Career Related Links
Please note that these links all connect to sites that are not on the UNB Saint John website.
Where should I start?
Getting Started
UNB’s Career Connections site is a great place to start, with many resources that can aid in your career development. The University of Waterloo has a brief overview of different stages to consider when you are making a career decision, and include various handouts and resource materials. If you are hoping to develop effective work search strategies, the Job Bank website has been designed to help you through this process. Finally, try checking out Career Cruising for relevant information on career paths and training opportunities available in Canada (speak with a counsellor for login information).
What about me?
Discovering yourself
It can be very useful to put relevant information about yourself in one place so that you can refer to it throughout your career exploration; this form-fillable document will help you to do this. There are many tests and assessments that you can complete that will help you to get an idea of the different aspects of yourself in order to focus your decisions; one of the most popular is the Jung typology test. If you create a free account at the Jobsetc website, you will be able to track the results of career-related quizzes and tests under the Career Navigator section.
What should I do?
Choosing a career path
If you are wondering what types of jobs or career paths are available to you in a specific field of study, the University of Manitoba has excellent resources which provide information on degree programs and opportunities. When you are deciding on a career path, it is also important to ensure that your goals are well-defined and clear; this website is a useful resource for examples of SMART goals. It is normal to get frustrated at various stages in the career development process; this article is a good read for when the question ‘What Should I Do with My Life?’ becomes overwhelming.
What does that mean?
Exploring careers and occupational research
When researching a potential job or career, it is important to keep track of the information you collect; use this sheet to document the research you have completed. For a list of resources based on some common job titles, you can check out the University of Manitoba’s career spotlight page. Detailed information on job prospects, pay scales, educational requirements, and links to local job opportunities can be found at ONet (US-based information) and Working in Canada. You can also find a wealth of information on jobs and careers by clicking on the career tab at Career Cruising (speak with a counsellor for login information). Finally, if you are a current student at UNB Saint John, or alumni, you are able to connect with UNB Saint John alumni in various fields; this is an invaluable way to network and get practical information about your different areas of interest!
No really, what should I do?
Finding jobs and employment
Finding employment, especially the ‘first real job’, can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. Be sure to stop by the Student Employment Centre at UNB Saint John for info regarding resumes, cover letters, and job postings. TalentEgg is a jobs posting website that offers positions specifically for college and university students and graduates, and also includes internship and summer job information. Careerjet and Jobboom offer the chance to search for jobs all across Canada, or within a specific region. If you are hoping to stay in New Brunswick, this website allows you to search within the province. Charity Village is also a great resource, especially if you are interested in working in the non-profit sector.
I don’t think I’m qualified – what should I do?
Getting further work experience and education
You may discover that some of the positions in which you are interested require a certain amount of experience beyond classroom education; two of the most common sources of gaining this experience are internships and volunteering. The Department of Canadian Heritage offers an internship program called Young Canada Works, which is tailored toward unemployed citizens and permanent residents under the age of 30 who are seeking employment. CanLearn is a site which helps you to explore the opportunities for further education in Canada, which is sometimes required in order to obtain a job. If you are considering taking some ‘time off’, either before or during your formal education, take some time to read this excellent article on the benefits of doing so.
I’m employed – now what?
Surviving life on the job
The development of skills and knowledge does not stop once you have landed your first (or even twentieth) job. You can always improve yourself, even in things as simple as tying a tie. As you begin your new employment, take some time to settle and establish yourself in the role. The JobQuality website compares and contrasts typical employment environments across the country, which can be useful for seeing how your current job stacks up in comparison to others. Finally, it is important to remember that you can always change career paths in the future; QuintCareers explains ten steps that will help you in going about this change.
This career stuff is awesome – anything else you can give me?
Other resources
For some motivation during your own decision-making process, take some time to read through some inspirational stories about other students’ experiences and adventures along the career path, at Icould and Roadtrip Nation.
