Personal Advancement
Double cohort grads enter workforce, vie for jobsThe race is onNot long ago, double-cohort grads from across the province were competing for enrolment spots at post-secondary institutions. Fast forward four years and many members of that same group, eager to launch careers, are now vying for jobs. LINDA WHITE |
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 [ 2007-03-28 ] |
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But don't worry if you feel nervous about your next steps, advises Salina Abji, manager of York University's Career Centre in Toronto. "It's quite normal for students to feel anxious about their next steps following graduation. The trick is to approach potential challenges -- perceived or otherwise -- as opportunities to problem-solve, innovate and develop new skills."
This year's graduating classes should focus on job-search techniques and try not to get caught up in competing with their peers. "Instead, focus on pursuing opportunities -- and in some cases, creating new opportunities -- that build on the strengths, interests and curiosities you developed while in school," Abji says.
Be strategic in your approach to job searching. "Think about where, when and how to make the best use of your time. Building connections with future professional colleagues, also known as networking, continues to be the most effective method for today's job seeker."
York University student Ashley Elbourne will graduate this spring. The professional writing major hopes to land an editing job at a magazine. "I do recall feeling pressure to have high grades in my last year at high school," says the Toronto resident.
"Now, I feel some pressure to get an internship or to get my foot in the door somehow. I also feel pressure trying to figure out where I should go and what I should be doing."
Internships can be a valuable steppingstone, believes Kimberley Wakefield, director of Marketing & Communications at The Career Edge Organization, a national internship facilitator. "Our program is almost a further investment in your education," she says.
"It provides an opportunity to get a position that's a good first step into the business world because they get mentoring and coaching support that we expect from our host. It gives them that extra help they may need to acclimatize themselves to the workforce and apply their knowledge."
Businesses are aware of the double cohort and many are gearing up their recruitment efforts, Wakefield says. She encourages new grads to consider the type of work they're looking for.
"What areas of business and industries interest you? You can look at jobs posted online, which will give you an idea of the type of education required.
"Talk to people in that workforce about what they do and why they enjoy their jobs. The Internet is a terrific resource to research any companies you're interested in."
Don't underestimate the value of a quality resume. "It's important that your resume is as good as it can be," Wakefield says. "Having an impeccable resume free of mistakes is really critical, especially when facing a situation like a double cohort graduating. You can't afford to have anything get in your way. Spelling mistakes are a classic error. Be sure to include your interests, because those things can set you apart."
HELP FOR DOUBLE COHORT GRADS
Are you among the double-cohort grads preparing to enter the workforce? Salina Abji of York University's Career Centre recommends the following resources:
Campus career centres. Most offer programs, services and resources targeted to graduating students.
Networking. Family, friends, professors, fellow students, supervisors, co-workers, neighbours and acquaintances may offer valuable contacts.
Professional associations. Check out the Association Canada Directory of Professional Associations, available in most career centres and libraries.
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