Tips from Red Deer College on How to Prepare for Success in the Working World

Working 9 to 5 in the classroom can be completely different from 9 to 5 as a salaried professional and the shocks and awes can be minimized with a little bit of preparation ahead of time. Want to know what employers are really looking for? Set yourself up for success and get the job you love.

Here are a few tips from Red Deer College (Alberta) to help you get there:

1.    Volunteer!  Although employers value classroom experience, they also look to see if you have related work experiences – which don’t have to be paid.  Visit your Career & Employment Services Centre on campus and see what related volunteer opportunities are available.  You can also check out your city/town website as they might feature volunteer opportunities or links to other volunteer agencies.  If you can consistently volunteer a couple hours a week for at least six months to a year, this will go a long way to impress an employer.

2.    Learn how to emphasize your transferable skills.  Employers look for those with strong transferable skills, such as outstanding communication and teamwork skills.  Employability Skills 2000+ is a document that describes the critical transferable skills employers believe are required to succeed in the workplace.  Check it out at www.conferenceboard.ca/education.  As you start off into working in your field, demonstrate that you have these skills in your resume and cover letter, and practice incorporating them in answers for an interview. 

3.    Join a Society on campus.  Societies often organize workshops or events which feature guests speaking about their current position.  Take advantage of this opportunity and be sure to ask the speakers questions about the transition from school into the workplace and what skills they feel are essential to succeed.

4.    Attend all Career Fairs.  Career Fairs are a fantastic opportunity to explore job opportunities, but more importantly, to network with employers.  Have you ever heard of the saying: “It’s all about who you know”?  Employers remember the students that have made an impression on them.  Take the time to ask them direct questions about what they’re looking for and what makes a successful employee in their organization.  Ask what they like and dislike in their current roles.  Ask for their business card or contact information so that you can follow up with them at a later time.

5.    Job Shadow.  Learn about a company by observing a professional on the job.  Ask as many questions that you can to the employees within that organization to learn more about their career field, skills required for the job, tips they can give you, etc.  Observe the company culture and the rigors of the job.

6.    Join the Alumni Association.  Your Alumni Association may offer workshops, networking opportunities and reunions where you can connect with alumni and potential employers to gain insightful employment tips.

7.    Start your Job Search Early.  Start networking with employers, checking out job search websites, working on your cover letter and resume at the beginning of your final year.  Stop by your Career & Employment Services Centre and go through a mock interview to clear some of those pre-interview jitters!

8.    Get Involved.  Do you ever wonder how to access those “hidden” opportunities?  Become an active member of the community - join an organization, association, or club and participate in events that interest you.  Network with other members – you never know who might know an employer looking for someone like you!

9.    Thrive in the Workplace.  Personal integrity is crucial in the workplace.  Be on time. Try hard to keep a deadline.  If you can’t meet it, give your supervisor a heads up ahead of time and ask for an extension.

10.    Succeed at Work.  Be willing to go above and beyond your “job description” - this is simply a written guideline.  Embrace other assignments/challenges that are presented to you.  Be willing to learn and be open to criticism – it’ll just make you better at what you do.  Most importantly, have fun at work.  You spend a good chunk of your day there so be sure to make friends and love what you do!