Trent University :: Career Centre

Faculty/Staff Newsletter

2008-2009 Edition

Welcome to the annual edition of our Career Centre e-Newsletter for Trent Faculty and Staff. We look forward to another year of working closely with all of you.

There are many ways we can work together:

We are available for in-class presentations on career and employment topics
We look forward to your student referrals to the Centre
We love to receive any recruiter referrals and job postings so we can advertise these opportunities to all students
We can support you in the use of workopolisCampus

Highlights from the past year...

What can I do with my Sociology Degree - The Sociology Department invited the Career Centre to their Sociology Day. In the comfortable and informal setting of Alumni House, students got some insights into one of their pressing questions: "What Can I Do with My Sociology Degree?"

Greening our Career Events - Hosting a number of career fairs each year, the Career Centre was sure their department could work on reducing the environmental impact of these events. The paper used for advertising was reduced, the information 'package' given to exhibitors was reduced to one sheet of paper, participants were asked to bring a travel mug, forego the use of electricity in their displays and reduce paper brochures in favour of using electronic means. Ensuring that sufficient recycling was in place and adding a composting service to their event helped reduce waste even further.

Trent Students in the Community - This was a collaborative event with the the Trent Central Student Association, Trent Impact/Leadership program and the Career Centre, which showcased volunteer opportunities in the community.

Virtual Career Fair - Nursing - In collaboration with the Trent/Fleming School of Nursing we adopted the idea of a "Virtual Career Fair" (VCF). On the Trent/Fleming School of Nursing intranet, employer profiles and contact information were listed for recruiters recruiting Trent graduates. Our first year pilot project garnered interested from fifteen recruiters.

Trent Centre for Community-Based Education (TCCBE) Workshop - Entitled: Showcasing Your Community-Based Experience: Resumes, Interviews and Other Opportunities, this workshop was at the event: “Knowledge in Action: A Forum about Research in our Local Community”, an event for TCCBE student researchers, community hosts and academic supervisors. The workshop was attended by students and community members.

We need your help!

Request to Faculty/Staff from the Employer Services Advisor

As coordinator of Career Centre Events, I am charged with the task of enticing premier employers to attend our Career Fair on Wednesday, November 5, 2008. In the next few months, if you are in the position to recommend a company or organization which you feel may be a good fit with the opportunities our students are seeking, please give them my contact information and I will follow-up with an invitation.

For more information about this year's events.

Yours truly, Christine Walsh

Outcomes and Evaluation

In August, the Career Centre began to focus on developing an evaluation model. An intern was hired to create, write and implement this model. At this point, outcomes (learning, personal attribute, impact) and outcomes-based evaluations have been developed for all existing services (events, counselling, critiques, workshops, Career Ambassadors and resources). Using an on-line survey tool our new outcomes-based evaluations were piloted. We presented our process of developing and writing an evaluation based on outcomes at Cannexus 2008 in Montreal. Visit the University Career Centre Metrics Working Group for further information or contact the Career Centre.

Employers/Recruiters in the Classroom

Over the past year we have become aware of a growing trend of employers/recruiters approaching faculty regarding 'in-class pitches'. An 'in-class pitch is when the employer/recruiter wants to briefly speak about their opportunities at the beginning of the class. The Career Centre does not endorse 'in-class' pitches and reminds employers of this. Visit our web site for more information regarding our Employer Recruitment Policy and the services we provide employers in general.

Who’s Who at the Career Centre

(left to right) Mary, Christine, Kristi, Charmaine

Charmaine Rodrick – Career Resource Advisor

Charmaine works with students and alumni, providing services such as résumé critiques, workshops, and directing them to print and online resources. Charmaine’s career and education background is in science and in career services.

Mary Goldsmith – Career Counsellor

Mary recently joined the Career Centre team. Her previous experience is in community employment counselling. She comes from an education background.

Christine Walsh – Employer Services Advisor

Christine has studied and worked at Trent since 1991. Christine is enthusiastic about introducing employers to the benefits of recruiting Trent students. She assists recruiters with job postings, arranging campus visits, and creatively marketing opportunities to students.

Kristi Kerford – Director, Academic Skills and Career Centres

Kristi has been with Trent for over 6 years. Her main role is coordinating the activities of the Academic Skills and Career Centres and providing career counselling for students and alumni.