Career Blog
Late Monday, I finally decided to attend a school‑hosted networking event on my own.
Just like a lot of students, I am looking to land a job in my field. One way to make yourself stand out is by networking. Unfortunately for me, when I wanted to attend a certain event hosted by a certain accounting firm I was interested in, all my friends ended up busy or uninterested. Without my friends by my side, it can be hard for me to navigate a room full of strangers or to start a conversation with recruiters. Nevertheless, I decided to push myself to attend this event anyway… and I learnt some things that I thought would be useful to other students who are going to be in the same position as me.
Here are three tips that I strongly recommend for navigating a networking event solo.
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Do your research.
If you have a few questions in mind heading into the event then it will make things a little easier when you are striking up a conversation with a potential recruiter. Moreover, if you know a specific company or person that will be there, be sure to research the company so you can demonstrate your interest to them. Taking initiative to do some research will ensure that you are putting your best foot forward. And if you are having a one-on-one conversation then having done the research prior will give you a larger variety of subjects to talk about since you may not have a friend beside you to add their thoughts.
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Approach someone who is alone.
An amazing way to become more comfortable in your surroundings at an event is to find someone who is in the same position as you. They are looking to make connections, so don’t hesitate to go up to them and introduce yourself: give them your name, your current field of study and your purpose for being at this event. After that, they will introduce themselves and from there, you can ask them a follow-up question. You can listen for little things that you have in common with them and they might even share extra knowledge about the companies at this event that you didn’t know before. If you go into an event where you are alone, talking to a fellow student that you don’t already know will help you warm up to the idea about walking up to the professionals at this event.
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Don’t stress.
Just remember to be yourself. Though these events can be intimidating if you are not surrounded with familiar faces, they present an opportunity to branch out and meet people you probably wouldn’t have met if you weren’t there alone. Speak with confidence, and be authentic.
Remember to relax: odds are there are many people at this event in your position and they are looking to make meaningful connections too. When it comes down to it, we are all unique students with diverse skill sets looking to find a job to flourish in, and networking events are a useful tool even if you are attending alone.
“One of my happiest memories while being a student at Telfer was the incredible friendships I made. To this day, I am still amazed at the fact that this school is a community and that everyone who integrates it becomes part of a family.
The connections I’ve built through my classes, with my professors, as well as in clubs and other extracurricular activities, have opened my eyes and made me a better person. I’ve always felt that I was able to contribute to and become part of something big, considering that I came to Canada as an international student. My friends made my integration and adaptation to Canadian life easier, and this is one of my best memories of my time as a student at Telfer.
Now that I am an alumna, I have the opportunity to do the same for other students with my role as Career Engagement Coordinator at the Telfer Career Centre. I want students to have the same experience as me and carry that through their studies and bring that into their careers.”
– Gaëlle Faye
Career Engagement Coordinator
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.
When applying for a position, you are often, if not always, asked to attach a cover letter along with your resume. Many believe that this is a step of the application process that can be skipped. However, cover letters are not a pass. Far from it.
A cover letter is the best way to personalize an application. As young professionals, we apply for multiple opportunities at a time. Ideally, we should change and tailor our resumé to the position we are applying to, but overall, the changes we can make are somewhat limited. This is why the cover letter is so important: it shows the employer that you are truly interested in the position and that you have taken the time to figure out why you are the best fit for it. In addition, it gives you an opportunity to sell yourself to your employer.
Here are 4 tips that will help you create a strong cover letter.
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Don’t make it about yourself
The goal of a cover letter is not to speak about yourself, but to show that you have the skills and experience required by the employer and that you are the best fit for the position. Take the time to read the job description and identify the skills that you have that would help you deliver on those expectations.
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Don’t hesitate to sell yourself
Though a cover letter shouldn’t be focused on yourself, it doesn’t mean you should let the fear of bragging prevent you from sharing your selling points. In your cover letter, make sure to emphasize your relevant accomplishments.
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Don’t make it longer than a page
Employers do not spend a long time on each application, so it’s important that your cover letter is clear and concise. It should not be longer than one page to respect the time of the employer.
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Finish on a strong note
Don’t be passive with the ending of your cover letter. Be clear with what you would like the next steps to be. Try to be creative and find different ways of saying the often-used ‘I look forward to hearing from you’.
Next time you see the option to attach a cover letter, take the time to write a personalized cover letter using these tips!
To receive professional advice on how to craft the perfect cover letter for a specific application, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with the Career Centre team through Career Launch.
I’ve been working for the government for about nine months. As a student working in the account payable department as a finance clerk, I get to see the whole process from receiving an invoice to the final step: the payment.
After working there for a while, I realize that I wanted to get to know more. However, I ended up facing a wall that most of you may have faced before in any type of position. I started wondering: “How do I go from doing my specific tasks to adding a little bit more on my plate?” Well, I can guarantee you that it was a long process, but I promise you that we can all get there.
After participating in an orientation day at work and hearing the speaker saying that most employers love when you ask them for new challenges, that just got into my head. A few weeks later, I shared with my manager my intent to learn more. And guess what? It didn’t go as bad as I thought! I ended up working on new projects, which completely changed my work routine. And I loved it! Throughout this process, here are the two things that I have learned:
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Don’t only let you supervisor evaluate you: evaluate yourself too!
The role of a supervisor is to make sure that you are doing your job the right way. But sometimes or most of the time, they can’t be following every step that you are doing in your work to be able to give you more. So, you should not completely expect them to give you more right away. You could become your own supervisor and use your critical thinking to determine whether or not you’re ready for a new challenge. Your supervisor will not see you as someone who only comes to do what he/she is asked to do but also someone who is ready to reach the next level in his/her professional development.
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Be the leader of your own professional development
You probably heard this before, but I’m going to say it again: Go big or go home. You can’t always expect to get a job or a promotion by waiting for your friends or family to help you out. You want a good grade? Study for it! You want a job in a specific company? Go network and apply for it! You want to have the opportunity to learn more in your job? Have a meeting with your boss and discuss the different possibilities! That is how you will become a leader that people look up too.
On that note, we as students know that we have potential. Let’s use that potential to reach for many goals and make them a reality. I hope these few lines have taught you something useful.
For more advice on how to best harness your potential and take the lead in your professional development, contact the Telfer Career Centre.
“I am not sure where the time went. Three years ago I was an apprehensive 1st-year student arriving to Ottawa with unease and no certainty of what was ahead. Now, I find myself an evolving and ever-curious 4th-year student, though still with some degree of uncertainty.
Going into my last year of university, there is the inevitable and daunting question from family and friends: what’s next? In my 3 years at Telfer, I have sought out the support from my network of peers, colleagues, faculty members and even people beyond my network. Over time, the what’s next plan has evolved, turning from finite titles into a series of stepping stones. So as I prepare for the year (and even years) ahead, I am grateful for the support I have gotten along the way.”
– Annesha Mendes, 4th-year Finance student, Telfer Peer Mentor
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.
New school year, new platform! The Career Centre has officially initiated its transition to its new system, Career Launch, as of September!
Career Launch is available to all Telfer undergraduate students and can be accessed through using your uOttawa e-mail address and uOzone credentials. The new platform integrates all tools previously accessible on the Telfer Career Centre website including the Calendar of Events and the Job Board !
Here are 3 major features to check out on Career Launch:
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Calendar of Events
The Calendar of Events can be accessed on the left-hand menu of Career Launch. Upcoming events and activities will also be displayed on the Dashboard screen. Under the “Toggle Filters” button, you can filter events based on what you are interested in, for example: club events, information sessions, and special activities. Now that the calendar is connected to your uOzone account, all you need to do to register to an event is to click on “Register for this event”. By clicking on a specific event, you will learn more details including time, location, and organization information (if applicable). September is one of the busiest months for the Career Centre, so take advantage of all the events we offer!
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Job Board
Under the Job Board section, you can tailor your search to your specific areas of interest (i.e. option/specialization). Once you have filtered your search, you can see information such as the job title, the organization, the division, and the city. Career Launch also allows you to create and upload different versions of your resume and cover letter tailored to each job application. Additionally, you can save a job post for in order to check the description and qualifications at a later time.
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Booking an Appointment
Whether you are looking to conduct a mock interview or to talk to our Career Counsellor, Career Launch lets you book appointments with individual Career Centre staff. Through the application, you are able to indicate your availability/preferred date and time for the appointment. Meetings with Career Centre staff can also include information sessions about specific programs offered at Telfer (Career Development Certificate, Job Shadowing Program, Profession of Management Consulting Program, etc.)
Be sure to look out for a few tutorial videos about navigating through Career Launch on the Career Centre’s social media webpages in the next few weeks to come!
Here are three little tips to help you stand out in your interview.
You aspire to work in the lucrative financial industry, but have only worked as a supermarket cashier? Scared that you will fail to answer technical questions during your interview? Keep on reading to discover three thing that you can do to stand out amongst a pool of qualified candidates.
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Learn a new skill or get a professional certification
Oftentimes, having a certification or expertise in a certain skill can help you distinguish yourself in an interview. Below are some ways to you can stand out, specific to your specialization, without needing years of education or any experience.
- If you are a Marketing student, you should look into the new Digital Marketing Certificate Telfer now offers to its students. With the advent of social media and data‑driven marketing, this course will teach you how to use social platforms to their full potential to reach your target market.
- If you are in MISA, arm yourself with the power of analytics by completing the beginner Google Analytics Certification course. It’s completely free! You can also look into learning a new programming language such as Python, C or Java.
- If you are a Finance student looking to build a career around investments, talk to the finance lab manager on DMS second floor about how you can pursue the Canadian Securities Course and the Bloomberg Market Concepts certification. Although the CSC can be quite expensive and time consuming, it serves as a good foundation for learning the materials covered in the CFA exam. Also, most firms will reimburse you for the expense after you get hired anyways so you can consider it a win-win!
- Interested in Accounting? Why not become proficient in softwares such as Quickbooks, Sage or SAP, just through YouTube? Those are used in most small businesses and government organizations. I once got passed over for an accounting job because the employers were looking for a student who knew how to use QuickBooks.
- If you are studying International Business, use your free time to learn the basics of a new language. You can also spend your mornings reading the news on global markets or listen to podcasts on your way to class. You won’t believe how impressed the recruiters will be during the interview.
These are just a few examples of what you can do to get an edge over other candidates in your specialization. Although they do require quite of bit of self‑learning and discipline, the value you will get from them is priceless.
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Read specialized books and bring them up in your interview
Reading specialized books highlights the fact that you are a dedicated learner even outside of your required classroom learning. Also, it is a great way to show recruiters that you possess the knowledge of a particular industry, without having any prior work experience in that sector.
Wait! There’s more!
Reading regularly will enrich your vocabulary, which in turn will improve your communication skills. This will give you an edge over other candidates, as you will be able to express yourself with extra confidence and sophistication during your interview.
Some classics that should be on every business student’s reading list are: The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham, Good to Great by Jim Collins, How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie, and Valuation: Measuring and Managing the Value of Companies by McKinsey & Company.
I am positive that after giving these books a read, you will be able to finesse your way through technical interview questions without any work experience.
Naturally, you don’t have to limit yourself to books. I remember tying back one of my interview answers to an episode of the TV show Suits.
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Follow-up after your interview
Have you heard of the serial position bias? Hiring managers typically interview candidates individually in sequence and then make decisions after all candidates have been considered. Studies show that the human brain is more likely to remember the first (primacy effect) and the last (recency effect) interactions and are more likely to forget those in the middle. As a result, your chances of moving on to the next stage depend not only on your merits but also on how well recruiter remembers your evaluation.
That is why a crucial part of your job hunt is to follow up with your interviewers. It could be as simple as sending them a thank you note for their time. This will help refresh their memory, and, due to the recency effect, they will subconsciously be more likely to keep your name in mind.
You will learn more about this topic in your Organizational Behaviour course in second-year.
At the end of the day, remember that employers know you are just starting out, which means that they will be much more impressed with your interpretation of “experience” and with the way you relate it to their questions. My advice to you is this: be yourself, keep it honest, and use the strategies above to make one killer of an impression! Good luck!
Let’s face it. Although most Telfer students were hoping to land a summer job in their field of study, many spent the last few months selling clothes or serving food. Sometimes, one simply has to pay the bills or to start somewhere. If you think your last summer job or current part-time job is inconsequential with regard to your professional journey think again. Here is how you can use a seemingly mundane job as a stepping stone towards your success in the business world.
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Build your resumé
Whether you work as a server at a local pub or as a sales representative in a department store, you have the opportunity to gain one of the vital elements of a strong resumé: transferable skills. Don’t focus so much on your menial duties, but on the way you perform them and on the skills you acquire while doing so:
- Retail
Accuracy and effectiveness: handling countless transactions per shift
Interpersonal skills: dealing with A LOT of customers in a courteous manner
Problem-solving skills: bringing forth solutions for customers and coworkers - Food Service
Diplomacy: accommodating the needs of customers, politely and with a smile
Multitasking ability: performing numerous, competing tasks quickly and strategically
Teamwork ability: assisting kitchen crew and other waiting staff - Call Centre
Communication skills: communicating clearly the established script or pitch
Empathy: listening actively to customers in order to understand their concerns
Poise: staying calm and collected when dealing with difficult people - Summer Camp
Creativity: offering a memorable, educational and fun experience to all participants
Leadership: leading by example as the captain of a group and building a team spirit
Work Ethic: abiding by the established code of conduct
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Get references
You may be performing tasks that have nothing to do with accounting or management, but you are nevertheless operating in a professional environment and with other professionals that could, later one day, provide you with good lip service to help you land your dream job. If you conduct yourself in a way that befits a junior accountant or an HR manager, even as you are flipping burgers or selling sneakers, your work ethic will lead you where you want to be.
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Expand your network
We often hear that more than 80% of job opportunities are found through networking. Take time to learn more about your colleagues and supervisors and their professional journey (not on how they spend their weekends ;0), and ask them to join your LinkedIn network. The key to your first business-related professional experience might just be the person working next to you.
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Take pride
Think your modest job at a department store, burger joint or daycamp isn’t all that impressive? Remember that most hiring managers had a similar job at some point, and that they truly understand the value of that experience. Perform your duties with pride and dignity knowing that you are building a foundation for something greater.
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Grow professionally
You may have been tasked with a clear set of responsibilities, but it does not mean that you shouldn’t go above and beyond your duties to improve the life of your coworkers, the satisfaction of your customers, or the effectiveness of day-to-day operations. If you want to boost your profile as a candidate for your ideal employer, don’t settle for the strict minimum: observe, think and take action.
- A task has been neglected, but clearly needs to be done? Display leadership by asking your manager if you could tackle it.
- You noticed a few things that could be improved? Assist management by suggesting strategic solutions.
- A coworker seems overwhelmed? Show initiative by offering assistance to your team.
- You deal with delicate situations or difficult customers? Strengthen your customer‑service skills by asking to debrief with management on a regular basis.
No matter how mundane they may appear, summer jobs are more than just a way to earn extra cash: they are shaping you as a professional.
If you need advice on how to present your recent summer gig like a pro on your resumé, book an appointment with a Career Centre professional.
We are already midway through summer, and this welcome break from school may have given you the opportunity to take stock of what you have achieved so far, and to reflect on what you want to accomplish next in your academic and professional journey. With that in mind, five staff members at the Student Services Centre (SSC) have graciously accepted to share with you key pieces of professional advice they wish they had received earlier in their career.
“Know when to be a sender and when to be a receiver. I have always had a go‑getter attitude and wanted to be “part of the conversation”. Whether it was to prove myself as a professional or to ensure I had a say in the matter. I often chose to speak when it would have been wiser to listen. Listening is a learned skill, and there is a tremendous value in listening to those around us and actually taking in what they are saying and learning from their experiences.”
Amanda Richardson
Manager
Telfer Career Centre
“When I was a kid, I never had a finalized game plan for when I would "grow up". I held several types of jobs: salesperson, teacher and researcher, project manager, publisher, administrator at Telfer! Two things have helped me grow in all of them: remaining 1) open; and 2) flexible. When presented with a project or task I had never tackled before, I would volunteer with enthusiasm and use that opportunity as a stepping‑stone towards the development of a new skill.”
Esther Ouellet
Interim Academic Administrator
Student Services Centre
“I hate interviews. Of course, you will tell me that we all have to go through them. That being said, when our self‑esteem is faltering, it becomes difficult to display the kind of confidence that employers are looking for. With hindsight, I would give my younger self the following advice: “Prepare.” Researching the employer, rehearsing, organizing my thoughts, those are all skills that I already have. And if there is one thing that shows your will to work hard, it is preparation.”
Karianne Lessard
Events and Special Projects Assistant
Telfer Career Centre
“Focus on you. So many of us feel compelled to compare ourselves to others on various fronts (what they studied, how quickly they finished, where they work, how much they get paid, etc.) The truth is, each and every one of us is different and possesses a unique set of interests and talents. Don’t worry about what other people are doing… simply make choices that make sense for you. Concentrate on your own journey and don’t forget to enjoy the ride.”
Marion Lajoie
Career Counsellor
Telfer Career Centre
Get to know yourself. Get to know your personality, your values, your likes and dislikes, your strengths and weaknesses. Accept and appreciate all of it. And then, pursue opportunities that allow you to put it all into practice. Pursue careers, relationships and hobbies that are in line with it all. And remember to keep evaluating as you go. In the end, you will have lived a life that is truly fulfilling.”
Stéphanie Dion
Academic Development and Student Retention Specialist
Student Services Centre
We hope that these small pearls of wisdom will enlighten your reflection as you are preparing (not to hastily, hopefully) to go back to school. Always remember: whether you need a professional opinion, a guiding hand, a friendly advice, or an invigorating pep talk, you can always rely on the staff at the Telfer Student Services Centre.
As you evolve at the Telfer School of Management and enter the business world, slowly but surely, you will have to abide by a “professional attire” dress code, either for an interview or for a networking event. As the business world and technologies have evolved considerably over the last few decades, the idea of a “professional attire” has transformed. It is worth going over and debunking some myths surrounding this concept that are making things overly restrictive and complicated.
Myth no. 1: Matching Is a Must.
Although matching pantsuits and skirt suits are still considered as staples of a professional wardrobe, they may make you feel a little bit too formal or stuffy, if not costume-ish. Fortunately, you have another fantastic option: dressy separates, i.e. a pair of slacks or a dress/skirt with a blazer of a different colour. Examples: a wine shift dress with a black blazer; navy slacks with a charcoal jacket; a charcoal pencil skirt with a cream blazer, etc.
Tip: Don’t try to wear two separates of the “same” colour together as a suit; if you do separates, make sure their colours are different enough. And yes, mixing navy and black is okay. ;0)
Myth no. 2: Black Is Always the Way to Go.
If you are on the market for a new suit (or your very first one!), and are considering black, you may want to think twice before you make such an investment. Although black is a conservative colour and conveys authority, it can actually look harsh on a lot of people. If you feel that black makes you look washed out, try another dark neutral such as charcoal or navy, or even mouse gray, olive green or steel blue if you are very fair.
Tip: Black pantsuits and skirt suits should be reserved for very specific, formal occasions (like funerals, galas and weddings).
Myth no. 3: Tailoring Is for Hems Only.
An ill-fitting suit or garment looks unprofessional, no matter how fancy or expensive they can be. And chances are that even the best-fitting blazer, jacket, skirt or slacks you can find will still not fit you 100%. The good news is that seamstresses and tailors can do so much more than just shortening hemlines: they can make a myriad of alterations to transform a garment from “OK” or “seemingly borrowed” to “WOW!”
Tip: If tailoring services are not included with your purchase, prepare to spend anywhere between $10 and $35 per piece for a perfect fit that will make you feel like a million bucks.
Myth no. 4: Professional Attire Can Make You Feel Uncomfortable and Weird… And That’s OK.
If you’re not feeling it, you won’t fool anyone. If a “professional” garment does not instantly boost your confidence, it is simply not for you. Find out what works for you: not all male bankers wear pinstripe suits, and not all female accountants wear stuffy tweed jackets with strings of pearls. Not all men are comfortable in a Prince of Wales check suit, and not all women are comfortable in high heels and a pencil skirt. Take time to become familiar with what suits you, and trust your instincts.
Remember: Professional attire is something that you own and, most importantly, wear: it should not wear you.
Myth no. 5: Personal Touches Are a Big “No No”.
Abiding by a “professional attire” dress code does not mean refraining from expressing your personality. Incorporating vintage jewelry, coloured (closed toe) pumps, patterned socks, a ruffled top or a bright necktie is entirely OK, as long as they are tasteful and that the overall ensemble says: “I’m ready. I’m smart. I’m competent.”
Tip: If your gut tells you that an outfit or garment would be inappropriate for a meeting with the Prime Minister, then it probably does not fit the “professional attire” dress code.
I hope this article will make it easier for you to choose professional attire in the future. Remember: for any event where you need to display confidence and ease, such as an interview or networking event, preparation is key. Don’t wait until the last minute to decide how you will dress: find options, ask for opinions and take full-length photos to get a better perspective.