True Colours - Waterloo - University of Waterloo

WATERLOO

Inside sCo-op Fall 2011, Issue I

True Colours Dynamic Waterloo personalities shine in the workplace

Inside sCo-op

INSIDE sCO-OP: Contents > The Inside sCo-op is a bi-term student e-publication released through Co-operative Education and the Centre for Career Action at the University of Waterloo.

3

Game of Numbers: >

4

>>>

7

to the Floor: > story continued on pg. 8

7

Inside sCo-op

>>>> Employer Insights >> story continued from pg. 7

Regardless of the butterflies, students can agree on the incredible value offered by the opportunity to participate in TMMC’s particular brand of co-op presentations. “I developed my professional communication skills, both visually and verbally,” says Mushfique. Han agrees, adding, “The report-outs are a really good opportunity to see the “global” impact of the projects we’ve done during the term.”

Unwavering Co-op Support The consistently high attendance at the presentations conveys just how valued Waterloo students are at TMMC. Maureen Hossack, Recruitment Specialist, emphasizes that “Students are not just an extra set of hands. They are brought in to do significant project work, and to share that work at the report-outs.” Her words are aligned with the mandates of co-operative education, and make TMMC an appealing place to be for Waterloo students. “We will always ensure that the integrity of the co-op program is upheld,” says Maureen. Thanks to that commitment, students can expect real face time with the company President and other executive members at report-outs, if employed by TMMC. As Han says, “It’s satisfying to know the officers of such big companies care so genuinely about the co-op program.”

Raman Virk, Waterloo alumnus Specialist, Assembly Engineering Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada

What makes a student stand out in an interview with you? I look for people practicing The Toyota Way, which is respect for people and continuous improvement. This would refer to someone with very strong, well rounded interpersonal skills. Discussing your thinking process is good. There was a student that discussed their idea for an improvement after explaining the problem to me, and I thought it was a great idea -this was something that wasn’t on their résumé.

What advice do you have for junior students? Don't rely solely on emails to communicatespeak face-to-face or on the phone as much as possible. Studies have shown that body language communicates 50% of the message, speech, tone, and tempo communicates 40%, and written word does only 10%. Also, be openminded - your expectations of the workplace might be different than what you’d imagined. Could you be the next

CO-OP STUDENT OF THE YEAR?

If you... received an Outstanding evaluation for a 2011 work term maintain an average of 75% or higher contribute to co-op education Above: TMMC co-ops gather for a photo after finishing their presentations. They are joined by President Brian Krinock, Fumio Ohashi, TMMC Officer, Dan Potje, TMMC Officer, and Feridun Hamdullahpur, University of Waterloo President.

...then you can apply!

http://www.cecs.uwaterloo.ca/students/ SOTYaward.php

Visit our website to access the online listing service and student classified listings. Or contact us for more assistance at [email protected], 519-888-4567, ext. 35725.

8

One winner is selected from each faculty. For details, visit:

CAREER CORNER:

Inside sCo-op

CONTINUING CO-OP

Jenny Chan describes how the world’s largest student-run organization offers international co-op and volunteer work post-graduation Jenny Chan, Director of Marketing and Communications, AIESEC interviewed by Andrea Banerjee, Media & Publications Associate, CECS

The word “graduation” strikes fear in the hearts of many stu-

dents. The uncertainty of the future and the pressure to find work weigh on every soon-to-be grad’s mind. These were anxieties shared by recent Arts and Business graduate Jenny Chan, although you’d never believe it to see her now. As the confident and well-spoken Director of Marketing and Communications for an international organization called AIESEC, Jenny regularly attends conferences, builds relationships with employers, and acts as a Canadian ambassador. Recently she met with the mayor of Waterloo to discuss efforts to establish a co-operative employment relationship with China. A few short months ago when she graduated however, Jenny recalls, “I had no idea what I was going to do with my life. I had no real job prospects.” She decided to be pro-active and began to volunteer with AIESEC.

Above: Jenny Chan has built a network and post-grad identity for herself

AIESEC is the largest studentrun organization of its kind in the world. It’s an association of students across the globe dedicated to developing international work opportunities. For many students who involve themselves in AIESEC, it’s a great place to find a transitional job as a volunteer, or to continue the co-op experience once you’ve graduated. Students are welcome to participate for up to two years after they finish their degrees.

Tips for Grads > Attend job fairs: Get yourself

in the habit of introducing yourself as a graduate ASAP! Don’t forget to update your résumé to reflect your new status.

> Keep in touch: if graduation is ap-

proaching, get busy. Cement your relationships with profs, professionals, supervisors and colleagues. You’ll have references immediately ready for your job hunt, and have saved the time of reconnecting.

> Work your way up: Be realis-

tic. A degree is not a golden ticket to any senior position you’d like. Just like succeeding in co-op, meeting your career goals takes initiative and diligence. Don’t be afraid to take a job in your field where there’s room to grow.

> Stay on track: There are no more PD deadlines and friendly reminders to keep you moving forward productively. It’s up to you to seize opportunities to market yourself wherever possible.

Jenny works to build international relationships with students, grads, and employers. Volunteering has provided her with the opportunity to further develop her skills in marketing even though she is no longer a student. “There’s no one on top in this organization telling you what to do,” she says of AIESEC. “It’s a solid platform; if you ever fail you know you have all the support.” Her colleague Amy echoes her sentiments, saying that volunteer roles such as hers with AIESEC create “a comfortable place for us to learn more about ourselves; to learn what our potential is in a business.” If you’re feeling lost without the regular routine of co-op after you graduate, consider taking a volunteer position as a way to prepare yourself for your chosen field. It’s a great way to retain all of the skills you worked so hard to build during your undergraduate work terms, and to network for future opportunities. Best of all, know that if you’re no longer a student but still have a hunger for internship opportunities, AIESEC is a place to turn.

words of wisdom...

“My recommendation is LinkedIn.com. I

would recommend all co-ops sign up and try to add the connections that you made in your previous co-op terms and ask them to recommend you on it.” -Dhruv Patel

“Don’t allow your work term to become stag-

nant, even if you are returning to the same employer. Every work term brings with it a chance to take on new projects and responsibilities.”

-Andrew Csernyei

“No matter what task you are assigned,

complete it with pride. Remember Rome was not built in a day-the same goes for your career ”

-Raman Virk

9