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Category: #WorkTermPride

Student Spotlight: Courtney Conrad

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Courtney Conrad HeadshotCourtney Conrad is a second-year Bachelor of Commerce student majoring in Managing People and Organizations.  She just wrapped up her first co-op work term with Management Career Services (MCS) as a Communications and Special Projects Assistant, where she was exposed to the exceptional career development support that is offered to students.  Here’s what Courtney has to say:

“Working at MCS has been such a rewarding experience.  Most of the time I was at the front desk – where the office could go from a state of calm to fast-paced activity in a split second.  There was never a dull moment during my time here.  Other parts of my job included helping the MCS team with special projects, organizing events, making presentations, writing reports, creating YouTube videos, and so much more.  The team knew how to keep the co-op students busy!  I learned something new every day and received great advice that I will carry with me throughout my professional career.

Last fall, I found this position through myCareer – which is a great tool for students to use.  My advice for students who will be looking for their fall co-ops is to make an appointment with their Career and Recruitment Specialist.  MCS has a great team of people with fantastic advice on how to expand your network, enhance your resume/cover letter, and carry out a successful interview.  They will provide you with the guidance to ensure that you make the most out of your job search.

Also, don’t forget that the third annual Co-op Summer Social is coming up!  This event congratulates second-year BComm students on completing their first work term and will be a fun way for students to catch up with each other as well as the Rowe faculty and staff.  I’m excited to be an emcee!

My experiences during this work term have helped me to develop my professional skills and learn valuable lessons about business. Thanks to Andrea and Lori for being remarkable supervisors, and to the entire MCS team for their support.”

To meet with an advisor at MCS, book an appointment through myCareer or visit Management Career Services in suite 2100 of the Rowe Building. Also, be sure to check out Management Career Services on Facebook and Twitter to keep up-to-date with the latest work term, internship and full-time job opportunities.

UPass & Dalplex Info for Students on a Co-op/Internship Work Term This Summer

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UPassThis information specifically pertains to Bachelor of Commerce Co-op students, Bachelor of Management Internship Students, and Corporate Residency MBA students embarking (or remaining) on a work term this summer.

UPass Opt-In Process:

If you are doing your work term within the Halifax area during Summer 2018, you can opt-in to the UPass program.  You will be charged $77.60 and passes are now available.

To opt-in to the UPass for the summer term, you must visit the DalCard Office (6230 Coburg Road, Howe Hall) and provide proof that you are on an approved work term in Halifax. They will provide you with a sticker and charge your student account.

To prove your work term details, you can either:

  • login to myCareer and show your approved work term on your phone at the DalCard Office, OR
  • print a copy of your approved work term record to take with you to the DalCard Office as proof.

To print your work term record:

  1. Login to myCareer, click on Management Career Services.
  2. Scroll down to locate your co-op sequence on the right-hand side of the screen.
  3. Click the link for the appropriate work term to access your work term record.
  4. Click the blue Print Work Term Detail button that appears to generate a copy of your work term record and then print it.

*Please note that for the DalCard Office to issue your UPass, your work term record must have been approved by Management Career Services, the approved work term details completed and your work term must be in the Halifax area.

Learn more about the summer UPass.

Dalplex Access:
Dalhousie students do not pay any student services fees while on co-op work terms, which means they do not have access to Dalplex or Sexton Memorial Gym until they return to classes on a full-time basis. Visit Dalplex directly to purchase a term membership or for rate information, call 902-494-3372.

Student Spotlight: Melissa Amelia

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Melissa Amelia SpotlightMelissa Amelia is currently a second-year Bachelor of Commerce student completing her first co-op work term with the Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and Development (CEED) as a Workshop Facilitator. Melissa believes her previous work experiences were all important in refining key skills that led her to be successful at CEED. Even the work that she didn’t think was relevant to her career, such as being a line cook in a small restaurant, has proven to be applicable to her career path.

“In the fall semester, I began my search for a prospective co-op placement through myCareer, as many students do. I applied to a few positions and had one other interview before seeing the CEED posting. Throughout the interview process you can truly get a feel for the culture and environment of a workplace, and one of the most important pieces of advice I will give to people searching for a placement is that it has to feel right. The job description caught my attention, the interview felt comfortable and compelling, and from my first day in the office I felt like a part of the team.

As a Workshop Facilitator for CEED, I’ve worked closely with the Education Team to promote entrepreneurship as a viable career option to youth, and exploring the transferrable skills and competencies related to the entrepreneurial spirit. Throughout my co-op term we have traveled the province delivering workshops to schools and community groups, generating business ventures, and developing curriculums in alignment with Nova Scotia graduation competencies.

Although each piece of the work that I’ve been exposed to is important and enlightening in its own right, my favourite part of the term has been the community group work. The collective impact from relationships built with marginalized youth in various parts of Nova Scotia has been insightful and rewarding. There are ample initiatives CEED has going on in the community, one of which I’ve been working particularly closely on a “Family Recipe Book” venture to celebrate the heritage of the East Preston community. They have been bringing in various family recipes with stories and pictures to match, and we have been working on developing a business plan as well as expanding their marketing skills.

My first co-op placement has been extremely important in both my personal and career development. I’ve had the chance to learn from various individuals who truly have a lot to offer, and to be exposed to a vast array of experiences. One piece of advice I carry with me is to not get discouraged from failure, as the bumps along the road will eventually lead you where you are meant to be.”

Connect with ambitious students like Melissa at the 2016 Co-op Summer Social!  Also, be sure to check out the Management Career Services Facebook and Twitter to keep up-to-date with the Bachelor of Commerce class of 2018 candidates’ #WorkTermPride!

Student Spotlight: Colin MacKinley

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Colin MacKinley Headshot CroppedColin MacKinley is a third-year Bachelor of Commerce student majoring in Accounting, and is originally from Bedford, Nova Scotia.  Colin worked in the Finance Department of Nova Scotia Community College for his first co-op work term, and he worked as an Assurance Associate for PwC in Halifax for his second co-op work term.  He will be completing his third and final co-op at PwC this summer.  Colin’s involvement with PwC’s Talent Academy helped him make valuable business connections and build lasting business relationships.  Connor discusses how his involvement with the Talent Academy helped advance his professional career.

“I came across the PwC Talent Academy conference in the Management Career Services E-bulletin and I immediately applied for a position.  I saw this as a great opportunity to create new connections and was fortunate enough to be selected. 

The Talent Academy really gave me first-hand insight of the PwC culture, and it was a fantastic experience to build and develop essential teamwork and leadership skills with students from across the country.  I found the skills and knowledge I gained from the Talent Academy to be directly relatable to my co-op position with PwC.  If it wasn’t for the PwC Talent Academy and MCS, I would not have had the amazing opportunity to make the connections I did to secure my fall co-op position with the firm.

I would highly recommend that students apply to attend the Talent Academy, as it is a tremendous opportunity to learn more about the firm, create lasting relationships, and hear from experienced professionals in the industry.  Also, be sure to take advantage of the upcoming events on the myCareer events calendar, as they are a great wayto get your foot in the door and gain valuable experience for the future.” PwC

PwC’s Talent Academy application information can be found under job 52732 on myCareer.  There is a virtual information session on March 11th  from 2-3 p.m., and the deadline to apply for the Talent Academy is March 21st at 5:00 p.m.  Don’t miss out on the opportunity to advance your skills and build lasting professional relationships!

What is a Mid-Term Review?

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1799917_870792816285162_1128840462137111058_oTaking some time to evaluate and reflect on your experiences while on your first co-op work term is very important to do. It helps you evaluate the skills you are developing, understand your strengths and weaknesses, and can better define your career interests. Understandably, some students may not take the time to properly reflect during the first portion of their first work term and are more focused on performing their best at work or making the best impression they can at their new workplace. Thankfully, your co-op work term includes a mandatory mid-term review session with your Management Career Services Career and Recruitment Specialist. This represents an opportunity to take a step back from your co-op job and really think about how your first work term is helping your career development.

The mid-term review occurs half-way through your first work term and consists of you and a Career and Recruitment Specialist from Management Career Services meeting either in person or on the phone to discuss the following areas of your work experience:

  • Job expectation versus reality (it terms of job descriptions and tasks/projects)
  • Favourite and most challenging aspects of your position
  • Areas of strength and improvement
  • Discuss new skills and knowledge you’ve obtained
  • Goals for the remainder of your work term10620596_823125364385241_5652521985044909236_n

The mid-term review is an honest and confidential experience that should help you realize your strengths, discuss areas of improvement, and truly evaluate how your first work term experience will help you define your career interests.

In addition to meeting with you, your Career and Recruitment Specialist will also be conducting mid-term review with your employer whose feedback can go a very long way in helping you understand who you are as an employee and a professional in the workplace. Ultimately, the mid-term review is a critical part of any co-op and your career development.

During your mid-term review you will also have the opportunity to show how much you’re enjoying your first co-op by participating in the work term pride campaign that will showcase you as a successful and proud student!

For more information on the mid-term review process and other approaching check points in the Commerce Co-op program, visit the Commerce Orientation Workbook under the Resources section of myCareer.

How to complete your Work Term Acceptance Agreement

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Upon securing your work term, one of the steps you must take is to complete your Work Term Acceptance Agreement. This, along with creating your Work Term Record, will ensure you receive full work term approval from our office.

1)      Visit http://my.dal.ca and login to myDal

2)      Click on myCareer (found under the Quick Links menu)

3)      Click on Management Career Services

4)      Scroll down to the relevant Work Term Record (i.e. Fall 2015)

5)      Click on the Organization / Division name in the linked record

WTAA1

6)      Under the Work Term Record tab click on Work Term Acceptance Agreement – No Record:

WTAA2

7)      Click on Create Record

8)      Select the relevant drop-down item:

A. Work term in Canada (Canadian citizen / Perm. Resident / Co-op Work Permit)
B. Work term in another country (Citizen / Perm. Resident of that country)
C. Work term outside of Canada (not a citizen of the work term country and have to complete additional paper form)*

9)      Complete the information in the Employment Start / End dates, Total Number of Weeks, and Salary per hour based on hours per week fields.

10)   Confirm that you have registered for the work term course (via Dal Online) by selecting Yes in the drop down menu

11)   Click Save to submit your agreement

*If you are completing a work term outside of Canada (and you are not a citizen of that country – see category C in step 8 above) your Career Recruitment Specialist will provide you with a USA or International Student Acceptance Agreement form to complete.

Student Spotlight: Kaylie Lang

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Kaylie LangKaylie Lang is a Bachelor of Management student finishing up her final year of study. Recently, Kaylie secured graduation employment with Imperial Tobacco.

“I came to Management Career Services for help in my final year of school, because I was scared of graduating, and didn’t know where to start. I had done work on my resume on my own, but it wasn’t until a Career Recruitment Specialist (Gillian Fowler) had a look over my cover letter that I realized just how many improvements I could make! She was also really supportive, and gave me the tools and resources to begin my job search.

I found the job posting from Imperial Tobacco on myCareer. I applied immediately, emailing their HR department my resume, as well applying through their website. Four skype interviews later, I got the call with an offer.

I have found that when interviewing with employers the most important thing is to know the industry. Employers want to know that the person they are interviewing is informed, and has put the work in to go above and beyond what is expected of them.

My advice for anyone on the job search is to not underestimate the importance of a good resume and cover letter. As well, do not be scared to start your search for fear of being overwhelmed, be the go-getter you know you can be, and just start already! I set an hour or two aside every day to apply for jobs, and it landed me a career right out of university!”

Do not miss the opportunity to meet with your Career Recruitment Specialist before the semester ends. Book your appointment on myCareer today!

 

 

Employer Spotlight: J.D. Irving Ltd.

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J D IrvingJ.D. Irving Ltd. is a valued Dalhousie employer, who is attending the Summer Job + Career Fair, January 29. J.D. Irving is a company with over 15,000 employees, in Canada and the United States. For over 130 years, J.D. Irving has been a strong player, with a diverse group of performance driven enterprises. Management Career Services asked Kristen Drapeau, Student Recruitment Manager at J.D. Irving about why J.D. Irving Ltd. is attending the Summer Job + Career Fair and why students should attend.

1. Why is J.D. Irving attending the Summer Job + Career Fair?

We believe that one of the top means to finding student talent is through interaction, and attending such student events allows our team to build relationships and provide information on the types of opportunities we have within our organization. Students have the opportunity to hear from either recruiters and/or people from our business on what it is like to work for our organization.

2.  Why do you think it is important for students to attend job fairs?

It’s an ideal way for students to learn about their potential future employers and also a great way to start building a network of people from various industries. The businesses who attend Career Fairs are there specifically to identify talent and share on the various types of Career opportunities they may not be aware of that compliments their current education choice.

3. What type of jobs do you offer for business students and recent grads?

Our student opportunities include: co-op, summer student, and intern positions, and our new graduates-career track program. Recognized as a Top Employer of Youth by the Conference Board of Canada, we provide valuable work experience that allows you and our managers to identify potential opportunities for full-time employment with our company. At J.D. Irving, Limited, we are developing tomorrow’s leaders today.

4. What skills/qualities do you look for in applicants?

We recognize that sometimes students do not always come to us with exact work related experience as it would relate to their current education. We want to make certain that the skills/behaviours and education are in line with the role.  What we would look for is prior work experience, types of extra-curricular and community involvement, leadership qualities, demonstration of initiative, a solid work ethic, solid communication skills, willingness to learn,  and last but not least, a positive attitude

5. Any tips for how students could prepare to interact with you at the Summer Job and Career Fair?

  • Do your research: check out our corporate site and get familiar with the various business streams
  • Have an idea of what kind of experience you are looking to obtain.
  • Location: sometimes the right opportunity means working in a different city or province.
  • Have your resume ready to hand out (spell-check!).
  • Dress professionally: this is your time to make a great first impression.

Do not miss out on the opportunity to connect with J.D. Irving Ltd. on Thursday, January, 29. Register for the Summer Job + Career Fair on myCareer.

Student Spotlight: Ivan Slywka

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Ivan. SIvan Slywka graduated from the Bachelor of Management program in April of this year with a major in Public Sector Management. Before he graduated, Ivan completed a twelve-month internship with the Government of Saskatchewan through the Management Internship Program. Ivan explains how his experience working with payroll operations was valuable to his overall career development:

“The internship gave me great experience working in a professional environment and allowed me to explore a job much more in depth than any summer job ever did that was directly related to my major. I was able to work on much larger projects that I was able to see through to the end.”

It would have seemed as though Ivan was destined to achieve a career in the public sector, however, he instead secured a post-grad position with Cargill as an Associate Production Supervisor. Ivan claims that although his position is not within his preferred major, he is still able to apply the valuable skills he developed while on his public sector internship:

“Although my current position is not in the public sector I still draw on things every day that I learned during my internship. This includes time management skills, communicating with both co-workers and customers, and technical skills.  I’m not disappointed at all that my current job is not in the public sector because the professional skills I learned while on my internship are only going to advance my career no matter what industry I choose to work in. I find the public sector interesting, but I also enjoy the position I have at Cargill. If I could go back, I do wouldn’t change a thing.

Once you start your internship make sure to take opportunities that are offered and seek out things that will challenge you. The internship is a great experience and you will learn a lot even if you don’t end up in your dream job.”

Visit the Bachelor of Management Internship program website for more information on how you can get involved with the program. The application deadline for the 2015 Internship Program is Thursday, January 29th!

Looking for career advice? Book an appointment with your Career and Recruitment Specialist through myCareer.

 

How to Handle Job Search Stress and Stay Motivated

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It is not easy to stay on track all the time when you’re job searching, especially for students who are trying to secure their first co-op or internship position. Looking for the right job can be a long process that can feel repetitive and can exhaust your motivation. But did you know there are certain steps you can take to help you avoid job search burnout and stay motivated? Here are some tips you can follow:

Instead of 1only applying to a bunch of jobs online, try to do more networking with professional contacts around you.

If you are beginning to lose patience editing version after version of your cover letter and resume, reading endless job postings and sending tons of emails, try putting them aside for a moment to join in some real conversations with people. Former colleagues, friends, professionals anyone you can reach out to could be a source of fresh information.

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Set up a time table and use your time wisely.

Making a schedule is never a bad idea, and planning your time in advance could significantly increase your efficiency and reduce your stress and anxiety. Break each day into chunks and make sure to leave yourself enough room to review your resume, to correct mistakes, to follow up with employers and to apply for new jobs. Check out our student spotlight on Jeremy Austin-Evelyn which includes his advice on improving your time management.

 

 

Get involved in various activities outside your job search to stay healthy and focus.

Fill your spare t3ime with things you enjoy, such as hanging out with friends, getting some physical exercise and volunteering. Not only will it keep you balanced, but it can also help to clear your mind. It is important for first time job seekers to try and maintain a positive attitude.

 

 

 

Don’t be afraid to ask for help.4

Sometimes things can be really tough and difficult, but Management Career Services is here to offer a helping hand. Make an appointment with one of our Career Recruitment Specialists on myCareer to get your job search questions answered or discuss your career plans. We will be more than happy to help you along your job search journey.

For more tips on staying motivated, check out this Careerealism article, 10Tips On How To Stay Positive While Looking For A Job.

 

 

 

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