With the holidays right around the corner, there are numerous opportunities for students and Alumni to re-connect with friends and family. This is a great time for personal reflection, creating memories with loved ones, and enjoying holiday-themed events. Additionally, for students and Alumni, they can make the most of their holiday break by embracing opportunities to network with industry professionals, and working towards a productive year ahead.
Unsure of where to start? Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Spend some Time Updating your LinkedIn Profile:
- Has it been a while since you updated your LinkedIn Profile? Did you forget that you even had an account on the platform? If so, taking a day or two out of your holiday schedule to edit your profile can serve you well moving into the new year, placing yourself ahead of the game to attract employers. Take a look at this article 10 Ways to Make Your LinkedIn Profile Stand Out (2021 Guide) for tips on sprucing up your profile.
- Recruiters and hiring staff utilize LinkedIn pretty heavily in terms of rounding up prospective candidates to conduct interviews with. Having a polished profile can set you up for success as this not only indicates to employers that you are highly employable but, it also shows a level of pro-activeness because, you took the time to ensure that your profile is up-to-date with all of the necessary information they want to see.
Network with Family & Friends:
- Are you nearing the end of your program, in search of a placement host, co-op or a job? Or looking at moving to a new role? Over the course of family events and friend hangouts during the Holiday, definitely inquire from your social circles about prospective job opportunities. Prepare a resume and cover letter and have this ready in the event that they are able to connect you with someone who can help you land a placement, co-op, or a job. Every connection counts – you never know where a simple conversation could take you!
Prepare & Practice your Professional Introduction:
- Knowing how to deliver a well rehearsed Elevator pitch is a crucial component in introducing yourself to professional connections, as it provides potential networks with a clear understanding of who you are as a candidate. It also highlights areas of specialization and the value you might bring to the company. 30 seconds may seem like a short amount of time, but they are surely impactful! Read this article titled How to Give an Elevator Pitch to help you prepare.
Apply to Job Postings on Career Ready!
There are over 400 jobs posted on Career Ready. These jobs have been posted by employers across Canada who have specifically targeted Mohawk College as the place they want to hire students and graduates from. Take advantage of the opportunities available on this platform and take some time over the holidays tailoring your resume and apply to your dream job!
Here are some instructions for job searching on Career Ready:
- Go to CareerReady Portal
- Login with your student single sign-on credentials. If you're having difficulty logging in - email: success [at] mohawkcollege.ca (success[at]mohawkcollege[dot]ca) for support.
- Select the Careers tab on the left side panel
- Select Job Postings
- Select the black circle on the bottom right corner of the page and then click on search job postings.
- You will have an option of filtering your search by job title, location, full-time, part-time etc., or just simply search all.
We’re Here to Support You!
If you are a current Mohawk student, a recent graduate, or an Alumni, you may find it beneficial to schedule an appointment with a Career Coach/Advisor. The Student and Graduate Employment Team is here to help with all of your Career Development needs. We provide support in the following areas:
- Resumes
- Cover Letters
- E-Portfolios
- Interviews
- Networking
- Job Search
- Consultation
- Career Exploration
Book an appointment to meet with a Career Coach or Advisor in the New Year:
- Go to CareerReady Portal
- Login with your student single sign-on credentials.
- Select the black circle at the bottom right corner of the page and follow the prompts for booking an appointment.
- For any questions regarding booking an appointment, email success [at] mohawkcollege.ca (success[at]mohawkcollege[dot]ca)
Kharishma Chand is a Career Coach on the Student and Graduate Employment Team at Mohawk College. In addition to aiding students in achieving their employment related goals, in her spare time, she enjoys reading, cooking and trying new foods, hiking and exploring the city of Toronto.
