U of A Career Centre

UofA Career Centre

2-100 Students' Union Building University of Alberta

Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2J7

Phone: 780-492-4291

Fax: 780-492-1225

Job Board: CampusBridge

 Email: yourcareercentre@ualberta.ca

LinkedIn Page: Link

Facebook: Link

Twitter: Link

Instagram: Link

Introduction: Link

The Career Centre is your source for career and employment information and expertise at the University of Alberta (UAlberta). We strive to empower the talented people at UAlberta to develop the skills, knowledge, experiences, and connections they need to confidently manage their careers. We use a planned happenstance approach as careers can be affected by unplanned events. 

Career Peer Educators (CPE): Link

The Career Peer Educator (CPE) program has been an integral part of U of A career services for more than 30 years. Each year, the Career Centre hires over 20 student staff to act as CPEs. Our CPEs typically work between 9 to 20 hours each week during the academic year, providing a broad range of career-related services to students.

 

Program & Events: Link

Our programs and events are designed to help U of A students, postdoctoral fellows, and alumni successfully manage their careers. These opportunities serve to provide support and expertise and connect talented people.

1. Career Mentoring Program: Link

The Career Mentoring Program matches students and postdoctoral fellows with mentors, who are community-based professionals with relevant experience and interests. The program allows students to get the experience practice industry-specific, transferable, and self-management skills to improve chances of landing a job,

Current U of A undergraduate students and postdoctoral fellows are eligible to apply.

Program length: 8 months (January - September)  minimum 33 hours over 8 months

Commitment fee: $75

Applications: Please note that applications will re-open in September 2020.

Current U of A Masters and PhD students, who have at least eight months before they graduate, are eligible to apply.

Program length: 6 months minimum of 13 hours

Commitment fee: $75

Applications: Please note that applications will re-open in 2020, depending on available funding.

2. Distance Mentoring Program: Link

The Distance Mentoring Program provides undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and alumni the opportunity to connect with professionals in their fields of study. The mentors who participate in this program typically reside outside of the Edmonton-area and are alumni of the University of Alberta. 

Mentors

If you are a professional and would like to become a mentor, please reach out to us at careereducation@ualberta.ca to discuss the options available.

Program Length: Flexible based on your needs. You can meet with a mentor regularly over the course of a semester, or have a one-time career information interview to answer your initial questions.

Time Commitment: All first-time participants must attend a 1-hour orientation session to prepare and learn strategies for success in the program. 

3. Grants & Funding Programs: Link

Grants can help you access learning and professional development activities throughout your education.

Green and Gold Student Leadership and Professional Development Grant: Link

The purpose of the Green and Gold Student Leadership and Professional Development Grant (Green and Gold Grant) is to help U of A students become leaders in their profession following graduation. The Green and Gold Grant funds up to 80% of the total cost of an activity, to a maximum of $1,500.

Shell Enhanced Learning Fund: Link 

The Shell Canada Enhanced Learning Fund (SELF) provides funding for the University of Alberta students to participate in experiential learning opportunities that have a focus on sustainable energy, the environment, and the economy, aligning with Shell's core values.

Undergraduate Research Initiative: Link

URI offers a variety of funding opportunities to help students put their ideas and curiosities to work.

Informal funding avenues

Some funding opportunities are not widely advertised but can be accessed through various networks.

• Talk to professors, faculty, department offices, and student associations. They may be aware of funding sources, have discretionary funds you can access, or offer advice.

• Join a professional association in your area; many offer reduced rates for students to participate in their conferences and other professional development activities.

• Ask your employer about professional development they offer and if they have funds employees can access to participate in activities that have a cost.

4. Internship and Work Experience Programs: Link

There are a variety of work experience programs available to you depending on your department and faculty. 

 

5. Job Shadow Week: Link

U of A Job Shadow Week matches students, postdoctoral fellows and alumni with community-based professionals for a 1-4 day workplace visit during Reading Week.

 

Hosts

Applications for November 2020 will open in August 2020. To express your interest as a host, contact us at careereducation@ualberta.ca.

 

Applicants

Undergraduate and graduate students (including students from Faculty of Extension), postdoctoral fellows, and alumni are all encouraged to apply.

 

If you require accommodations such as accessing the list of hosts, help reading the form, or completing the required questions, please contact us at careereducation@ualberta.ca or call 780-492-4291.

 

6. Networking and Recruitment Events: Link

 

Career Fairs: Link

Career fairs are prime opportunities for employers to meet with interested and talented students and alumni.

Register, build your profile and upload a resume. Build your network of professional contacts.

 

 

Employer Information Sessions: Link

Employer Information Sessions are an excellent way to network with employers and learn about career and employment opportunities in your areas of interest and with your employers of choice.

 

 

Employer-Specific Mixers: Link

An Employer-Specific Mixer is an opportunity for several departments from one organization to connect with interested and talented students and alumni. Hosted virtually, mixers are an excellent option for large and diverse organizations that are interested in students and alumni from a variety of disciplines. 

 

7. Speaker Series: Link

 

Listen to professionals who graduated with your degree or work in your field of interest.  Hear tips and strategies about career and work search based on the lived successes and failures of professionals.

 

8. Spousal/Partner Employment Program: Link

 

The Spousal/Partner Employment Program is available to the spouses and partners of newly hired academic staff (i.e. Faculty, APOs, FSOs, and Librarians) on continuing appointments. The program supports spouses and partners to achieve their employment goals upon relocating to Edmonton.

 

9. Summer Career Camp: Link

This program is designed for students in grades 10, 11, and 12 looking to jump-start their career. This includes students who are taking a gap year or are upgrading post Grade 12.

 

 

10. Transition to Careers: Link

A career development program designed to help you successfully navigate career transitions during and after university. The program will help you become self-directed in managing your career and support you in developing your knowledge, skills, attributes, and connections.

 

Services: Link

 

1. Advising Appointments: Link

Career Services offers four types of advising appointments: Career Advising, LinkedIn Profile Critique, Mock Interview, Resume, CV, Cover Letter, and Application Form Critiques

 

2. Career Coaching: Link

Career Services career coaching is a working alliance between you and your coach. It will help you identify and understand challenges and obstacles, recognize their impact, and develop personalized strategies in addressing them. 

 

 

3. Multiple Mini Interviews: Link

Career Services simulate the MMI environment as closely as possible and tailor the questions and scenarios based on the field.

 

4. Presentations: Link

Free Presentations for the following: Resume Basics, Cover Letter Basics, Interview Basics, LinkedIn Basics, Overview of Career Centre programs and services

 

5. Rapid Reviews: Link

Get quick and free advice from a career advisor for advising appointments, career coaching, or another program or service.

 

6. Seminars: Link

Career Services Centre offers free seminars that give you the basic information you need to prepare your work search tools, strengthen your LinkedIn profile, succeed at career fairs, and look for work.

 

 

Career Resources: Link

Career Centre offers a variety of resources both online and in our centres to assist you in successfully managing your career and navigating your work search. 

 

1. Resumes: Link

A resume is one of the most common tools used in applying for work. It gives employers a sense of who you are and what you have to offer, and is a major determining factor in securing an interview.

 

2. Cover Letter: Link

A cover letter is an opportunity to explain how your experience, education, skills, and accomplishments uniquely connect to the position you are applying for.

 

3. Interviews: Link

Prepare for your interview, it is useful to keep the purpose of the interview in mind, from both the employer's perspective, and yours. Doing so will help you prepare and answer questions well. 

 

 

4. Networking: Link

Networking is one of the most effective ways to fulfill your career goals because people in your network can support you as you explore career options, search for work, and grow in your career. Your network can also provide important social and emotional support.

 

5. Online Profiles: Link

Includes profiles and posts on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Youtube, personal websites, Tumblr, blogs, and more.

 

6. Portfolios: Link

A portfolio is a collection of documents that illustrate your achievements, skills, personal traits and so on. It is generally used in an interview setting to demonstrate your abilities and prior experiences to an interviewer.

 

7. Publications and Reports: Link

Information about Inventories, Faculty-Specific Career Resources, Surveys, Guidebooks, Resumes, Letters, Identifying skills

 

 

Employers: Links

Information for employers on how to Connect with Alberta's best and brightest through the U of A Career Centre. 

 

1. Career Fairs: Link

2. Internship and Work Experience Program: Link

3. Campus Recruitment: Link

4. Posting a Job: Link

5. Employer Resources during COVID-19: Link

 

A Community Developer - 2020 Midterm Public Summary

At the beginning of my employment this summer, my focus was on the Career and Personal Development assignments, including the DISC Four Part Relationship Series and Soul Wellness Assessment. Other assignments I have worked on include the Balance Assignment, QuickBook Questions, Workplace Inspection, and FACTSnet Career/Future Plan assignments. 

Afterwards, I was assigned to the Soul Care team, working on various projects. John Study Revised has been the project I spent most time on, describing the Gospel of John to those who have recently entered the faith. The study is divided into thirty sessions, designed to be done over the course of thirty days. It was based on Southland Church’s The Gospel of John: 31 Day Devotional, but the descriptions are guided more towards the questions listed on the Alpha Journaling for John's Gospel and Beta/Theta working doc John's Gospel. For these two documents, I was asked to edit them and label the sermon serieses from Heartland Alliance Church accordingly. For one of the sermons, I was asked to write a brief description on What Does it Mean to Believe? What Does it Mean to Not Believe? What is the Consequence? Overall, most of my work with the Soul Care team has consisted of editing or adding descriptions, and I have also assisted with the 2020 Church Reviews Combined Cut and Paste. I have been attending the general meetings and the Soul Care team meetings. 

I have been assigned to edit the Soul Care working doc, and I am hoping to finish editing the Alpha Journaling for John's Gospel, and Beta/Theta working doc John's Gospel. I will be writing my Final Report near the end of my employment, and continue attending the general and team meetings, along with the addition of the Core Leaders Meeting starting next week.

Shuo - 2020 Midterm Public Summary

 What I have Completed:

This summer I have been working in an accounting role with Collaborative Information Networks as well as working with the business team. In the accounting role, my responsibilities include payroll as well as preparation of Records of Employment in the future. In regards to the business team, I work with the team on a variety of projects, primarily research related. My work has mostly focused on researching and presenting Payroll and Taxation protocols and laws in regards to small for-profit and non-for profit businesses. I also research and present information related to International students at the University of Alberta and how the COVID-19 epidemic has impacted them. This is presented in my “International Student Services and the COVID-19 Pandemic” document, which hosts a variety of information for international students who may be arriving in Canada during the pandemic, or continuing their studies at the University of Alberta during the pandemic, and is included in the Visible Minorities and Newcomers to Canada module of the business group. The Document focuses on providing support and information about policies for travel and how online delivery will work for the fall semester. I also assisted with editing the employee handbook and the consolidated business protocols document.

In my time here, I have also attended weekly meetings with leadership, the business group, and the general organization. Completed various assignments and coursework related to career and personal development as well as COVID-19 related coursework. Had the opportunity to attend various webinars based around COVID-19 and personal finance and money management after graduation. In terms of more minor projects, I also completed a great deal of Web reviews for various business clubs at the University of Alberta and the University of Calgary. Placing them in a master document as well as in a university clubs inventory. 

What I still need to work on:

I still have a few things to complete in the COVID-19 course in order to get certification. Payroll and ROE preparation is also an ongoing task that must be completed periodically as conditions change. I shall continue attending various meetings in the future and am certain to be assigned new tasks in time. Furthermore, the Visible Minorities and Newcomers to Canada module is still a work in progress, and I have yet to Completely finish my work on the “International Student Services and the COVID-19 Pandemic” Document. 

Mend Your Finances - Mannal (UofA)

INTRODUCTION:

Mending your finances is like a fisherman mending their nets. Being in control of your finances is a necessary skill to become financially stable. In order to do so, one needs to save money on regular needed expenses such as food, housing, banking, loans, and basic technology. The aim is to guide students, young adults and newcomers on the basics of finances. Whether you are just trying to start off on the right foot or make some changes in the right direction, these tips are for you. 

FINANCIAL SUPPORT:

There are a variety of resources available to young adults, specifically students. The University of Alberta provides several guides and recommendations on how to become financially secure. Readers can start by using the provided budget spreadsheet from the UofA. This way you can organize your spending and plan ahead to maintain financial stability. Although budgeting your spending can be challenging at first, the UofA provides some useful budgeting tips such as how to track spending, how to save, and setting realistic financial goals. 

There are hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of Scholarships available to almost every student. Students who are First Nations, Metis, or Inuit have access to special Awards and Scholarships along with the Indigenous communities Scholarships. Every student depending on eligibility requirements can apply for UofA Scholarships and Bursaries. If a student is in need of emergency funding, there are supplemental resources and funding available from the UofA.

Young adults can also go to Alberta Income Support to see if they are eligible for funding or benefits. There are also bursaries available for Adult Learning and Upgrading. Newcomers to Canada can also find support and funding through Canada For Me as well as information on the basic supports accessible. 

TECHNOLOGY:

Many young adults and students require access to some form of technology to study, work, commute, perform research, or even register for classes. There are essentially three main pieces of technology almost all students will need or use; this includes access to the internet, access to a computer, and a cell phone. Internet and computers are available for free at almost all public libraries and at UofA libraries/computer labs.

Cell phone rates throughout Canada are higher compared to most other countries due to the oligopoly held by Telus, Bell, and Rogers. Therefore finding cheaper alternatives can be quite difficult especially if you do not have your own device to begin with. For international individuals, bringing your own phone from your country of residence will work within Canada given that the phone is unlocked and the sim card is changed. To see all current available plans from Rogers, Bell and all their sub-companies, you can use this phone plans filter by Costco, where you can get data plans (includes internet), simple talk and text plans, bring your own device plans, and prepaid plans. Telus plans can be found separately. In general cumulative plans start as low as $25 per month but the most common plans including unlimited call, text, and some data start at $45 per month and can go up from there. On top of this there is the additional monthly fee if you buy a cell phone through a contract which brings your bill up by at least $40 a month to a total of approximately $85 per month which is quite high for a budget. The 7/11 store has its own phone packages starting as low as $10 a month, with more inclusive bundles in the $45 a month range. If you’re looking for a bundle that includes home internet, Shaw offers some great deals in the $35 a month range with the condition you sign up for home internet as well. 

BANKING:

There are many banks that provide student plans that are exempt from monthly fees and can even earn rewards points. Below is a table containing the best student banking plans currently available. Notice that regular banking accounts have monthly or annual fees, however student accounts charge no monthly fees. Once you finish your schooling, notify your bank so that you will not be charged monthly fees on your account.

Bank	Information
ScotiaBank Student Plan	Rewards plan where expenses can be redeemed for food discounts and entertainment vouchers No monthly fees Unlimited debit and e-transfer transactions
RBC Student Plan	No monthly fees $60 sign up bonus Allowed unlimited monthly e-transfers; 25  monthly debit transactions (each extra transaction costs $1.25)
TD Student Account	No monthly fees Allowed unlimited monthly e-transfers; 25  monthly debit transactions (each extra transaction costs $1.25)
ATB Students First Account	No monthly fees Unlimited debit and e-transfer transactions
CIBC Student Account	No monthly fees $60 sign up bonus Unlimited debit and e-transfer transactions SPC savings card (food, clothing, and entertainment)

Based on 2020 bank research.

LOANS:

Many students do not have the income or savings to pay for tuition and living costs that come with starting university. The UofA offers Student Loans Workshops. Students can learn how to apply for Student Loans, as well as how much they require with respect to their financial situation. Students can apply for Alberta Student Aid and Canada Student Aid at the same time whether they are a full time or part time student. International students can also apply with the condition they have a co-signer and attend a recognized Canadian university. The CIBC provides A Guide to Student Loans for Canadian students from every province. ScotiaBank offers students a Personal Line of Credit for funding their education, school expenses, and residence given they only take out what they need. This helps in the case of a student who needs more than what they have received from their student loans and other sources. RBC also provides a Student Line of Credit, the catch being that the student must pay the interest on the loan for 2 years before principal payments get involved. Similar student line of credit programs are available from TD, BMO, CIBC, and RBC. 

HOUSING AND FOOD:

Students can find a variety of affordable housing specifically designated for students, from these companies; RentBoard, Places4Students, Rent Seeker, and Renting Spaces. Most universities offer residence services to students. Check with the university you are attending to see what they have available. For the UofA, there is a variety of housing options available to students. There are separate housing opportunities for various years of study. Upper year students have access to better housing options compared to first year students. Pricing is fixed and cheaper when you choose to live with a roommate. International students can find off campus living, provided by the International Students Centre at the UofA. Some unique apartments include the Horizon Residence, which pairs students based on their application for housing. The apartments are furnished, includes utilities, internet and is quite affordable for being in the downtown area. Students and professional adults can rent individual rooms or live with a roommate using Kijiji. 

In cases of unforeseeable or unexpected events where a student or young professional finds themselves without housing, there are resources available such as Women's Emergency Accommodation Centre, Youth Emergency Centre, and Find Shelters which is provided by the government of Alberta. 

Food can be quite expensive in Alberta. Students need to ensure they receive adequate nutrients and overall proper nutrition and calorie intake. The UofA provides a grocery guide for students to stay healthy, eat well, and save money. UofA students can purchase meal plans with their onecard which are used by a variety of vendors. Meals can be gluten free, dairy free, vegan or vegetarian. UofA also has a grocery store called SUBmart which can be slightly overpriced for certain items, but overall good for last minute needs. You can use coupons or flyers to save on groceries and essentials. Not everyone has direct access to larger grocery stores that offer discounted prices such as Costco, Walmart, Bulk Barn, No Frills, and Superstore. Individuals may want to budget in some money for transportation to the larger stores if you want to purchase bulk items. Some grocery delivery companies include instacart, SPUD, Save On Foods, Edmonton Grocer, Italian Centre, and Walmart. Some of the listed companies allow both ordering and delivering of groceries which can save time when it is needed. Although it does cost slightly more (approximately $15+ for order and delivery), if the opportunity cost is justifiable students can add the costs to their budget. Individuals can also order customizable food packages that include all the ingredients required for various meals from the following companies:  Hello Fresh, Chef's Plate, GoodFood, and SPUD. With an eligible student card, students can save at various fast food places and more. DealHack provides a list of discounts available to students. It’s best to shop bulk to earn better savings. Stores such as Walmart, Costco, Wholesale Club, Bulk Barn, and Superstore all provide customers with the ability to purchase large quantities. 

BUDGET OVERLOOK: 

Below is a table containing a predictive budget for an international and domestic student during a given school year. The table includes the basics all students will need and are based on averages. Prices may vary depending on conditions. 

	International Student	Domestic Student
Tuition	$29 500/yr	$5690/yr
Fees, Books, and Supplies	$2960	$3500/yr
Residence OR,	$7118/yr	$7118/yr
Rent, utilities (1 bed apt)	$10 400/yr	$10 400/yr
Meal Plan OR,	$5112/yr	$5112/yr
Food	$2000/yr	$2000/yr
Phone Plan	$320/yr	$320/yr
Banking	$0/yr	$0/yr
Total	$41 898 - $48 292	$18 628 - $25 022

Note that a year refers to a school year from approximately September to end of April 2020 (8 months).