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Are you uncertain about your future? Feeling directionless, anxious and restless? Are you having an existential crisis over the trajectory of your entire life? Or maybe you're just curious and looking for a little bit of guidance! If any of these are you, then please visit the U of A's Career Centre!
"Career Centre? What's the Career Centre?" you might be asking. If you're a student at the U of A, this is a service that provides a wide range of support and programs throughout your university year and beyond. As you can probably gather from the name, we at the Career Centre are here to help you with your career! And while you might be immediately jumping to jobs, we see your career as more than that. Rather, we see your career as a holistic collection of experiences and transitions that make up your trajectory in life. In that sense, while the Career Centre may focus on issues regarding job seeking, the philosophy and resources we impart upon our clients apply beyond just this context and really are relevant to other aspects of your life as well.
What exactly is this philosophy?
Well, our work in career management is based on the theory of planned happenstance. We all know that life is a chaotic mess where you can't truly predict what will happen; whether it be an opportunity or a setback, all of us are greatly influenced by unplanned events. However, while we can't possibly predict the future and set out a perfect plan, we can equip ourselves with the skills to move forward and turn these chance events to our benefit.
For example, a stranger you have a conversation with on the bus may become a friend who refers you to the company where they work. Perhaps an accident that ends your soccer career may inspire you to pursue a path in physical therapy. These random events can lead to positive outcomes if you know how to harness them.
Though this is obviously an oversimplified explanation, our advisors equip clients with the tools to understand "planned happenstance" and develop resilience and agency in approaching their careers and lives. Recognizing and capitalizing on opportunities for yourself— knowing how to catch that wave and ride it – is the essence of what we want our clients to take away after leaving our metaphorical doors!
I want to learn more!
Great! If you're interested in booking an appointment with a career advisor, you have a few options: you can log onto campusBRIDGE and book an appointment yourself. Alternatively, you can call the Career Centre or visit us in person, and we can help you book your appointment! All it takes is a few questions so that your advisor can prepare to help you. Depending on what kind of appointment you want (career advising, resume, cover letter, etc.), upload your documents (if applicable), and you're all set for your appointment!
You can choose whether to have your appointment in person or online, but regardless of your choice, you can expect to be in good hands with one of our Career Peer Educators or senior advisors. The Career Centre places a huge emphasis on empathy and making sure you feel respected, understood and comfortable… so don't be nervous! Your advisor will come in well-prepared for whatever you're seeking, and you will be sure to leave with at least some guidance and a positive experience! The work that we do is not limited to what's in the session; we also strive to enhance your ability to help yourself, whether it be through newfound knowledge of resources available to you or a kickstart to brainstorming your next steps.
What are some examples of resources?
The U of A actually offers a wide range of services that, sometimes, students aren't aware of or don't realize could fit their needs! That's where your advisor will come in to refer you to these options, which may open up new opportunities for you, like internships and work experience programs, grants, funding and more. We also can help you figure out how to expand your job search methods and network in a way that yields optimal results. The possibilities are really endless!
While the Career Centre itself has various advising appointments such as career advising, mock interviews, resumes and cover letters, etc., we also host various events like speaker series, employer information sessions, and seminars covering basic to advanced topics. Our programs, like job shadowing and mentoring, put you in direct contact with professionals in your fields of interest.
One major event that is coming up is Careers Day, which is September 27, from 12 to 4:30 p.m. at the Butterdome! There'll be over 120 employers from a broad range of fields to meet and network with, so we highly recommend everyone attend.
To prepare, I have three main pieces of advice:
Research! On the Careers Day site, you'll find a list of employers that will be tabling, and you can check out which ones interest you. Then, look up their mission, values, and so on, and when you're there, ask them questions that really show your interest, such as: how long have you been working there? What do you enjoy the most about the work environment? This is not only an opportunity for them to learn about you but also for you to learn about them. This interest will help forge a connection that will stick in the employer's head.
Bring your resume! You never know what opportunities could arise in the moment. Bringing your resume ensures that no opportunities slip from your grasp. You can also get some advice from employers about what they might be looking for, such as: are there specific skills or experiences they value? This can help inform you when tailoring your resume – or maybe your resume will catch their attention right there and then!
Be sure to visit the Career Centre booth at Careers Day and get a free rapid review of your resume or cover letter.
Be natural! Easier said than done, I know. But I encourage you all not to go in super stiff and overtaken by the goal of getting a job in the first place that will take you. Rather, go in there with a curious and open mind and remember that these employers are human, just like you. This is your chance to assess the potential opportunities in front of you and learn from professionals in your field of interest. Your priority should be to make conversation and create that initial connection. If you fixate on getting a job, it'll be noticed in your words, posture and attitude.
Keep the goal in the back of your mind, and when the timing is right, you can strike. For example, don't just go out blurting your qualifications; have a conversation, get to know the employer, and when they mention a skill that'd be useful, that's your opportunity to talk about how you have gained or demonstrated that skill.
These pieces of advice are just a snippet of the kind of guidance the Career Centre can provide you. Careers as a whole can be intimidating and overwhelming; after all, the future is uncertain, and many people fear the unknown. If you're in that boat, I compel you all to visit the Career Centre and get some support. I can assure you that you won't regret it!
To help you make the most of your experience at Careers Day, we have created a number of resources for participants to take advantage of prior to event day:
- Read our tip sheet on what to expect at a virtual career fair and how to best prepare for networking in a new environment: A Guide to Career Fairs - Tips for Students.
- Guide to Resumes
- Guide to Networking and our Networking Guide
- Preparing for Job Interviews and our Career Information Interviewing Guidebook