Career Blog
"The most important lesson that I’ve learned in life is to listen to yourself and not be influenced by other people. You are the only one capable of changing and creating your destiny. If you ever come across a difficult situation, never give up.
A revered Persian poet once said, ‘This too shall pass,’ which is applicable not only to the good moments but also the bad ones. We need to value the moments that we have, live in the present, let go of the past and think of the future as a discovery. The difficult situations that we face will eventually pass, the cycle of life will continue, and everything will fall back into place. This is a quote that I love immensely because it shows our own humanity in a very fast-paced world. Always listen to yourself, love yourself and never let anything put you down."
- Aryana
Relationship Manager at the 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.
The interview question we all dread: Tell me about yourself? Job interviews are often nerve-wracking, especially as a CO-OP student hoping to stand out. During this round of CO-OP interviews, I decided to ask employers what made students memorable, and the underlying theme was personality.
One employer stated, “grades are necessary to establish competence, but we are looking for a connection. That sometimes means focusing not only on grades, but also on extracurricular and character-building activities.” Easier said than done, right? In addition, I have often found myself trying to show that I am the perfect candidate for the job and forgetting that it is also the other way around; interviews are an opportunity to find out if I want to work for them.
Below, I have compiled a list of tips to help you loosen up to be yourself.
Listen to the question and answer without a rehearsed script.
Let’s start off with how we answer questions. According to several employers, students often miss answering the question because they are too focused on reciting a script they memorized. Instead, listen attentively to exactly what the interviewer is asking (jot it down if you can). Take a moment to formulate a concrete answer with a relevant example. It is suggested to have a list of various professional stories in your pocket. Doing so will provide you with flexibility to answer questions candidly.
Throw in relevant personal anecdotes when you can.
Gathering your thoughts to prepare a response may trigger a related memory. For instance, you may recall how during your trip to France you only spoke French. Feel free to toss it into your conversation. Not only will it highlight your bilingualism, but it may spark a conversation which reveals your interests. However, don’t forget to return to your interview if you and your employer ramble on about France. Use your time wisely to build a memorable connection with the employer.
Research the company.
To demonstrate your passion for the job, research the company. Subtly demonstrate how your values match the company’s and how you can add to their vision or goals. Of course, if it doesn’t come up naturally don’t force it! However, if the employer mentions a company initiative that you have read about online, jump in with: “Oh, when I was researching your departmental plans, I read a little on that project. Would you be able to tell me more?” Small additions to the conversation show the employer that you are interested. It ultimately demonstrates your desire to be a part of the team!
Remember, interviewers are just people. Who are trying to find a candidate whose personality and ability will add to the team. Toss the idea of trying to be what they are looking for, and instead be genuine. Either way, your true personality will surface; better that happen during the interview and not the first day on the job.
Happy job hunting!
“Hey Humans of Telfer, Your Future is Promising!
Having already visited more than 40 countries before 40, I often get asked this question by students: How did you achieve such an international background? The answer is that I’ve always believed, profoundly, in my potential to succeed globally, regardless of the challenges I was facing or the countries I was living in. There are always opportunities right at your door, you only need to step out and grab them.
As a student, I was very disciplined (I almost never missed a single class across my Bachelor, Master and PhD) and fully enjoyed the courses I was taking. Having studied in multiple countries and continents, I developed a passion for international business and global management that I now share with Telfer students. The secret to achieving your goal is to constantly think about it and to always act upon it by making sure that every single step you take gets you a bit closer to it. Consistency, tenacity and focus are the key ingredients to achieving any target you set. You can do it! Best wishes toward your prime goal, dear Humans of Telfer.”
- Abdoulkadre Ado
Professor of International Business
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 the past four years, I had been set on working in Accounting for the Federal Government. It was what I had decided on as soon as I finished my summer internship with CRA back in August 2016. My following internship with DFO from May to December 2018, had validated that belief as well. I really enjoyed the work environments, the learning opportunities, and the people that I had been lucky enough to encounter on my teams.
In February 2018, push finally came to shove. My accounting courses became more demanding; my workload increased; I helped start Telfer’s very first women’s network, WMN, in addition to my role as a Telfer Career Centre Ambassador and Sponsorship director on CASCO. I started to feel overwhelmed and was having difficulty managing everything that was on my plate. (Looking back, it was a pivotal moment in my life as I had learned my professional limits and how much is too much for me.)
Simultaneously, other events were happening - both positive and negative - and they began to have an impact on my career path, although I didn’t realize this until after the fact. Taking Matt Archibald’s Seminar on Personal and Leadership Development (ADM 4396) gave me the opportunity to discover my passion and network with well-known leaders in the Ottawa community; attending different Career Centre workshops such as “Who Am I: Self-assessment and Career Testing” helped me evaluate my strengths, interests, and passions; I was becoming aligned with the right people who would connect me to others; work pressures started to mount; the pressure of keeping my commitments and my grades up while maintaining a social life, was taking a toll on me. It got to a point where something just clicked, and I asked myself – am I happy in accounting?
This was my breakthrough. Switching out of accounting was something I had been deliberating on since taking Intermediate Accounting 1 - the class which typically acts as a wake-up call for many accounting students. But after the build up I had encountered over those last few weeks, I finally had mustered up the courage to admit to myself that maybe, accounting isn’t the right fit for me. I had a very hard time accepting this fact, and once I did accept the feelings of dissonance that had been bubbling under the surface, I relied heavily on my support network. Many of my peers, upon hearing of my decision to switch, would ask “Well, what are you going to do now?” My answer was the same for about 2 months – I’m not sure, but I know I will figure it out. And I did!
I now work at a technology startup named Oproma as an Inside Sales Representative. The company focuses on creating value out of people’s unstructured data. I never thought of sales as a profession - I believed the ‘car salesman’ stereotype was true for any sales role. However, I have come to learn that professional sales is about building relationships, and solving problems. My passions, strengths, interests and talents are finally aligned; no longer am I trying to force a career path that isn’t right for me! I have a natural ability to connect with people, and networking is one of my favourite hobbies. My people skills are excellent, and I’m happy that I’ve finally found a profession where I can use these skills daily. I have surrounded myself with very driven colleagues who act as mentors to me, and I take in as much knowledge as I can from them. The fulfillment I feel about my life right now is unparalleled to anything I have ever felt before. I feel as though I am not only satisfying my soul and its calling, but also helping others grow both professionally and personally– which is my ultimate passion.
Main point: Make sure you’re being honest with yourself, about the path you’ve set for yourself. People say to follow your passion and then you’ll never work a day in your life - but the fact is, many people have difficulty finding that passion to begin with. Three resources that I recommend for developing more self-awareness are the Career Centre’s Who Am I: Self-assessment and Career Testing and Jump Start Your Job Search workshops, as well as the Seminar on Personal and Leadership Development (ADM 4396).
“My Telfer experience has been so much more than just going to classes and it’s really hard to pick one happiest moment. What I can say though is the moments that bring me the most joy are with the different clubs I’ve been involved in. There’s something really rewarding about pouring all your energy into an event or initiative and then seeing it be successful. Whether it be on Telfer International, or with Enactus I have a lot of wonderful memories.”
- Rachel
Third Year Human Resource Student
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.
The beginning of every school year is filled with a variety of workshops offered by the Career Centre, and occasionally facilitated by employers. I am always delighted to see a large volume of students who attend these important presentations. With so many options to choose from you might be wondering, which ones to attend and how you can get the most out of them. Here are my top 4 tips:
Be Selective
Ideally you want to choose workshops that tailor to your program. But maybe take it a step farther with this approach. Think about whether you have an ideal company that you wish to work so that while you attend all those workshops you could perhaps focus your efforts in building rapport with the guest professionals on the spot and then potentially throughout your program.
Build Rapport
Many of you are smart to connect with the guest speaker at the end of the workshop. Very few of you, I believe, would choose to do it prior to the start of the session because of the awkwardness from the staring eye crowds. First of all, the best time to beat the crowd is to connect with the individual upon his/her arrival because the room is usually less crowded. Keep the initial conversation short and express appreciation. This goes a long way and guest speakers will remember you more.
(Note: Should the presenter be busy setting up and it doesn’t look like an ideal time, wait until the end or offer to help, if possible.)
Network with Those Sitting Around You
Students usually place their central focus on the guest speakers and often neglect the importance of connecting with students sitting around them. If you have the opportunity, introduce yourself because you never know how a connection made in the present will help you in the future.
Pay Attention
Yes, paying attention = putting away your phone. What can seem like a harmless gesture (checking your phone during their presentation) can make a bad first impression on employers. Pay attention to what the guest speakers say. Sometimes they may provide hints for opportunities, or give tricks on how to land a job in their company.
The Career Centre works hard to provide students with tools for success. Make good use of them!
“I am so happy to be a part of such a great business school like Telfer. At times I do find it difficult to manage the workload and allocate my time correctly to do well in all my courses. Even though it can become quite discouraging, there is always an outlet, resource, colleague or staff member ready with the perfect advice and tips! That’s what I love about Telfer, it is a wonderful community.”
- Alexandria
Accounting Student
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.
Last Thursday, I had the chance to attend Telfer Connects, an annual networking event organized by the Career Centre for third- and fourth-year students. This year, there were more than 30 companies and around 300 students in attendance.
As a fourth-year student attending this event for the second time, here are my takeaways:
1) Come Prepared
Networking events can sometimes be overwhelming, especially the first couple of ones you attend. Make sure to know which companies will be present and make a list of the ones you are interested in. Also, take the time to briefly research those companies to make it easier to talk to the employers from that company.
2) Talk to Everyone
If you are walking around and you see an employer that is not busy with another student, talk to them. Even if they are not from a company you are interested in, there is always something to gain from others.
3) Do not Just Network
The Career Centre offers multiple other services during Telfer Connects, take advantage of them. You can chat with a career counsellor, have your resumé looked over by an advisor and lastly you can get a professional headshot taken for your LinkedIn.
Telfer Connects was a fantastic event. The employers were friendly and the Telfer students came prepared which allowed for positive discussions. I look forward to Telfer Networks in January, open to all undergraduate Telfer students!
“I credit where I am right now, and the path that I’m on, to the Ambassador Program and the Career Centre. The program was where I discovered the number of resources Telfer offers us as students. There’s a lot more to school than just grades, and I don’t think many students understand that! Through the workshops and other activities that Telfer offers, I realized - maybe accounting isn’t for me. Even after switching programs, I decided to continue being an ambassador, because I’m passionate about sharing this information. What good is it if you keep it to yourself, right?”
-Kasia
Former Head Ambassador
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.
There is more to University of Ottawa CO-OP than just gaining work experience for your CV. From my personal experience, after completing 4 work terms, here are some reasons why I’d recommend CO-OP to all my peers:
1) Confidence
Working in a professional setting before graduation, not only helps you to gain important transferable skills, but also to gain confidence in those abilities and skills. As a CO-OP student, you are in a unique position to be able to learn many different things without all of the pressures of a full-time permanent employee.
2) Interview Skills
Very often when applying to CO-OP jobs you will receive multiple interviews. You will get used to answering routine questions, receive feedback and perfect your first impression skills. From my personal experience, I learned to ask better questions of the employers to figure out if it’s a good fit for me, not only the employer.
3) Learning about companies
As a by-product of doing many interviews, you get the opportunity to ask questions and learn a lot about what companies do, their culture and whether or not it would be a good fit for a CO-OP position or full-time. Then you will be able to develop some interest in some companies and find opportunities to network and learn more throughout your university experience!
Lindsay Armstrong
4th Year |