Career Blog
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One of the many opportunities for students at the Telfer School of Management is networking events.
To put it in the words of Herminia Ibarra, a professor of Organizational Behaviour at the London School of Business, "Networking is a lot like nutrition and fitness: we know what to do, the hard part is making it a top priority.” Part of what needs to be done is preparation. Like networking, pursuing nutrition and fitness require some form of preparation: without it the final goal cannot be achieved.
Here are a few reasons to further emphasize why preparation is important for networking events specifically.
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Preparation Relieves Stress
Presently, as a first‑time networking event attendee you may be wondering: How would I prepare for a networking event? The first step would be to consult the schedule to see which companies will be in attendance and at what time. Then you can do some research on the companies that interest you. Attending my first networking event was a step outside of my comfort zone, but by preparing myself in this way I felt excited to take that step. Knowing your audience will not only help ease your nerves, but it will also get your foot in the door.
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Preparation Helps Create Relationships
Moreover, being aware of what to expect at the event will also give you the chance to prepare tailored questions to help you to further engage and connect with the representatives. Relationships can develop at networking events through these engaging interactions. Referring back to my first networking event, I ended up staying an hour longer than anticipated because I was absorbed in the event. Going into a networking event prepared allows you to participate assuredly, therefore making the event an enjoyable experience.
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Preparation Leads to Unanticipated Opportunities
In addition, many distinct opportunities can present themselves through networking, which can help you progress in your career. According to the Ottawa Business Journal’s “Five reasons why networking is important,” networking encourages the sharing of information that you would not get from regular forms of research. For example, job positions that could be opening up in the future or programs that a company may be offering. The biggest opportunity that will result from preparation will be pitching yourself to potential employers and creating connections for your future.
Overall, it is important to be prepared so that you can network successfully and achieve your goal of getting a job or making some meaningful connections. Like with pursuing nutrition and fitness, your preparation is just the beginning of what needs to be done. Make it a priority! If you are interested in networking, get started by looking over the Calendar of Events on Career Launch.
Make sure to take advantage of the additional resources, help and advise the Career Centre has to offer.
Resources
Herminia Ibarra
Five reasons why networking is important
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Finance Overseeing Committe
The mandate of the Finance Overseeing Committee (FOC) is to review the budget of the Career Centre, to discuss the financial management of the Career Centre and to inform undergraduate and graduate students of the Telfer School of Management accordingly.
A total of 10,000 dollars has been reserved for events organized by students. These funds will be allocated during the meeting of Friday, October 9, 2020, at 9 a.m. held virtually through MS Teams. During this meeting, each student representative must give a very brief, two-minute presentation and answer the Committee’s questions. Please note that a trip, participation to an external conference or a sponsorship does not meet our selection criteria.
Proposals that clearly explain: i) how your event will promote the Career Centre and its Career Development Certificate (undergraduate only) to Telfer students; or ii) the exchange of services you intend to provide, will be selected. Details can be found in the application form.
To request funds, you must first discuss your event and your exchange of services proposal with Ms. Ashley Foster, Ms. Dahlia Vinou, or Ms. Gaëlle Faye (for undergraduate projects) and Ms. Caroline Hannah (for MBA projects) at the Career Centre before Tuesday, September 29, 2020.
The application must be submitted by completing all sections of the following form: 2020 FOC Application. The deadline to apply is Thursday, October 1, 2020, at 4 p.m. The application will be submitted to Mr. Matthew Archibald, Director of the Student Services Centre, and Ms. Amanda Richardson, Manager of the Career Centre. Ms. Richardson will acknowledge receipt of your proposal by email and confirm the time of your brief presentation. We will only accept proposals that are submitted by completing the above-mentioned form.
Should you receive funding, you will be required to meet with Ms. Gaëlle Faye regarding your strategy within three weeks of receiving notice.
Should you have any technical difficulties completing the form, please advise Ms. Richardson by email at
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We are now midway through the summer break. As many of you are about to start their next summer class or a new part-time job, our leaders here at the Student Services Centre are finally able to catch a breath after a grueling period of adaptation. At the Telfer Undergrad Office as in the business world, crucial decisions had to be made, and contingency plans had to be implemented. This week, two of our esteemed colleagues are sharing their insights on change, creativity, and resilience.
Matt Archibald, Director, Student Services Centre
Q. As Director, Student Services Centre, has your role been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic?
If so, how?
A. My role has not been significantly impacted in terms of the responsibilities, but the approach is certainly much different! The last few months have required a thoughtful effort to communicate as much as possible with team members, students, professors, and our external community. We are adapting well to the use of virtual platforms to connect us!
Q. If you could give one piece of advice to all newly admitted Telfer students as they prepare to embark on their university journey in a virtual setting, what would it be?
A. Your strong study habits that admitted you into this competitive program will help as you embark on the university journey. Don’t hesitate to ask questions as there are many services available to guide you in this new environment. And enjoy the experience!
Q. As a leader, what do you think are the three key elements organizations and individuals alike need to cultivate to successfully navigate change and uncertainty? Could you give us an example based on what your own team has implemented?
A. Communication, feedback, and flexibility. We have found a way to keep a positive attitude in the light of current changes and we are educating ourselves on how we adapt. Our team has been excellent at creating short videos to support students on various topics from registration of courses to networking at upcoming events. We are also engaging in social media platforms to engage incoming students. It has been remarkable to see our adaptability!
Q. In six weeks, we will be “back to school”. Do you have any final words of wisdom for the Telfer community?
A. We are here for you! We pride ourselves on the #TelferNation experience and we are proud of our community! Do not hesitate to reach out to us with questions or feedback. We look forward to working with you in this new environment!
Esther Ouellet, Academic Administrator
Q. As Academic Administrator, has your role been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic?
If so, how?
A. The pandemic has not changed my role nor my responsibilities per se. However, I had to adapt my strategies, especially in terms of team management. Supervising a team remotely comes with many challenges, since we cannot access our colleagues constantly and directly. Communication is truly important. I’ve created more frequent sharing opportunities for my team and I, and I’m setting short, impromptu meetings as often as I can, just to see where each of my colleagues is, understand their personal challenges and successes, and discuss the best ways to support them.
Q. As a leader, what do you think are the three key elements organizations and individuals alike need to cultivate to successfully navigate change and uncertainty? Could you give us an example based on what your own team has implemented?
A. Flexibility, goal-based output, and opportunity development. We need to understand that normal work hours cannot apply to just everyone in the same way, especially when working in the presence of young children. But when a team sets specific goals and clear deadlines, it can remain efficient AND flexible enough to determine the when and how. Change disrupts work, but it also drives growth and can be an opportunity to change processes, like by implementing new tools and new ways of interacting with each other and with our students.
Q. If you could give one piece of advice to all newly admitted Telfer students as they prepare to embark on their university journey in a virtual setting, what would it be?
A. I would give them the same advice I give students who start their studies on campus: develop your soft skills. The best students are not necessarily those who have a memory like an elephant or who can adapt to just anything. The best students are those who understand the importance of time management, personal organization, stress management, and a balanced lifestyle. And if they do not possess those skills already, I would tell them to come see us! Our mentors can help them in their development.
Q. In six weeks, we will be “back to school”. Do you have any final words of wisdom for the Telfer community?
A. It’s summer, and we are working from home. We are lining through historic events, and we may never experience this again. So let’s be prudent, let’s help each other out, and let’s make the most of it!
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Early Spring is my favourite time of the year for our student program. It’s when I finally get to see months of networking, attending events, and interviewing come to life in the form of new student hires all in one room eager to kick off summer onboarding.
This year has been a bit different, but it has still proven to be so fun to welcome students to our organization virtually. Now more than ever, we need keen bright-eyed new employees to help us think outside the box as we pivot in the way we do business.
As Canada’s Export Credit Agency, Export Development Canada has been tasked with offering additional support to Canadian businesses. I joked with some students that I felt like I was calling them to war, as I offered them opportunities to help Canada in this time of crisis.
We have had to flex new muscles to change how we onboard, train, engage, and support our new hires, but a couple months into quarantine, I think we’ve got it down! In amongst the crazy video call fails, we have had some major wins. Like all the extra support we have been able to offer employees through our online fitness program taught by EDC employees, access to video health care, a generous budget to create a work from home set up, fully virtual orientation sessions, a remote mentorship program, and a variety of upcoming professional development workshops for students. We also have a Growing Professionals Committee made up of students and new grads, who have gone above and beyond to welcome our new cohort of students. I think that being distanced from each other will only serve as a way to make us more intentional about how we connect with our early career employees!
I reached out to some of our Telfer students and new grads to hear about their experiences at EDC during COVID19 and their transition from the office to home:
Expectations and Adapting to Change
“Coming in as a student at EDC, I did not expect myself to be working from home full-time, but so far, my experience has been nothing but positive, from the onboarding, mentorship program available as well as job training. There are a lot of valuable lessons and skills to be learnt from starting a job remotely, especially as a student, and so I see this experience as a once in a lifetime opportunity to grow and learn how to be resilient, adaptable to change, discipline and innovative.”
Yasmina Zeidan, Student – Workforce Planning, Telfer 4th Year Student
The Importance of Communication and Work Life Balance
“COVID-19 aside, EDC places great emphasis on communication. Daily huddles with my team and weekly check-ins with my leader have been consistently present since I started with my role in January. These well-established lines of communication have truly made the transition to working from home seamless and less daunting as a relatively new hire. I have felt very supported through these abnormal times, continuing to receive regular training and progressing within my role despite working from home. Not to mention, I have continued to participate in my favourite fitness classes, as EDC is passionate about work-life balance and has implemented an excellent virtual fitness schedule, including guided mediations to ease stress and anxiety. On a larger scale, it is incredible to be working for EDC at a time like this, as the company continues plays such a significant role in responding to an economic crisis of this magnitude.”
Danica Toscano, Student – Loans Services, Telfer Grad 2020
Take Advantage of Online Tools
“EDC has developed a deep catalogue of online tools for its employees that have made the remote onboarding process seamless. In addition to resources, the culture is one which promotes constant internal communication and knowledge share. As someone adjusting to a new workplace virtually, I have never felt discouraged to ask questions or seek guidance from other employees.”
Luka Trivuncic, Student – Customer Experience & Analytics, Telfer Grad 2020
School to Work Transition
“I started my journey at EDC as a newly graduate. With 2 Bachelors, one in Finance and one in International Business, EDC’s HR found me the perfect team. I was placed in International Financing Guarantees. My daily tasks involve working with multiple counterparties such as financial institutions, foreign buyers and small/medium businesses. As a recent graduate, I felt encouraged and challenged in my role. I was treated as a professional and my team gave me the tools I needed to grow within EDC. Today, I am an Associate continuing to grow within the world of International Financing. I love the community and culture here and I encourage students to look into the great programs and scholarships offered.”
Amani Couture, Associate – International Financing Guarantee, Telfer Grad 2019
Helping Canadian companies overcome any challenges
Canadian companies are relying on EDC more than ever in these uncertain times and I am proud to say EDC has stepped up to the challenge. Despite working remotely, everyone across the organization has come together and aligned to one common goal… to help Canadian companies overcome any challenges they might be facing. I am lucky to be on a team that is focused on building solutions for small-medium-sized companies who have been hit the hardest. I am excited to start work every day knowing that my efforts are making a difference, it is a truly rewarding experience for a recent graduate.
Ben Lidzbarski, Student – Knowledge Services, Telfer Grad 2020
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Telfer Networks is coming soon. For many students, it’s the perfect opportunity to make one’s entrance in the business world. For others, it’s a way to meet again with potential employers.
But what is Telfer Networks? Telfer Networks is a networking event where various employers gather to promote their businesses and to fill certain positions. Career Centre staff will also be there to chat with you, critique your resumé quickly and present you Career Centre services.
Whether it’s your first time or not at the event, here are a few tips on how to prepare for it:
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Set Specific Goals
Before you get there, decide what you want to accomplish. Maybe you simply want to present yourself to employers and to become familiar with networking events. Maybe it’s the perfect opportunity for you to fine-tune your job-search skills. All participating students can benefit differently from the event. Telfer Networks can force you to get out of your comfort zone and overcome your timidity, allow you to meet employers and even find a job.
You can check out the list of participating employers on Career Launch in order to identify the ones you are most interested in.
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Review your Resumé
It may seem trite, but updating one’s resumé and reviewing one’s professional experience as well as other commitments can be very useful when preparing to answer the daunting, “Tell me about yourself.” question. Telfer Networks is not a job interview, but an opportunity to stand out among employees. Self-knowledge can prove useful in that regard.
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Recruit a Friend
If you are not sure of how to start a conversation with an employer, or if you feel uneasy at the idea of attending the event alone, bring a friend! Il will be easier and less intimidating to approach strangers. Furthermore, it’s always fun to be accompanied by someone you know, and you will feel less self-conscious, especially if you are a networking-event rookie.
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Attend a Workshop
Finally, the Career Centre has created a workshop especially to help you prepare well for the event. You will receive tips on how to put your best foot forward, expand your network and target your job search. This workshop is the perfect opportunity to ask all your questions regarding Telfer Networks.
Looking forward to seeing you at Telfer Networks on Thursday, January 23, 2020, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., in DMS 4101.
