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Supporting Career

Whether it is adjusting to university life, identifying potential career options, knowing how to make the most of their degree or preparing for the next steps after graduation, we are here to help your student. It's important to remember that not passing a test, exam, or course is not necessarily a sign of failure or poor commitment to studies. It is common for university students to change Students speaking with a representative at the career faircareer plans, and all degrees can lead to gainful employment. Here are some ways that you can support your student's career:

  • Act as a resource for your student, sharing your experience and knowledge in discussions about ideas, plans or decisions relating to their career.

  • Encourage your student to take advantage of all of the career programming available to them as soon as a need is recognized.

  • Encourage your student to meet with the staff at the Career Centre as early as possible in their academic career to discuss ideas and plans for their future.

  • Encourage your student to get involved on campus and in their community. Employers often look for someone who is well-rounded and works well with others.

How we can help?

Our team of professional advisors, career development specialists and peer employment advisors are available to assist, support, guide and encourage students and alumni with:

  • Developing personal and professional networks that may be helpful with their job search and career development.

  • Exploring career possibilities and professional development skills for today's workforce.

  • Learning how to make informed career decisions for themselves.

  • Referrals to other university resources providing information regarding involvement opportunities, academic support, learning/study strategies and counselling services.

  • Understanding effective job-search strategies and successful interview techniques.

Supports and services offered by the Career Centre

  • Employment advising
    Our Employment Advisors are available during drop-in hours or scheduled one-on-one appointments to work with students on their resumé, cover letter and interviewing skills to help students succeed in their job search.
  • Career support and guidance

    Career Development Specialists

    Our Career Development Specialists are trained professionals who are ready to provide career planning guidance including social-emotional support to help students manage stress, anxiety and other challenges related to career decision making. We're dedicated to helping students learn more about themselves as they explore life and their career-related goals. We take a non-judgmental approach—our team is not here to tell your student what to do. Instead, our goal is to work collaboratively with students and provide support as they explore meaningful career pathways that will contribute to both their personal and professional success. 

    We'll also discuss any barriers to employment that may apply to your student—including disability, mental health challenges, or lack of experience—and empower them to navigate these obstacles. We work with undergraduate, masters and PhD students and with recent graduates.

    Reasons to see a Career Development Specialist

    Encourage your student to book an appointment with a Career Development Specialist if they are feeling stress and anxiety related to career next steps, or are feeling unmotivated in school. Appointments can be booked by emailing careercentre@ontariotechu.ca.

    We can help your student:

    • Build their confidence and decision-making abilities related to career planning.
    • Cope with stress and anxiety regarding next career steps.
    • Identify and align their interests and strengths with career goals.
    • Learn how to research career options.
    • Manage external pressure regarding career choices.
  • Job search help
    Job opportunities both on and off campus, online workshops and career assessment tools are accessible to students and alumni through the Student Life Portal. The Career Centre also hosts multiple career fairs on campus where employers come to campus to discuss employment opportunities with a focused group of job-ready students and graduates. Employment Advisors are available to support students in their job search and to prepare for career fairs.
  • Online resources
    Tip sheets are available online through the Student Life Portal that students can access at any time to guide them in their career planning, job search and application. The Career Centre also has video workshops accessible online, and offer virtual appointments to meet remotely with an Employment Advisor.