Students Extol the Virtues of Student Counselling and Career Centres
Feeling confused about your future? Students face a formidable task when
it comes time to make career decisions. Faced with a profusion of
options, a bleak economic climate and tough entrance requirements, it's no
wonder that students sometimes require a helping hand.
The Student Counselling and Career Centre, along with the Career Planning and Placement Service, offers students comprehensive career planning assistance. Our staff can help you at every stage - from setting goals to finding a job.
In September, Tony Zerucha will begin pursuing a degree in recreation. Tony writes, "I was nearing the end of my Arts degree and was frustrated at my lack of direction. After researching occupations in the Career Resource Centre and a session of PC Directions on the computer, I made an appointment with a counsellor and we discussed my career needs. He suggested some tests for me to do. He helped me to realize that, in looking for a career, you should take a look at your leisure interests and try to match them with prospective occupations."
A lifelong desire to be a counsellor led Helen Markusa into the Faculty of Arts upon completion of high school. She writes, "Although I knew that I wanted to be a counsellor, I didn't know what type. A trip to the Career Resource Centre helped me to distinguish between the different types and the corresponding patterns of study. I finally decided to enter the Faculty of Education to pursue a career in education and guidance counselling."
The Career Mentor Program allows students to explore their chosen field while making valuable contacts. Debra Baschuk, a second year law student, visited a senior lawyer. She says of the experience, "Although I had been interested in law for several years, I had some misconceptions as to what a law career would really be like. My mentor shared his knowledge and experience, cleared up my misconceptions and offered some encouraging words of advice. Getting first-hand information is a valuable part of career exploration."
The Career Planning and Placement Service offers programs and services to help students develop job search skills that will give them the edge, even in tough times. Robert Brophy, a recent graduate, found the resume and cover letter assistance particularly valuable. He points out, "University doesn't teach you how to find a job. This service is vital for people who are graduating."
Carla Lambert also found a lot to be commended. "The services were very helpful, particularly because I'm starting a professional career. It was good to get professional feedback." The CPPS also assists students looking for summer and part-time work.
Whatever your career planning needs, our staff is prepared to assist you in a confidential and professional way. Don't wait until you don the cap and gown - drop by today and let us help you plan your career.
"I believe communication and cooperation are critical to success. Always be willing to talk with your faculty members and your fellow students if you need help or suggestions. Working with people rather than against them will benefit all sides. Through my career I have learned that there are many roadblocks, but by taking these as challenges rather than dead ends, I have been able to succeed and I would encourage today's students to do the same."
Arthur V. Mauro
Chancellor, U of M.
Chairman of the Board, Investors Group
"Before embarking on a specific career I would urge students to complete a General Arts or Science Degree. There is an increasing need for the generalist in business. Then choose a professional study program that the individual will enjoy rather than simply a choice based on anticipated monetary reward."
Dr. Lilly Walker
Director, U of M Student Counselling and Career Centre
"The most important insight that students can learn about finding a career
is that it is a process that continues throughout one's life. During the
university years, students who have invested in developing greater
awareness of themselves and others, in expanding their horizons and in
getting involved are much more successful in their career search. I
encourage students to volunteer, to participate in a variety of
activities, to attempt new experiences and meet new people. The more
students develop themselves the more satisfied and successful they will be."
When I first came to the University of Manitoba in 1964, the two most popular professional programs were Medicine and Law. Now, twenty-eight years later, they still attract more applications than any other areas. However, some things have changed. The entering class in Medicine is smaller, and requires three years of preliminary study, including 12 credits of Humanities and Social Sciences.
With continually growing applicant lists, the required grades have steadily increased, both areas now require national examinations, and Medicine requires an interview.
I see no signs of any easing of this situation, in fact, there is considerable political pressure to further reduce the quota for entering students in Medicine.
Students who have a strong interest in these areas should be aware of these facts, and should give serious thought to alternatives in the event they are not selected for their first choices.
Career choice is a challenge for most of us, but decision-making can be a lot more difficult if we're influenced by career myths. Here's one to watch out for:
A more realistic approach would be to tell yourself that you don't have control over all the things that can affect such long-range decisions, so do the best you can for now and learn from the outcomes of your actions. As the authors of In Pursuit of Excellence noted in describing successful businesses, the motto "Ready-Fire-Aim" is a good one to follow in decision-making. This target-shooting metaphor makes sense in career planning because it recognizes that we hardly ever hit the bull's eye on our first shot. The important thing is to make corrections in your subsequent attempts, and your accuracy will probably improve.
If you think that you could use some assistance in improving your career "aim", why not look into the career services available through the Student Counselling and Career Centre, 474 University Centre. Sign up for one of our Career Services Orientations and find out more about how we can help you with your career planning.
Career Planning and Placement Service Staff
Increases
Looking for a job this year? If so, then you'll be pleased to hear that
the Career Planning and Placement Service has increased its staff
numbers to better assist students.
The CPPS is moving ahead to address your job search needs. Last year's
Job Search Sessions have been split into three new in-depth
workshops:
The new staff will be able to offer timely individual assistance for those needing help with resume writing, cover letter and application form preparation. We can also help identify options available in your discipline and deal with other job search questions.
Our Placement Research Area containing company information, self-help job search guides, information on Canadian cities and more is available for independent research.
In addition to teaching skills needed to successfully make the transition from school to work, the CPPS advertises permanent, summer and part-time jobs. Through the on-campus recruitment program, companies from all over Canada advertise for graduating and summer students as early as September of each year. Interviews are conducted from mid-October to early December and again in the second term. Local employers advertise summer jobs starting in January and part-time jobs throughout the school year. The On-File Program is being developed to help graduating students secure employment.
All students can benefit from the programs and services of the CPPS. Don't procrastinate. Plan early and get the assistance you need to successfully enter the work force.
Greener Pastures
"I'm interested in the Environment." Recently, we have been swamped by
students interested in "green jobs". While an interest in the issues is
important, proper academic preparation is crucial. Contrary to popular
belief, there are a number of academic avenues which can provide a good
background for a job in this field. Most of them are not new, although the
applications may be new.
Here are some routes to consider:
(These do not necessarily correspond to U. of M. programs)
Agriculture - Biological Sciences - Chemistry - Computer Information Systems - Economics - Education-Teacher's Certification - Engineering - Environmental Planning - Environmental Sciences - Forestry - Geography - Geology - Horticultural Landscape/Greenskeeper provincial certification - Horticulture - Journalism - Mathematics - Medicine - Occupational/Environmental Health & Safety Degree - Outdoor Education - Pharmacology - Physics - Renewable Resources Management - Statistics - Toxicology - Urban and Regional Planning - Wildlife Conservation
Excerpted from Career Infocus (Career Information Resource Advisory Group)
How Well do You Know Your
"ologists"?
Individuals in the following occupations have specialties. Do you know
what they are? Test your knowledge by matching occupation to the subject
matter.
Occupationsepidemiologistpaleontologist seismologist dermatologist haematologist mycologist opthamologist entomologist cytotechnologist anthropologist |
Subject Mattera. skinb. disease c. insects d. fungi e. cultures f. eyes g. cells h. fossils i. blood j. earthquakes |
(Answers: b, h, j, a, i, d, f, c, g, e)