Career and Employment Services (CES) Blog

INTERNATIONAL WORK/STUDY/TRAVEL EXPERIENCE!

2010-06-23T15:15:00.000-07:00

ARE YOU CURIOUS ABOUT INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE?:

interested in traveling or living abroad?
Interested in working while you travel & explore?
Interested in studying in a foreign land & even finding ways to get credit at your University/College?

There are many ways to gain international/travel experience and the benefits are many:

learning new things through new experiences, challenges and information
developing confidence in yourself and your abilities
meeting new people and enjoying different cultures & experiences
having fun & seeing a new piece of the world!
making life-long friends & life-long memories!

GETTING STARTED:

EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS by researching programs -- as a student, check with your University Career Centre (UofL Career & Employment Services for example!) for reputable programs that are advertised through their office, as they have many resources & contacts with international groups and organizations offering work, study & travel opportunities
Check with your University 'INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR STUDENTS' Office- as they have experience working with programs & Universities world wide, and can assist you with your research on options, contacts and possible 'credit' links to your school/program (note: not all experiences will transfer for credit - but remember to ASK!)
COLLECT FACTS - by researching each program (work, study, teaching ESL abroad) your goal is to check every detail! By checking their history, length of existence, reputation and connections with Universities/College, you are gaining information about their program quality & legitimacy. Take action...even call them directly to confirm details & try to talk to other people who have participated in their program to get direct
COMPARE PROGRAMS - look at each program in terms of qualifications & requirements (including work/study/travel VISAs) to find those that fit your needs. Also examine each for comparable cost, arrangement details, & if the organization provides support with training, accommodation, travel, and assistance along the way (before, during & after). Check with Canadian resource people/programs for information to start.
TALK TO PEOPLE - Call programs directly to ask good questions, confirm details & get direct information about the credibility of their program. Ask for names or ways to talk to people who have participated in their programs directly - as this 'real information' is the best way to sort through options & issues that are causing questions. Talk to well-known Canadian programs & information providers like: your University/College Career Centre, SWAP Working Holidays, The BIG GUIDE TO LIVING & WORKING OVERSEAS (online for UofL Students/Grads/Staff through www.uleth.ca/ross/ces) for a start!!!
COMPARE WAGE &/or CONTRACT &/or PROGRAM DETAILS - look carefully over the details regarding length of program/contract, renewal possibility, work/study visa requirements, tasks/duties, and other features so that you are aware of all facts & issues that are important. It is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to research each program & all details before taking part...it is important to by THOROUGH & talk to programs & past participants for 'real insight' into the experience, the value & the benefits/issues - but it will be worth your effort in the long run!

GREAT RESOURCES:

Your University/College Career Centre &/or International Centre for Students Office on Campus
The BIG GUIDE to Living & Working Overseas - by Jean Marc Hachey (ask your University Career Offices if they offer free online access for students/graduates/staff)
Travel Cuts www.travelcuts.com
- GapYearAbroad: Volunteering abroad http://www.gapyearabroad.ca/
- SWAP: Student Work Abroad Programs http://www.swap.ca
– volunteer abroad www.volunteerabroad.ca
Dave’s ESL Café www.eslcafe.com
Language/cultural immersion www.languagelearningabroad.com
Teach English Abroad http://www.onlinetefl.com
WUSC (World University Service of Canada) www.wusc.ca
Rooftops Canada www.rooftops.ca
Transitions Abroad www.transitionsabroad.com
Canadian International Development Agency www.acdi-cida.gc.ca
The Canadian Bureau for International Education www.cbie.ca
Careers Abroad www.careersabroad.co.uk
Charity Village www.charityvillage.com
Canada World Youth www.cwy-jcm.org
Study Abroad www.studyabroad.com

So...good luck on your journey & be thorough in your research!

Make solid decisions based on fact and reliable information from career/international resources & people who had previous experience in similar programs/excursions!

Build a solid base of experience that can be seen as 'developing your career direction' and building your skill base, experience, and relevant transferable skills ... for later use on your RESUME & JOB APPLICATIONS ...& INTERNATIONAL work, study & travel EXPERIENCE CAN DO THAT!

CAREER PORTFOLIOS...an advanced job search technique!

2010-05-10T13:59:00.000-07:00

DO YOU... have a collection of documents that you can show employers that provides first hand proof of your RELEVANT work quality, diverse experience, creativity, and relevant skill sets?
- If you do ... then you have a PORTFOLIO...if you don't...then you should GET ONE!

WHEN would you use a PORTFOLIO? During a job interview; during a performance evaluation meeting; when applying to graduate school; when applying for scholarships; for self-discovery and planning towards career goals/directions

PORTFOLIOS are developed for many reasons....for employment, they are an advanced job search & interview technique created to help you 'stand out' in the crowd when you are competing for a position in the job market. By showing employers examples of your work & work quality during an interview, you have the chance to demonstrate to employers (vs. just explain) your initiative, performance success and star quality!

**REMEMBER: Portfolios are the 'extra' tool that can add to your verbal responses in an interview &/or evaluative meeting, but they should NEVER substitute for your verbal response! YOU are your best communication tool! Only use them if you are confident about your verbal preparation and can then access documents calmly while in the meeting if they add value to the responses you give.

Portfolios for job search are known by many names: Career Portfolios; Showcase Portfolios; Interview Portfolios; Job Search Portfolios; Targeted Portfolios.

Developing a portfolio requires time (1-2 months & ongoing maintenance after that!) so take the time you need to do it right! Don't rush the process...carefully consider each document you collect &/or create and make sure it SPEAKS to your specific employer, as you will pick only a few documents to take to a job interview vs. the Master Collection itself.

To begin the process of developing your own Career / Interview Portfolio ...

Start collecting examples of your work ie. job descriptions, work projects, school/university papers, transcripts, letters of thanks, photographs of you in work/volunteer roles, newspaper clipping that feature you, etc.
Keep portfolio artifacts/documents in a safe place to help in the collection process
Make photocopies of each as you go & make a 'copies' collection for future use
Attach a large sticky-note on each document that explains what that document means to you about: skills & abilities that ensured your success; personal qualities & work ethic that were demonstrated through that project; technical skills demonstrated, etc.
Consider constructing lists or summaries of other aspects of your strengths, ie. short term goals, long-term goals, skill summaries in technical areas, professional development lists, etc.
Start now...start collecting organizational information from your current job or take photographs of yourself if you are speaking in front of a group, delivering a program during your summer job, or demonstrating some skill that is featured in your dream job posting! You may not use all that you collect, but at least you have some elements to highlight!

If you are a UofL student or new graduate wanting to find out more about developing your own portfolio, contact our CES Office!

Resume Writing - Focus on the Employer!

2010-05-03T09:17:00.000-07:00

Your choice of words, content & design in a resume should always be 'focused" on what the JOB POSTING is looking for...and thus, what the employer needs to see/hear from you! If not, it will miss the mark & be overlooked by employers who will focus in on documents that easily provide targeted/relevant wording, content and design with IMPACT.

With sometimes hundreds of resumes to review for a single job opening, employers &/orHR staff will quickly 'skim' resumes on first viewing & sort them into the 'A' pile (those that they can easily see fit the position), the 'B' pile (those that may fit the position but aren't as convincing or outstanding in their impact), and the 'C' pile (those that 'miss the mark' as their content, wording & design do not convey a strong fit for the job).

How to be in the 'A' group:

Choose a FORMAT (ie. combination or chronological) that best shows off how your unique combination of skills, experience, training/education & transferable skills FIT the requirements of the job posting.

Choose BUSINESS/INDUSTRY wording related to the field you are applying for ...so the reader can instantly understand your 'fit' based on wording they are used to using and understanding.
RESPOND to specific wording & requirements listed in the job posting. These words were used for a reason! Circle all the words that are KEY WORDS from the posting & ensure that they are somehow represented by similar words in your resume.

Use ACTION VERBS to start phrases to convey a more concrete and powerful message to the reader. Never use personal pronouns like "I" or "you"...instead start with action verbs or even adjectives/adverbs to further express how good you were at performing the task: ie. Researched and developed a 20 page paper on ...... OR.... Effectively planned and developed a creative special event for .......

Look into these & more tips at our CES website: www.uleth.ca/ross/ces & follow us on TWITTER !

SUMMER is Here & CES is OPEN YEAR ROUND for job search & career help!

2010-04-30T09:53:00.001-07:00

Congratulations on completing another year of your studies!
If you are needing career exploration &/or job search help during the summer, or year round, make sure to:

stop by our CES office (UH B-610) to make an appointment or
give us a phone call at (403) 329-2187 or
send us an email at: ces.students@uleth.ca
Follow us on TWITTER: http://www.twitter.com/cesuleth

Check out our WEBSITE (www.uleth.ca/ross/ces) to locate awesome information for students and graduates - like:

Job search tips, job board links & job search video series -- "Job Hunt!"
What can you do with a major in....
International living & working overseas information -- ONLINE Big Guide!
& much, much, much more!!

INFORMATION SESSION

2010-03-25T10:59:00.000-07:00

Interested in a career in policing? attend this session to learn what it takes to become an RCMP Officer!

When: Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Time: 12Noon

Where: UHB610

Contact CES for more details

Ph (403) 329 2187

E-mail: ces.students@uleth.ca

INFORMATION SESSION

2010-03-12T09:07:00.000-08:00

INFORMATION SESSION

WHEN: MONDAY MAR. 22, 2010

TIME: 4:30-6:00pm

SIGN UP AT CES

We’ll help grow your education

then help grow your career with us!

The ASP!RE program is a unique scholarship and career start program that helps pay your tuition and jump starts your career in the financial services sector. You’ll continue to attend school in your program of study and complete work terms with Prairie Centre Credit Union (PCCU) during each summer break, increasing your knowledge and job responsibilities while assisting credit union professionals and applying your academic skills. The program is our investment in you and your acceptance means you have made a career choice to enter the financial industry, and have made an employment commitment to our credit union. Upon being accepted into the program you will be required to sign a contractual agreement with PCCU.

What is ASP!RE?

The program is an opportunity for you to have your education paid and to reinforce your learning through practical, hands-on work experience in the financial services industry. The program is intended to prepare you for a management trainee role with our credit union. If accepted into the program you will receive an annual cash contribution to your education, guaranteed summer employment, and a guaranteed position with our credit union upon graduation.

This opportunity allows you to gain ‘real life’ work experience and to learn the credit union values, culture and business from the ground up. Over the course of the program you will have the opportunity to participate in activities that will expose you to the credit union’s various business units with a focus on experiential hands-on learning that is aligned with your educational goals and our business needs.

Where are we?

Prairie Centre Credit Union corporate offices are located in Rosetown, Saskatchewan.

Go to www.pccu.ca to find out about our credit union, this great program, your eligibility and how you can be the successful applicant!

INFORMATION SESSION

2010-03-05T14:24:00.000-08:00

DELOITTE National Leadership Conference

INFORMATION SESSION

Wednesday, March 10, 2010, 4:30-6pm

_____________________________

Discover your passion to perform. Attend this session to learn about Deloitte’s National Leadership Conference (DNLC), a multi-day event for students who have demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities and a keen interest in pursuing their CA designation.

You will be involved in workshops and activities geared towards bringing out your leadership, team building, and negotiation skills. In addition, you will have numerous opportunities to network and interact with professionals of Deloitte, of all levels ranging from manager to partner. All of this is at no cost to you!

_____________________________

CONTACT Career & Employment Services (CES)

For More Information

Ph: (403) 329 2187

E-mail: ces.students@uleth.ca

Office UHB610 (University Hall)

Summer Jobs are Approaching

2010-01-14T11:36:00.001-08:00

If you're looking for summer employment... NOW is the time to look!

There are opportunities with Parks Canada, Parkland County and more!

Ways to find job postings:

Visit WorkopolisCampus - www.workopoliscampus.com
Visit the Job Board in B-Section of UHall

COMING SOON!

JOBS! JOBS! JOBS! featured in the Atrium of University Hall

Stay tuned for more updates

Information Session

2010-01-05T13:11:00.001-08:00

Attention all MANAGEMENT majors!

Career & Employment Services (CES) will be hosting an information session for management majors who are looking to pursue their Masters. The information session is presented by the University of Toronto - Masters of Management and Professional Accounting.

The information session will be held on Thursday, January 14, 2010 from 11:00am to 1:00pm in Room UHD635. If you are able to sign up - please do so in the CES Office (UH B610), e-mail ces.students@uleth.ca or call 403.329.2187

Until next time,

CES

Semester End, Holidays Begin.

2009-12-11T11:04:00.000-08:00

It is the last day of the Fall 2009 Semester. We did it! We survived another semester! Congratulations to everyone! Make time for Career & Employment Services. We are open December 21, 22, 23. Hours of operation: 9am-12pm, 1-4pm.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS! MERRY CHRISTMAS! HAPPY HANUKKAH! HAPPY KWANZAA! YULETIDE TIDINGS! SEASONS GREETINGS! HAPPY SOLSTICE!

See you in the new year!

Work, Live and Study Abroad

2009-12-04T10:50:00.000-08:00

If you're considering traveling overseas, we recommend:

visit http://www.workingoverseas.com/uleth

* sign in with your ULETH e-mail address

FREE ! FREE ! FREE ! FREE ! FREE ! FREE ! FREE !

Here's what you can expect:

How the BIG GUIDE is organized:

42 Chapters in Five Parts:

PART ONE: Your International IQ

PART TWO: Acquiring International Experience

PART THREE: The International Job Search

PART FOUR: The Professions

PART FIVE: International Career Directories

800 Resources in 63 topical bibliographies

17 Databases profiling International Employers

Features: Individual User Accounts, Private Notes, Yellow Highlighting, Bookmarks, Advanced Search, Reader Contributions (publish your articles instantly), and Reader Comments

Tools: Quick Guides, Career Tip Newsletter, Quick Tip Videos, International IQ Quiz, International Experience Quiz, Score Cards, Action Plans, Career Plan Schematics

My School: Events and Announcements (with RSS option), International Links, Student Networking to help you find new internationally-focused friends at your school

http://www.workingoverseas.com/uleth

PART 1:
YOUR INTERNATIONAL IQ
- 01: The Effective Overseas Employee
- 02: Myths & Realities
- 03: Living Overseas
- 04: What Expats Say About Living Abroad
- 05: Learning A Foreign Language
- 06: Women Living & Working Overseas
- 07: The North American Identity In The International Workplace
- 08: Re-Entry
PART 2:
ACQUIRING INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE
- 09: Starting Your International Career
- 10: Short-Term Programs Overseas
- 11: Hosting Programs
- 12: Cross-Cultural Travel
- 13: Study Abroad
- 14: Awards & Grants
- 15: International Studies At Home
- 16: International Studies - The World's Top Schools
- 17: Internships Abroad
PART 3:
THE INTERNATIONAL JOB SEARCH
- 18: Your Career Path & The Ideal International Profile
- 19: The Hiring Process
- 20: The Job Search & Targeting Your Research
- 21: Resources For The International Job Search
- 22: Phone Research Techniques
- 23: Selling Your International Skills
- 24: International Resumes
- 25: Covering Letters
- 26: Interviewing For An International Job
- 27: Jobs By Regions Of The World
- 28: Job Hunting When You Return
PART 4:
THE PROFESSIONS
- 29: Teaching Abroad
- 30: Careers In International Development
- 31: International Law Careers
- 32: Engineering Careers Abroad
- 33: Health Careers Abroad
- 34: Spousal Employment & Freelancing Abroad
- 34b: The 50+ Worker Abroad
PART 5:
INTERNATIONAL CAREER DIRECTORIES
- 35: Private Sector Firms In Canada
- 36: Private Sector Firms In The US
- 37: Canadian Government
- 37b: US Government
- 38: NGOs In Canada
- 39: NGOs In The US
- 40: NGOs In Europe & The Rest Of The World
- 41: United Nations & Other IGOs
http://www.workingoverseas.com/uleth

Seasons Greetings from CES

2009-11-27T08:54:00.000-08:00

It's about that time of the year! The semester is coming to an end (already!), everyone is planning their holidays and how can we forget about exams? Make time for appointments or workshops that CES has to offer.

It's not too early to start thinking about summer job search and it's DEFINITELY not too early to start thinking of jobs for new graduates. Revise your resume, cover letter, portfolio and interview skills. ASK US HOW!

Have a look at job postings via workopolisCampus.com where you can find job postings for full time, part time, summer, volunteer and more! CES postings are titled "Posted at the University of Lethbridge" For more details on job postings, contact CES or visit the company website.

CES is open for business all the way up to Christmas Eve. We are also offering workshops during exam week. View the December Workshop Schedule.

Attention Explorers!

2009-11-13T10:47:00.000-08:00

Are you looking for some adventure? Look no further...

OPERATION WALLACEA is the answer.

OPERATION WALLACEA is Scientific Conservation Expeditions to exotic places around the world such Indonesia, Honduras, Egypt, Cuba, Peru, South Africa & (newly introduced) Madagascar!

For more information, visit http://www.opwall.com/

For Power Point presentation : Canadian University PowerPoint presentation

CES Recommends...

2009-11-06T09:27:00.000-08:00

visiting the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS)

http://alis.gov.ab.ca

ALIS is a portal of information and guide to Alberta's occupation and workforce. You can find job postings for Alberta, occupational profiles, internship opportunities, and much much more!

ALIS FEATURE OF THE WEEK:

Occupational Profiles (OCCinfo):

provides current and potential job seekers with a background of certain occupations that include: salary, educational requirements, duties, working conditions and sources of information. Just look at this Occupational Profile on an Advertising Copywriter !

Until next time,

Career & Employment Services

Halfway into the semester!

2009-10-30T11:07:00.000-07:00

Hello University of Lethbridge Community!

It is midway into the Fall 2009 Semester and you're probably all busy with exams and projects. But don't lose focus on your job search! Career & Employment Services (CES) is here to help you by offering daily workshops in November. Be sure to check out our calendar on our website : http://www.uleth.ca/ross/ces/students_workshops.html . CES can help you with your resume and cover letter composition, portfolio development, interview techniques and job search strategies!

Just a reminder of an information session that is taking place Thursday, November 5th at 10am in AH100 (Anderson Hall) for Operation Wallacea. Operation Wallacea is a great opportunity for students to go out and take part in scientific conservation expeditions in wild & exotic places around the world: Honduras, Indonesia, Egypt, South Africa, Cuba, Peru and Madagascar (new this year)! For more information, visit their website http://www.opwall.com

Remember, our doors are always open (except when we are closed...) if you need any career/job related help!

From your friendly U of L office,

Career & Employment Services

Fall 2009 Semester - Welcome!

2009-09-08T12:15:00.000-07:00

Greetings students & graduates of the University of Lethbridge!

We are Career & Employment Services (CES) and we are here to help YOU with all of your job/career-related needs! Start by visiting our website to see if CES is the solution for you (www.uleth.ca/ross/ces).

You will find services we provide for students and graduates, useful tools and links and much more. Please contact us if you have any questions - ces.students@uleth.ca

Look for the CES Table in the Atrium today!

Career Fair 2009 - Start Here...Go Anywhere

This annual career event is being held on Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at 10am - 3pm in the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport & Wellness. Over 85 organizations will be attending. This is an all discipline, all faculty career event - everyone is welcome and admission is free!

For more information: www.uleth.ca/ross/ces/students_careerfair_info.html

Volunteers NEEDED for Career Fair 2009

CES is looking for student and grad volunteers to help out with this years' Career Fair - many positions are available. Contact ces.volunteers@uleth.ca to sign up (Attn: Debra Gazeley)!

Welcome to CES Blogspot!

2009-06-15T08:44:00.001-07:00

By accessing this blog, you will find information about CES, upcoming events, important dates and much more! Come back for more postings.

If you would like more information, please contact ces.students@uleth.ca

Career and Employment Services (CES) Blog

INTERNATIONAL WORK/STUDY/TRAVEL EXPERIENCE!

CAREER PORTFOLIOS...an advanced job search technique!

Resume Writing - Focus on the Employer!

SUMMER is Here & CES is OPEN YEAR ROUND for job search & career help!

INFORMATION SESSION

INFORMATION SESSION

INFORMATION SESSION

Summer Jobs are Approaching

Information Session

Semester End, Holidays Begin.

Work, Live and Study Abroad

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART 1:YOUR INTERNATIONAL IQ

PART 2:ACQUIRING INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE

PART 3:THE INTERNATIONAL JOB SEARCH

PART 4:THE PROFESSIONS

PART 5:INTERNATIONAL CAREER DIRECTORIES

Seasons Greetings from CES

Attention Explorers!

CES Recommends...

Halfway into the semester!

Fall 2009 Semester - Welcome!

Welcome to CES Blogspot!

PART 1:
YOUR INTERNATIONAL IQ

PART 2:
ACQUIRING INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE

PART 3:
THE INTERNATIONAL JOB SEARCH

PART 4:
THE PROFESSIONS

PART 5:
INTERNATIONAL CAREER DIRECTORIES