Four steps to manage your career
ECU's Careers Advisory Service (CAS) can help you land the career you've always wanted. Whether you are a first year student or about to enter the final phase of your study programme follow these simple steps to give you the edge when you graduate.
All years
Step 1. If you haven't already, visit JobsPlus+ at careers.ecu.edu.au. Register with this service to receive regular e-mails on:
- employment opportunities
- information sessions and workshops
- employer news and updates
- career development hints
- the monthly publication Career News
First Year Students
You are responsible for your career. Start by knowing how we can help. Visit a CAS Office soon and...
Step 2. Join on-campus clubs or societies and a professional association.
Step 3. Make a habit of gaining work experience over the break periods in your field of study or employment areas that may interest you.
Step 4. Begin your ePortfolio. Keep a track of all your career documents and evidence of the skills and knowledge you have developed and are acquiring.
Second Year Students
Your career path is as broad or narrow as you make it.So...
Step 2. Research and check out different occupations and industries. Begin to really explore and tease out where your degree can take you. Ask questions and network.
Step 3. Take the time to get to know yourself. What are your skills and interests? Review jobs you may be interested in and see what skills you may need to develop as an extension to your course. Then do something about it! (Developing specific skills may, for instance, become the focus of one of your work experience placements).
Step 4. Apply for Vacation Programmes. Many employers ‘try before they buy’. Plus it is also a good way for you to see if you like a particular organisation.
Final Year Students
Employers are recruiting now for 2008 (Yes, in early 2007!) Don't put planning your career on hold...
Step 2. Apply for graduate programmes, register with on-line recruitment sites, check the newspapers and use your networks. Start looking for graduate employment in semester one.
Step 3. Attend employer visits and workshops oncampus. Sometimes you may need to travel to another campus. Do the travel - it's worth it.
Step 4. Fine-tune your job application skills including interview techniques and preparing for assessment centres. Attend CAS workshops. Ensure your ePortfolio is up-to-date with all essential information stored and easily retrievable.
Careers Advisory Service
If you haven't visited the Careers Advisory Service at careers.ecu.edu.au why not do so today? And if you have visited before why not go in and discover what you may have previously missed? Visit the Careers Advisory Service on Joondalup Campus in Building 2, Room 2.210 or call (08) 9370 6169 to make an appointment with a Career Advisor.
