career tips VIU First Year Students

Vancouver IslandUniversity

Career Tips for First Year Students

Career Tips for First Year Students

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Career Studio

Visit the Career Studio

Get career-related support and access events in Building 255 | Room 204

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To book an appointment with one of our Career Peers Log In to the Experience Hubgo to Career Studio then Appointments. 

Please email us if you have any questions.

Career Tips for First-Year Students

1. Discover Who You Are

Be curious and ask yourself questions like, “What am I good at? What are my passions? What do I value? And where will my decisions take me?” You do not have to have all the answers to these questions immediately. After all, learning is a process, and the Career Studio is here to help you uncover the answers during your time at VIU! 

2. Develop your Interpersonal Skills

Skills such as empathy, teamwork, listening, communication, and collaboration can be developed in the classroom and on campus through group assignments, presentations and club activities. When employers ask for evidence of your soft skills, you will have stories to share which illustrate these skills simply because you were involved in activities during your time at Vancouver Island University.

3. Join Student Organizations

Getting involved in your university is very important. By joining a club or student society, you will learn to collaborate, you will make new friends, and most importantly you will learn how to balance your social life with your academics. During this time, whether you realize it or not, you will also be building valuable career skills such as time management and teamwork. 

4. Keep Up to Date with Experiential Learning Opportunities

Stop by the Career Studio, listen to announcements from your faculty, read campus newsletters, and browse our  university job portal (CareerVIU) to discover jobs opportunities and co-curricular roles that will add a boost to your resume. Make sure to also attend Career Studio Events and attend information sessions, employer-campus events, and the VIU Reverse Career Fair. 

5. Build Your Resumé and Cover Letter.

Attend a resumé workshop in the Career Studio or visit the Studio and have your resumé reviewed during drop-in hours at the Career Studio by trained Peer Facilitators and our Career Services team. Getting resume and cover letter help early will ensure you're ready to secure meaningful volunteer, part-time, and summer opportunities!

6. Apply for Jobs and Connect with Employers.

Employers are looking to hire VIU students for a variety of on-campus, off-campus, part-time and summer opportunities. Search for job and volunteer postings in CareerVIU and attend employer events. Visit our Events Calendar to view upcoming events and be sure to register, when prompted! 

Credit: This list of Essential Career Tips for First Year Students was inspired by and adapted from Wilfred Laurier University. We fully acknowledge and are grateful for the originality and contributions of their talented Career Centre team.

 

Access CareerVIU

Thousands of employers hire VIU students and CareerVIU is where the majority of these opportunities can be found. Whether you're looking for part-time or full-time work, summer employment, co-ops or internships, or even on-campus roles, CareerVIU can assist you