Exam Time? Bring It!

Christmas is around the corner and with Christmas parades, decorations, festivities – the light at the end of the tunnel is coming into view.  However, this can only mean one thing—it’s exam time. This is the time when the outlook can be quite grim and the physical, mental and emotional stress can make you break into a million pieces.  So how do you come out scoring A’s when it seems like exam stress is getting the best of us? I have some tips that experience has taught me after 3 years of university.

Make a plan – With most full time students having 5 exams a semester, knowing where to begin studying can be mayhem and quite overwhelming. A weekly schedule or plan can provide a great deal of relief! The key to this is being realistic and not piling too much on each day. You will see that this helps a lot to manage your time and also study the right courses at the right time.

Determination – Let’s face it. Most of us would rather not be studying and doing something more enjoyable with our time. However, having the will to succeed goes a long way. This means saying no to people and to yourself. Don’t be afraid to simply say, “hey, I’d love to, but as soon as I’m done exams.” Besides, shouldn’t they be studying too?

Environment – Have you ever tried studying at a party? Well maybe that’s a little extreme, but having the right study atmosphere is vital to focusing and being distraction free. If studying in your room does not work due to roommates, your computer or your bed, then leave it all behind and go to the library or a place where you can study free from distractions. Sometimes leaving the laptop behind can go a long way in terms of studying!

Take care of yourself – It is very important to make sure that you get a good night’s rest. Your brain and body needs to recharge. Studying when you’re rested is a lot easier than studying when you’re feeling like a zombie.  Also eat the right foods and have a balanced diet. Your brain and body needs the right vitamins and minerals to function at its best.  I can guarantee things will “stick” better that way.

Down time– This is often overlooked but can make your exam time a lot more enjoyable. That’s right, I said “enjoyable.”  Take regular breaks, go for a workout, or watch a movie. Your brain needs to shift gears and your body needs movement and fresh air. The key is don’t overdo the relaxation and ‘underdo’ the studying. A good method that I use is for every 3 hours of studying, take an hour of relaxation/break.

These are all very simple and basic things that will go a long way to helping you be the best you possibly can during exam time. It’s funny, but in reality this is what we need to be doing all the time anyway!

I wish all of you the best of luck during your exams! Once you nail that final exam – don’t forget to dive into that summer job search and career planning (see Raoul’s Nov 28^th post)!

By: Robin Mendoca, Peer Advisor

Career Planning Means Embracing Change

As a young adult, your future plans and goals will probably change many times. These changes could happen suddenly or over a long period of time, and there will be many of them. Though eventually you may find yourself convinced of a career choice, don’t be surprised when you come to a point in your life where that choice no longer holds the same appeal that it used to.

Recently I’ve had the opportunity to hear presentations from a variety of different panelists in many different professions. It did not matter how much they taught me about their roles and responsibilities or how much money they make in their current positions.  All I heard them telling me was that it’s perfectly normal to be unsure of what you want until you FIND what you want. I capitalized the word ‘find’ because that’s just the key. Every one of these panelists had been in and out of jobs like it was going out of style – which said to me that job searching through experience is actually the hottest career planning format you can follow. By experiencing a variety of different jobs as part of their career search, most of them discovered what they DIDN’T want to do with their lives; ultimately leading them to the professions they are in today.

One of the presentations I attended was the showing of “One Week Job” where a Canadian college graduate performed 52 jobs in one year in order to discover his ‘passion’. This kind of quest, though not physically possible for most of us, inspired confidence in me since I have changed my mind several times regarding what I want to do with my life and will probably change it again. A couple of the quotes that stood out to me from these events:

“If we accept whatever we land by default, we are taking away the power to choose” – Yoga Instructor from One Week Job talking about not giving up on your dreams because you give up the right to choose your own life.

“Good luck is when preparation meets opportunity,” and “View all opportunities as learning opportunities.” – HR Professional at a recent HR Career Event at Laurier talking about how it is not always luck that gets you the job you want, it involves lots of hard work too.

So even though you may think you have it all figured out, when change threatens to break down your already planned-out life, be sure not to resist it! Be brave, change is not always a bad thing, it could be the force that leads you to your dream career!

By: Stacy Tsotsos, Peer Advisor

‘Tis The Season to Find Your Summer Job

Yes, it’s that time of the year again. You’ve already watched your favourite Christmas movie twice today and you’re debating if you should hit replay again. It’s also that time when you should plan to move into the library with your toothbrush, pajamas and determination and start preparing for the finals. It is also time to stay ahead of the game. I’m not referring only to your finals, but your search for a summer job.  It is difficult to think of a summer job with the cold and snow setting in and the scent of cinnamon in the air, but as the saying goes –“time and tide wait for no man”.  

It may be difficult to believe but companies have already started posting jobs for summer, with some deadlines set for mid-December and early January. Working on your resumé during the holidays sounds like the last thing you want to be doing but securing a good job now is better than scrambling through scraps in June. Time is a precious asset – use it well. 

I’ll take it that you plan to heed my advice, so let‘s begin with updating and polishing that resumé. Add in any new positions you may have taken up this fall and tweak your presentation of that information to showcase results and contributions – not simply a laundry list of your duties. You should spend a good bit of time on this step. 

The next step is time consuming, but now is not the time to throw in the towel.  Looking for a job is not hard if you know where to look. The Career Centre has a large database of employers who have jobs for now and for the summer (https://navigator.lauriercc.ca/login.htm). Be careful not to send the same resumé and cover letter for all the jobs to which you are applying. It’s not ‘one size fits all’.  Tailor your application to suit the job for which you are applying. Keep checking in on Navigator as new jobs are posted every week. 

Lastly, if you’re not satisfied with the jobs you’re finding online, keep in mind that the majority of jobs are found via what is called ‘the hidden job market’ – meaning they are not even posted online. Try cold calling or emailing the head of recruitment to inquire about any present/future openings. Attend the CDC’s Job Search & Networking workshop. A perfect resumé is only as good as the method by which you distribute it. 

There is a job with your name on it, but Santa will not deliver it to you under your tree. You need to go out and get it! 

Happy holidays and summer job searching! 

By: Raoul Chopra, Peer Advisor

My Interview Experience: Expect The Unexpected

On the day of my interview, I arrived at head office, and after being issued my ‘pass’, I proceeded to the waiting area where about 10 others were sitting and waiting. Some light chat revealed that these people were there for the same interview as me. I wasn’t too nervous because the employer had sent me an email mentioning that this was not a formal interview, but just a simple “get to know you.” I was specifically told there would not be any case exercises, so I felt like this would be a ‘walk in the park’.  Little did I know… 

The interview was supposed to start at 1 o’clock and a lady punctually came and ushered us into an upper board room. As I took my seat, I noticed that there were about 5 interviewers located at various points in the room.  They began by asking each of us around the table to give a brief introduction of ourselves. This was not too bad and to be expected.  However, the shock came right after this when they made us all stand up and we “played a game” where while standing, members of the interviewing panel threw out questions and if you correctly answered the question, you could sit down. Luckily, I was able to answer the 3^rd question correctly and got to sit down and not endure the embarrassment of being the “last one standing.” 

After this game, the interviewing panel started picking people at random to answer questions such as: “Why do you want to work here? What are your top 3 qualities? What makes you different?” – and other similar questions.  This lasted for about 15 minutes after which we were split into groups and asked to collectively examine a business case for 15 minutes and present our solution back to the panel in 3 minutes. Countless cases in business courses and an agreeable group made this a breeze. After presenting, we took our seats and were told that refreshments would be brought in while the panellists stepped outside to deliberate which 4 of us 10 would be asked to stay behind for further interviewing. Following the half hour later, the panellists returned and I was fortunate enough to be kept behind. The other 6 were told they might be contacted in the future while the 4 of us were ushered into an individual interview with senior partners of the firm. The individual interview was much less stressful and was more a conversational type interview that went very well in my opinion. I even had a few good laughs with my interviewer! 

Message – when it comes to interviews, be prepared for anything! Even though employers may tell you it’s a comfortable meet and greet format, they may drop a surprise on you simply to see how you react to stress. The more prepared you are, the more able you will be to roll with the punches!

By: Robin Mendonca, Peer Advisor

Picture the Audience in their Underwear?

I’m sure we’ve all heard this advice when we talk to people about presentation anxiety. The first response we get after mentioning that we’re nervous about giving a speech or presentation is, well it always helps to picture the audience in their underwear. Well I’m not sure about you, but picturing a group of strangers in their intimates definitely doesn’t help to calm me down. One of the last presentations I had to give was to a third year English class of about 60 students.  My heart started racing, my breathing got faster, my hands got sweaty, and I was terrified of forgetting the things I wanted to say. I ended up doing well on the presentation, but I realized that the pre-game anxiety was just not worth it. So now, because I have to present a job search workshop to a bunch of first year students this Sunday, and the Sunday after that, it got me thinking about ways to reduce presentation anxiety. So read, relax, and know that there are ways to combat those pre-presentation jitters.  

Just breathe:

Whether you get anxious about making presentations or not (of which job interviews fall under), one of the most important things for a presenter to remember is to breathe. It’s okay to take short pauses and breaks in your presentation; this allows the audience to digest what you’re saying and formulate questions of their own.  If you lose your spot or feel that your anxiety is sky rocketing, just take a quick second to breathe deeply, relax, and then regain your composure and continue. There’s nothing worse than a presenter racing through information or running out of breath halfway through a sentence.

Practice, practice, practice:

I know it sounds cliché to say, but practice really does make perfect. One of the keys to doing a great presentation is to know what you’re talking about.  The more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll feel with the information.

Confidence is key:

You may not be the most confident public speaker in the world, but faking it really helps. Think about the fact that you’re the one giving the presentation, and you’re the one who is bestowing all of this wonderful information onto people. If you feel yourself shaking like a leaf, try putting your hands on a desk or podium.  Speak in an assertive and confident voice to ensure you command people’s attention. If you have to pretend that you are the most confident and knowledgeable person in the room, then do so.

Don’t worry; everyone gets nervous when it comes to public speaking, and remember, people really do want you to succeed. Anxiety can be overpowering and debilitating at times, but if you work hard and try to relax, you can overcome it and become a great presenter. 

By: Heidi Dumaresq, Peer Advisor

Ugh…Resumé Writing. What’s The Use!?

“It takes me hours to put together a resumé. I hand out a million copies, and yet I don’t seem to get a response from anyone. Why is that?” If this has been your history with resumé writing, read on, because it was my problem for years. 

If you’re like me, the worst part of job hunting is putting together a professional and polished resumé.  It wasn’t until my third year that I learned how to create a professional resumé after attending the resumé writing workshop offered by Laurier’s Career Centre.  At the time, I had one generic resumé from high school that I used for all applications. My method was to add stuff as I went along, and when it came time to search for a job I would simply start handing them out. This small one hour workshop enlightened me about the value of customizing so as to secure that elusive interview. There are five tips I can give you to make your resumé more appealing to prospective employers: 

First, make your resumé target specific. For each company you apply to, you should have a unique and targeted resumé with a clear objective and tailored Profile section highlighting relevant experience and skills to that particular position you are applying for.  This means that you wouldn’t front and centre your CPR skills if the job you are applying to does not require CPR! 

Second, make your resumé eye catching. When employers glance at resumés it takes five to ten seconds for them to formulate strong perceptions about you.  Therefore, a creative or unique design is key to catching an employer’s eye. This can be done by making a unique header or adding an appropriate graphic to the header or border. 

Third, editing is extremely important! The simple process of editing for any typos can make or break the quality of your resumé.  Make sure you spell the company name and the name of the contact correctly (on this topic Wilfrid is spelled with an ‘i’, NOT an ‘e’). 

Fourth, use social media to your benefit. If you are on LinkedIn (which you should be), have your own website or write your own blog, include the link in your resumé. It will give the employer some additional insight into you as a person, your writing potential and your creativity. Speaking of… 

Fifth, be creative! Employers have to read countless resumés. If you want to stand out from the rest of the crowd, be different. Consider doing a video resumé (as Brianne mentioned in the last Career Centre Blog).  Here is an example of someone who got creative and obtained results in the process: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ot4K-KCLAqs. 

If you are having trouble with your resumé and want feedback, there are several services that can help you. You can attend the workshop, then book an appointment with a Career Consultant, or bring your resumé to a Peer Advisor at a scheduled Career Information Booth.  So what are you waiting for? Say goodbye to that old generic, non-performing resumé.

 

By: Suzanne Glenn, Peer Advisor

Video Resumés – Should We Give Them A Try?

I was recently watching an old re-run of How I Met Your Mother when a video resumé for one of the characters, Barney Stinson, played on the television (here’s the clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuuJUW2ntvE). This video caught my eye and then I started to ponder whether or not using a video resumé is a good idea?  If you’ve never heard of a video resumé, it is essentially a self-made video portraying your candidacy for a particular job.  It is a definite way to stand out from the crowd. 

Through online research, I’m gaining the impression that the use of video resumés is growing and they are the next “cool” thing to do.  According to Vault Inc.’s Annual Employer Survey, “89% of employers revealed that they would watch a video resumé if it were submitted to them”, indicating that clearly some employers are open and excited to receive them. Despite some indication that employers are receptive to them, there are still many employers who have not yet used this technology as an evaluative tool (only 17% of employers on the same survey indicated they actually viewed a video resumé).  The primary reason why employers would value video resumés is the ability to assess a candidate’s professional presentation and demeanor (52%). 

Though Barney’s video resumé is humorous and creative, make sure you are not going over the top.  Make sure you address your qualifications and areas of expertise.  Remember – it is like an interview at the same time as it is a resumé.  It is in your best interest to also dress professionally and make your video short and concise as employers will likely only watch a video that is approximately one to two minutes maximum in length.  

Video resumés are not for everyone, but it’s a fun way to jazz up your resumé especially if you are applying to a position where presentation skills are required, you have to show a portfolio of your work, or if you are targeting media based careers.  For most of us who are not tech savvy, never fear, because many of us also own Mac computers. Your Mac comes equipped with a highly effective and simple video-editing software program called imovie, which can help you put together a professional and polished video.  There are also effective video software programs for PC’s (example: Pinnacle). 

We now live in a world with 7 billion people, meaning you need to figure out a way to distinguish yourself in the crowd.  So if a video resumé sounds right to you, give it a try! It’s a way to be creative while still outlining all the traditional parts of a resumé.  Have fun 🙂  

By: Brianne Bradbury

What Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up?

You have most likely been asked this very question many times by mothers and fathers, aunts and uncles and brothers and sisters. Family are notorious for inquiring into your goals and ambitions of a future career.  Friends and acquaintances also hope you can answer this imperative query.  Your answer, if you have yet to realize, is supposed to enlighten the individual on how you intend to spend your entire life as a working professional for the next forty-or-so years… 

Don’t you just hate that question? 

As young children, our answers are typically quite primitive.  Dog, cat or turtle are popular responses.  As we grow older, we begin to predict more exciting careers like police officer, firefighter or professional hockey player.  Fast-forward to our teenage years and we start to realize our future as a crime-fighting canine or firefighting feline look fairly dim.  Our new response is a safe and honest “I don’t know”. 

Now that you are in university though, you may have a general idea of your future career path simply based on your chosen major.  “I want to work in business / science / history”.  Good start.  If you are one step ahead of the game, you will know what area of specialization you intend to work inside.  “I want to work in marketing / veterinary sciences / education”.  Great job.  If you have to stop there that’s okay because you’re not alone. 

The majority of students at Laurier only know the general direction of their future careers.  Most students do not know the exact job description that they hope to obtain upon graduating or further down the road.  This is normal because the truth is you cannot specifically plan for your future job positions.  Your goal as a university student though, should be to discover what job positions are available in your areas of interest. 

Who better to advise you in a future career than the individuals themselves?  Therein lays the value of “career panels”.  Career panels are informal information sessions for students interested in pursuing a particular career field.  Multiple professionals from one particular industry speak about their career; its details, challenges, rewards and recruitment tips.  Simply said, career panels are your inside-look into multiple potential careers in your chosen area of interest. 

The Laurier Career Centre is offering career panels in the human resources, sales, public service and international humanitarian industries during the month of November.  Register on Navigator and come in to learn about your future career!  (Note to reader: No crime-fighting canines will be in attendance).

By: Mike Gregor, Peer Advisor

Stressed and Stumped? Pause For A Little Self-Reflection

Some days when life asks you to be able to draw upon the gift of creative writing (that many of us are just not blessed with), it can be super stressful to sit at a desk and try and write down your thoughts. If you are anything like me, sometimes there are so many thoughts in your head that you just end up not knowing which direction is up and you end up looking down instead. With the onset of midterms and all the studying that lurks overhead like a little black cloud sometimes it is hard to find the motivation to get anything done. In the back of my mind there is also this little voice that is constantly reminding me to keep my career direction in mind and the actions I do or don’t take today, can affect the rest of my life…scary right?

So when the days come when I am super stressed and overwhelmed (especially when I’m thinking about finding a job) here are some things that I remember. During my training to become a Career Centre Peer Advisor, I completed an online personality assessment (Typefocus) that really opened my eyes to how I operate as a person. Yes, I knew the basics, but this test took it even further. Every time I am feeling stumped about what I want to do with my life, or what kind of jobs I want to pursue, or what activities I should be partaking in at school, I reflect on this personality test and it helps me to find a renewed direction. So why am I telling you about this?? Well the moral of my story: when you’re stumped, down in the dumps and cannot think of a topic to write for your major essay, your work blog, or simply just do not have the patience to sit and read a book – try doing some self reflection. It is a great technique for getting your feet back on the ground and your head in the right mindset. Just one of the many valuable lessons the Career Center has taught me!

By: Stacy Tsotsos