Graduates

2010 E-Newsletter articles

E-Newsletter articles for your Professional Development

How to 'Future Proof' Your Career

December 2010

A lot can happen in 100 years! Mount Royal celebrated its 100th birthday on December 16! We've gone from fur traders to commodity traders and stock brokers. From engineers that built our first railroads and highways through mountains, to technical engineers and programmers building cyber optic superhighways that now connect our world in seconds.

Many careers that Mount Royal students were preparing for in 1910 still exist, but some key drivers of our current economy were unheard of and even unimaginable. But one constant across any span of time is change and the need to move forward. Historically, we see evidence of those that drove the economy and made a difference. We also see those that became obsolete and forgotten.

Mount Royal had a plan and survived all the twists, turns, and changes to 'future proof' itself, ensuring that 100 years later it is still thriving and growing. To 'future proof' your career, below are some practical steps to help you move forward with purpose.

Understand the world of work - Do you really know what's going on in the economy and how it impacts your industry or profession? Simple tips like reading the paper, listening to economic or political commentaries on the radio or TV will help provide relevant information.

What new businesses are starting up?
What government departments are merging or shifting?
What's being hit hardest by the economic down-turn or what's thriving?

All of these details will help you assess what's happening in your field and to explore new areas where jobs may be more plentiful. Being informed is essential to effectively plan your next professional steps.

Build and maintain a strong professional network - Networking is not about finding a job. It's about building relationships with contacts that can help you research positions or industries. They may provide you with referrals, advice or information about your industry or a new field you may be investigating. They are YOUR professional resource base. Whether you do this in person, by phone, e-mail or through sites like LinkedIn that focus on professional business contacts, the goal is to have a solid support network … Don't forget to give back. Take time to be part of someone else's professional network. Reply to requests and questions when they come your way.

Keep your work skills current - If asked what you do daily at work, could you list some of your specific skill sets? Many people struggle to describe what they do in a manner that's relevant for those outside of their specific work group.

Create a 'master' resume that includes categories of the key skills you have mastered over the years. This is just for your reference; use the information to create customized resumes when applying for employment.

Keep your resume current. Include new skills or qualifications you have acquired since you've been at your job. It's easy to forget how much you have learned even in just 1 month.
Keep track of your accomplishments. As you may not have the time to update your resume right away, keep copies or samples of project work, workshops or training attended. Throw them into a box and when time allows catalogue them into a portfolio or use the information to update your resume.

Know your transferable skills - What makes you a great leader, communicator, organizer? Clearly describe how these general transferable skills translate into your field of expertise. Don't just use general phrases to describe your skills. Use action verbs that line up with the terminology used in your profession.

For example, for a teacher or educator specific communication skills may include "facilitating", "teaching" and "coaching". For a science graduate, specific technical skills may include "researching", "analyzing" or "testing". Clearly articulating how you embody these highly valued skills on your resume, during interviews or when networking will be an asset.

Keep up with technology - This does not include checking your personal Facebook account 20 times a day. How is technology changing and evolving in your industry? Can you use technology to make your work more efficient? Are there software and other programs that you're not up to speed on?

Be a constant learner - Like the commodore vic20 you don't want to become obsolete. Demonstrate that you can adapt and learn new skills and processes. Bring new ideas to the table and concretely demonstrate your adaptability.

When you take courses or attend workshops put what you have learned into practice.
Find mentors at work that know the business well and can teach you best practices.
Don't be afraid to ask good questions that can lead to better procedures and efficiency. Provide solid suggestions for improvement but first - get all the facts so you clearly understand why things are the way they are. Be respectful if your suggestions are not accepted at first (it's Ok to try again).

Follow your passion and invest in others - Many of the most successful people in our world have deep rooted values that they are extremely passionate about and take time to share and invest in others. Mount Royal's 1st president passionately believed in the value of education. That value has led to Mount Royal being one of Canada's top undergraduate institutions 100 years later.

The Founder of the Second Cup is another amazing example of how investing in others can lead not just to personal success in business, but in a business that can have a long reaching and lasting impact.

Not all of us can be the great leaders of the future, but in our own way we all have an opportunity to make an impact. Consider activities like participating on an Advisory Committee for one of Mount Royal's programs or joining an alumni network as a mentor for students. You never know who you'll impact or who will impact you.

In conclusion, like Mount Royal you want to have a plan to 'future proof' your career so that you too can look back at your successes, what you've learned and the impact you have had on those around you.

Article by:
Patsy Valenzuela (BSW, CCDP)
Supervisor, Career Education and Employment Development
Career Services, Mount Royal University

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Looking for a NEW Adventure? Explore Working Abroad!

September 2010

When you think of working internationally what picture comes to mind - adventure, experiencing a new culture, or developing your skills by learning a foreign language? Incorporating an opportunity to work abroad after graduation can be one of the best things you do for yourself. There are few better ways to broaden your horizons, learn about yourself, get a glimpse of the 'big picture' and become a part of the global community of the business and information world. Not only will you learn from the work experience, but you can also benefit personally from the cultural experience and from learning another language.

Before you venture abroad keep in mind there are many things to consider including:

What are the benefits you gain from working abroad?
How early should you begin your research and job search?
What types of work opportunities exist?
Where can you work?
What resources are available to help you get started?

Important Steps to Consider!

1. Start Early - Organizing work abroad can be an involved process and can be a large time commitment.

Job seekers should allow themselves a minimum of six months in order to properly research their options, make potential contact with international employers, and fulfill the requirements for relevant immigration to prepare adequately for a successful experience.

2. Self Evaluate - Ask yourself are you ready for this experience? Remember…international is NOT for everyone. Once you begin your research you may find the number of job possibilities around the world overwhelming so it helps to have a sense of what you would like to do. A good starting point is to do some self-analysis to determine what type of opportunity is best for you. It's also important to sort out what your expectations are. Some questions to consider include:

  • Is this purely an opportunity to travel and experience another culture?
  • How important is the salary?
  • Often it's a process of elimination. Asked yourself a few questions to get started.
    -What is my ideal work abroad experience?
    -What would I really like to be doing and where?
    -What type of work am I qualified to perform in the international arena?
    -Do I speak a second/third language?

3. Educatie yourself...Get the Facts - List all of your options. These might include:

  • Researching volunteer opportunities, internships, contract work, and international trends in hiring. Gather preliminary information about the options on your list.
  • Do some investigation on where you can work. Country Travel Reports are available for every country of the world.
  • Refine your list to the most likely options and gather more detailed information.
  • Consider things like: travel costs, health, regulations, visa requirements, accommodations and living arrangements, language requirements; is it a requirement to be bilingual for the country/region/position being targeted, if so, what is the required language?
  • Cultivate your knowledge of world affairs and of the country you plan to live in.
    Check out the following links to assist you with your international research.
    -Consular Affairs, Information and Assistance for Canadians Abroad
    -Centre for Intercultural Learning

4. Get Connected - Network! - Who do you consider a role model or mentor in your industry? Contact people you already know who might be able to help you with your search.

The professional association in your field (see the Directory of Canadian Associations).
Write to the Canadian Embassy - Commercial Section in your host country and request a list of Canadian companies registered.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce in your host country and request a list of Canadian companies who are involved in doing business in that country and ask for a list of events where you can network and meet new people.

Consider making enquiries with Foreign Consulates and Embassies to gather key information about the country you are targeting for international employment.

Gain International Experience - Career Services, Mount Royal University

The BIG Guide to Living and Working Overseas - Expert advice for graduates looking to go abroad! Exclusive access for MRU undergraduate students and graduates

5. Evaluate the Organization/Company - Before selecting your employment opportunity, consider the following about the organization: remember that not only should the organization be of high quality, but it should also fit with your needs and expectations.

  • Discuss your choices with your family, mentor, and a Career Development Professional in Career Services.
  • Select an organization that is well-known, that clearly advertises its function. It should also define the hazards, as well as the advantages, of working abroad. Many organizations are private enterprises and not officially connected with government, education or cultural exchange programs.

6. Create an International Resume - When creating an international resume there is no one fixed/standard format. Successful applicants should familiarize themselves with the standards of the targeted country.

Does the recipient use British or American English? Potential employers unfamiliar with your Canadian variation may just assume that the resume contains errors. Have someone from the country in question review your resume to ensure that it is culturally friendly and easily understood. In North America, providing personal information may be considered unprofessional. In other countries, however, it may be a standard requirement. Not providing the necessary personal information, may result in your resume being passed over. Find out whether your resume should have a personal section, photograph or what other information it should include.

7. Next Step…the Interview - Take time to prepare for interviews.

  • Review your resume, portfolio and responses.
  • Try to anticipate the employer's questions.
  • Determine how you qualify for a global position, what you have to offer, how the company will benefit by hiring you, and the reason you stand out among other candidates.
  • Get an observer's perspective, have someone provide you with feedback on your interview skills (body language, responses, the steps you will take to build rapport during the interview, close the interview and follow-up).
  • Access support from your mentor or a Career Development Professional to help you prepare your responses for those interview questions you may be struggling with.

Planning to work international can be a big venture, remember you don't have to go it alone. Career Services (Kerby Hall A-200, 403.440.JOBS) can assist MRU graduates along the way, including providing the following supports and resources:

  • List of questions to help you with your self-evaluation, company selection and research
  • 6 month check-list to guide you with your international job search
  • Online links to job and internship opportunities, job search resources and country specific information
  • Individualized appointments with a Certified Career Development Professional
  • Professional resume / cover letter critique services
  • Assistance with interview preparation

Article by:

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

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"Spring Cleaning" for Your Career

February 2010

If you feel your career is suffering from the Winter Blahs, consider a Career Spring Cleaning. Here's how to get started . . . .

With the end of winter in sight and energy levels increasing, many of us look forward to cleaning and refreshing our living space. It is also a great time to use that increased energy to clean out, de-clutter and dust off your career. If this idea appeals to you, plan a day, or a series of part-days, to roll up your sleeves. Treat that time as high priority time and schedule it into your calendar, just as you would for meeting with important clients. Here are some handy tips to help you get started 'spring cleaning' your career.

Check Your Cleaning Supplies

Collect the things you can be sure you'll need. This includes:

  • A pad of paper, sticky-notes, and pens
  • Agendas from conferences, courses and other professional development undertaken
  • Your contacts lists, files or directories
  • Calendars- the year just past and the current one
  • Your last resume, job description, performance evaluation (or self evaluation),
    Any list of goals, dreams, interests or priorities you've compiled for your life, career or work.

As only a part of this exercise requires access to your desk and computer, be sure to select at least one spot where you can spread out and work uninterrupted. If you're working in your office, remember to close the door and forward your phone.

Begin Methodically

Traditional wisdom recommends cleaning each room from the top down for best results. Freshening your career begins the same way. Start with the big picture first by reviewing any list(s) of goals, dreams, interests or priorities you've had for your life, career or work. Ask yourself:

  • Have I achieved some or all of what I wanted to do?
  • Have my personal priorities changed, in turn changing my professional vision?
  • What interests still excite me? Which have diminished?
  • What new interests would I love to explore or long abandoned ones I'd like to reconnect with.
  • What did I hear or learn at professional development events that got me thinking?

The next step is to look around. Much has changed in the world of work over the past 18 months. Change means a shifting priorities, usually with wide ranging impact, though how we are affected personally may be quite narrow.

What do I see in my industry now that might not have been apparent a year ago, such as areas of increased activity as well as areas of belt-tightening?

What are possible professional next-steps I could take:

  • In my organization?
  • In my industry?
  • Outside my industry?
  • How do I currently keep up to date?
  • What professional journals, and information sources do I use?
  • How well is each serving me well?
  • Is there any information I am not getting, that would be valuable to expand my professional knowledge?

After taking stock of the high level considerations, it's now time to see what is at eye level - review your current situation.

What projects have I worked on in the past year? What have I achieved?
What specific contribution to each did I make? Often the process is forgotten, such as when research is a big part of a sale or report.

Tip: Use performance evaluation, status reports and last year's calendar entries to help you, making note of any growth items you want to attend to.

Just like in drawers or closets, organize like things together - record details by type on separate pages (research, writing, problem solving, etc) rather than by project a fresh perspective on your growing competencies.

Now, turn to your contact and network lists to answer:

  • What professional associations am I an active participant in?
  • Who are the contacts I connect with frequently? How do they serve me? What do I offer in return?
  • Who have I not contacted recently, but would like to reconnect with?
  • Who are my mentors and who do I mentor?
  • Who are 3 people that can speak on behalf of my work contributions?
  • Who is not aware of my specific contributions that should be, within my organization and beyond?

Organize

Time to organize. Once everything has a place and purpose, it is much easier to make the right choices going forward and will highlight any gaps and opportunities to close them. Go back to the work you did in the last section.

Highlight the types of activities you enjoyed most and what career building gaps were exposed.

  • Document your renewed professional vision and related goals.
  • Brainstorm strategies to keep focused on these new priorities:
    -Through your organization
    -Within your industry or professional association
    -Outside of work related settings, perhaps by volunteering or taking a course
  • Update your resume using the details of contributions identified in the last section. Ensure this document reflects your new professional vision. Consider how you can use your resume to showcase your ability to take on special projects, rather than for traditional job searches.

Turn to your calendar. Diarize:

  • Blocks of time to research new career building information sources, mentors and activities.
  • Regular periods to connect with mentors, those you mentor, and highly valued contacts in your field.

De-Clutter

Career-related records and files, both paper and electronic accumulate quickly. By de-cluttering these areas you reconnect with what still supports your goals and makes room to document new interests and achievements. Allow at least a couple of hours to de-clutter and dispose. When in doubt, be ruthless. When it comes to your career files, go through them quickly, asking "" Is this going to further my dreams, move me away from my dreams or keep me stuck where I am?

  • dump pieces that show outdated skills
  • archive pieces showing high level skills that do not support your new vision
  • keep in current files or portfolio pieces that directly support your new vision

Remember to make new files for your new focus.

Schedule Weekly Quick-Cleaning

Make this a priority. If your goals don't have your regular attention, they are likely to consistently take second place to everyday 'emergencies".

Set small goals and tasks to keep you on track. Focus on one area at a time, such as reading, networking or documenting achievements that demonstrate competence and growth towards your goals.

  • Stay connected with you mentor or mentors.
  • Reward Yourself

Take the opportunity to reward yourself for a job well done. Celebrate and share your fresh vision with your mentors and key supporters

Article by:

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

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