• The full program cycle from application through to conclusion of your CEI will take between 4 and 8 hours of your time.  
• The application allows you to select your top 3 hosts.
• Make sure you are available on the day(s) each host indicates. Work hours are typically between 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, however, some hosts may work shift work, evening hours, or may be working in other time zones which may shift your participation time.
• Any contact that continues beyond formal CEI conversation is at the sole discretion of hosts and participants.

Through a Career Exploration Interview, participants will:

• Learn about potential career options and ways to apply education, training and/or experience;
• Test a career option before making a commitment to pursue it;
• Clarify work-related preferences and interests (e.g., work environment, sector, tasks);
• Develop knowledge of the industry, occupation or field as well as the specific vocabulary within that field;
• Make useful connections with professionals;
• Increase confidence in the work search process.
• Gain exposure to the Canadian workplace.

Before applying to the program, read the participant guidebook for ways to prepare a strong application.

After being accepted into the program, participants are expected to:

• complete a mandatory training session online;
• have access to a device they can participate in the CEI virtually;
• contact your host by email prior to the CEI to arrange details for the discussion and activity.

Students and Alumni
Applications for current students (undergraduate and graduate) and alumni are being accepted via campusBRIDGE. Please ensure that you review and follow the instructions indicated in the participant guidebook.

Postdoctoral Fellows
Postdoctoral fellows can access the CEI participant application and list of hosts here. 

Participant applications will be accepted on campusBRIDGE from January 17 to February 6, 2022. Be sure to review the participant guidebook in advance to ensure a strong application.

Individuals working anywhere in the world are encouraged to sign up as a host. We cannot guarantee that every host will be matched.

• Registration takes about 20 minutes. 
• You will spend 30 minutes to an hour planning your discussion and activity and preparing an itinerary for the interview.
• The CEI itself will last between 1.5 and 4 hours
• Any contact that continues beyond formal CEI conversation is at the sole discretion of hosts and participants.

Being a Career Exploration Interview Host can be a rewarding experience as it allows you to:

• Develop your personal leadership skills;
• Contribute to the growth and development of your field;
• Learn about what students, alumni, or postdoctoral fellows look for in their job and workplace
• Provide variety in your workday;
• Provide new professionals with the support you had (or wish you had) when you first started working.

Our host guidebook outlines key responsibilities which include:

• Participating in an interview with up to 4 participant(s);
• Guiding meaningful discussions with the participants;
• Going beyond discussions by introducing a simple activity focussed on developing skills related to your work;
• Providing a safe, respectful learning environment; and
• In addition to a general discussion about your career, you’ll walk participants through a hands-on activity outlined on page 2 of the host guidebook. The activity is meant to illustrate your work and help participants practice their skills and/or apply their knowledge. The activity is not to be used as a way to get participants to complete work for you. Contact the Career Centre at careereducation@ualberta.ca for ideas for activities.