Career Blog
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You don’t have an outfit to wear to the networking event you’re planning on attending? You’re tired of wearing the same three outfits all the time? You’re fed up with paying full price for new fashion pieces?
It’s not easy to become a business student because you basically have to buy a whole new wardrobe. Say goodbye to your favourite hoodies and sweat pants because you can’t wear them to your meetings or presentations. Outlined below are four tips to help you build your professional wardrobe while spending the bare minimum.
1) Keep It Neutral
I know it’s exciting shopping for fancy clothing; however, it’s expensive. If you have no business attire in your closet now, I suggest you buy a few essential pieces first. A simple, knee length, black dress for women or a dark suit for men is a must. It’s good to keep the colours neutral when first starting to build your wardrobe. Why buy a purple floral blazer when you can only wear it in the summer months? You should always have pieces that can be worn at any time of the year. Once you’ve purchased the essentials, you can then go buy that blazer you’ve been eyeing up for the past week.
2 ) Try Thrift Shopping
You never know what you could come across at your local second-hand store. Thrift shops like Value Village have affordable and unique clothing that you might like. Some of the pieces have only been worn a handful of times and are in great shape. In fact, you could even find designer clothing at a fraction of the original price. Not only this, but some thrift stores partner with charities (Weiss-Roessler, 2015); you could be donating to a good cause while having some fun shopping.
3) Take Advantage of Student Discounts
Do you ever buy something full price then find out that you could have gotten a 10% discount only after you purchased the item? Yeah me too; it’s disappointing. Many students don’t know that a lot of popular clothing stores offer a 10-15% discount to people who show their student identification before making the transaction. Stores like Forever 21, American Eagle, and J. Crew offer great student discounts (Keaton, 2016). When you go shopping, don’t forget to bring your student card because you don’t want to miss out on these deals.
4) Avoid Fully Priced Items
Something I like to do when shopping is checking the sale racks before looking at anything with a regular priced tag attached to it. Yes, the clothing on the sale racks might be “so last-season”, but you never know what you could find. You could come across a $5 plain black tank top to go under any blouse or a patterned tie to go with your suit for the event you have next week. So before paying full price for the beautiful jacket you saw on your way in, check the sale racks first because you just might find something similar at a better rate.
Developing a professional wardrobe can be challenging. As long as you pay attention to the discounts offered, check the sales racks first, and avoid paying the full price for items, you will get value for your money. Try not to get caught up in the latest fashion styles and remember that your main goal is to have a wardrobe that allows you to dress like the professional business student that you are.
Works Cited:
Keaton, A. (2016, August 8). 17 Clothing Stores That Give Discounts. Retrieved September 16, 2017, from https://www.scholarshippoints.com/campuslife/14-clothing-stores-that-give-student-discounts/.
Weiss-Roessler, J. (2015, August 03). 20 Amazing Benefits of Thrift Shopping You Probably Never Expected. Retrieved September 16, 2017, from http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/20-amazing-benefits-thrift-shopping-you-probably-never-expected.html
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You probably attended various networking events these past semesters within or even outside of the University while having different experiences every time you networked. Whether you easily got connected with many people or were barely able to talk to at least one person there, we all know that preparation is the key to success at networking events.
As classes have started and you have figured out your schedule, now is the perfect time to start preparing for one of the biggest networking events for 3rd and 4th year students at the Telfer School of Management.
I would like to remind you of some preparation tips that students tend to pay little attention to while preparing for Telfer Connects.
1) Update Your Resumé
It sounds straight-forward but you should make sure that your resumé is relevant for the attending employers and up-to-date for the event.
- Try to avoid putting too much information but rather focus on the experiences that the employers will value the most
- Add to your resumé experiences that you have recently gained including the summer 2017 if it is applicable
- Ask your friends to proofread your resumé to avoid any spelling and grammar mistakes
If you need any help with your resumé, the Career Centre hosts Resumé 101 clinics, or you can schedule a one-on-one consultation with an advisor that will help you to improve your resumé.
2) Prepare Your Professional Attire in Advance
On the day of the event your outfit should be ready to go. Therefore, it will be safe to iron your attire the night prior to the event and to make sure that you have all the necessary items. This will allow you to have time to get the missing components if needed and be less stressed about your outfit on the day of event.
3) Do Your Homework
You can find the list of companies attending Telfer Connects on the registration page. From the provided list, it will be more efficient to choose a few companies that you are interested in and learn more information about them. In addition, you can search the latest news regarding these companies and use them as topics to lead the conversation. This type of preparation will allow you to have smoother and more casual conversations and show your interest about the companies.
4) Refresh Your Networking Skills
Although you might have attended some workshops regarding the networking strategies, it will not hurt to refresh some knowledge about this subject matter. Here are some basic networking strategies:
Before the Event
- Dress well and be well groomed
At the Event
- Have a casual conversation instead of always trying to pitch yourself
- Bring business cards
After the Event
- Follow up with anyone whom you plan to add to your networks
I have mentioned only a few but not all the networking tips that will benefit the students at Telfer Connects. Fortunately, the Career Centre offers a workshop, named “Preparing for a Telfer Networking Event” to all Telfer students signed up for the event where a career counselor will go over other important tips and strategies to help you to succeed and stand out at the event. Make sure to register for the workshop as it is specifically designed to increase your networking opportunities at the event, and don’t forget to come and showcase your networking skills this Thursday at Telfer Connects. See you there!
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"Being a student at Telfer meant having access to all 13 clubs that are a part of Telfer. From the first day I heard about CASCO, I knew this was the club I wanted to join because the club’s main purpose is to raise money for CHEO. Being on CASCO’s Sponsorship team has given me the opportunity to work with professionals from various industries whose companies believe in the importance of corporate social responsibility. Together, we raise even more money for CHEO with each passing year. Being on the CASCO team has enriched my Telfer experience through the lasting friendships I’ve made with my teammates, and the business relationships I’ve created with industry professionals."
- Natalie
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.
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As you know (or not if you are a new student), the Career Centre has an Ambassador Program, which brings together several enthusiastic and talented students to promote Career Centre activities and services. Ambassadors work closely with Career Centre staff to improve student experience at Telfer. To this end, we have the honour of introducing the Ambassador Team for the 2017-2018 academic year!
There are 26 ambassadors to guide you through your experience with the Career Centre. You are in good hands since this year we are lucky to count on former ambassadors from previous years. These 7 returning ambassadors all have the experience and knowledge to help new ambassadors fulfill their roles. The team is already working closely and looking forward to this year’s challenges!
But, you might wonder, who are these ambassadors? Where do they come from? What are their fields of study? Actually, ambassadors are students like you and me. This means that they span across all years of study, starting from the second year — although most of them are currently in their second year — and they span across most of Telfer's specializations: The vast majority are in Finance and Accounting, but there are also ambassadors in Marketing, International Management, and Human Resources. That’s not all! Our ambassadors come from all over Canada, but also from many other countries, reflecting the diversity of the entire Telfer community. Some ambassadors are bilingual (French and English) and some even speak three languages! There are ambassadors who speak Spanish, Arabic, Cebuano, Polish, Agni, Russian...
Apart from that, ambassadors are resourceful in other ways, since they have used other services at the University and the Telfer School. Many of our ambassadors are actively involved in other activities at the School, beyond the Career Centre. Don’t be surprised to see ambassadors in Telfer clubs like CASCO, DECA, TMCGT, the Finance Society and many others! Do not hesitate to ask them questions about clubs if you have any! In addition, some ambassadors are also mentors and volunteer ambassadors for the University’s Centre for Global and Community Engagement. As you can see, our ambassadors are not just engaged in Career Centre activities, they are also a useful resource for other topics.
On that note, let’s end with some advice from our ambassadors on what they wish they had been told before they started at Telfer. The ambassadors are unanimous: participating in Career Centre activities is their top piece of advice! They also recommend getting involved in clubs, approaching professors and making connexions, visiting the finance lab and getting the related certificates; but also enrolling in Career Centre programs such as the International Career Mentorship Program, the Profession of Management Consulting Program (PMCP), the Capital Markets Mentorship Program (CMMP), etc.
Finally, it’s important to plan your career from the start! But above all make friends, socialize, and enjoy!
If you would like to know more about the team of ambassadors, you can visit the Career Centre’s website.
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As September quickly rolls in, students are busy starting the 2017/2018 academic school year. After a relaxing, fun-filled summer, you might start to feel overwhelmed trying to get back into your usual routine. Or maybe this is your first year as a University of Ottawa student and you don’t know where to start. Don’t worry, we’re all in this together!
The Telfer Career Centre offers Telfer students a wide variety services to help boost their professional skills. Some of the services offered include workshops, company information sessions, peer-to-peer mentoring, and networking events. Students can meet one on one with a Career Counsellor, a resumé Reviser, or a Relationship Manager to practice interview skills, to improve resumés and cover letters, and/or to ask questions.
Visit the Career Centre events calendar to sign up for fun and exciting events at telfer.uottawa.ca/careercal.
We are always recommending students to get involved and make your time here worthwhile. Another way to do so is to be a part of one of the Career Centre’s programs. There are mentorship and development programs such as the International Career Mentorship Program, the Telfer Capital Markets Mentorship Program (CMMP), the Profession of Management Consulting Program (PMCP), and internship and volunteer Programs including the Connexions Program, the Telfer BCom Internship Program, and the Ambassador Program. All of these programs are great resumé builders and catch the eye of employers.
If you are a student getting ready to graduate, don’t forget that it’s never too late to get involved. The Career Centre is organizing a networking event for you called Telfer Connects. It will be held on September 21st, where third- and fourth-year students will meet with employers and get the chance to hand out resumés. This is an amazing opportunity that you should definitely not pass up.
The Telfer Career Centre has many resources for new as well as mature students. The staff and Ambassador Team is here to help you succeed. We can’t wait to meet you all and hope to see you at our upcoming events. Don’t forget to follow our Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook account for exciting news and events!
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What is the purpose of going to a networking event? The most common answer is to meet new people that may be mutually beneficial for each party. However, the purpose can be as simple as to make new friends! Here are 5 useful tips that you can instantly do that may improve your networking skills!
Put on the Best Smile
Nothing can beat a genuine and sincere smile. Not only is smiling good for you, but smiling is also contagious! Smiling during networking events will make you seem like a nice and open person.
Give a Solid Handshake
No one likes to hold on to a dead fish nor likes getting their hand crushed. Therefore, being able to give a firm handshake, not too soft nor too hard, is important to give a positive first impression.
Have a Sturdy Posture
This is not only good to do during networking events, but also great to do everywhere and anywhere! Great posture translates to confidence, and people generally tend to gravitate more towards those that are confident.
Find a Common Ground
The truth is people are more likely to be attracted to those that are similar to them, such as people that came from the same city. Thus, finding a commonality right of the bat might give a kick start to your conversation.
Get their Business Cards!
Or any other form of contact information is just as good. This is a crucial step in networking because getting their contact information will allow you to stay in touch which may lead to great future opportunities!
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1) Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg
Lean In is an insightful nonfiction and business book that has been written by one of the most successful women in the world. Ms. Sandberg is the Chief Operating Officer at Facebook, after holding the position of Vice-President of Global Online Sales and Operations at Google. Ms. Sandberg has extensive knowledge about the difficulties women with ambition face in the workplace. Ms. Sandberg shares learned lessons about how to capitalize on your abilities and receive the equality you deserve.
2) Show Your Work: 10 Ways to Share Your Creativity and Get Discovered by Austin Kleon
Austin Kleon’s Show Your Work! is a wonderfully written nonfiction book about getting “findable” – technically in an artistic world, it really is a story of how to build your brand, find the right people and being continuously curious – lessons that apply to any career path.
3) Furiously Happy: A Funny Book About Horrible Things by Jenny Lawson
An autobiography with humor, Lawson’s book delves into her lifelong battle with mental illness through stories of bad decisions and the ups and downs one can experience. This is a memoir that focuses on the belief that positivity and true happiness (even if it is out of frustration and in spite of her depression) can change a person’s life.
4) Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World by Adam Grant
Grant’s ability to tell stories and recount studies about business, politics, sports, and entertainment gives compelling lessons about how to be a leader in the path that fits you and advice on defying the conventional when you know you have something to say.
5) Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as If Your Life Depended on It by Chris Voss and Tahl Raz
Voss, a retired FBI Hostage Negotiator, knows just how important negotiating is. After spending decades in this career, Voss has seen how important negotiating is in every relationship. In this book, Voss explains a series of unconventional negotiation tactics that he has put to the test many times over.
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4 Helpful Podcasts for Career Development
Podcast channels are one of the best sources of information for career development. Being convenient in access and delivered by individuals who are passionate and knowledgeable in what they are discussing, podcasts are perfect for those in need of work-related advice and inspiration to plan for their future -- no matter what situation you are in, there is always a podcast to be found!
Here is a selection of the best podcast channels for your career development. Listen to them while studying, on the bus, driving or on your spare time and get passionate about your future career success!
1) How did you get into that?
This podcast features interviews with individuals who have extremely interesting and astonishing careers. Interviews highlight, in detail, how each individual came to be where they are today, and lists their best tips and tricks for listeners to ensure their future success.
Best Episode to Start With: How to Succeed as an Etch-A-Sketch Artist
2) Career Success Radio
This podcast provides realistic advice for those facing significant obstacles in their career development and gives guidance on how to handle issues that may arise while in the workplace.
Best Episode to Start With: Social Media Etiquette
3) Career Tools
Career Tools is a weekly podcast channel focused on providing advice to individuals wanting to develop their professional skills and flourish in their dream job. Winning the award for the Best Business Podcast in 2010, this channel is perfect for students looking for tips to jump-start their career or wanting to sharpen their competitive edge in the job market.
Best Episode to Start With: How to Connect With People
4) Beyond the To Do List
This podcast provides useful tips, given by highly successful individuals, which you can use to further your professional development.
Best Episode to Start With: Priorities - how to do less while achieving more
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For some of you who are entering university for the first time, I am sure you have come to realize that it is a huge jump from high school. The transition from high school to university is challenging, so here are my tips to ensure your first year goes as smoothly as possible.
Keep up with your classes.
Prepare properly. Do class readings BEFORE class. The more preparation you do, the more you will enjoy the course and the better your grades will be. It really is that simple. It is recommended that for each hour you spend in class you should study approximately two hours. Going to class is only the beginning; the real work begins afterwards!
Get to know your professors.
Visit your professor during their office hours and talk, even when you don’t have a specific question.
These relationships will help you grow and also will help when you need a recommendation after graduation.
Take advantage of academic support provided by the University.
The Student Academic Success Service (SASS) offers mentoring for certain classes, and the Academic Writing Help Centre will help you shape your paper.
Get involved.
Being active on campus will not only help you perform better academically, but also allow you to expand your social circle. Visit the Career Centre often. Workshops, clinics, networking events, and individual appointments will help you figure out what options you have for your future.
Take care of yourself.
Studying is just one part of who you are - make sure you get enough sleep, stay active, eat well, enjoy your friends and family, go outside and relax.
