Career Blog
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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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Most of the time, we as students – and professionals – have to deal with a lot of pressure. Having to go to work, making sure we get good grades, trying to spend some time with our friends and family. All of that can become overwhelming, especially while we are trying to figure out what we actually want to do in life. However, I believe it is actually good to not know where we will be in five years, or exactly what our professional journey will be like. In my case for example, I’m a third‑year accounting student, but four years ago, I saw myself enrolling in the nursing program, simply because I thought it fitted my personality better. And guess what, I picked accounting, and I love it.
For some of us studying business, being in third year means going through interviews and a lot of networking events. Well, by going over my interviews, I realize that the interviewers were not necessarily expecting to have someone’s personality matching the job. And guess what: your personality doesn’t have to match the job’s idealistic criteria. I got the opportunity to learn that by talking to people who had done a personality test like the ones they asked you to do while you’re in high school and even in elementary school.
When we look at jobs, we typically focus on things such as the job description, and we forget about few other things such as the social aspect of a job. This year, I had the chance take part in one of the Telfer Mentorship Programs. While talking to my mentor, I heard stories about his job as a CPA. He told me that he will always remember what his manager told him few years ago: « You are what I’m not, and what I don’t want to be, but the clients like you, and you’re bringing me money. » Quite shocking, right? But that one sentence made me realize that anyone can apply to any job, even if they do not have the « right » personality. They can still do amazing things.
Not knowing how to do something or what you will be doing in five to ten years can be stressful. Trust me: I’ve been there just like many of you. But we should all try to focus on this: what do we like, and how can we apply that in the future?
Want to learn more about yourself? Ask your friends, your family members, and your professors! You can also book a career-testing appointment through Career Launch.
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As Telfer students, we can gain many personal and social benefits while volunteering in our community. Volunteering can also help you achieve your career aspirations. So if you find yourself having a couple of extra hours to spend, why not get involved for the following reasons:
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Get some experience
If you can find volunteer opportunities within an organization or charity for which you would like to work in the future or in your field of interest, volunteering can get your foot in the door. Whether in the healthcare industry, the recreational sector, or community services, volunteering can be a valuable experience. Just because you are not being paid doesn’t mean that your work is less valid or less important.
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Explore your options
If you are not sure what you would like to do when you graduate, volunteering with different types of organizations is a great way to test things out. You can try out different roles at various organizations, and it will give you the chance to better understand your strengths and weaknesses. The more roles you take on, the better you will understand what you want in a job after graduation.
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Meet new people
Since you are most likely to support a cause that you feel strongly about, your fellow volunteers may very well share your feelings. This can be a strong foundation for future friendships. There are many clubs at Telfer through which you can get involved with your community. You can also volunteer with a group of students who can become lifelong friends! You may also look at your Community Engagement Navigator in uOzone to seek out amazing upcoming opportunities. Hopefully, you take advantage of all the benefits that volunteering presents you with throughout your time at university!
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Before entering my first CO-OP placement, I did not know what to expect. (I tend to freak-out over the unknown.) I imagined myself being overwhelmed with all the tasks and projects that I would be entrusted with. This fear was due in part to the fact that I had never experienced office work before. Having only worked in restaurants and retail stores, I did not feel prepared despite having attended all the necessary workshops and even a few 1-on-1 meetings with the CO‑OP staff.
Living – and fearing – the dream
I was very nervous partly because my first placement was at a very famous organization that I have known since I was very little: the House of Commons of Canada, on Parliament Hill. My whole life I had admired that building. Being from Ottawa, I’ve had the opportunity to go there for field trips, bike rides, and even New Year’s Eve. Getting to work on Parliament Hill was almost a dream come true. However, this made me more anxious, because I knew the standards would be high. I was not sure if I would be able to meet my employer’s expectations or if I would even fit in.
Seeking out support
On the first day, I felt excitement as I walked into this new setting, and I met my employer for the first time since our interview. She was very gracious and showed me around the different buildings. I had a lot of fun and many of my fears started to disappear. However, as work started to come my way, I became completely lost: I did not have a clue. Fortunately, my co-workers were there to help me: step‑by‑step, I started to learn more and more, and after a couple of weeks, I could do everything on my own. I felt silly for being so scared, as I realized that there was nothing to be scared about. At all. Turns out, I was well prepared for my placement, and my colleagues were there to support me along the way.
Taking advantage of the experience… and make connexions
Like for most things, I was scared for no real reason. I had so much fun over the course of my COOP term. There was a great balance between my capabilities and what my employer asked of me. The people I worked with were amazing and introduced me to so many interesting new concepts and ways of thinking. I met so many nice people that I’ve stayed in contact with long after my term has ended. I believe that this was easily the best part of my university experience thus far and I am very excited about my future CO-OP terms.
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After finishing my first year of university, I wouldn’t have told anyone I was enjoying my time there. I didn’t love my classes too much, I wasn’t sure if my program was for me, and I didn’t know too many people. The idea of returning for my second year and to go through it all over again was a daunting prospect..
I had no idea how I could change my experience this time around to actually enjoy myself. At first, I considered changing my faculty. I had always enjoyed my Geography classes throughout high school, and I thought that maybe I should switch to a program in that field. I also considered changing cities and schools. I really love Montreal, and I thought that maybe I should pick up my life at one of its numerous universities. All of these ideas were scary to me though. I didn’t know if I would be able to go through with any of them, and if I did, I thought I might be just miserable in a new setting. I wanted to take a semester off to think about my future. My mom wouldn’t let me do this though, and I didn’t make any of the big changes I had envisioned. So I guess I would be returning to Telfer for my second year.
It was depressing to see summer ending, as I really did not want to return to school. I couldn’t imagine this year being any different from my first. However, I went every day, and for the first few months, it was the exact same as during my first year. I didn’t enjoy my studies at all. Eventually, I made a few new friends, and my relationships grew stronger with the ones I made in the first year. One of those friends asked me if I would like to join Enactus, as someone had recently left. I agreed because I felt like I needed something to put on my resumé. I knew CO-OP was right around the corner, but I had no volunteer experience prior to this. This experience changed everything.
Since the beginning of my first year, everyone has been telling me to ‘Get involved’. I never took that advice seriously. I thought all those clubs were pretentious and lame. I couldn’t imagine joining one. Also, as I barely had time to study, I didn’t think I could manage my time to participate in a club. I am so glad I did though. Since joining Enactus, I’ve met a hundred new people who are super cool, and I have had experiences that I will remember for the rest of my life. I continued to apply to more clubs at the end of my second year, and I am now an executive of MISA, a Career Centre Ambassador, as well as a member of Enactus. Although it is a lot to manage, I have a lot of fun, and it has transformed my university experience. I can see direct applications of my studies in these clubs and I’ve had countless amazing experiences because of them. I wish I hadn’t been so jaded at the beginning of my studies and took the advice that I heard countless times to ‘Get involved’. It’s an amazing feeling to be part of a team and it changed my outlook on university. I am now very happy in my studies, and I am so glad to have gotten involved. So to anyone reading this, for the love of God, get involved in something on campus. It’s an experience you won’t regret.
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Sitting in the car, on the bus or in the library? Maybe you are going to the gym or just lying in bed. Do you need some career advice, motivation, or entertainment? Here are my two favourite fun and motivational career podcasts!
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The School of Greatness – Lewis Howes
Lewis Howes had a rocky childhood as he dealt with bullying and abuse. But he had his mind set on becoming a professional football player. After a life-changing injury, he became a New York Times best‑selling author and the owner of a seven‑figure, multimedia business. In The School of Greatness, he invites various celebrities such as actors, athletes and business moguls to talk about their story and their successes in business. Every Friday, he also posts 5‑minute videos with advice on topics like leadership and public speaking.
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Safe for Work – Liz Dolan and Rico Gagliano
Hosted by Liz Dolan, former Chief Marketing Officer of world-class brands such as NIKE, OWN:The Oprah Winfrey Network, and National Geographic Channel, and Rico Gagliano, a writer for the Wall Street Journal, this very funny and entertaining podcast talks about the little problems that may come with working a 9 to 5 job. They talk about things like asking for a raise, dealing with public-speaking fears, achieving the perfect work-life balance, and even how to fake an illness when calling in sick! They also take calls from listeners to answer their own career and work questions whether that is dealing with a crazy boss or dealing with a distracting coworker.
lewishowes.com/blog
www.themuse.com/advice/6-careerboosting-podcasts-youre-going-to-love-listening-to
