Kick start your job search
February is an exciting month as days are slowly getting longer, bringing with them a sense that spring is on the way soon. Those who love winter sports get to enjoy two weeks of world class sporting action during the Olympics.
We have our own Olympics of sorts happening on campus with all MSc and PhD theses submitted into our digital database for the world to view.
If awards were given, the gold medal for the PhD thesis with the most downloads University-wide in 2013 would go to our own Dr. Fuli Xiang. Xiang completed her PhD under Dr. Qingping Feng in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology. Her thesis was downloaded 4705 times in one year – a very impressive number.
For those of you who didn’t get the chance to view Xiang’s thesis, check it out here.
In addition to your research excellence and thesis quality, we know you are also keenly interested in honing your job search, interview and resume preparation skills.
There is no better place to do that than at our Student Success Centre.
Kim Miller and her team of career counsellors are very interested in helping you become fully armed with the skills that will make the difference in getting you the opportunity you’re looking for. Be sure to take advantage of their services and advice.
We are very interested in your success and helping you achieve your goals.
More and more of our programs are offering career workshops, panel discussions, and learning events aimed at easing your transition from graduate school to an exciting career.
Our graduate students with both MSc and PhD degrees have a very high employment rate within two years of graduating, and almost all are either continuing to advance their education or are working within a few months of graduation.
We are committed to doing whatever we can to help you. Getting a job requires special skills, networking abilities and persistence. Time is key; start as early as you can, certainly well before you submit your thesis for examination.
Also dig deep and do some self-analysis. What is the best type of job for you? What are your priorities?
The key factors for a great career include a strong prescription for life-long learning, being able to continuously grow, leaving your comfort zone, learning about emotional intelligence and its importance, and taking chances. It often takes a few leaps of faith and a few setbacks before a career really takes off.
I know each of you are destined for great things and we certainly look forward to seeing that happen to you down the road. We are committed to doing what we can to help. Take care, have a safe and productive month.
Until March,
Andrew Watson
Associate Dean, Research (Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies)
