Graduates

2008 E-Newsletter articles

E-Newsletter articles for your Professional Development

New Year's Career Resolutions: Setting Professional Goals for 2009

December 2008

Once again, it's the time of year where most of us wistfully look back on our lives: what we've accomplished, what has eluded us and whether we're on track with our own expectations. For most of us, thoughts quickly turn to the future and we resolve to make a fresh start on specific actions to again move forward. Typically, career related resolutions rank high on many people's New Year's Resolution lists. With recent developments in the economy, it is hard not to reflect on what you've done, what alternatives may be worth considering, and looking beyond the turbulence to where you'd like your career to go.

If you do not enjoy the thought of time consuming formal self assessment and creating long career to-do lists, you're not alone. Below are a number of simple strategies you can choose from and personalize to start fresh, get unstuck or boost your career trajectory.

Look at who you are today. When was the last time you 'checked in' with your career goals? Things change - ourselves and the world around us. As a result, our career plan needs to be updated regularly. It is an undeniable truth that what we find satisfying changes with time and circumstance.

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 it is that your work lacks, what you are missing that you enjoy doing, or what has changed.

Review how often you connect with your professional contacts and mentors - both formal and informal. The holidays are a wonderful opportunity to resurrect neglected relationships and strengthen important ones. Former colleagues, employers and instructors may have fresh perspectives on trends or avenues to pursue. Your Mount Royal Career Services offices can provide successful strategies and tools to easily reconnect.

Re-research your industry and profession. What are emerging trends? What are the benefits and potential challenges of a changing economy? Who seem to be growing and what future opportunities does that suggest for you? Who are the current industry experts? The up and comers? What changes are they talking about in the next 5-10 years? Compare what you learn with your current competencies and abilities to look for professional development opportunities that are of interest or may be critical to your continued success.

Become more active in a professional organization. Are you able to 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, increases your exposure to people of influence, ultimately increasing opportunities and personal satisfaction.

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

Update your resume. Whether you are planning to look for new opportunities within or outside of your current company, or want to prepare for the unexpected in these 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 now know about the needs of your industry. Contact Career Services to gauge how it meets today's expectations.

Update yourself professionally. Research and sign up for a class, conference, program or webinar related to your work. Consider what areas you might need to brush up on to help manage your current accountabilities and support next-step goals.

Get organized for dealing with interruptions that routinely cross your desk. Are your files (paper or electronic) no longer serving you well? De-clutter, archive and reorganize to boost your spirit and productivity. Do you find phone calls and e-mails take you off track? Schedule a specific designated time slot daily to attend to these, freeing up blocks of time for other projects.

Expand your horizons. Read books, take a class, attend a retreat or try out a new hobby outside your professional realm. Often, new opportunities and insights are recognized while engaging ourselves in new ways.

Plan your implementation and celebration. Write down your SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-specific) goal(s) for each of resolution. Prioritize them. Identify a personal reward you will give yourself to celebrate each step in your success - big and small. Keep your prioritized list where you will be inspired by them at least daily.
Have a Happy New Year and a great 2009!

Article by:

Elaine Balych, B.A., CCDP
Coordinator, Career Education/Career Development
Career Services, Mount Royal College

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Consider What You Might be Missing ... Before you Say No to Volunteering

September 2008

You have just finished a busy academic semester and the hustle of starting a new career begins. Between your 'career-related' job search, part-time job, participation in professional associations, family commitments and let's not forget your social life, you might be asking yourself, "When would I possibly have the time to volunteer"?

Many young professionals and new grads believe that they can't miss out on the opportunity to give back. Maybe it's because they are already aware of the remarkable value volunteering offers.

Personal and Career Related Benefits

  • Stand out against your peers - throughout the country many scholarship committees, graduate programs, and employers reward college students for volunteering
  • Introduce yourself to new people, opportunities and expand your horizons
  • Explore career choices, and work along side key contacts and professionals in your field of interest
  • Discover through first hand experience if this is the right workplace, environment and job for you
  • Develop new skills from interpersonal, leadership, problem solving, communication, to time-management and more
  • Improve your health!
  • Gain experience for your resume and future job search
  • Build your career portfolio; certificates of appreciation, reference letters, proof of accomplishments and competency of skills
  • Increase your confidence, learn about yourself including interests, values, and hidden abilities
  • Communicate to others that you are enthusiastic, caring, and ambitious
  • Express your gratitude to an organization, employer or charity
  • Share your skills and worth by teaching others
  • Feel good about yourself - giving gives back!

Getting Started

If you want to volunteer but aren't sure how the Internet is a great place to start. Mount Royal College, Career Services offers a link 'Gain Experience Through Volunteering' to help you explore local, international, and on-campus opportunities, and access to additional links and articles on volunteering.

Each fall Career Services hosts an annual Volunteer Recruitment Fair, a one-day event where exhibitors come on campus to recruit students for volunteer opportunities throughout Calgary.

If you want to develop a particular skill, take charge and contact organizations, and pitch an idea or project clearly outlining what time and skills you can devote to make a difference.

Whatever path you choose, consider these tips before volunteering:

  1. Know yourself - take time to really think about your passions and interests, and what is motivating you to volunteer
  2. Choose carefully - be clear about what you want to get out of the experience
  3. Investigate - take time to research and learn about the organization and what is expected of you
  4. Take stock of your time - don't over commit your schedule or make promises you can't meet. Make sure you leave time in your schedule to enjoy the activity.
  5. Get connected - make an effort to network and build relationships
  6. Check your attitude - keep an open mind, and be quick to welcome new experiences
  7. Remain optimistic - don't give up if you get turned down for an opportunity

Still not convinced how important it is to make the time to volunteer? Take a look at the following statistics from the 'National Survey: on Giving, Volunteering and Participating'

  • More than 79% of volunteers reported that their volunteer activities helped them with interpersonal skills such as understanding people better, motivating others, and dealing with difficult situations
  • 49% of volunteers (who were unemployed) between the ages of 15 - 24 reported learning new skills that could be applied to the job, while 24% reported that volunteer activities helped to obtain employment

To get more information on volunteering facts and statistics check out givingandvolunteering.ca

Remember volunteering pays off. Not only are you helping others, but you are also opening doors for networking, scholarships and jobs. There are many organizations that can use your help and would be thankful for the time and effort you can give.

Article by:

Melody Choboter, CCDP
Coordinator, Career & Graduate Development
Mount Royal College, Career Services

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Landing That First REAL Job after Graduation

June 2008

Graduation has arrived you are all grown up and ready to begin your career! For some new graduates the thought of landing that first career related job can be a little daunting. The good news is your chances of securing a job upon graduation are excellent. Today is the healthiest job market in years, according to many of the employers who are actively recruiting graduates from the Class of 2008.

According to 'Job Outlook 2008', an annual survey of college recruiters, employers plan to hire 16 percent more college graduates in 2007-08 than they did in 2006-07.

Even though employers are interested in and optimistic about hiring graduates, sitting back and waiting for an employer to find you can be a major career blunder. If you want to be employed in your field and with the right job you will need to put in the effort.

Today employers are looking for more than a glowing academic record; they want employees who will provide outcomes as well as, employees who fit the team.

Unfortunately, the top qualities employers value today, they find lacking in many new graduates. Specifically, employers say new graduates tend to lack face-to-face communication skills. Interview, presentation, telephone and interpersonal skills are also considered absent in new graduates. By demonstrating these skills during an interview you will have an advantage in the hiring process.

Tips to Jumpstart Your Career after College Graduation

Research - Why is it we invest more time researching the latest technical gadget on the market than we do in our own career? It is crucial to take time to investigate industry trends, and companies in your field of interest along with, each position you are applying to. Check out websites, read newsletters, magazines and company profiles. Your research today could be the best career investment you'll ever make!

Top Qualities/Skills Employers Want

  • Communication skills
  • Strong work ethic
  • Teamwork skills (works well with others)
  • Initiative
  • Interpersonal skills (relates well to others)
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Analytical skills
  • Flexibility/adaptability
  • Computer skills
  • Technical skills

'Top Qualities/Skills Employers Want'
National Association of College Employers - Job Outlook 2008

Customize Marketing Materials - Do not adopt a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to developing your marketing materials. Tailor each resume and cover letter to the particular opportunity, and try to obtain the name of the hiring manager so you can personalize your cover letter. Customizing your marketing materials and doing a little detective work will go a long way in helping you stand out.

Create Personalized Business Cards - Personal business cards are a great way to pass on information about yourself when you first meet someone. Include your basic contact information, also a few of the primary skills you can offer, and links to any sites you have created for yourself, such as a digital portfolio.

Spring Clean your Social Networks - You've heard it before, but let me reiterate how important it is to maintain a professional appearance on Facebook and MySpace. It doesn't matter if your profile is set to private, you should still take pride in the image you are portraying. Remove any images that could cost embarrassment or worse your job and/or an offer if viewed by future employers.

Network, Network, Network - Take inventory of the people you know; connections you've made, and future connections you would like to make. Consider doing a mind map that lists all of your contacts including (volunteering, social clubs, associations, special projects, job fairs, school events and employment). Begin to network at every opportunity that arises; this will help connect you to prospective employers and future employment opportunities.

Put your Experience to Work - Don't short change yourself; find the value gained from all your experiences (volunteering, internships, work, committees and memberships, education/academic projects). Take stock of the transferable skills you acquired/honed from these experiences, include them in your resume and share specific results achieved during interviews.

Prepare for Interviews - Remember you don't have a second chance to make a first impression. Do your research (company / position / location), dress for success, practice your handshake. Make certain you can support the claims you made in your resume, and be prepared to show proof of your competencies. Interviews can be nerve wracking. Preparation is the key to a successful interview therefore, practice, practice, and more practice.

Make a Plan - You've heard it before, once you graduate the real work begins. Looking for a job is a full-time job. Take some time to identify where you are today, and were you want to be in one month, six months, and one year. Goal setting includes; writing out a plan of action, include what you want to achieve by when. Your plan should be specific, measurable and realistic. If you are not where you hoped to be at your check-in point, don't get discouraged. Remember, the best plans are always in transition. Share your action plan with someone you trust, a mentor or coach perhaps, someone who will hold you accountable.

Keep an Open Mind - Attitude can make or break an opportunity. Be prepared to look outside the box, and ask yourself, "How could this opportunity impact my future?" Some companies may offer all sorts of great incentives, others provide a unique learning experience, and some may offer little in the way of incentives or salary but provide opportunities to advance. Know what is important to you before you attend the interview, as this will give you the upper-hand when it comes time to negotiate your value.

Get Started - You can begin by visiting your College Career Services Centre to get professional assistance in leveraging your career - services range and may include (professional critiques of your marketing materials, interviewing preparation, access to job banks, job search assistance, labor market research and more).

Article by:

Melody Choboter, CCDP
Coordinator, Career & Graduate Development
Career Services, Mount Royal College

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Social Internet Sites & Your Job Search

February 2008

The internet now allows you to network your way to friends, acquaintances, co-workers and family through social sites like Facebook, Myspace, LinkedIn and more. More people are "texting" each other rather than "talking" and e-mail messages are the norm.

A growing trend over the past 10 years is that employers are "googling" an employee or potential employee to see what's on the net. Almost all of us can look back on our past with some regrets and say "what were we thinking". The difference between then and now is that we didn't share our "interesting" events with everyone - even future employers!

What can you do to help your internet identity dignity stay intact?

  1. Check your privacy settings on any and all profiles you have on the internet - do you allow just friends and family or do you allow any user to view your profiles?
  2. Be aware of what photos exist of you. A simple question to ask yourself - if Facebook did not exist, would I email this picture to everyone I know or would I show this picture to people I barely know? If your answer is 'no' for any of the above, then maybe it does not deserve to be on Facebook.
  3. Posting blogs, video or text. If you are willing to type unflattering text about a person or organization and you are not willing to actually say the same things to them directly, then consider the consequences if they were to read it? Consider how this could affect your personal or professional reputation or a future employment opportunity?
  4. Networking is still the key to a successful job search. 70% of jobs are still secured through cold calling and networking. Get off the internet, cell phone and video games and get face to face with people. If you are job hunting or looking for an employee, the face to face contact will always win.

Article by:

Shelley Fried, B.P.E., B.Ed.
Work Experience Coordinator, Career Services
Sport and Recreation, Mount Royal College

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