Career Blog
“My time at Telfer has been great. What I like most is being able to meet like-minded people. I have made some close friends from classes and clubs who have really shaped my university experience for the better.
I wanted to study marketing, because I wanted to learn how to present a brand in the most appealing way. I love marketing because it brings together data and creativity.
A couple of things Telfer has taught me is to go after things I want, and not to let opportunities pass me and to build meaningful connections because they can lead to great things.
Some of the highlights of my Telfer adventure have been being part of Enactus, working on the Legacy conference, and being part of a club. It has brought me amazing opportunities and allowed me to make great connections. Hearing the feedback about the conference from students after they attended and seeing the impact it had made on their journey made me happy.
The past 3 years at Telfer have taught me a lot and have allowed me to have new experiences, to make tons of new friends and to do what I love.”
– Favour Okeugo, 3rd‑year Marketing, Enactus participant
Inspired by Brandon Stanton’s Humans of New York, this weekly feature of the Telfer Career Blog will contain photography of individuals from the Telfer School of Management community and a corresponding narrative that gives us a glimpse into their lives.
Whether in your academic or professional life, reflecting on your progress can be key in making your aspirations come true. Reflecting can mean many things and is unique to each individual but setting new objectives can be extremely effective. Exploring various avenues of reflection will help you determine which method works best for you.
The ways to reflect
- On paper
Write down your objectives and revisit them from time to time to assess your progress. For example, when starting a summer job or an internship, create a list of things you would like to accomplish. At the end of the term, taking stock will be much easier.
- Digitally
There is no shortage of online resources that can help you set goals and monitor your progress. Websites like Goalscape can help you visualize and set goals; you can also use it on a mobile app.
The importance of reflecting
- Purpose
Reflecting on your progress gives you a sense of purpose, especially once your goal is achieved, as this leads in turn to happiness and productivity.
- Improvement
Learning from an unachieved goal means identifying the gap between where you are and where you want to be. It gives you an idea of what you need to do to improve in the future.
- Effectiveness
Taking the time out of your schedule to set objectives can be extremely beneficial in the long run, as it will allow you to better plan your tasks and find the best and most effective ways to complete them.
Goal setting is one of the many ways that can help you reflect on your progress in your professional and personal life. This reflection exercise in turn can help you achieve success and a richer sense of fulfillment and purpose.
Extracurriculars allowed me to meet my best friends,
gain valuable work experience, but most importantly,
changed my mindset about what I wanted to do after graduation.
This week’s Humans of Telfer blog features Alexis Raymond, a 4th-year student leader specializing in Business Technology Management. Alexis is incredibly involved on campus: he has even led Telfer to win 10 podiums at JDC this year! Here’s what he had to say about his Telfer experience:
“When I joined Telfer 4 years ago, everyone would tell me that I should ‘get involved’. I did, and that was probably thebest decision I could have made! Extracurriculars allowed me to meet my best friends and gain valuable work experience. But most importantly, they changed my mindset about what I wanted to do after graduation. Going into university, I was set on following the traditional and safe career path. However, after talking with colleagues with various backgrounds and ambitions, I quickly realized that it wasn’t for me. They encouraged me to reach for opportunities that I did not think possible and to explore fields in which I am now passionate. Maybe I would have figured this out by myself, but I for sure would not have had as much fun doing it!
In a few weeks, I’ll be leaving Telfer to enter the workforce. However, I’ll always carry with me this Telfer pride that has truly connected me to what matters over the past 4 years.”
– Alexis Raymond, 4th-year Business Technology Management, JDC Coordinator, Telfer Competitions Committee, Tech Editor, uOBR, Vice-President, IT and Marketing, JDC 2022
Inspired by Brandon Stanton’s Humans of New York, this weekly feature of the Telfer Career Blog will contain photography of individuals from the Telfer School of Management community and a corresponding narrative that gives us a glimpse into their lives.
Networking does not simply mean clicking on the “Connect” button on LinkedIn and trying to reach the highest number of connections possible: it means creating long-term, mutually beneficial relationships. Many candidates credit their success to the strong network they have built over time. Here are the top do’s and don'ts of networking.
Do’s
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Be proactive
If you decide to suddenly message someone and expect them to instantly help you out, it may not be as quick as you think. Remember that maintaining connections is a two-way street: to cultivate a relationship, try to offer help or favours. Also, follow up with your connections: a one-time message or meeting does not constitute a relationship!
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Make a plan
You don’t need to know exactly what you want all the time or what you expect from every networking opportunity. However, make sure you attend events and meet people with a specific goal in mind and see how you can accomplish your goals through these events and new people.
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Have patience
Networking is a daunting task, as it can be time consuming, awkward, and at times downright draining. However, you can’t deny that a strong professional network can be quite powerful in terms of launching your success. Patience is a virtue, so don’t expect to reap all the benefits immediately.
Don’ts
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Hesitate to ask questions
Many professionals truly enjoy sharing their knowledge and expertise, and there is no harm in asking questions. Learning from others’ experience will benefit you in the long run.
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Be timid
If you only talk to people you already know, you will never expand your horizons and find out about new opportunities. Networking isn’t just for extroverts: it’s for everyone!
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Overly self-promote
Don’t just dive in with your elevator pitch and make networking a “me me me” moment. Be genuinely interested in whomever you speak with and focus on building valuable relationships.
You don’t have to join every single professional network and attend every networking event. New networking opportunities show up all the time, and sometimes, they can even pop up by surprise.
Meaningful relationships built over time will prove valuable when you find yourself in need of referrals, insights into new job opportunities, and other valuable information. With these do’s and don’ts in mind, you are now ready to start networking!
For expert, personalized advice on networking, book an appointment with a Relationship Manager at the Telfer Career Centre through Career Launch.
“I’m from Morocco and I’m currently completing my Bachelor of Commerce (International Management) at the Telfer School of Management. One of the best memories from my years at Telfer is the exchange I took part in third year. Through this experience I got to live amazing moments and meet great people while discovering a new academic environment.”
Q: Why did you choose Telfer ?
A: “I had to choose between Université de Montréal (Psychology) and Telfer (International Management). I tried to examine the pros and cons of each school. The co-op program at Telfer offered a double advantage: a degree combined with several months of professional experience. On top of that, there was Telfer’s reputation across Canada and around the world. I also considered the “personal growth” factor of studying at Telfer. By moving away from my family (spread out between Montréal and Morocco), I was able live a full experience that would allow me to become more resourceful and independent.”
Q: What has been your greatest source of inspiration?
A: “My parents. Even though they did not come from affluent families nor stayed in school for very long, they managed to start their own business and paved the way for their children. My father had to quit school while still in elementary, and my mom, in 10th grade. When I see how far my brothers and I have come, I tell myself that they have succeeded! It was not easy, but they did it. I also feel like I’m their hope. Even though they did not pursue long studies, today their daughter is about to graduate from a renowned university. Somehow, they are living their dream through me. And that inspires me enormously.”
– Ghita Laadila, 4th-year International Management (co-op)
Inspired by Brandon Stanton’s Humans of New York, this weekly feature of the Telfer Career Blog will contain photography of individuals from the Telfer School of Management community and a corresponding narrative that gives us a glimpse into their lives.
You finally did it! You completed your LinkedIn profile:
Experience? Check.
Education? Check.
Licenses and certifications? Check.
Volunteers experience? Check.
Skills and endorsements? Check.
Profile Summary? Ignored.
Let’s face it. Writing a LinkedIn summary can be incredibly difficult. However, it is one of the essential steps in completing your LinkedIn profile. If you include your LinkedIn address at the top of your resumé, your summary may even be THE first thing employers see, and as we all know, you don’t get a second chance to make a good, lasting impression on recruiters. But don’t worry, you don’t have to be a professional writer to create an impactful LinkedIn summary.
Here are five easy steps to make your LinkedIn summary more impactful:
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Get noticed
What better place than your summary to “hook” your readers? Try to engage with them and grab their attention in the first three lines: this will compel them to click the “See more” button and explore your profile. You can do so by incorporating a personal hook such as a clever question, a strong statement, or an interesting fact about you.
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Stand out
A unique LinkedIn summary should make you stand out. However, an astonishing number of summaries start with a super-generic, borderline cliché profile that is neither relevant nor industry specific. A word of advice: avoid general sentences and overused phrases, as they dilute your message. Also, avoid overused buzzwords such as “experienced,” “motivated,” and “creative”, as they do not attract recruiters to your profile.
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Use “I”
LinkedIn being a social media platform, a personal touch is required. Using first-person pronouns in your LinkedIn summary (e.g., “I am resourceful”, not “Jessica is resourceful”) will make you seem more engaging and approachable.
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Organize your content
Just as every school paper (or resumé!) requires structure and organization, so does your LinkedIn summary. Make sure it is clear, focused, logical, and effective (a reflection of your mindset as a professional). Break up your information into clear and concise blocks while steering clear of long paragraphs. This will allow people to easily skim through your summary and obtain all the necessary information.
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Proofread like a pro
Lastly, learn to proofread. Make use of self-revision and spellchecking applications such as Antidote (free through uOttawa library services), Ginger (free) and Grammarly (free). Don’t let avoidable typos discourage employers from browsing your profile. Go the extra mile and consult your “peer-review committee” (a group of trusted classmates, colleagues, friends, or relatives with an eye for details), and kindly ask them for feedback. It’s always easier to spot mistakes in someone else’s text!
Need an extra hand? Book an appointment for a LinkedIn summary critique with the Professional Development Coordinator at the Telfer Career Centre through Career Launch, and get customized advice!
Good luck, and let’s see that summary magic!
“My happiest moment at Telfer was during the Telfer Finance Society’s Toronto Trip. We visited very prestigious firms where I was able to meet some of Canada’s top finance professionals.”
– Hyah Alnehmi, 2nd-year Finance, and Vice-President, Sponsorship, Telfer Finance Society
Inspired by Brandon Stanton’s Humans of New York, this weekly feature of the Telfer Career Blog will contain photography of individuals from the Telfer School of Management community and a corresponding narrative that gives us a glimpse into their lives.
Job hunting can be overwhelming, stressful, frustrating, and even disappointing, especially after being rejected several times. We’ve ALL been there: you are not alone, far from it, and many other students will inevitably face rejection. Here are the five most common causes of rejection and hacks to optimize your chances of being selected.
Cause #1: A keyword searching algorithm is screening applications
Most job postings today have an algorithm that screens applications. Your resumé may simply lack the keywords the algorithm is looking!
Hack: Book a resumé tailoring appointment with the Professional Development Coordinator at the Telfer Career Centre through Career Launch to learn which keywords are important to include for a specific application.
Cause #2: You submitted your application rather late
Sometimes we come across a job posting that has been posted weeks ago. If the application period is near, the hiring manager may have already given more consideration to earlier applications.
Hack: Make sure you have a solid generic resumé that you can tailor in no time when you stumble across a posting nearing its application deadline. And of course, be proactive in your job search to avoid that!
Cause #3: You may not fit the employer’s favourite profile
As students, we simply may not have acquired all the skills needed for a specific job.
Hack: Focus on jobs that match your current skills AND make sure to highlight your transferable skills that the hiring manager is looking to fill. To get a better sense of the positions that might be a good fit for you, book an appointment with the Career Counsellor at the Telfer Career Centre through Career Launch.
Cause #4: You have not done enough networking
As we learn at Telfer, networking is a KEY factor of success in your job search. Your chances of landing an interview will be higher if the recruiter can put a face to your name in a pile of applications.
Hack: Use networking tools such as LinkedIn and attend networking events hosted by the Telfer Career Centre! Even better: book an appointment with a Relationship Managers at the Career Centre to discuss networking strategies suited to your aspirations.
Cause #5: You have not customized your application sufficiently
Employers are looking for applicants who are a great fit for their organization and the position. That is why you should ALWAYS tailor your resumé and cover letter for the job to which you are applying for.
Hack: Read you cover letter out loud and ask yourself: Is it clear that I have read and understood the job posting AND that I’m passionate about the employer’s mission and the position itself? If not, go back to the drawing board. To learn the best cover letter tailoring tips, book an appointment for a cover letter critique with the Professional Development Coordinator at the Telfer Career Centre.
The next time you apply for a job remember these tips to help you stand out from the applicant pool!
Good luck with your future job search!
Sources:
“My decision to come work at the Telfer Career Centre has brought so many positive changes to my life. Our team is dynamic and dedicated to students on their journey towards success and the job market. The best news I can receive during my workday is that one of them has landed a job they’re passionate about or has been invited for an interview following one of our networking events. It feels good to be able to help students in a tangible way.”
– Karianne Lessard
Assistant, Events and Special projects, Telfer Career Centre
Inspired by Brandon Stanton’s Humans of New York, this weekly feature of the Telfer Career Blog will contain photography of individuals from the Telfer School of Management community and a corresponding narrative that gives us a glimpse into their lives.
For any student, finding employment can be quite an ordeal. The arrival of a pandemic has made the job-hunting process even more challenging, often stressful and leading to a state of fatigue and uncertainty about the future. Thankfully, there are effective ways in which you can boost your confidence. Here are four strategies you should try out:
Strategy #1: set measurable goals
When you envision your dream career, you may picture that great job on Bay Street in Toronto with great views, or a job that allows you to travel the world. But how exactly are you going to get there? Small, measurable, yet attainable goals can work as stepping stones in your job hunt. You can set daily or weekly targets, such as sending out at least five job applications, which will help you to track your progress. The SMART method is a good approach. Start small to achieve the big picture!
Strategy #2: recognize your accomplishments
When looking at all our unsuccessful applications, we tend to lose sight of all the amazing things we have accomplished. It is worth taking stock of all the steps we have taken that have gotten us to the very point we are in today. Examine your resume, LinkedIn profile, or portfolio, and acknowledge how your career has evolved and how you are charting the course for the future of your career. Always acknowledge and celebrate the wins, big and small!
Strategy #3: diversify your job hunt
Job hunting does not necessarily mean sending out resumé after resume and applying to job after job online. There are other ways to actively look for employment while gaining valuable knowledge and skills. For example, volunteering with or joining professional organizations like CPA Ontario or the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA) can allow you to build your network, get resumé and interview feedback, and show that you are a passionate candidate who takes the initiative to learn and grow. To further your job hunt, leverage all the resources at your disposal, whether people or professional organizations!
Strategy #4: get moving
Let’s be honest: job hunting can get repetitive and tiresome. We are constantly sitting at our desks, staring into our laptop screens, day in and day out. Especially now, as most people are working from home, fatigue and burnout are bound to happen. That is why it is vital to get outside and get your body moving! Whether it is running, riding your bike, or simply taking your dog for a walk around the block, get some fresh air and vitamin D. Not only does this give you a change of scenery, but it boosts your overall mood as well!
The next time you may notice yourself getting bogged down by the negatives that arise from your job hunt, I hope you can incorporate these tips into your life to focus on the positives and boost your confidence.
And don’t forget: a fantastic way to boost your confidence is to reach out to your dedicated career development cheerleaders at the Telfer Career Centre.
Good luck in your job hunt!