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E-Newsletter Articles for your Professional Development

 

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Achieving Career Success -
What Do Successful Graduates Know?

March 2012

Have you ever wondered how certain graduates reach career success, find amazing jobs and advance their careers faster while developing new skills along the way?

What do these individuals know that other graduates could benefit from? Are they brighter, more resourceful, do they have better connections? Could it be explained by their accreditation, their targeted employment industry or is it simply a matter of luck?

It is a well know expression, ‘Luck is when opportunity meets preparation’. If you’re not prepared when opportunity knocks you might never reach career success.

We’ve all heard new graduates say, “They never thought they would be doing the jobs they’re doing, or working in the industries they’re in.” And yet, it is these same individuals that speak about their jobs with great joy and motivation, and they truly seem to have a sense of career satisfaction.

There is no one definition for career success. If you were to ask a number of University graduates how they define career success their responses might very well include: 

  • landing a job that offers growth potential and the opportunity for advancement
  • a flexible work environment
  • the opportunity to travel
  • a healthy salary
  • a job they like going to everyday
  • doing what they love

So the question remains how do certain graduates achieve career success?

Tips to help new graduates reach career success

Be pro-active

  • Some students wait until their final year of University to discover what type of employment they can achieve with their degree or major. Don’t wait until you are ready to graduate to research and start making career decisions. Be pro-active by planning your career throughout University.

Career Building in University – Tip Sheet

Get connected

  • Invest the time to meet and speak with professionals that can help you along the way. Get advice, ideas and a foot up by connecting with industry experts, potential employers and your University’s Career Development Professionals.
  • Arrange information interviews. Set a goal to connect with a specific number of companies and employers per each academic semester during University.
  • Network on-campus Career and Recruitment and Volunteer Fairs.
  • Regularly attend off-campus career and employment events.
  • Become a member of a program / industry related association.
  • Develop new skills; build your volunteer and community experience.
  • Develop affinity with your University Alumni Relations office

Book an Appointment with Certified Career Development Professionals
Information Interviewing
MRU’s Career and Recruitment Fair and Volunteer Recruitment Fair
Career and Employment Opportunities and Events
Connect with professionals in your field
Volunteer to Gain Experience
Alumni Relations

Explore your career options

  • Graduates who achieve career success are informed. Take the time to research and learn about the world of work. Things to consider include:
     - what does employment look like in different careers and industries?
     - what are the benefits of majors and minors in terms of employment options and
       career advancement?
     - what education and skills do employers for the occupations you are considering
       require?
     - do employers value community involvement, and if so, how can you get involved?
    - what does a day look like for specific career professionals?
    - what is a realistic salary range for the occupation and industry you are considering?
    - what advice would employers give to gain experience?
     

Career Planning Strategies Workshop
Work Experience and Co-operative Education programs and information
 

Know what you bring to the table

  • If you don’t know what you can offer and do in-exchange for a paycheque, don’t expect to convince an employer of your value.
  • Make note of what you participated in, include your successes and achievements throughout University. Consider the following:
    - events, community involvement, paid employment, academic courses, projects and assignments, memberships and professional affiliations, and additional training and certifications

Employment and Career Workshops

Be prepared to show proof of your worth

  • Develop strong marketing materials including; resumes, cover letters, portfolio and business cards. Know when and how to present them appropriately.
  • Know how to communicate successfully in interviews, and be prepared to address common and behavioral descriptive interview questions. Practice! Practice! Practice!

Create job search tools and prepare for interviews
Resume, Cover Letter, or Portfolio – professional critique service

Stay current

  • Don’t be caught off guard when speaking with potential employers. Know the latest in social media and how to use social media tools appropriately to best present yourself and maintain your professional image.
  • Attend a workshop or course, and research articles to access tips and remain current.
  • Don’t engage your network just when you are looking for a job: use social media tools to keep in touch with professional contacts.

Think outside the box

  • Remember most graduates don't fall into career success, it is planned happenstance.
  • Take the blinders off: be willing, open and prepared to explore different career and employment options.
  • Don’t wait for job advertisements, do some detective work to source out which businesses are growing and who might be hiring.
  •  Don’t limit yourself to the typical full-time job postings, contract and temporary jobs provide a source of income as well as the opportunity to network and build new skills.
  • Graduates who think outside the box when it comes to applying their skills, education and experiences (summer employment, work experience and/or co-operative education, internships, and volunteering) increase their chances of achieving rewarding employment and career success.

Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.
Thomas Edison.

Article by:
Melody Choboter, CCDP
Coordinator Career & Graduate Development
Career Services, Mount Royal University
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Link to the Past, Present and Future:
Mount Royal Graduates - '100 Years, 100 Ways' Volunteer Challenge

September 2011

Connecting, building affinity, and volunteering are familiar terms of reference often used within the University community. When professors, career development professionals, and employers use these terms, is what they mean clear to you? Do you as a graduate understand their importance and how they can positively impact your career choices, provide job opportunities and link to future employment advancement? Being aware of these important career launchers is one thing, knowing how to effectively combine them with your academics, and use them to launch your career sooner is quite another.

Let’s examine what these terms mean and why they carry such importance…

Affinity - inherent likeness or agreement; close resemblance or connection

Connect - to cause to be associated, as in a personal or business relationship: to connect oneself with a group of like-minded persons

Volunteer - a person who voluntarily offers himself or herself for a service or undertaking, something in return, exchange for other benefits or in recognition of contributions, or time
 

What is the Importance?

  • Students in University traditionally don’t have much chance to practice the skills and apply the theory gained from the classroom. Opportunities to volunteer and participate in community service learning provides an opportunity for students to consciously bring their academic skills to bear in solving problems and to reflect analytically on what they learned from the experience.
  • With challenging economic times and increased competition for employment new graduates should be actively looking for a leg-up on the competition to launch their career and access opportunities to move toward and secure their dream job.
    Graduates should be conscience of expanding ways to increase skill-related and community-based projects to provide proof of accomplishments, and demonstration of skills adding value to their portfolios.
  • Volunteering enables graduates to obtain concrete real world experience, define problems, investigate and use research skills, writing, public speaking and interpersonal skills, and learn about culture and society and how people work and interact.
  • Volunteering and building affinity teaches graduates the value and importance of giving back to the community, demonstrates they are engaged citizens who have an understanding of community and real-world issues, and provides opportunities to apply their skills to make change.
  • As a seasoned Career Development Professional I often meet graduates who tell me they never had the time to volunteer during University, and they don’t know how or where to make connections to build affinity. I tell them it is never to late to start reaching out and building connections for the future.

Mount Royal Graduates - '100 Years, 100 Ways' Volunteer Challenge

Mount Royal University hit a milestone this year celebrating its centennial anniversary. On Wednesday, October 5, Career Services will host its annual Volunteer Recruitment Fair. This year all exhibitors that have supported Mount Royal’s students, programs and volunteer recruitment events have been gifted with complimentary registration (contributed by the Mount Royal Alumni Relations Centennial Committee). Over 100 organizations, programs and departments, along with hundreds of company representatives will be on hand to connect with students and graduates face-to-face.

Career Services Challenges MRU Graduates

Mount Royal University, Career Services would like to help MRU graduates build affinity and make connections by extending an invitation to get involved and participate in volunteering both on and off campus. Come out and show your support to the hundreds of non-profit organizations that have supported Mount Royal’s students, graduates and programs.

  • Challenge yourself and other alumni to sign-up and register to volunteer in ‘100 Ways or 100 Hours’ of service either on or off-campus
  • Set an example to show new MRU students the importance of volunteering
  • Give back to your University, consider working with the Alumni and Community Relations department; build affinity with the Alumni programs to improve the Alumni associate experience
  • Connect at the Mount Royal Alumni Relations booth to let them know your volunteer contributions and inform them about the connections you make

Benefits to Graduates:

  • Build affinity; with Mount Royal, the Alumni and Community Relations office, and fellow alumni
  • Recognize the organizations and companies that have supported Mount Royal students, graduates, and programs over the years
  • Expand your graduates network
  • Develop new skills through volunteering
  • Apply your education; specifically your academic knowledge/theory to real world issues
  • Explore new career options and paths
  • Learn about future job possibilities
  • Give back and make valuable connections with employers, organizations and the Calgary community
  • Gain hands-on experience to enhance your resume and portfolio
  • Make new friends and have some fun!

Check out complete details: Volunteer Recruitment Fair 2011

Article by:
Melody Choboter, CCDP
Coordinator Career & Graduate Development
Career Services, Mount Royal University

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Milestones and Graduation: Embarking on a Gap Year

June 2011

Mount Royal University hit a milestone this year celebrating its centennial anniversary. It is a historic time filled with celebrations and unique memorable moments. Centennial milestones and celebrations include:

  • Mount Royal throws 100th birthday bash featuring several events such as road hockey, ice sculpture carving, pond skating, live music and fireworks
  • President Dave Marshall dons a top hat and gives the fall address as school founder George Kerby
  • Naheed Nenshi, former MRU business professor, is elected mayor of Calgary
  • Wild Rose Brewery releases “Royal 100,” a special-edition beer that celebrates the school’s 100th birthday
  • Calgarian Don Taylor donates $20 million to help fund the Mount Royal University Conservatory. It’s the largest private donation Mount Royal University has received
  • Mount Royal names its ninth president, David Docherty of Wilfrid Laurier University

To reach milestones we must be inspired, set goals, and strive to reach those goals and beyond. As a new graduate you have reached a remarkable milestone, achieving a personal and academic goal. In the spirit of the centennial and graduation celebrations you may find yourself with mixed emotions about what lies ahead. Choosing a career option, selecting a major, positioning yourself in the right volunteer and employment opportunities, were among some of the important decisions you faced while attending University and working toward your accreditation.

Now is the time to seriously ask, “What’s next”? Taking into consideration the current economic climate, new graduates face tough decisions like whether to forge ahead immediately with their job search and employment plans or, to consider taking a ‘gap year’.

The decision to move directly into the workforce would involve: crafting your self-marketing materials, conducting industry research, making connections with companies and potential employers, and attending interviews, all with the hope of securing that career related job you can sink your teeth into.

The option to take a ‘gap year’ may be new to many graduates especially those die-hard students who packed their post-secondary years studying and working, not taking any time out to travel, volunteer, or experience a break between academic semesters. 

Deciding if a ‘Gap Year’ is right for you
There are a number of reasons to consider a gap year and spend some time after university graduation to discover: what your true career passion is, gain hands-on experience, travel and discover different cultures. It is crucial to look on a gap year from the perspective of using it for your advantage to leverage future employment rather than taking a break. Let’s examine how a gap year can benefit you: 

Develop and explore

  • gain experience; try out a variety of jobs, develop hands-on experience in your area of specialization
  • improve your interpersonal skills by connecting and networking with people in different environments
  • try new activities; working with a new client group, fund-raising, public speaking, using your design skills, writing an article, organizing an event, etc.
  • participate in opportunities for continued leaning which may include: strengthening technical skills, learning a language, or further academic-related study

Make connections

  • build affinity to your University; make contact with your Alumni chapter
  • use this time to network and grow your contacts for future employment opportunities
  • volunteer in an industry or community that interests you

Mold your career path

  • utilize this time to put your education into perspective – what is your specialization, how and where can you best apply your training? 
  • develop maturity and awareness about yourself, your strengths and your weaknesses
  • gain perspective about yourself including: 
    •  what do you have to offer an employer? what do you want to be remembered for?
    • what do you value in a career, and job?
    • what type of work environment best suits you?
    • where do you want to be in the next 2 – 4 years? Consider milestones and achievements you would like to celebrate! 
  • take time to review your life and career goals

View from an employer’s perspective

  • provide an employer with evidence of primary skills on your resume from the activities and experiences gain during a structured break
  • show potential employers you are actively considering your career options, an individual who is willing to take chances, and who is focused and committed to adding unique life experiences and value to your career portfolio
  • provide proof of time that is well organized and structured to increase your chances of getting an interview
  • demonstrate the ability to share hands-on experiences during an interview that may be directly related to your target job

Potential pitfalls and risks

 A year away from direct paid employment may significantly affect or increase your debts

  • Poor timing may result in missed employment opportunities that may not come around again 
  • Unstructured breaks in time may appear to a prospective employer that you lack focus, are just having fun and relaxing, and may not add value to your resume in the end
  • Some new graduates find it difficult to commit to looking for employment when their year is complete, and/or when they return from traveling

Tips to consider before embarking on a ‘gap year’

  • Be self-aware, take stock of personal commitments that may make or break your decision and ability to invest the time wisely
  • Step out of your comfort zone and be open-minded. What new experience can you explore locally, regionally, and internationally?
  • Identify the pros and cons of staying home or venturing abroad
  • Take time to research and learn about what is required, get advice from people who have experienced a ‘gap year’, and individuals who have traveled to the destinations you are considering
  • Take time to plan, prepare and get organized. It can take many months to raise funds, arrange travel itineraries, secure the required documentation, and connect with appropriate contacts 
  • Seek some professional guidance with developing a budget that is realistic and attainable for your (local or international) plan

Regardless of the option you choose, it is important to be mindful that the choices you make today will influence future milestones you reach tomorrow.

"People with goals succeed because they know where they are going. It's as simple as that." - Earl Nightingale

"A goal properly set is halfway reached." - Abraham Lincoln

Article by:
Melody Choboter, CCDP
Coordinator Career & Graduate Development
Career Services, Mount Royal University

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 Crafting Your Legacy

 March 2011

The events surrounding Mount Royal University's centennial and the rich tapestry of human stories that make up its history inevitably prompts many of us to wonder what our own legacy will be many years from now. As with the graduates, faculty and administrators featured in black and white pictures and glowing articles, some of us will be remembered publicly for what we've contributed to our profession, our community and perhaps even to major historic events. While we may not often think of it, many more of us - all of us in fact - will also leave a legacy. We will be remembered in big and small ways for what we did to change the course of our own lives and the lives of others we've touched along the way.

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life with requests and demands squeezing what precious time we have available, it is often hard to find time to imagine what, exactly, we want to be remembered for professionally, let alone set out to make it so. Yet this 100th anniversary celebration provides an excellent opportunity to pause and reminisce over our own career, making note of the milestones in our own history and begin crafting a newly polished vision for our future - whether we graduated three years ago or thirty.

Beginning to see the broad strokes of our emerging legacy is not as complicated as we might expect. And taking steps to change the course of how we will be remembered may not be onerous. How many times have we heard a well known public figure or local hero say they were “…only doing their job”, “…doing what anyone else would have done” or doing what seemed to be the most obvious, the most needed or the most interesting to them? The common theme that appears is that many did not see the significance of their contribution at the time. Only in looking back did they see clearly how their prior experiences prepared them to contribute.

Taking the time to reflect on what we have contributed is most common during life's landmarks such as promotions, major birthdays, retirement, a significant career change or after times of crisis. It is a common component of career development, however, to encourage everyone to take time regularly to honour our past and use what is leaned about what motivates us to take small or large steps towards our desired future.

Like the heroes and public figures, it is often through these reflective moments when we see startlingly clear patterns not previously linked which led us to where we are today. It is also through these reflections we recognize opportunities previously missed that we will want to take advantage of in the future.

Honouring the Past

It is said that life must be lived forwards but can only be understood backwards. If this is true, then it stands to reason we must begin to craft our future legacy with building blocks from the past. Mount Royal's centennial affords us the opportunity and a roadmap to consider what legacy we want our career to contribute to – whether our career is just beginning or well underway.

One way to begin is by identifying the major events that have happened from the time you were an undergraduate to the present which made an impact on you in significant ways. These may be scientific events such as decoding the genome, political events such as 9/11, technological events like the dramatic rise of social networking or personal events such as moving to a new city, a trip to a foreign country or tracing your family tree. In what way might what you do now connect to some of those events or activities identified earlier?

  • What captured your attention and engaged your passions?
  • What affected your world view?
  • What motivated you to write a paper?
  • What prompted you to take a class?
  • What moved you to change your major?
  • Why did you pursue or take on a particular job or special project?  

And another step in honouring your past is to note the milestones you were a part of in your professional life and beyond.

  • How did those external events and interests play a role in where you are now?
  • Who mentored or encouraged you to do what you did?
  • What prompted you to make a lifestyle change?
  • How did you come to start or join a club, group or attend an event that is now an integral part of your activities?
  • How did you end up in the profession or job you are now in?
  • Of all the places to apply your skills, why did you choose the industry you currently work in?
  • What is your area of expertise? Your specialty? What do people come to you for, whether formally or informally?
  • Who have you chosen to mentor and why? 

Crafting the Future

For some of us visualizing a blueprint for a particular future is clear and builds on enduring interests that are already binding our past to the future. For most of us, however, identifying the thing we want our professional lives to say about us is a slowly emerging series of pictures. This emergent decision making, is also a well established career development strategy for taking advantage of a future with many yet-to-be-known possibilities.

Beginning to craft a professional legacy with personal meaning does not always mean making a drastic change to our life or life's work. It simply means paying attention to those things that are personally meaningful and using the skills and talents we have developed each and every day to take one small step every week to move what is important to us forward. That may mean speaking out, speaking up or turning out to lend a hand. It could be sharing what you know, involving others, asking questions. It could mean taking charge of a project or letting someone else with a similar passion take a turn at taking the lead.

The key is to begin to tune into all the major trends that capture your attention right now within your industry and beyond. The environment, energy, transportation, manufacturing, financial sector shifts, education, technology, health, shifting population demographics, art and entertainment are only a few of the areas where changes are offering previously unforeseen opportunities.

In our professional lives we make a difference and contribute to a greater objective with every action and every decision we make. Daily, we contribute to important things in both big and small ways, the sum of which will be critically important to the outcome of future events in ways we cannot imagine.

So it is that each of us will leave behind a legacy. The question we each must answer is “What do I want to be remembered for being an integral part of?”

Article by:
Elaine Balych, BA, CCDP
Career Education and Career Development
Career Services, Mount Royal University

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