planet simply cannot afford to continue on its current unsustainable course. Now more than ever, the world needs the energy, optimism and idealism of young people who can both envision and then work towards change. Environmental or social, cultural or political, the change will likely look very different to each one of us, but we need to start imagining it!

Just as there is no one right way to effect change and build a more sustainable world, there is also no one right way to plan your career.
The key to both lies in channelling your imagination, energy and sense of responsibility—in being true to who you are, who you want to become, and how you want to be in the world.

This is a big task and the answers are far from straightforward, but taking a close look at your personal and professional values is a good place to start. Values are the beliefs and ideas you consider most important, the ones that ultimately motivate you to get up in the morning and make life worth living! Unfortunately, they are frequently overlooked in career planning,
as most people tend to focus instead on their skills, talents, achievements and interests. All of the above also play a role, of course, but research consistently shows that finding a position that fits with your values is key
to your long-term career satisfaction.

Allow yourself for the moment to put aside the values of your family, friends and others, and ask yourself what truly matters to you, what motivates you in your life. Is it the respect of your peers? Earning a comfortable income? Developing and using expertise? Making a difference in the world? Being at peace with yourself? Having a happy family? What are the themes that consistently resonate with you? Helping others? Adventure and travel? The outdoors? Community and relationships? Competition? Creativity? Intellectual stimulation? Environmental sustainability?

Get back to basics by quickly jotting down on paper all of the things you wanted to be “when you grew up,” from as far back as you can first remember right up until the present day. Yes, even those embarrassing and seemingly irrelevant ideas from your kindergarten and grade school years!

When I and my colleagues at the McGill University Career Planning Service (CaPS) ask students to do this activity, some come up with a handful of titles, others with close to 20. But in every list I have seen so far—even those that at first appear somewhat “random”—we are able to find some common threads, consistent values and themes that provide clues as to what is really essential and meaningful to each individual.

Below, by way of illustration, is my personal list, in roughly chronological order:

• Figure skater
• Gymnast
• Teacher
• Journalist
• Librarian
• Orchestral musician
• Doctor
• Audiologist
• University professor
• English teacher
• Travel writer/editor
• Career counsellor/Psychologist

Which consistent themes and values do you identify in this list? Here are a few that stand out for me:

• Performance: a musician since the age of four, I have always loved to perform, be it in a musical/artistic capacity or a more educational capacity (e.g., putting on a workshop or moderating a panel of speakers)
• Working directly with people in a helping capacity
• Writing/reading/language
• Knowledge of and interaction with the wider world
• Involvement with the arts
• Connecting people with information and services
• Helping others to reach their potential
• Education: obtaining it myself, working in an educational setting and facilitating learning for others

I am fortunate that a great deal of what I value and care about comes together in my current professional role as a Music and Arts Career Advisor at McGill, a position I had no idea existed just two years ago. Even as early as childhood, however, the kinds of careers I dreamed about, and the things that mattered and continue to matter to me, all subtly pointed me in this direction.

So by all means, be sure to avail yourself of the myriad career-related resources out there, and stay up-to-date and informed on labour market trends. But don’t forget to give your imagination free rein occasionally as well, and to stay in touch with your personal values, your optimism and your ideals. As a great thinker, Mahatma Gandhi, once said, “Be the change you want to see in the world,” while investing in your own personal and career satisfaction at the same time. Enjoy the ride! CO

Jan Bottomer is the Music and Arts Career Advisor, McGill Career Planning Service (CaPS).

Each summer since 2006, the BC Used Oil Management Association (BCUOMA) hires two university students as “ambassadors” to travel the province in a branded vehicle and encourage people to recycle used oil materials responsibly. Over a 13-week period, the students visit registered return collection facilities that take back materials from the public, meet with municipal and regional district contacts, take part in media interviews as spokespeople for the program, and attend community events to hand out promotional materials.

The position involves a lot of responsibility, accountability and creativity. The team has some fun while gaining valuable experience in the field of communications. At each stop on their summer road map of experience, the students build valuable and important transferable skills that will help them in their future careers. Here are some of the skills they develop.

Organization, Time Management and Attention to Detail

Throughout the summer, the students must manage monthly budgets, plan their route and schedule for travel, coordinate meetings, deliver weekly reports and meet targets set out by the client. Through this day-to-day management of their responsibilities, they hone their skills in organization, time management and strict attention to detail. Once they master these skills and keep improving them, the students have a better understanding of how to manage a project.

Writing

While school gives many students a solid foundation for writing skills, the work environment helps individuals hone those skills as they write for various audiences and outlets, including business, email, the web, blogs and other media. As ambassadors, the team must write formal, detailed summary reports of their meetings, as well as post regularly to their travel blog in a fun, catchy but informative manner. The job helps them gain valuable skills in understanding their audience and tailoring their written communications to that audience.

Effective Public Speaking

Effective public speaking is a key part of the students’ job. The ambassadors are responsible not only for public speaking in the traditional sense (making a presentation to a captive audience), but also for speaking with the public one-on-one and mastering the art of speaking with the media in an interview situation. Knowing how to deliver key messages, getting the message across in a confident, professional manner, and ensuring that their audience is engaged with what they are saying are skills that will come in handy as they navigate through the working world.

When you are looking for a summer job, try to find one that, like the BCUOMA Ambassador Program, will help you build and hone valuable skills that you will use throughout your career. By developing a range of skills early on, you will open up more career doors for yourself. Although the road ahead may be winding, and some roadblocks will appear now and then, if you have solid skills to offer you will always come across new and exciting opportunities. CO

Stephanie Vicic, a PR Account Manager at Grey Vancouver, oversees the intern co-op program, providing mentorship and helping students with their career progression.

Brooke Browning graduated from the University of Western Ontario in April 2009. She recently began working as an intern with Grey Vancouver. She finds her work to be a fantastic opportunity for acquiring skills and experience.

David Hurlbut, Career Advisor at George Brown College, recommends starting your summer job search early in the school year: “This is the most important thing to keep in mind when looking for a summer job. Begin looking by December. Don’t wait until April, because that will be too late.” In some fields, you must start applying even earlier. Accounting firms, for example, make their hiring decisions as early as September. Investment banking and consulting firms start recruiting in November for the following summer. Start early so you don’t get left behind.

Visit your Career Centre

Make sure to check out your Career Centre in the first week of classes to find out about recruiting events, such as summer job fairs, that will be held throughout the year. These events are a great way for you to get face time with recruiters, find out more about their organizations and learn about the types of jobs they are recruiting for.

Your career centre will also post summer jobs, either online or on a job board, that employers are recruiting for at your campus. Get in the habit of checking these regularly.

If you want to work on campus, ask professors early about campus jobs. These positions are highly valued and very difficult to get—especially for first-year students. Visit your Career Centre and ask a career advisor when summer jobs are posted, what type of student employment programs are available on campus and what resources your school has to support your job search. Note: it’s not unusual for on-campus jobs to be available only to students who demonstrate financial need (e.g. receive student loans).

Make an appointment with a career counsellor or advisor

Your career counsellor can help you link your long-term career goals to your summer work. By developing a plan with your career counsellor, you can build on and enhance your skills each year.

Your career counsellor can also help you prepare your resume, give you feedback on your interview skills and coach you throughout the process
to make sure you’re on track.

Once your plan is in place and your resume is done, start applying for jobs. Look beyond on-campus recruitment and advertised jobs. Be proactive: find those “hidden” jobs. Here are a couple of tips to help you be successful:

• Make a list of places where you’d like to work, then contact the company to find out about any summer opportunities.
• Tell everyone you know that you’re looking for a job. Don’t be afraid to ask people you know for contacts they may have. You never know where a summer job lead might come from.

What If I Don’t Land a Job in My Field?

Often students will say to me, “But I have no skills. I have only worked in retail or in the fast food industry.” If this is you, think about all the transferable skills that you have gained at these jobs that will help you land that dream job once you graduate. Employers identify communication, customer service, teamwork and leadership as key skills they are looking for in ideal candidates. When looking for a summer job, try to identify how it will help you build these skills. Hurlbut agrees: “Any summer job is a benefit to your future, regardless of your field, as it demonstrates transferable skills, which are a prequel to future jobs.”

Let’s suppose you work in the retail or fast food industry. In these types of workplaces, you deal with a lot of customer service issues, which means you are constantly using and improving your communication skills. You are also a member of a team. You may have proven leadership skills if you show initiative or have been promoted to team lead positions. You’re working in a fast-paced environment, constantly juggling a variety of tasks. You know what it’s like to report to someone and to be accountable. These are all important transferable skills you can take to any work environment.

So don’t get discouraged if you don’t land a job in your field. Instead, ask yourself, “What skills will I develop in this job that will help me find work once I graduate?”

Here are some ideas and possibilities for your job search:

Working Abroad

Employers are impressed with students who have international experience, as this shows that they are adaptable, have experience with other cultures and may even know another language. Begin your international summer job hunt early, as many students are interested in these exciting opportunities.

If you want to find work overseas, here are just a few places to check out:

• SWAP: www.swap.ca
• Going Global: www.goinglobal.com
• Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA): www.acdi-cida.gc.ca

Using Employment Agencies

When I was a university student, I spent an entire summer doing temporary work and really enjoyed it. I spent time in a variety of work environments, met many different people, and gained a lot of valuable skills that I wouldn’t have gained if I had worked in only one place doing the same job all summer long. You can find a list of employment agencies where you live on www.canada411.ca. Simply type “employment agencies” as the keywords in the “Find a Business” section of the web page.

Your university or college may have a temp agency as well.

UTemp at the University of Toronto provides temporary staff for the university: http://www.jobs.utoronto.ca/utemp.htm

YUTA does the same at York University: http://www.yorku.ca/hr/services/applicants/yuta.html

Volunteering

By volunteering, you will not only give back to the community and enhance your skill set, you will meet tons of people from a variety of careers who will become part of your network.

Volunteering can also supplement your summer job experience. Let’s say you want a job in the healthcare industry after graduation, but are working as a cashier at a drugstore for the summer. Consider volunteering at a hospital, where you can gain some skills and meet people in your area of interest.

Let’s face it: times are tough. If you can’t find a paying job this summer, or if you find part-time work, volunteering is a great way to gain some work-related skills and avoid a gap on your resume. “A volunteer position isn’t less valuable than a paid job, because the experience alone is recognizable in the future,” says David Hurlbut. “If you can’t get that paid job, doing something is better than nothing.”

Here are a couple of non-traditional volunteering ideas:

www.planetvolunteer.net: Provides links to volunteering, internship and apprenticeship opportunities, working on organic gardens and farms in Canada and abroad.

www.katimavik.org: Katimavik’s mission is to contribute to the sustainable development of communities across Canada through challenging volunteer service programs.

Starting Your Own Business

If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, think about starting a business during the summer. Are there dogs in your neighbourhood that need to be walked? Do your neighbours need their lawns mowed? Swimming pools cleaned? Windows washed? Kids babysat? Look around for a need in your community that you can fill.

The Ontario Government’s Summer Company program awards up to $3000 to students who want to set up their own summer business:

http://www.ontariocanada.com/ontcan/1medt/youth_summerco_index.jsp

On a final note, Hurlbut reminds students to “start early, get creative, look outside of the service industry and be prepared to travel.” Whatever you decide to do this summer, push your limits! Remember that each step you take today will lead to great opportunities tomorrow. CO

Here are some websites (in alphabetical order) that may help you find summer job opportunities in your province.

Alberta Summer Jobs

http://jobs.alberta.ca/

British Columbia Summer Jobs

http://employment.gov.bc.ca/index.php?rLoad=1&rLoad=2

CampPage

http://www.camppage.com/

A comprehensive listing of summer camps and wilderness programs for youth in the United States and Canada.

Canada Summer Jobs

http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/epb/yi/yep/programs/scpp.shtml

Canada’s Wonderland

http://www.canadaswonderland.com/jobs/jobs.cfm

Seasonal and permanent jobs at Canada’s Wonderland.

Cool Jobs Canada

http://www.cooljobscanada.com/

Job board for resorts, tour companies, camps and parks. Tour guides, site interpreters, outdoor education, lifeguards, and similar tourism-related jobs. Mostly summer and seasonal work. Choose your province or territory.

Cool Works

http://www.coolworks.com/

Summer and other jobs in the U.S. Students who are not eligible to work in the U.S. must have a special visa. See website for details.

ExtremeJobs

http://www.extremejobs.ca/gretjobs2.php

This part of ExtremeJobs features resort and adventure jobs. Includes links to ski and sun resorts, mostly in western and central Canada. Includes summer jobs in Rocky Mountain resorts and elsewhere.

Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP)

http://jobs-emplois.gc.ca/fswep-pfete/index-eng.htm

Opportunities to gain valuable work experience with a number of federal organizations. For students studying in Canada, or Canadian students studying abroad. Candidates must be returning to school after the program.

Intrawest

http://www.intrawest.com/employment/index.htm

Resort jobs in Canada and the United States.

Job Bank: Student job search

http://jb-ge.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/prov_en.aspx?Student=Only

Job Bank is the largest web-based network of job postings available to Canadians. Search for the jobs collected and posted daily across Canada. An easy-to-use resource.

Just for youth and students

http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/audiences/youth/employment.shtml

Link to Service Canada programs: Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP), career programs, youth internship programs, Summer Work Experience for students, Skills Link program for youth facing barriers. Many more programs supported by the federal government, including information on employment insurance (EI), targeted wage subsidies and job creation partnerships.

Language learning and exchange programs

http://www.cmec.ca/Programs/ol/llep/Pages/default.aspx

Two programs for young adults interested in learning French
or English.

Manitoba Summer Jobs

http://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/youth/

Mazemaster job board

http://www.mazemaster.on.ca/users/jobbank/jobpostings.aspx
Jobs for teens and young adults. Full-time, part-time, summer and seasonal, temporary and contract jobs in Ontario.

New Brunswick Summer Jobs

http://www.gnb.ca/0163/employ-e.asp

National Research Council Canada

http://careers-carrieres.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/main_e.html

NRC hires experienced university staff, co-op students, summer students and new graduates at the master’s and Ph.D. levels, including post-doctoral fellows. Also operational staff. See “Who we hire” for a list of core competencies.

National Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada

http://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/Students-Etudiants/index_eng.asp

Provides funding for organizations to hire science/engineering students. Both students and employers must apply for approval for this program.

Nunavut Summer Jobs

http://www.gov.nu.ca/hr/site/studentprograms_2009.htm

Ontario Rangers

http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/Youth/2ColumnSubPage/STEL02_163379.html

Eight-week summer program of outdoor work and learning for young Ontario residents.

Ontario Summer Employment Programs

http://www.gojobs.gov.on.ca/RSSH.asp

Opportunities for youth and students in the Ontario Public Service, its associated agencies and community groups through its summer employment programs. Positions in fish and wildlife programs in provincial parks, community-based recreation programs, administration of justice and law enforcement, and public safety. Also a student exchange program with the Government of Quebec.

Parks Canada

http://www.parkscanada.gc.ca/agen/empl/index_e.asp

This website describes types of jobs with Parks Canada, volunteering, information about Canadian Student Programs, training and information for non-Canadians.

Parks of the St. Lawrence Employment Opportunities

http://www.parks.on.ca/jobs/​index.htm

Jobs at the parks, Fort Henry and Upper Canada Village.

Quebec Summer Jobs

http://emploietudiant.qc.ca/en/accueil.asp

Saskatchewan Summer Jobs

http://www.aeel.gov.sk.ca/see

Student Work Abroad Program (SWAP)

www.swap.ca

You pay them to arrange work abroad summer opportunities. You may not earn much, but will experience living in a different culture.

Summer company

http://www.ontariocanada.com/ontcan/1medt/youth_summerco_index.jsp
Come up with a business idea of your own and you could score up to $3000 to bring your vision to life. Get a mentor to guide you.

Summer Work Experience

http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sc/youth/summerwork.shtml

Under the Youth Employment Strategy, the Summer Work Experience program creates summer employment opportunities for secondary and post-secondary students. Find your local Service Canada Centres for Youth for help finding a job.

http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sc/skills/targetedwagesubsidies.shtml

Information for employers and students about a wage-subsidy program that enables employers to create career-related summer jobs for students.

Summer Work Student Exchange / Emplois d’Ete Echanges Etudiants

http://www.emplois-ete.com/

A six-week summer exchange employment program for students aged 16 and 17. Apply through your federal Member of Parliament.

TalentEgg

http://talentegg.ca/index.php

TalentEgg is a career portal for Canadian students and new grads. Entry-level jobs, summer jobs, internships.

Work Study Programs

Available at most academic institutions for students who are able to demonstrate financial need, these programs offer attractive opportunities to work on campus. Speak with your career centre or student financial aid officer.

Working.com student jobs in Toronto

http://working.canada.com/toronto/sectors/students.html

Student and summer jobs in the Toronto area.

Youth Employment in Natural Resources

http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/Youth/index.html

Summer jobs, co-ops, exchanges and other temporary positions in Ontario.

Yukon Summer Jobs

http://www.yuwin.ca/english/index.cfm?cat=3?x⊂=12

Sell a product or provide a service that you are genuinely excited about. If your heart isn’t in it right from the start, your passion will quickly fade. Choose a product that you think people can really use or a service that is needed in your area. Whatever it is, make sure it’s something you will really enjoy doing.

Make a Business Plan

A business plan is a document that describes your product or service, your goals, your target market, the rates you will charge and other key information. This plan should give a detailed summary of how your company will be rolled out. Your business plan should be three or four pages.

Decide on Timing

When will your company begin operating? When can you start to provide your product or service? The sooner you start planning for your company to begin operations, the better off you will be.

Consider Financing

Will you need any cash for your company, such as for equipment or supplies? If so, how will you finance it? Can you ask family or friends for money? Will you need a bank loan? Find out about grants or subsidies that the government (municipal, provincial or federal) may offer for start-up operations or youth-run business. Keep your initial costs as low as possible so you have less to pay back later.

Ask Questions

Talk to people who run or have owned a summer business before. What did they like or dislike about their experience? What worked well? What would they do differently?

Plan Sales and Marketing

How will you market and sell your product or service? Will you need business cards, flyers or brochures? Is it best to market your product or service online or by referral?

Let as many people as possible know about your venture as early as you can. Most start-up businesses rely on referrals from family and friends to get the business going. Use free or
low-cost online tools, such as Facebook, to market your company. If you’re not good at selling yourself, get some sales training.

Find Your Competitors

Research the industry. Who are your competitors? How much do they charge for the product or service? How will you set yourself apart from them?

Think about Staffing

What if you get too busy to handle everything on your own? Will you need to hire others to help you? Who will you hire, how will you find them, and how much will you pay them?

Stay Organized

Tally up the number of days you have to produce revenue during the summer. Plan your days, weeks and months ahead of time in order to earn as much as you can.

Set up an Accounting System

Set a budget for your company so you can measure your results. Keep all your receipts for everything you spend money on for the company. Answer the following questions:

• Will you need a bank account for your business?
• How will you invoice your customers?
• How quickly will your clients need to pay you?
• Will you accept credit cards, cash or cheques (or all three) as payment?
• How much credit will you provide to your customers?
• How and when can you get financial information, such as financial statements, accounts receivable listings, and so on?

Key Points to Consider

Here are some key points to think about before you plan your summer business venture:

• Is the product or service something that people need, want or can use?
• For how much will you sell your product or service?
• If you’re selling a product, who is supplying the product to you? Is the supplier reliable?
• If you’re selling a product, how will you handle any returns?
• Would you be better off with a partner to help you get things off the ground?
• Where will your company be located? Can you be based from home or will you need space to store your inventory?
• Will you incorporate the business?
• Do you need insurance for the product or service you will sell?
• Do you want to create a website? What do you need to get it up and running?
• How can people contact you? What phone number, email address and other contact information will you provide?

Winding down

Some people shut down their business at the end of the summer, while others keep it going part-time during the school year. Think about what would work for you. Here are some questions to ask yourself:

• What will happen to the company at the end of the summer?
• Will you continue it part-time through the next school year, or will you wind it down?
• Can someone else manage it for you if it continues to grow once the summer is done?

Running a company can be fun and can earn you enough money to get you through the next school year. Before you start your own company, make sure your heart is fully into it, keep things simple, and keep your costs as low as possible from the very beginning. Good luck! CO

Marc Belaiche, C.A., is President of TorontoJobs.ca, an Internet recruitment business and recruiting firm (www.TorontoJobs.ca).

Here’s the deal. Over the next 10 years, a ton of people will retire from the mining industry. There are going to be some amazing careers opening up, so now is the time to get the education and training you need to jump on board. Mining pays really well, and because many companies operate all over the world, employees can travel and see some interesting places while making a nice salary.

We talk to a lot of young people at career events. We know that most of them don’t have the facts about the industry. It’s too bad that so many people overlook mining as a career when most of the world around us (transportation, medicine, entertainment and countless other aspects of our lives) is possible because of mining. Plus, mining has changed a lot over the past five to 10 years. There are some really interesting things happening in our industry that you should know about as you explore your career options.

» Mining companies care about the communities in which they operate. Did you know that the mining sector provides massive financial support to communities and social causes every year as part of the companies’ corporate social responsibility goals?

» Mining companies care about the environment. Did you know that one company turned a tailings (waste water) site into a wetland habitat for ducks, and that another company looked at migration patterns of caribou before building roads to the site?

» Mining is high tech. Did you know that you can dig underground in the Northwest Territories using a remote-controlled shovel in Toronto?

» Mining companies hire women and men. Did you know that 50 percent of the huge-haul truck drivers for one of Canada’s major mining companies are women?

» Mining work schedules and approaches vary. You might think that a mining work schedule involves a 16-hour underground shift with a pick and shovel every day. This picture is far from the truth in Canada today. Schedules vary depending on the type of mining career you choose. Some people in mining work 9 to 5, five days a week. Others may work
two weeks on, two weeks off (fly in/fly out). Also, many mines aren’t even underground. Metals and minerals for your computer, kitchen sink, bike, makeup, sunscreen and so on are extracted using a process called surface mining.

Mining includes four different phases: exploration, development, operations and rehabilitation. There are more than 120 occupations in the mining sector, ranging from sales and finance, to engineering and geology, to heavy equipment operation and health and safety, to environmental monitoring, community relations and human resources, to IT and graphic simulation. Perhaps you’re already working toward a degree or diploma in one of these fields and are planning to spend the school year figuring out which sector to tap into next summer or when you graduate. Read on…

We have some interesting programs and resources you can use to Explore for More.

For example, you might want to get involved in our Virtual MineMentor Program (VMMP).

The VMMP uses technology to match post-secondary students with exceptional mining industry employees, boosting your knowledge and your resume. Where you live isn’t an issue among pairs, because you will connect online. Mentorship takes place mainly through the Virtual MineMentor portal.

Participants can use instant messaging, blogs, community message boards, email and more to communicate with their partners in the MineMentor community. Even if you’re not sure whether you want to go into mining, you can join the program to learn more about the industry before you decide. If you want to know more about the VMMP, the best thing to do is to contact Jen, the coordinator, or read up on the program through the website: www.acareerinmining.ca.

If you are graduating and on the hunt for an exciting career opportunity, come to our Explore for More Virtual Career Fair on January 27th. It’s easy! No need to travel or even to change out of your PJs to connect with employers from all across Canada. Simply go to www.virtualminingcareerfair.ca for more information.

If you want to know more, check us out on Facebook by searching Explore for More, or on YouTube (www.youtube.com/exploreformore). Send us comments, ask questions, view our
NEW Video Library and much more.

Open your mind… A career in mining is more than you think! CO

For more information about the Mining Industry Human Resources Council (MiHR), visit our website (www.mihr.ca) or send us an email (info@mihr.ca).

Me, Inc.

The only person invested in your career, and the person who knows it best, is YOU. Take the time to be sure that your personal brand is clear and consistent so that the people who need to know about you can understand clearly the unique skills and strengths you offer.

Knowledge

Start with what you know really well. Running off and doing something new can be saved for another day. When you are on solid ground, you can look at other opportunities.

Touch base

Networking is always important, not just during tough economic times. Keep in touch with people rather than calling on them only when you need something. Make sure that everyone you connect with feels part of your network. When you offer help, advice or information, your efforts come back to you many times over.

Achievements

This is not the time to be shy or overly humble. Make a note of the contributions you make and their impact in all areas of your work and volunteer commitments. Communicate these successes in terms that are easy to understand, and tell people about them as often as possible.

Expertise

In tough times, companies are not going to take risks with the unknown or the untried. They are going to invest in people who can add value to their organization. Be sure you are on the same page when it comes to their needs and your experience.

Internet

Technology has great impact and offers a lot of reach during a recession or down market. You can connect with anyone in the world via social networks or blogging, but to exist in that world you need a visible online brand. Take time to build that online brand, and remember that it needs to be in sync with your offline brand.

Have you been Googled recently?

At least one out of every four times you ask this question, the answer is yes—even if you didn’t know about it. Googling people is now a common business tool and one of the latest reasons that personal branding, a new approach to career management, is becoming more popular.

In a recent Harris survey, at least 25 percent of business people used Google or other search engines to find out about the person they are about to meet. With the surge in people joining online groups such as LinkedIn and Facebook, and the growth of information networks, this number is set to rise dramatically.

Who you are and what people say about you are huge factors in your level of success. Many people are using the power of personal branding to ensure that the external identity they portray helps them connect with people and gets them the work they want to do.

Personal branding is the process of understanding one’s unique qualities and skills and communicating them in a clear manner to help build a career and find success. This approach to self-marketing has come about through the meeting of two key societal trends—the new world of work and egonomics.

The new world of work is one where change is the only guarantee. Cheaper labour and faster technology have ensured that the “job for life” our grandparents enjoyed will never return. Young people today will see work as a mixture of contracts and projects; they will constantly develop new skills and move into new industries.

Egonomics, a phrase coined by Faith Popcorn, a consumer trend spotter and marketing guru, is the demand to feel engaged and to contribute. No longer do people settle for just going through the motions—if they are going to spend the next 30 or 40 years working, they want to see that they are making a difference.

We crave recognition and we want to be seen as unique, as innovators. With innovation comes creativity, and with creativity comes diversity and
a recognition of unique skills.

To get involved in the work you want to do, make sure that the person you portray is someone who is suited to that work, that environment, that culture.

Personal branding helps you to clarify and communicate differences and specialties and use those qualities to guide your career. By understanding your strengths, skills, passions and values, you can build on what makes you different to separate yourself from your peers and competitors.

Interestingly, customer-focused employees who have gone through the personal brand process and discovered a “new me” through it are not found scouring job boards or classified ads. Instead, they have become more engaged in their current position. Their new sense of purpose improves their interaction with customers and the employees’ impression of their company.

Personal branding is on the rise. As more young people—who are both used to the branding of everything and crave individuality—join the workforce, personal branding could become the new standard in job search techniques and career management. CO

Paul Copcutt is a leading personal brand consultant. He combines a passion for people with the knowledge that strengths and specialization are the keys to success.

For job seekers who are changing careers, a portfolio is one marketing strategy they can use to present the blend of knowledge, skills and
abilities that they have developed and refined through academic and workplace learning. A career portfolio outlines learning that you can transfer to other contexts. As we tell undergraduates, “You have to know yourself in order to sell yourself.”

Process leads to product

The key to creating a portfolio is taking time to reflect. By answering the question “so what?” as they develop their portfolio, job seekers prepare to articulate and communicate their edge. By reflecting, they can explore personal qualities and learning that they can market as job skills. Once the portfolio is ready, the job seeker has at his or her fingertips specific examples of abilities that they can transfer to new opportunities. Also, a better sense of self makes it easier to answer interview questions clearly and concisely.

Reflection means, in part, answering these questions: what, so what, now what, why and how? They may seem like simple questions, but they are difficult to answer. These questions call for soul searching: job seekers must admit to both their skills and the things they lack. In our busy lives, we often do not give ourselves time to answer the “why” and “so what” questions. For example, when reflecting on why they want to be teachers, candidates should be able to offer more than an exuberant “I love kids!”

A Portfolio: What it is and what it is not

A portfolio is not everything you’ve done since elementary school. It is not a pile of unrelated and unorganized life events and achievements. Rather, it is a place to reflect on previous experiences to assess positive and negative learning. The quality of the content is much more important than the quantity.

When developing a portfolio, you must know its purpose and audience. Select meaningful artifacts that speak to the job opportunity and the industry. Through reflecting, you can identify the experiences and thinking that have led you to the employer’s door. For example, a portfolio created by a new teacher candidate may contain specific and creative examples that weave together teaching philosophy, curriculum design, personal values and personality. In contrast, a budding journalist may include samples of work that show the candidate’s skill in writing for different types of publications.

The Portfolio of Today and Tomorrow

What does a portfolio look like? Some people might picture a three-ring binder filled with bulging plastic sleeves, but the possibilities are endless. Social networking, presentation and movie software have brought the portfolio into the 21st century. These technologies have provided both job seekers and employers with flexible and timely ways to tell others about what they have to offer. Storage and retrieval options provided by website hosting, USB drives and DVDs have improved the timeliness and portability of information sharing.

The three-ring binder is still useful in certain contexts. Some artifacts may lose their impact when digitized. Depending on the audience, the tactile experience of documentation can highlight creativity and imagination. For example, a crumpled and sticky thank-you note from a child in Grade 1 may have more impact than its scanned image.

Starting with quality content is essential, but your ability to use the technology effectively is crucial, too. Your use of the media itself can show your technical skill. Make sure you think about access to personal information and privacy, software compatibility and hardware issues.

Marketing your Edge

Once you have an understanding of yourself, your experience and your potential, you are ready to market yourself to employers. Effective marketing means giving consistent messages and concrete evidence of quality. Confidence and the ability to express yourself clearly translate into success. But how do you market yourself? Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Research the industry to find out about trends and opportunities. Make a list of key words, qualifications and points of contact.
• Reflect on which of your personal qualities and skills match the opportunity. Identify strengths and gaps.
• Target your portfolio to the purpose and audience by selecting documentation that is relevant to the position or organization. Be prepared to spend time rebuilding the portfolio for each new application you submit.
• Present a concise package that is free of errors. Follow up within a few weeks and communicate the value of the portfolio’s content as proof of your qualifications.

Now What?

Some employers may not be familiar with the concept of a career portfolio as a tool that job seekers use. This situation gives job seekers the opportunity to market themselves even more. By gearing their portfolio to a specific position, they show that they can reflect critically, research efficiently, analyze appropriately and communicate clearly. Confident and competent job seekers who know their edge will stand out from the rest of the crowd. CO

Wendy L. Kraglund-Gauthier, B.A., B.Ed., MAdEd. is a Ph.D. candidate and an Instructional Designer/Editor, Continuing and Distance Education at St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia.

Jane MacDonald, M.L.I.S., MAdEd., is Manager, Co-operative Education Program and Student Career Centre, St. Francis Xavier University.

1. Look at who you are today.

When was the last time you checked in with your career goals? Things change—including you and the world around you. What you find satisfying changes with time and circumstances. That’s why you need to update your career plan regularly.

• If you are happy in your company, your work and your industry, identify what is so satisfying and what some next, equally satisfying steps might be.
• If you are less than happy, clarify what your work lacks, what you are missing that you enjoy doing, or what has changed.

2. Review how often you connect with your professional contacts and mentors—both formal and informal.

The holidays are a wonderful time to resurrect neglected relationships and strengthen important ones. Former colleagues, employers and instructors may have fresh perspectives on career trends or avenues you can pursue. Your Career Services office can provide strategies and tools so you can easily reconnect with people.

3. Re-research your industry and profession.

What trends are emerging? What are the benefits and potential challenges of a changing economy? Who seems to be growing and what future opportunities does that growth offer you? Who are the current industry experts? The up-and-comers? What changes are they talking about in the next five to ten years? Compare what you learn with your current competencies and abilities, then look for professional development opportunities that interest you or may be key to your continued success.

4. Become more active in a professional organization.

Volunteer for an executive position. Sit on a committee. Speak at a conference or event. Publish an article in a journal or newsletter. Active participation improves your knowledge, exposes you to people of influence, and ultimately leads to more opportunities and greater personal satisfaction.

5. Become more visible at work.

Volunteer for a company committee, event or challenging project. Often, these opportunities can showcase your leadership skills in new or unexpected ways, and remind current leaders of your contribution above and beyond your job responsibilities.

6. Update your resume.

Whether you are planning to look for new opportunities within or outside your current company, or want to prepare for the unexpected in turbulent times, it’s a great idea to take stock of your ever-changing skills, achievements and competencies. Target your resume to address what you know about the needs of your industry. Contact your Career Services office to gauge how it meets today’s expectations.

7. Update yourself professionally.

Research and sign up for a class, conference, program or webinar related to your work. Think about what areas you need to brush up on to help manage your current responsibilities and support next-step goals.

8. Get organized to help deal with interruptions that routinely cross your desk.

Are your files (paper or electronic) no longer serving you well? Declutter, archive and reorganize to boost your spirit and productivity. Do phone calls and emails take you off track? Schedule a specific time slot each day to attend to these, freeing up blocks of time for other projects.

9. Expand your horizons.

Read books, take a class, attend a retreat or try out a new hobby outside your professional realm. Many people discover new opportunities and insights when they engage themselves in fresh ways.

10 Plan how you will implement resolutions and celebrate your success.

Write down your SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-specific) goal(s) for each resolution you make. Prioritize them. Identify a personal reward you will give yourself to celebrate each big and small step in your success. Keep your prioritized list where you will be inspired by your resolutions every day.

Have a Happy New Year and a great 2010! CO

Elaine Balych, B.A., CCDP, is Coordinator of Career Education/Career Development at Career Services, Mount Royal College, in Calgary.