Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Where are the job postings?
  2. Can I access on-campus postings available at my school?
  3. I did a search in .... and there are no positions for .... Why is that?
  4. I have looked on My Job Board and I still cannot find a job, what next?
  5. I'm an international student.  Where do I look for work?
  6. How do I work on my résumé or CV?
  7. Where/What is the Career Centre Library?
  8. Where can I go to school for "x"?
  9. I have no idea what I want to do when I am finished school!
  10. I want to Teach Abroad for a year, where can I go?
  11. What do Career Counsellors do?
  12. How can I make an appointment with a Career Counsellor?
  13. When should I start looking job for after graduation?
  14. How do I convert my letter grade/average to a GPA (4.0)?
  15. How can the Career Centre help graduate students?

Where are the job postings?

Any postings (on and off campus) that come to the Career Centre are referred to myJobBoard. 

Can I access on-campus postings available at my school?

Yes, simply login to the myJobBoard Portal and go to the "Career Services" tab and select "Internal Job Postings".

I did a search in .... and there are no positions for .... Why is that?

Although we try to encourage employers posting at several institutions to target the different areas of study that may be used by various institutions (for example, ECE students may be included under Social Sciences OR Education), certain employers insist for a particular area of study. You may therefore look in other related field/area of study and thus broaden your search.

I have looked on myJobBoard and I still cannot find a job, what next?

  1. Advertised job market: Check out our links for other job boards.
  2. Unadvertised job market: Go through company directories and personally approach the people you want to work with/for; it helps to put together a 1-2 minute 'spiel' on who you are, what you can do, and why they should hire you!, NETWORK!
  3. There is also a section in the Career Resource Library on work search strategies.
  4. Make sure you have an excellent résumé and cover letter (CV if necessary); use the Résumés, Cover Letters and Interview section of the Career Resource Library for reference.
  5. The more people you talk to, whether it be friends and family or other employment/career centres, the more likely you are to gain employment.
  6. If you are still at a loss, ask our staff about other places that might be of help to you.

I'm an international student.  Where do I look for work?

The Career Centre has a Tip sheet describing work search strategies for international students.  For immigration questions, visit the Trent International Program office.

How do I work on my résumé or CV?

Check out the Career Centre Tip sheets on résumés and CVs.  In the Taking Action section of our website, there are step-by-step instructions on creating a résumé, with two samples. The Career Resource Library has several books on résumés that contain samples.  Once you've created your résumé, book an appointment with the Career Centre for a résumé critique.

Where/What is the Career Resource Library?

The Career Resource Library is located in Champlain College on the second floor in room 204. It is a student space that is available to all Trent students.  No appointment necessary. There are books, academic calendars, computers and always someone on hand to help you out. It is a reference library and you are welcome to visit for as long and as often as you would like.

Where can I go to school for "x"?

  1. First decide whether you would like to go to school nationally or internationally. 
    • If you decide on internationally, the International Calendars located in the Career Centre Library could be of help, or go online and search.
    • If you decide on nationally, start with the directories located in the Career Resource Library (ask someone for assistance).
  2. The Professional Programs Guide in the Career Centre can provide an excellent point for researching further education.
  3. Once you have identified specific schools, check in the Career Resource Library to see if we have the calendar or go online using one of the Career Centre computers to check for a complete calendar.
  4. On-line resources: Canadian directories: www.schoolfinder.com, www.canlearn.ca ; US directory: www.petersons.com , International: www.gradschools.com

I have no idea what I want to do when I am finished school!

  1. If you have decided on a major, you can start in the Career Options Project or the "What can I do with a Major in..." section in the library.
  2. If you do not have a major, you can start in the "Careers for..." section in the library or consider a Career Quiz.
  3. Occupational Profiles give a really good indication as to what a career will entail. The new occupational sectors, as well as Job Futures, could be very helpful in looking at career specifics and finding out what type of education is generally required.
  4. The myLearningSystem course also goes through inventories looking at interests and values. Login at on the myLearningSystem web site, and add the course to your account. 

I want to Teach Abroad for a year so where can I go?

Working in a foreign country is an excellent way to develop not only professional, but personal skills. Opportunities exist in various countries in a wide range of disciplines.
We have a section of our library dedicated to Teaching Abroad. In this section there is a binder containing a few useful web sites as well as any opportunities that we receive, organized by country. 

What do Career Counsellors do?

Career Counsellors can help individual students regarding career issues and/or concerns.

How can I make an appointment with one? 

Registered students at Trent University are able to call ext. 6012 to book an appointment. 
For further information contact us at careers@trentu.ca.

When should I start looking job for after graduation?

It is best to start looking for employment as soon as possible. It is often recommended that students who are graduating begin looking for full-time employment in September of their graduating year. A great deal of recruitment begins in September/October.

Job postings for full time, summer and part time employment are continuous throughout the school year. Recruiting and information sessions hosted by various employers are also ongoing.

How do I convert my letter grade/average to a GPA (4.0)?

First off make sure that you have your most recent grades. These can be found either on myTrent or by calling the Registrar's Office and requesting your transcript. The next step is to refer to the approximate grade scale found in the Career Centre's Student Resource Binder. Remember this is only approximate. The conversion scale is different from school to school but this one will give you a good idea as to where you stand.

How can the Career Centre help graduate students?

All Career Centre services are available for graduate students. 

Visit us for a CV/Résumé critique, a career counselling appointment, or check out our Tip sheets specifically geared towards graduate students.