How do the fairs work?

At each fair, every organization will have a table staffed by representatives who you will be able to speak with on a one-on-one basis.

Should I bring a resume?

Many employers will be accepting resumes at the Fair, others will not. If they are, make sure you do your research before the Fair so you know what skills, experience and qualities they are looking for; this will enable you to update your resume accordingly. We encourage you to come in for a resume critique prior to the Fair. If they are not collecting resumes at the Fair, ask how you should apply, and consider asking representatives for their business cards.

Why should I attend?

Fairs are an excellent opportunity to network with representatives from a wide range of industires about opportunities and career paths within their organizations and the type of skills, experience and education required for these positions. Students from all years and disciplines are encouraged to attend.

The Fair is also an opportunity to practice your networking skills. Speaking with representatives and alumni can help you see how your skills and experiences (academic, work and extra-curricular) fit different types of work in a range of organizations. It can also help you plan on gaining the kind of skills and experience needed to increase your marketability at graduation.

How should I prepare for the Fair?

Consider the following:

• Know which organization will be attending and find out what they do; visit their websites
• After researching organizations you are interested in, update your resume to highlight key skills and experiences you have that match their needs
• Get your resume critiqued at the Academic Advising & Career Centre
• Be prepared with questions (see below for ideas)
• Be ready to speak with representatives about your experiences and interests
• Dress appropriately, make sure your attire is neat and tidy. We recommend business casual
• Read over the "Career Fairs" tipsheet

What questions can I ask representatives at the Fair?

Sample questions include:

• What types of skills and qualities are most important for success? What education and training are needed?
• How would I find out about work opportunities available in your organization?
• Are there extra-curricular activities I can pursue that will help me prepare for this field?
• What are the areas of growth within your industry?
• What career paths are possible for recent graduates starting in your organization?
• Ask questions specific to the research you have completed on that organization. Employers are impressed with candidates who demonstrate their knowledge about the organization.
• Ask for a business card and ask how you should follow-up after the fair.

Will I get a job?

The focus of the Extern Job Shadowing Program is to help you learn more about a specific career area through your placement. Your sponsor is agreeing to help your career exploration (not provide you with employment). The program can, however, help you expand your professional network which in turn can lead to potential employment.

What types of placements are available?

Placements are available in a wide variety of career areas. We will do our best to find sponsors in areas provided to us by students. Learn about selecting your career areas.

How long are the placements?

Placements vary in length from brief informational interviews in restricted career areas to placements lasting from one to five days in length (four days maximum for the February program). Placement duration and other details are decided by the sponsor. In 2009, approximately 50% of the placements were two days or more.

Why do I need to submit a Registration Form in October if the available positions will be posted later?

We review all of the registration forms to determine which career areas are most popular with students. We target potential sponsors based on this information. Students whose career area on their registration form most closely matches their placement request are given first consideration.

Will you provide me with a list of possible placements?

Yes. Placements for the February program will be posted for program registrants on the Career Centre website from December 14 - January 10. Placements for the April program will be posted from March 1 - 14. Students who attend the program orientation will be notified once these positions are available.

How are placement decisions made?

All applications will be screeend by a committee of Career Centre staff members to ensure the best possible fit between the student and the sponsor. Placements will be made based on the following criteria (in order)

• First time participants
• Year of study (with priority given to upper year students)
• Students whose selection matches the original request on their Program Registration Form
• Students who have articulated their interest and goals most effectively as it relates to the placement details provided
• Students who have included a professional résumé.

How do I find out about my placement?

Program participants are sent an e-mail with their basic placement details. The placement package includes a commitment form (which must be returned to the Career Centre), and a schedule for the mandatory seminar Maximize your Extern Job Shadowing Program Experience. Sponsor contact details are provided at the program seminar.

Can I put this experience on my résumé? Can I use my sponsor as a reference?

This is a short-term placement with a sponsor and should not be listed as a workplace experience. Similarly, your sponsor will not be able to provide you with a reference.

Do all students get placed?

The Extern Job Shadowing Program attempts to place all students who attend the program orientation, however placements are not guaranteed.

I have a question that hasn't been addressed here. Who can I contact?

If you have more questions about the Extern program, please visit the Academic Advising & Career Centre and speak to one of the staff members. Or you can you email you questions to aacc@utsc.utoronto.ca.

What is the Work-Study Program?

The Ontario Work/Study Program is a financial need program that allows students to work part time on-campus (up to 12 hours per week) during the fall/winter session. Work-study jobs have been created by U of T faculty and staff. These jobs are academic or career-related and offer the student the opportunity to explore career options or gain experience in their field of study. Students are eligible if they have:

1. Qualified for a 2009/2010 Ontario Student Loan from OSAP as a resident of Ontario.
2. Registered in at least 60% of a full course load in each semester (minimum 1.5 courses; 40% or 1.0 for students with permanent disabilities.)

I don’t meet the normal criteria for Work-Study. Can I still apply?

You must be able to demonstrate how your financial situation has changed since you came to university; complete a Special Application available in the AA&CC in early September. It takes about 2 weeks to receive a decision from Admissions & Awards about your Special Application. You must receive approval before you can apply to work-study positions.

I am from another province and I am receiving a provincial loan from there (not Ontario). Can I apply?

You must complete a Special Application; there is a section on the application for you to indicate the type and amount of your loan. These are normally approved and processed quickly.

Where can I find the Work-Study job listings?

Work Study listings will be available on the CC On-line as of September 8th ; you must have a CC account to access them
Paper listings will also be available in a binder on the table in the AA&CC.

How do I apply for the Work-Study Program?

Apply to interested positions as indicated on the listings. When an employer wants to hire you, complete a Declaration of Hiring/Eligibility form, available on our website and in the AA&CC office as of September 8th. Submit to the AA&CC and it will be forwarded downtown. You can start working immediately – just keep track of your hours; you should receive a package from Admissions & Awards which includes your timesheets within 2 weeks

What is the duration of the Work-Study positions?

The program runs from September 8, 2009 to March 5, 2010. Students can work up to 12 hours per week to a maximum of 180 hours overall, or until March 5, 2009, whichever comes first.

What is the rate of pay for Work-Study positions?

The rate of pay is $10.25 per hour plus 4% vacation pay (approx. $10.66 per hour) for maximum earnings before deductions of $1918.80.

What is the Work-Study application deadline?

For Special applications, the deadline is October 9, 2009; for regular applications the deadline is October 30, 2009.

Where can I get my resume and cover letter critiqued?

You can have your resume and cover letter critiqued by a peer counsellor. 30-minute appointments are available on a daily basis with peer counsellors. Sign-up is available on the Intranet 24 hours prior to the appointment. Alternatively, you can book an appointment with a career counsellor to have your resume and cover letter critiqued.

I finished my courses in August and I'm looking for full-time work? / How do I register for RGES?

You can register for RGES when you have finished all your courses and have graduated. If you have not finished your courses, you should sign up for GSES. You can sign up for the RGES by visiting our office at AC 213 and filling out a registration form.

How do I register for GSES?

Starting in late August, we hold GSES Orientations on a frequent basis. If you are in your last year and would like to participate in this program, you have to attend an orientation. Please check the Intranet to see when the orientations are going to be held. If there are no orientations available, please visit us in AC 213 to register for the program.

With what type of issues can Career Counsellors assist me?

A career counsellor can help you learn more about yourself and the world of work so that you can make well-informed decisions about your career and future. Our career counsellors use a variety of assessment tools and other resources to help you gain a better understanding of your characteristics, interests, and skills. They can also assist you with researching the labour market. Finally, once you have figured out what career you'd like to pursue, our career counsellors can teach you how to look for and secure a job. To book an appointment to see a career counsellor call (416) 287-7561 or come to AC213.

How do I learn more about certain careers?

Visit the Academic Advising & Career Centre to use our informative Career Information Library as well, use a computer program called "Career Cruising" which encompasses several hundred different occupations by listing their job description, working conditions, education requirements, career path, and current salary expectations in Canadian dollars. Or, participate in the Extern program to see first hand what the job you are interested in actually entails.

How can I find out which jobs are applicable to my degree?

Your degree does not limit your options. Visit our Career Planning section of this web site, attend a "Discover your skills and career options" seminar , book a Career Counselling appointment, or use the many Career Centre resources. Click here to view on-line versions of our Degree Related Tip Sheets.