As a student destined for graduation it is imperative to understand the job search process and start preparing as soon as possible. Part of my preparation included attending the Business Career Passport Workshop: Job Search Strategies & Career Management. This workshop had four main topics, which I found really helpful: understanding the recruitment process, researching your opportunities, applying and getting noticed, and transitioning to work.
With the first topic, understanding the recruitment process, the BBA Career Advisor emphasized the importance of contacting your network for potential career opportunities. They explained that by reaching out to personal contacts increases the chances of finding a tailored open position. In addition to my network, I also learned about a variety of job boards available and other career resources that will help in the job search process.
The researching your opportunities topic helped to dismiss many of the bad habits that one may tend to do when searching for a job. To demonstrate one of the bad habits the advisor conducted an activity where we first placed stickers next to the job description that appealed to us, and then by the company we would prefer to work for. Afterwards, the advisor matched the company with its position, showing us the discrepancy. This revealed that when searching for a job we are often looking for positions available only at recognizable companies, and ignoring the opportunities present at others. This activity helped me understand the importance of being open-minded when looking for a job and consider companies I many not have before.
Next, we talked about how to apply and get noticed, to overcome the feeling that our cover letters and resumes are lost in cyberspace when applying online. The best way to avoid this “black hole” is by ensuring that one’s cover letter and resume are tailored to the position. I learned it is more effective to apply to fewer positions with customized applications than it is to apply to more using a template.
The last topic, transition to work, is an important one because even after a job is secured, there are still challenges to overcome when transitioning to the workplace. For example, it may be unclear the level of professionalism required and how to adjust to a strict schedule compared to the flexibility offered at university. The key takeaway from this topic was that the challenges experienced would be different depending on the person but it is important to acknowledge the challenges and work towards overcoming them.
Prior to this workshop the thought of searching for a job after graduation was overwhelming, but now I feel I’m better equipped with the resources needed to successfully search and obtain a position.
To register for an upcoming Passport Workshop visit Beedie Community: https://beedie.sfu.ca/bba/career/help/workshops.php
Martina is a fourth year Marketing and International Business student at the Beedie School of Business. She is currently on her second co-op work term as the Social Media and Marketing Intern at Beedie, and previously completed a co-op work term at a Vancouver start-up as a Marketing Intern. Martina is also the Public Relations Coordinator for the Student Marketing Association’s Marketers’ Night 2015, one of the largest student-run networking events of its kind, allowing for students and professionals to mingle. When she isn’t working you can find her either watching hockey, practicing yoga, or drinking tea.