Gain Experience and Money This Summer!

Summer, summer, summer…don’t we all just wish it was a never-ending episode of some Orange County-based TV show where we sleep in, go to the beach, and party all night? Well, maybe not all of us. 

Summer is a great time to hang out with friends and take a well-deserved study break.  At the same time, it’s also the perfect opportunity to make (and hopefully save) some cash or to expand your future career horizons.  But where to start?
Before you can even get out there and start applying, you need a strategy to support your amazing personality.   The Career Education Department at TRU can help! Not only do they offer practical information sessions on writing the perfect resume and cover letter, but they also support students online.

Beyond their educational resources, the Student Employment Centre also provides a list of jobs for current and previous TRU students.  The database of jobs is updated daily and is open for everyone to check out.

If you’re looking to receive academic credit for your summer of work, then you might want to consider Co-operative Education, or Co-op for short.  Applications are still being accepted for the Fall 2011 semester of the Co-op program and once you have completed the course, you’ll gain access to a huge database of jobs where prospective employers post positions for current university students like you. 

Co-op is available in most degree programs, as well as some diploma programs, and every year the Co-op program at TRU matches anywhere from 200-300 students with jobs all over the world.  It’s a win-win all around as students gain experience and course credits while networking and making money, then graduate with Co-op distinction, which employers recognize and value.

Finally, remember those once-in-a-lifetime opportunities! Keep your eye open for that dream internship, as well as volunteer experiences.  You might not get paid in cash, but you’ll walk away with a resume and pocket full of skills! For example, Kamloops is the 2011 host of the Western Canada Summer Games, where the list of outstanding volunteer opportunities is never-ending. 

When summer does finally come to a sad end, keep in mind that any job, Co-op, internship or volunteer experience you do gain will help you in the long run, no matter what your final destination.

TRU is still accepting applications for fall 2011 and winter 2012…check out www.tru.ca for more information, or contact the Welcome Centre at recruitment@tru.ca.