Navigating Your Career Path During the Economic Downturn November 25, 2009
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According to Statistics Canada, employment opportunities declined faster over the past year than during the two recessions in 1981 and 1990. Between October 2008 and October 2009, total employment in Canada declined by 400,000 jobs, while the unemployment rate rose from 6.3% to 8.6%. Statistics Canada reports that the labour market for students is increasingly more competitive.
Back in 1981, during one of the last two recessions, I was a first year university student. I can remember how hard it was then to find a job. Then, as now, it was particularly hard for students to find jobs. And yet, even though it was as difficult in 1981 as it is today to find work, I was never out of work as a student.
A few things made a big difference:
First, I talked to my professors. Through one of my professors, I gained a part-time position. Students with student loans are eligible for work-study positions at TRU. Go to the Financial Aid and Awards office for further information.
Second, I was a Co-op student. That gave me contacts with employers that non-Co-op students did not get. Through Co-op, I gained employment in the provincial government, a university and a private engineering company. Co-op is available in 15 programs at TRU. Visit the Career Education Department at Old Main OM1712 to find out if you are eligible.
Third, I kept my resume up to date so that when a job came up, I was able to quickly apply.
These are definitely challenging times, but jobs are out there. If you would like advice or assistance on career planning, the Career Education Department offers a wide variety of educational workshops, seminars, and support services to help you navigate your career path.
For the full Statistics Canada report on the current employment rates in Canada, go to
http://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/091112/dq091112a-eng.htm
By: Nancy Bepple, Co-op Coordinator, TRU
Introducing myself – Calilda, Work Study Student with the Career Education Department November 17, 2009
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Hey all
My name is Calida McArthur, and I am doing a work study position this year with the Career Education Department at TRU. I am a 5th year Bachelor of Science Student here at TRU, majoring in Animal Biology. I can imagine that some of you are wondering what the possible benefit of being a 5th year student, and prolonging the agony of school is?
First, I am graduating this year, and intend on eventually continuing my education. However, as most of you probably know the job market right now is tough!!! It is set to be on the rise in the next few years, but at the moment that is not very helpful. I knew a long time ago what I wanted to do for the rest of my life, and I decided at the same time to do whatever I could to reach my goals. Even though the job market is competitive, someone still has to end up with the job, right? This makes me think that the better I am prepared for my goals, the better chance I have of landing the type of job I want. I decided to prepare myself by making myself more employable. I believe there are 3 very basic ways of doing this: 1) Make your resume more appealing to the employer – this is not about using a flowing font in word! 2) Get relevant experience in your field of interest and 3) Work hard to excel in school. All of these things are not only important to those who want to graduate and move into a career, but also for those who want to go further in school.
The more relevant experience and education someone has when graduating, the higher chances they have of getting their resume shortlisted. Unfortunately, the undergraduate degree programs offered are generalized for many students moving through the system, and having the degree is not necessarily enough to get what you want anymore. So, how can we, as students, take our own career under control and get what we need to make it in life?
The answer that I have to this varies between individuals, but it always comes down to having something “extra” to offer. For myself, this included finding as many opportunities as I could and taking them – even if it meant extending my degree – so that when I graduate I would feel more ready to face the world. During my degree, I have done as much as I could with what was available to me from TRU. This has included study abroad, co-op, a CUEF for research, field courses, work study, and participating with many university committees. As well as these, I regularly participate in volunteering activities both in the community and the university.
Although things do not always end up as planned, each of these have given me incredible experience in life, for work, and for my own personal growth. Experiences such as these have led me to where I currently am, graduating in my 5th year, but with lots of relevant experience on my resume which I can use when applying for many jobs that I can get now that I will have a degree!
TRU has been buzzing with employers looking to hire TRU students! November 17, 2009
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Was on campus recruiting students for sales positions. They are a Canada-wide distribution company who sell electrical components to construction firms. It is a great opportunity for business students or trades students, who have exceptional people skills and an interest in sales! For information on the position, visit the Student Employment’s Job Posting Page.
Came to campus in mid-November, looking to hire our students for their Leadership Development Program and their Student Work Experience Program.
Leadership Development Program
It will not only allow students to apply and develop their management and leadership skills, but will also be uniquely designed to match their specific career goals. Fairmont offers opportunities within the following areas of specialization: Rooms, Accounting, Food & Beverage, Human Resources, Culinary and Spa. Hotel Placement typically begins in January, May or September and is determined by the participant’s geographic preference, previous experience, career development needs, visa eligibility and the developmental opportunity that each hotel has to offer. Participants will be placed into a leadership level position for a period of 12-18 months, rotating through at least two positions in the division to gain in depth knowledge of the area they have chosen to specialize. For information on the position, visit the Student Employment’s Job Posting Page.
Student Work Experience Program (SWEP)
If you’re talented and motivated, and enrolled in a hospitality, tourism, hotel & resort, culinary, golf management or turf management program, SWEP is your opportunity to relate your classroom study to the day-to-day operations of their prestigious Canadian resorts. Whether you are looking for a co-op placement, internship or work experience, they can ensure that you hone your skills for a thriving career. Canadian SWEP resorts include the Farimont Algonquin in St.Andrews by-the-Sea, New Brunswick, the Fairmont Banff Springs in Banff, Alberta, the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge in Jasper, Alberta, the Farimont Chateau Lake Louise in Lake Louise, Alberta and the Fairmont Chateau Whistler in Whislter, BC. Full details about the opportunities and how to apply are on the Student Employment Website, www.tru.ca/careereducation/stuemploy. Job postings can be found at the Student Employment’s Job Posting page.
Service Canada (Federal Government)
Service Canada held an information session for students regarding their co-op position for Claims Support Clerks. They are looking for students to work in Processing & Payment Services, processing and adjudicating claims for benefits such as Employment Insurance, Canada Pension Plan, and Old Age Security for the Canadian public. This is a wonderful way for students to get experience in a professional office environment, and get connected with the Federal Government, right here in Kamloops! For more information on this opportunity, or upcoming opportunities, contact the Co-operative Education Program, cooped@tru.ca or stop by 1712 Old Main.
Various Employers – Green Careers
McElhanney Consulting Services, BC Conservation Corps, Ministry of Transportation, City of Kamloops, Donovan Caver’s Conscientious Catering, West Coast Environmental Law and TRU co-op students spoke to a small crowd of TRU students and faculty regarding “green careers.” Jennifer Howatt, from the City of Kamloops commented on the employment growth area expected to be seen for environmental consultants, which was reiterated by the Ministry of Transportation and McElhanney Consulting Services. “It is an exciting time to be a student entering the job market, and being conscious of all the “green-collar” career options will serve to expand your career possibilities!” (Coby Fulton, TRU Science Co-op Coordinator).
Vancouver Olympic and Paralympic Games
More than 60 resumes and applications came in as a response to VANOC’s posting on our website. They are looking to hire students for their Sponsored Student Work Term Program, which will have students involved in all aspects of the Olympic games, in Whistler and in the Vancouver Area. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
CA/CMA/CGA Designation Information Session
Chartered Accountants Association of BC, Certified Management Accountants of BC and Certified General Accountants of BC were on campus to share hiring information and designation-related information with our accounting and finance students.
Hot job: Casual Labourer, Tolko Industries– Heffley Creek
Looking for students who are able to work two days per week (weekends or as school schedule allows). Shift work is required. This position is open to male and female applicants and has the potential to lead into a full-time summer job. Job posting is on the Student Employment Job Posting website.