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              CCR record

At Dalhousie University, we understand that learning experiences go well beyond the classroom. With so many volunteering, community engagement and campus related opportunities available for students to participate in, it’s really no surprise that many students have become very involved with Dal’s extracurricular experiences. Choosing to participate in these activities would be a positive decision for any student to make, however; much of the student body at Dalhousie is not aware of just how beneficial it can be to their job search.

With Dalhousie’s Co-Curricular Record (CCR), students can have their extracurricular activities recognized in a formal document that shows employers just how involved they are outside the classroom. Finally, a better way to present your involvement than a bullet point on a resume! It also compliments a traditional academic record very nicely.

Although it does look great paired with an academic transcript, the Co-Curricular Record has one fundamental difference: you can build it yourself in myCareer. You create it, Dalhousie validates it.

To access and build your Co-Curricular Record:

  1. Log into myCareer
  2. Click on the Co-Curricular Record tab
  3. Search for positions or click the Advanced Search tab

In addition to this convenient process, there are different ways to build your CCR!

Have your extracurricular activities recognized! Your future employer will be impressed.

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Student Spotlight: Becky Richter

Last summer Becky Richter participated in Dalhousie’s National Mentoring Program (NMP).  Through the program Becky was funded by NS Power to work full time at Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) during the summer months. For Becky, she not only received an exceptional work term experience, but she also was able to give back to the community… a cause she is passionate about.

 

The NMP not only provides students with a paid work term at a charitable organization, but the sponsoring company also provides the student with an executive-level mentor during the summer months. Becky was matched with Lia MacDonald, Director of Field Operations at NS Power. Lia supported Becky, providing her with advice and direction – not only on her projects at BBBS, but also as an up & coming professional leader.

 

“I’ve always wanted to work in the non-profit sector, but often charitable organizations have limited resources and are unable to cover costs associated with hiring new staff. Participating in the NMP and having a corporate sponsor (like NS Power) not only provided me with a paid work experience, but also allowed BBBS to make progress on with their valuable operations. Each participant greatly benefits from this program, but most importantly, our community benefits. In my eyes, the NMP is social responsibility in action!”

 

Employer Spotlight: Mike Kerwin

Mike Kerwin is an Associate Director at Procter & Gamble (P&G) and is a participant in Dalhousie’s National Mentoring Program (NMP).

Although P&G regularly sources talent from Dalhousie’s Faculty of Management to fulfill co-op work terms and full-time employment opportunities;   Through the NMP, P&G compensates a business student so that they may work at a charitable organization during the summer months. P&G has funded Dal students to work at charitable organizations including Junior Achievement and Kids Help Phone .

Staying connected to their investment, Mike personally mentors Dalhousie students through the summer work term. The mentoring component allows students to gain contacts, experience and expertise from both the corporate and not-for-profit industries.

“Participating in the NMP reminds me that tomorrow’s young leaders bring new and fresh approaches to everyday business opportunities and issues.  We live and work in an environment that constantly changing. Our ability to adapt and leverage diversity is critical to our competitive advantage and future success.” 

Students Talk About Dalhousie’s National Mentoring Program

Management Career Services (MCS) conducts an interview with this year’s National Mentoring Program (NMP) participants:

  • Alexa Reedman is a third year Management student working at the Canadian Cancer Society,
  • Becky Richter is a third year Commerce student working at Big Brothers Big Sisters,
  • Ashley Childs is a third year Management student working at Clean Nova Scotia and
  • Patrick Auld is a third year Commerce student working at Junior Achievement of Central Ontario.

Why did you want to participate in the National Mentoring Program?

Alexa: “I wanted to participate in the NMP because I am deeply passionate about charitable work and giving back to my community. It is a fantastic program where I can work on my current skills and develop new ones working on what I love most, without any financial strain on the organization.”

Becky:  “The NMP initially caught my attention because I’m pursuing a career in the non-profit sector. After the first information session, I was surprised to learn about the amount of value the program adds to all the individuals involved – I knew that I had to apply.”

Patrick: “I am participating in the NMP because it was an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and expertise of a successful mentor while contributing to a not-for-profit organization. I knew that having a mentor would allow me to gain knowledge that only comes from years of experience.”

Ashley:  “I wanted to gain valuable work experience in what I am interested in, while having people to help guide me in the right direction. It also gave me the opportunity to work for an organization I’ve dreamed of working for, Clean Nova Scotia.”

 

Why type of work/ projects are you working on this summer?

Alexa: “The projects I am working on at the Canadian Cancer Society include evaluating current tribute programs, such as donations via “in honor” and “in memorial” and creating new efficient systems and marketing strategies to increase revenues for the organization.”

Becky:  “I am assisting Big Brothers Big Sisters prepare for their 100 year Anniversary in Canada and 45 year Anniversary in Greater Halifax. I’ll be developing a creative plan to build interest for next year and working on different celebration initiatives to share the organizations history with our community.”

Patrick: “My main responsibility at Junior Achievement is to create promotional materials as well as promote next year’s Company Program. The Company Program is an entrepreneurial program for high school students. I will also be working to recruit new students, high school locations and corporate volunteer advisors for the program.”

Ashley: “I’m working on environmental/water related programs with Clean Nova Scotia. I am trying to launch the pilot for the latest water focused program offered by CNS to home-owners. I am also working in the Blue Flags program which works towards obtaining eco-certification for Nova Scotia/Atlantic province beaches.”


Why do you value a Corporate Mentor?

Alexa: “ She is invested in developing my business skills both short and long term. She is someone I can turn to when I am in a rut or she is someone that I can bounce ideas off of. She encourages me and empowers me to succeed.”

Becky:  “My mentor offers a new perspective on my project; she supports me, gives me advice and helps me advance my career and personal goals.”

Patrick: “My mentor shares his vast amount of knowledge and experience with me on a daily basis. I can contact my mentor at any time. If I have a question or concern with anything that I am working on and I can be confident that my mentor has already experienced a similar situation.“

Ashley: “Having a corporate mentor helps guide me in the right direction. He has so much experience and so much knowledge to share, it’s so great being able to ask a question about a project that someone else has already dealt with. “


What would you tell others about the NMP?

Alexa:  “The NMP is one of the best experiences of my life. I love, love, love my job. I directly see the impact that I am having and the people I work with are wonderful, hardworking people and they are extremely passionate in what they do.”

Becky:  “I’m always aware of the costs associated with hiring new staff, especially for a non-profit. The corporation sponsors the wage of the student along with providing support in the form of a mentor. In my eyes this program is the perfect opportunity to make a valuable impact – for students, employees and organizations.”

Patrick: “I would highly recommend that they pursue this amazing opportunity. This program allows you to work closely with an experienced mentor while contributing to a great organization. Everything you do in this job is about helping someone else and you really feel that you have made a difference in someone’s life.”

Ashley: “The NMP gave me the opportunity to work for the organization I’ve been dreaming about working with. It also allowed me to see myself in my actual work-force according to my field of study; it gave me experiences and knowledge that is irreplaceable.”

Students, Electricity, Household Products and Social Change

2012 National Mentoring Program Left to Right: Valerie Francella (Clean Nova Scotia), Ashley Childs (Management student), Gina Patterson (Clean Nova Scotia), Lia MacDonald (Nova Scotia Power), Peggy Cunningham (Dean, Faculty of Management), Christine Baker (Canadian Cancer Society), Ray Kirk (Nova Scotia Power), Heather Keeler-Hurshman (Emera Energy), Ayse Dai Gammon (Dalhousie Management Career Services), Carol Goddard (Big Brothers, Big Sisters), Becky Richter (Commerce student), Alexa Reedman (Management student), Amy McLellan (NMP Manager).

Now in its fifth successful year, Dalhousie University’s National Mentoring Program has accepted two Management and two Commerce students into a summer work program to benefit worthy charitable organizations in Nova Scotia and Ontario.

The National Mentoring Program (NMP) is based on an innovative philanthropic model, using mentorship and leadership-training to link students, corporate executives and charitable organizations in a unique and mutually beneficial partnership. Although there are plenty of advantages for each participant, the overall goal of the National Mentoring Program is to better our communities and build a reputation for social responsibility.

The support of corporate sponsors, Nova Scotia Power, Emera Energy and Procter and Gamble, enables the 2012 student participants to merge their business talents with social consciousness. Guided by a mentor from the sponsoring company, each student will spend their summer months developing strategic projects with their selected charity:

  1. Third year Management student, Alexa Reedman will work at the Canadian Cancer Society developing tribute programs. Alexa will be mentored by Heather Keeler-Hurshman, Interim VP Finance with Emera Energy.
  2. Third year Commerce student, Becky Richter will work at Big Brothers, Big Sisters preparing 2013 Anniversary Celebrations, (45 years in Halifax and 100 years in Canada). Becky will be mentored by Lia MacDonald, Director of Field Operations with Nova Scotia Power.
  3. Third Year Management student, Ashley Childs will work at Clean Nova Scotia developing a pilot to introduce rain barrels into the community. Ashley will be mentored by Roger Burton, Director of Projects with Nova Scotia Power.
  4. Third year Commerce student, Patrick Auld will work at Junior Achievement of Central Ontario developing an entrepreneurial program for high school students. Patrick will be mentored by Mike Kerwin, Senior Account Executive with Proctor and Gamble.

Ray Kirk, Manager of Strategic HR at Nova Scotia Power / Emera Energy speaks about the advantages of being a committed corporate sponsor for Dalhousie’s National Mentoring Program, “This successful program meets all our objectives for charitable giving. The not-for-profits receive assistance that enables them to accomplish significant business type goals with very little administration on their part. The students receive assistance in the forms of a job, experience, and the ear/counseling of someone with real life business experience. While our mentors receive experience developing as a leader, as well as an overall satisfaction knowing they are helping out. Truly a win-win-win!”

Graduating Management student and 2011 National Mentoring Program participant, Chris Carson speaks about his experience working with The United Way, “The National Mentoring Program has been a life changing experience. This program has allowed me to utilize my business education to help a not-for-profit advance on a variety of projects. By having a mentor assist me along the way, I was able to develop a project that had tangible results in the community. Through the NMP, I had the privilege of getting to know the needs of my community, gain employable skills, and truly understand the fundamental values of corporate social responsibility – that are essential for the future leaders of tomorrow. Thanks to the generosity of the corporate sponsor, Nova Scotia Power, this has been the best summer job I’ve ever had!”