The Conestoga team dedicated to helping students find employment is already looking ahead to the fall and the next wave of student recruitment for part-time work.
Conestoga students looking for work can access a host of job-search resources and support.
An early start is key when local employers begin looking to fill part-time and seasonal positions a season or more ahead. Summer recruitment starts as early as January for some employers, and by the end of September they will be looking at hiring for seasonal positions in retail, hospitality and customer service.
Conestoga’s Talent Hub offers myriad resources for students seeking employment year-round.
“We provide the tools and the support for students so they can understand how to put their best foot forward,” said Melissa McNown-Smith, manager in Career Services.
“We try to offer a range because different students are going to need different things.”
Students are encouraged to take advantage of all the available resources for a successful job search - from a Conestoga-specific job board to state-of-the-art online platforms that offer guidance on crafting good resumes and looking for work based on a student’s strengths.
MyCareer posts jobs targeted to specific programs shared by local employers as well as on-campus and work-study opportunities.
Conestoga students have access to two digital platforms: VMock offers instant feedback on a resume and elevator pitch, as well as a venue to practice interview skills, while Devant includes career assessments, help building a LinkedIn profile and network and insights into the Canadian job market.
Students can join workshops or meet one-on-one with a career adviser for those with more complex job-search challenges.
“It really is a tiered model,” said Alice Michaud, associate director in Talent Development & Career Services.
Often the starting point is explaining the basics, such as what is a typical part-time job, what industries are hiring, and the benefits of a part-time job even in a field different than their program. Students learn how to hone their resume for the greatest impact, how to prepare for an interview, and job-searching etiquette. They’re also reminded that their studies need to remain top priority.
“There’s a lot of the coaching and guidance,” Michaud said.
Students are encouraged to think about their skills and experience to narrow the search to jobs that are a good fit. After all, McNown-Smith said, Career Services are the job search experts while “the student is the expert in themselves.”
The team are cheerleaders and offer reassurances that finding a job normally takes time.
“We’re trying to help them connect all these pieces. It is a process,” McNown-Smith said.
Conestoga's Talent Hub is a one-stop virtual and in-person service and support hub for career and employment advising, co-op, and work-integrated learning. The Talent Hub assists students, alumni and community job seekers at all stages of their career and employment journey.
For industry and community employers, the Talent Hub offers various services including mentorship, co-op experiences, job fairs, recruitment and more.