Planning For Success

Landing your dream job is always a challenge, but in today’s rapidly changing economic environment, the challenges can seem even greater. Gaining work-related experience before you graduate is certainly beneficial. However, there are other important things you can do during your time as a student that will pay off when you apply for that first job after graduation.

Conestoga’s Career Advisors emphasize that career development is a lifelong process. A career plan is like a map that guides your journey and ensures you keep moving forward. Here are things you should consider:

Consider a Co-op Option
Co-op puts theory into practice and is an excellent way to gain experience while evaluating future career choices. Conestoga offers more than 50 co-op programs in a variety of academic areas. Upon graduation, co-op students are well prepared to make an immediate contribution to the workplace.

Develop a Career Action Plan
As with any type of goal setting, you need an action plan to get to your desired end result. Once you know where you are headed, narrow down and commit to the steps to get there. Write down what it will take to get to your end result, keeping in mind that this will be a process.

Start Networking
Research the related Associations for your desired profession (some even have student memberships at a reduced cost); find a mentor in the field; volunteer at an organization or where possible, job shadow an employee; conduct informational interviews. These are tips to help you get connected with professionals in your desired field of study and ease the transition to the working world.

Consider Co-curricular Activities
Co-curricular activities like Conestoga’s Connect Leadership Workshop series show your initiative to get involved and help build critical skills you can use in the work place.

Be Realistic
Your first job may not be your dream job. It may take time and several steps to achieve your goals. In addition to one-on-one Career Advising and virtual advising services, Conestoga’s Co-op and Career Services offers valuable employment preparation workshops and clinics, lunches with industry professionals and access to three large annual job fair events.