If you are in your first year or final year, you might be worried about getting a summer internship or a job after graduation. Or you might be taking it slow in university and just focusing on your classes. In my first year, I was lost and didn’t know where to start. I was aware of some resources available on campus but didn’t realize its importance. So, whether you are about to graduate or just started university, it’s important to take advantage of resources available on campus. There are many reasons you should do it:
TO LEARN ABOUT NEW JOBS
A lot of the times, we tend to ignore or take career advising centres for granted. You might be thinking that there are so many students, and these centres can’t help everyone get a job. However, what they can do is help you get on track and give you the right direction to your career path. They will help you explore job opportunities from websites and sources that you didn’t know existed. They’ll browse and filter companies and positions that fit your career profile. You will be surprised by how many jobs there.
TO BUILD YOU CCR
Most Universities in Canada allow students to obtain a co -curricular record. This certificate includes all the extracurricular activities that you participated in at university. Another reason to get involved and take advantage of resources like volunteering in events is to get this certificate. It increases your chances of getting a job and is an excellent way of achieving a successful university career.
TO FIX YOUR CV
When I first started University, I attended a resume workshop on campus, and thought it was so dull. I was the only person for that session, because nobody else showed up. It’s funny because when I finished that 1-hour session, I realized I was doing many things wrong. The format and structure I used were incorrect, and I didn’t know how to sell myself. I was so lost and desperately needed help with it, especially to get a job. I learned about new formats and style to use in my resume to impress employers. After this, I did what she told me to do and modified my resume. I ended up getting a job after two months. Your resume is always changing, as you gain more experience, learn new skills and become more knowledgeable. I am now in my third year in university and still go to the advising centre to get help with my resume.
TO GAIN MEANINFUL ADVICE AND GUIDANCE
You might be thinking grades are the most important part of a successful university career. It took me a year to understand and realize that’s not the case. Getting involved and networking is what can help get you a summer internship or a job after graduation. It’s not easy to find a job, and resources like the Student Success Centre, Career Advising Center, Student Union, Career Manager Services and Student Associations can be very helpful. These centres have professionals who will help you build your skillset. They also give mock interviews to prepare.
Trust me, you’ll be a lot more confident after these interview preps. They will be there with you and guide you until you get a job.
TO MEET NEW PEOPLE
This reason is for resources like recruitment events, or workshops conducted by companies and student associations. It is indeed difficult to make time with four courses and a part-time job during an academic year. However, it is vital to attend recruitment events, not only to meet new people from your school, but also to explore job opportunities and get to know employers in the city. In these events, employers and recruiters look forward to meeting you and getting to know you.
It’s your golden chance to impress them and connect with them. You’ll also meet many likeminded individuals and make new friends. I remember meeting amazing people and making new friends, too!
As a first-year student, you may be lost and may not know where to start. You may be thinking about focusing only on your studies or working part time. School can be very stressful with assignments, tests and exams. It is difficult to make time to participate in activities or go out to events.
The sooner you get involved and start taking advantage of these resources, the faster you’ll be able to get a job and achieve a successful university career.