Final exams over, Robert finally had time to reflect back on his first year of university. While pleased with his academic performance, he felt uneasy about his lack of direction. What would he study in September? Would he be able to get a job if he took courses that really interested him? Would he be better off studying computer science like his parents were suggesting?
Robert's concern about his future employment situation is common. In 1998, a survey of first-year students at 19 Canadian universities was conducted. Not surprisingly, students gave job-related issues the greatest importance when asked why they wanted to go to university. Across all students at all 19 universities, first-year students indicated that they were attending university to get a good job. According to a recent Stats Can report, their decision to attend university will probably pay off. A 1997 survey of 1995 graduates of universities, community colleges and trade/vocational schools found that the higher the level of education, the easier it was to find work.
Obtaining a good education is a great start, but Robert's doubts about his own employability are probably well founded. While the markets are currently hot in some fields, there is no guarantee that the market won't change. And what about the student who prefers art history or linguistics over computer programming or law? As career guru Dr. Barbara Moses points out, while some employers extol the virtues of the liberal arts graduate, many continue to hire graduates primarily for their proven technical skills.
Students in all disciplines are well-advised to consider workplace demands. Students in tougher to employ disciplines may have to try a bit harder. What skills are in high demand? You may be surprised.
In Manitoba...
Each year, staff of the Manitoba Education and Training department scan job
postings and interview human resource personnel and industry experts to develop
a list of high demand skills. While general computer skills and a variety of
specific programming and usage skills are included on this year's list, other
skills identified include the ability to:
According to National Employers...
In an effort to provide a framework for emloyability, the Conference Board of
Canada assembled representatives of 42 major organizations including IBM Canada,
Air Canada, and Human Resources Development Canada. The goal of this group was
to identify employability skills or "generic skills, attitudes and behaviours that
employers look for in new recruits." Their list includes:
Personal management skills refer to the ability to display positive attitudes and behaviours, accept responsibility and adapt to new situations.
And in Toronto...
Data collected from job ads in three Toronto-based newspapers from October 1997
to June 1998 reinforces the same message. Some of the skills employers are seeking
include (in order of frequency):
What is the message for students? Even if you aren't interested in becoming a programmer or engineer, it makes sense to develop some basic computer skills. Also, ensure that you have a proven track record when it comes to displaying your communication skills and your ability to work as a team member. Avoid vague, unsubstantiated statements on your resume proclaiming your prowess as a communicator.
Robert eventually sought career planning help and decided to pursue his interest in writing and languages. On the advice of his counsellor, he is volunteering to get practical experience and hopes to land a related work-study position. He is now confident that his degree and his skills will eventually lead to a satisfying career.
For more information on employability skills, visit the following sites or drop by the Student Counselling and Career Centre at 474 University Centre.
There are many opportunities for students who are seeking part-time employment on campus. The location is convenient and most positions are sought out by a number of students. The secret is to search all avenues.
| The most obvious place to check is the Human Resources Department at the University of Manitoba. They have job postings for unionized positions in the various U. of M. departments and should definitely be one of your first stops. You can visit their office in Room 309 of the Administration Building, call their Positions Available line (PAL) at 474-8199 or browse their postings on the Internet. |  |
Professors are also good contacts regarding employment as many hire markers/graders/teaching assistants or receive grants to hire research assistants. They normally hire students with whom they are familiar from their classes so students are encouraged to keep in contact with them. Private stores and businesses located on campus are another source of jobs at the University of Manitoba. These hire individually and students interested in any positions should contact them directly. The University of Manitoba Students' Union (UMSU) also hires student regularly and can be contacted for possible openings. |
The bottom line? Students should contact as many people as possible about employment. Just because a university department hasn't posted an opening with the Human Resources department, it certainly doesn't mean that they are not hiring full-time students. The more people you speak with about employment opportunities, the more you increase your chances of finding work.
Students looking for work are encouraged to visit Student Employment Services at 474 University Centre to make sure their resumes are top notch and to find people who will assist with all aspects of the job search.
 Teamwork is very important |
Engineer-In-Training Civil and Transportation Division
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Why Did You Choose Engineering?
I chose engineering for a number of reasons. Firstly, I had high grades in math and
science courses in high school. I was also interested in design and was intrigued with
the dynamic nature of the profession. Every project is different than the next. I chose
to concentrate on civil engineering once I became interested in transportation engineering
and, specifically, the planning and design of roads and highways.
Please Describe Your Job Duties...
I conduct traffic impact studies to determine the impact that future developments
will have on roadway systems. For example, the result of a traffic study may include
installing traffic lights or adding a left or right turning lane. On a larger scale,
the result of a traffic study may include changing the timing of the traffic signals
along a roadway or increasing the number of lanes. After the collected data has been
analyzed, the procedures, findings, cost estimates, conclusions and recommendations
would be documented in a report. I would also create CAD drawings to show the traffic
volumes within the study area.
Talk About the Skills Required...
Although I developed many of the requisite skills in University, I am continuing to
develop more in the workplace. While university study provides a basic knowledge of
civil engineering, the workplace is where I am developing practical skills and acquiring
additional knowledge. Personal management skills (team building, communication,
time management) are always important in any engineering discipline. But, time management
skills are essential!
Documentation skills are also very important. If you need to refer or answer any questions at any time, you must be able to look back at what was done.
Describe Your Work Environment...
I work both independently and as a part of a team. Discussions
are common. Although I work mostly in an office building, some field work is required.
Right now, my work is closely supervised since all of the Engineer-in-Training's work
has to be approved by a Professional Engineer before it is used in a project.
Pros/Cons...
Just like any job, initially it can be stressful because the learning curve is very steep.
This job can also be quite stressful when deadlines are near. Fortunately, the company
appreciates the extra hours that are put in near deadlines. There is typically a feeling
of high anxiety in the workplace on the day that a project is finalized and sent out.
Generally, the good feeling that we get once the work is complete is reward for all the
stress!
Since teamwork and consultation are very important in this job, it is important to have the support of co-workers. My co-workers have been very understanding and patient.
Explain Your Approach to Job Search...
It is important to get out and really search for jobs. Opportunities are not
plentiful, but there are opportunities.
I spent time looking at posted positions in the newspapers and at Student Employment Services. I also enrolled in the CONNECT Program. This program, open to recent graduates who are actively looking for work, provides you with the job search tools needed to access the hidden job market. This information I gleaned from this program helped me find this position.
What Tips Do You Have for Those Interested in Engineering?
Engineering is an excellent field. Technology is always developing and every
project keeps you interested, as they are always different. People are also very
kind and helpful.
Some other points...
If you are graduating this year...
For more information on the CONNECT Program, contact Sandra or Angela at 474-9456
or drop by Student Employment Service, 474 University Centre.
Short on time? Don’t worry! |
Short-term Commitment, Long-term Benefit
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"This was an amazing experience!" "This could not have worked out any better!" |
Are these students talking about the Pan Am Games? How about the recent Orientation Week events on campus? Could be, but these students are talking about their experiences with the Career Mentor Program. |
The Career Mentor Program, now entering its tenth year of operation, helps students explore the world of work. The concept is simple.
Students are matched up with career mentors, many of them University of Manitoba alumni, for informational interviews. While gleaning hints and advice from the experts, students also have the chance to make contacts and hone their interview skills.
Worried that you won't know what to say to your mentor? Relax. Our program coordinators help you develop questions and introduce you to the whole process. Our mentors are volunteers-they are eager to share their knowledge with current University of Manitoba students and recent graduates.
Short on time? We recognize that you may be a little over-committed. No need to worry. Our career mentor meetings take just an hour (plus travel time). The program carries a one-time cost of $10. It might just be the best $10 you spend during your entire university career!
The Career Mentor Program is simple and effective. Are you interested? Don't delay. Drop by the Career Resource Centre at 474 University Centre. Stop thinking about your career and start working on it today!