Career Planning – In First Year?

Author: Alexandria Malcolm, Peer Advisor

When most people reflect back on their first year of university, they instantly think of the new people they met, the parties, as well as the drastic change in experience from high school. Personally, I want to look back on my first year experience and not only remember the social aspect, but I’d also like to view my first year of university as the starting point for planning my future.

In first year, no one is too concerned with what is coming up four years from now. We tend to just live in the present. However, your fourth year will arrive before you know it and you don’t want to reflect on the fact that after 4 years of undergraduate studies, you still have no clue what type of career you want to pursue. Just because you go to university and take studies in a certain area, doesn’t mean your career plan is going to be handed to you on a platter. Now is the time to start thinking about your career.

By beginning the career planning process now, you buy yourself quality time to experience career planning trial and error. Maybe you’ll not only change your mind career wise, but also academically as well. If you currently want to be a doctor and you are enrolled in biology, but suddenly realize you have an interest in marketing, and need to change to business, now’s the time to do it!

My suggestion is don’t leave such big decisions until the last minute or you’ll be completely overwhelmed with all the options. By leaving your planning to fourth year, the more likely you’ll end up haphazardly planning your career, which may land you in a job that is not well suited to your interests or personality. Begin by attending the Career Development 101 session at the Career Centre to help you begin figuring out what you may want to do with your life. You’ll thank yourself for it in the future, that’s for sure.

 

Success | The Roller Coaster of Life:

Author: Adil Mawani, Peer Advisor

Throughout my life I have always had my eye out for opportunities.  Opportunity is something that seems to serendipitously just happen, but it is also something we create. I have found that the best opportunities are often in disguise.

In my previous year of University I had applied for a position in my residence House Council. I did not end up getting the position to which I applied, but because of my drive they did offer me another position. Being the opportunist that I am, I said, “When do I start?” (Maybe it wasn’t in those exact words, but I was more or less happy).  Interestingly enough, the opportunity that transpired was not even the one to which I applied, or was offered, but instead, after a few months I was promoted to a higher level role where I was incredibly happy.

After months of diligent work at this role, I also decided to apply to become a Residence Life Don, secured an interview, but notregrettably, I was rejected. The ‘not-regrettably’ part stems from the fact that getting rejected from the Don position allowed me to come across two additional opportunities, one as a Peer Advisor with the Student Career Leader Program (at the Career Development Centre) as well as a role with the School of Business and Economics Students’ Society (which I may add are the best two organizations in which I have volunteered, and plan to continue my university career with them).

This life experience during my first year of University has taught me that persistence is key. Never give up, as one door may close, another two may open just as quickly.  Throughout my roller coaster, I have noticed that the key in life is to keep trying and give 150% effort in everything you do, eventually you will get noticed and applauded for your dedication and the perks will be worth the grief of facing rejection.

Remember Life is a roller coaster; there will be ups and downs, but don’t let the downs prevent you from continuing your journey of finding, creating and capitalizing on opportunities.