In this section

Upcoming Graduates


Graduating from university can be an exciting but overwhelming experience. Some students decide to pursue additional studies and others plan to immediately enter the workforce. Either way, your time at STU has equipped you with everything you need to be successful upon graduation. 
 
Below are some strategies to consider as you start to plan for your time after university. If you are unsure of what direction to take and would like to discuss how to create an effective career plan, please make an appointment with our Career Development Advisor. 
 
What do employers look for in a candidate?

  • Education
  • Professional experience
  • Experiential learning
  • Extracurricular involvement
  • Volunteering
  • Relevant transferrable skills

At STU, you’ve had the opportunity to gain a lot of these things already, and when you leave university, you will continue to build upon these, but having a well-rounded resume is just part of the job search process. Follow the steps below to make the most of your job search experience.

Job Search Strategies

1. Searching for a job can be a full-time job! You should dedicate time each day to your job search. Places to look for jobs include:

      • Online job banks
      • Company websites/social media
      • Friends, family, faculty
      • Where you volunteer
      • Within clubs or societies
      • Bulletin boards/newspapers 

2. Make a plan. Think about where you want to go and how you’re going to get there. What do you value? What do you like and dislike doing each day? What will it take for you to be able to secure a position in that sector?

3. Stay organized. Keep documentation of where you’ve applied, employer contact information, any leads you may have, names of companies you are interested in etc.

4. Do research. What companies in your area relate to the industry you are interested in? Learn about these companies, reach out to someone who works there for an informational interview, find out if they are hiring. Which employers seem to align with your values and interests? 

5. Have great application documents. Take time to tailor your resume, cover letter, or applications to each specific job you apply for. Hiring committees will notice if you personalized your application and seem genuinely interested in the role.

6. Digital networking. Update your LinkedIn profile and start building professional relationships.

Networking: Building Professional Relationships

Have you heard about the “Hidden Job Market”? This is a term used to describe jobs that have not been advertised. If you aren’t networking, you could be missing out on many important opportunities.  
 
1. Talk to people about careers regularly. Ask questions and inquire about job leads. Learn about what other people do for work. 
 
2. Create an Elevator Pitch.

  • This is a 30 second introduction where you express who you are, what you’ve done, and the benefits your skills and experiences can provide.  
  • Explain where you’ve been, where you are now, and where you want to go.
  • Consider your audience and tailor your pitch to them.

3. Request informational interviews. Don’t be afraid to reach out to employers and ask if you can meet with them to find out more about their industry or company. This can lead to a new connection and potentially a job opportunity.

4. Attend networking events and job fairs happening in your area. 

  
Useful External Job Search Websites and Resources