Jobs for grads up for grabs
As of December 2013, the
national unemployment rate is sitting
pretty at 7.2 per cent, and
London averages at 7.8.
That number may mean something to post-secondary students expecting to graduate this year.
Stats scream bleak, but Susan Coyne from Career Services here at Fanshawe is singing a different tune.
“When you think about the labour market in London, it's not that good because of the closings of things,” said Coyne. “But for the same token, IT is big, health is big.”
“I'd be happy saying we continue to post lots of employment opportunities, there's lots of jobs on our job site.”
Coyne said while some are part-time student jobs, many are full-time jobs.
In a story published by the Globe and Mail dated May 23, 2013, CIBC senior economist Benjamin Tal was quoted advising graduates to “stay in school,” because the job market is so dreary.
And while perhaps gaining extra certifications may work in your favour, Coyne maintains that having work experience and the ability to sell your skills are also factors to finding that first job.
“It [also] depends on your field,” said Coyne. “If you are coming out of an IT program, there are certain industry certifications ... if your program provides the background and knowledge which leads to a certification … by all means, you should pursue [additional certifications]. It's just extra.”
Coyne said she also thinks students need to learn how to market themselves.
“Students come up with a laundry list of fine qualities,” said Coyne. “Transferrable (soft) skills are important, but you have to have the job-specific skills ... It's not just about having [transferrable skills]. Tell [employers] how you got that ... Not what you did necessarily, but how you did it and what skill did you get?”
Coyne also pointed out that college students aren't worried about jobs the same way university students are.
“[Fanshawe students] are thinking about the [spring] break. They're thinking about getting through this term ... and some of them won't think about their job search until their last month because there's a lot going on,” she said. “It's because they have a better idea of what they're going to do because [the College is] more vocationally suited to that.”
“You have more of an idea what you can do with your skill set ... as opposed to the cloud of, ‘What can I do with my English degree?' ... Less of that happens in college.”
There are just a few things Coyne wanted students to remember while job hunting.
“Keep up your online presence ... Google yourself,” she said. “Get a LinkedIn profile, Twitter, because employers are checking out what you're tweeting, they're looking for you online. Don't leave it too long. Try not to get too discouraged. This isn't an overnight thing, it takes time.”
“Set your goals on what you want to achieve and think about what that career path is to get that job because [you] may not get that job immediately. It's better to have a job and be looking for employment than do nothing.”
Fanshawe students and alumni can start their search on the Career Services jobsite at www.fanshawec.ca/careerservices and selecting the Job Seekers tab.
That number may mean something to post-secondary students expecting to graduate this year.
Stats scream bleak, but Susan Coyne from Career Services here at Fanshawe is singing a different tune.
“When you think about the labour market in London, it's not that good because of the closings of things,” said Coyne. “But for the same token, IT is big, health is big.”
“I'd be happy saying we continue to post lots of employment opportunities, there's lots of jobs on our job site.”
Coyne said while some are part-time student jobs, many are full-time jobs.
In a story published by the Globe and Mail dated May 23, 2013, CIBC senior economist Benjamin Tal was quoted advising graduates to “stay in school,” because the job market is so dreary.
And while perhaps gaining extra certifications may work in your favour, Coyne maintains that having work experience and the ability to sell your skills are also factors to finding that first job.
“It [also] depends on your field,” said Coyne. “If you are coming out of an IT program, there are certain industry certifications ... if your program provides the background and knowledge which leads to a certification … by all means, you should pursue [additional certifications]. It's just extra.”
Coyne said she also thinks students need to learn how to market themselves.
“Students come up with a laundry list of fine qualities,” said Coyne. “Transferrable (soft) skills are important, but you have to have the job-specific skills ... It's not just about having [transferrable skills]. Tell [employers] how you got that ... Not what you did necessarily, but how you did it and what skill did you get?”
Coyne also pointed out that college students aren't worried about jobs the same way university students are.
“[Fanshawe students] are thinking about the [spring] break. They're thinking about getting through this term ... and some of them won't think about their job search until their last month because there's a lot going on,” she said. “It's because they have a better idea of what they're going to do because [the College is] more vocationally suited to that.”
“You have more of an idea what you can do with your skill set ... as opposed to the cloud of, ‘What can I do with my English degree?' ... Less of that happens in college.”
There are just a few things Coyne wanted students to remember while job hunting.
“Keep up your online presence ... Google yourself,” she said. “Get a LinkedIn profile, Twitter, because employers are checking out what you're tweeting, they're looking for you online. Don't leave it too long. Try not to get too discouraged. This isn't an overnight thing, it takes time.”
“Set your goals on what you want to achieve and think about what that career path is to get that job because [you] may not get that job immediately. It's better to have a job and be looking for employment than do nothing.”
Fanshawe students and alumni can start their search on the Career Services jobsite at www.fanshawec.ca/careerservices and selecting the Job Seekers tab.
