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| Getting Experience | The best way to determine whether the chosen work match with your personality and goals is to get some working experience. In addition you will also:
• Ger referrals for future jobs through the network that you build.
• Know the strengths and weaknesses of your work-related skills.
• Be able to demonstrate skills such as communication, analysis and problem-solving.
• Have an opportunity to demonstrate your initiative and establishment of a track record for potential employers.
You may choose between part-time positions, full-time work or volunteer work. The sponsorship can be through:
Co-operative Education
Co-operative education is a way to complement your academic program and have paid employment. As co-operative positions are usually full-time and take up to four months such study term will take longer than the traditional method of study with a summer break. But instead of it you get an opportunity to try out different jobs and see what you like and are good at. Your supervisor helps to realize how well you meet employer's requirements by evaluating you regularly. Taking positions with increasing levels of responsibility gives you a solid Résumé which improves your chances in the job market in the future. You will obtain knowledge, professional skills and clarify your thoughts about what you want from your ideal job.
Casual Employment
Casual employment allows not only to earn money but also to get some additional benefits. You may check different work environments and decide which one suits you the best.
Summer Employment, Contract Work, Regular Employment
It is a full-time employment ranging from 25-40 hours a week. Actually it is a basis of your career. You'll get working experience and observe many aspects of employment. Working in different settings you will know your preferences and dislikes, what you’re good at and what areas you need to develop expertise in. If you are in an academic program that is not specifically designed to prepare you for a particular profession these work experiences are especially helpful.
Work-Study Programs
Governments fund positions within an academic environment to help students finance their education. You work up to 10 hours a week over the school term. Make sure you understand all conditions correctly: read the work-study notices or phone the person who would be hiring for the position for more details. Work-study can help you clarify your career goals, apply your knowledge in different settings and provide you with excellent transferable skills.
Internships
Combining work and learning in a field you are considering for your career you'll get a structured experience. An internship may be paid or unpaid, part-time during an academic term, a full-time block during the weeks between terms, full-time for an academic term or longer.Usually, a professor from your faculty will oversee the work so that appropriate academic credit can be given.
Volunteering
Volunteering is a good way to investigate and gain many types of work experience, available to anyone in practically any organization. At first you should make clear to yourself what you'd like to give to the community and what you'd like to get back in return.
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