• What subjects are covered in this program?
• What are the career options?
• What are the employment prospects?
• Where and how can experience related to the field of studies be gained?
• What job search resources are available?

Planning your career

Within the answers below, activities are proposed to students in order to help them build their employment action plan. 

Activity

• Use this employment action plan to take write in, print or save your preferred options and all other information related to your plan.

Answer

The subjects studied vary for each program and determine the knowledge and skills to be acquired for the chosen degree. Many types of undergraduate programs are available so that knowledge can be developed according to the student's interests and learning style.

Regardless of the subjects they involve, the following programs will open the doors to the labour market: honours, honours with specialization, integrated, general, major and minor. However, certain degrees can lead to graduate studies or professional programs.

Activity

• Identify the subjects studied that correspond to your interests.
• Compare the subjects studied of different programs to determine which one best suits your preferences, your skills and your career goals.

Methodology

Below is a short description of the program, the student profile, and some considerations regarding the nature of work that graduates can embark upon. A summary of courses taken from the Undergraduate Studies Calendars is presented by subject. In order to encourage the consideration of further studies, examples of graduate as well as advanced professional studies are listed below. The subjects and the graduate studies are presented in order of importance and relevance to the specific program.

Answer

Postsecondary education leads to many career options.

However, remember that in addition to an undergraduate degree, some fields require specialized skills, previous experience and even graduate studies.

Activities

• With the help of the following examples, determine which occupation would best suit your interests and aspirations. By targeting an occupation, you can make easier decisions during your studies, throughout your job search and, ultimately, when choosing among opportunities. Note that your choices can change over time according to your academic, professional and personal experiences, as well as your knowledge of occupations and the labour market.
• Take job availability and current labour market conditions into consideration when planning for career adjustments or changes. Thus, by working towards an occupation related to your career target, you give yourself the opportunity to acquire useful skills and experience that support you in your career development.
• Increase your chances of success by also selecting an alternate occupation as a backup plan.

Methodology

The following occupations are examples taken primarily from the occupational groups in the National Occupational Classification (NOC). A few examples come from the University of Ottawa's alumni and from other Career exploration websites. Overall, the examples of occupations are presented according to the most easily accessible. First, the examples of occupations that require undergraduate studies are presented followed by those that require additional qualifications and experience. To highlight the value of furthering education, examples of occupations with additional qualifications and experience that may require graduate studies were combined under the master's and the doctorate degree, respectively. Finally, the professional groups where examples were taken are listed. These groups provide examples of job titles, information on the field of work, types of organization and national employment requirements. In addition, you will find resources for international employment requirements.

• Teacher

• Vocational school administrator

• Registrar

• Union president
• Social services institution controller
• Music guild president

• Patent agent

• Industrial hygienist

• Planner
• City planner
• Specialist in land use   

• Geographer
• Physical geographer
• Political geographer
• Economic geographer
• Cultural geographer
• Historical geographer
• Applied geographer
• Diplomatic historian

• Department head
• Department chairperson

A doctoral degree in the field of specialization; several years of teaching experience; perhaps licensing or professional certification is required

• Professor emeritus
• Faculty administrator
• Faculty secretary
• Associate dean
• Vice dean
• Dean
• Registrar

Activities

• Note the 4 digit NOC code following each occupational group for the chosen occupation. Also explore other codes so you can consider all your options.
• Transcribe the national and provincial employment requirements that apply to the options that interest you (degrees, certifications, memberships, additional permits, etc.). In certain cases, the requirements of a profession may influence your choice given the amount of time, effort and money needed to achieve success.

Activities

• Explore the particularities of the region or territory of interest to you. Consider the official language or dialect of the countries or regions, as well as the organizational, political and cultural systems.
• In keeping with international employment requirements, ask to have your qualifications and credentials officially recognized.

Answer

Job prospects vary according to a country’s political situation and economical stability.

They are generally based on the analysis of data collected from employees, businesses, unions and other employment-related organizations during local, provincial and national consultations.

Activities

• Use the NOC code to compare the employment prospects using Working in Canada. This tool is a useful and detailed resource on occupational information including job prospects by region, skills and certification requirements, job opportunities, wages and associations. For example, use the average salary and unemployment rate to compare occupational groups.
• In addition to analyzing this information, meet with professionals who can share knowledge and experience either from their educational backgrounds or from their related professions.

Resources designed to help you determine out-of-country job prospects can be challenging to find.

However, research suggests that most developed countries have a growing need for university graduates.

Activities

• Take time to conduct more in-depth Internet research.
• Speak with professionals who have contacts abroad.
• Speak with individuals from the country where you would like to work.

Answer

Professional work experience is developed through volunteering, internships, self-employment and employment contracts, be they full-time, part-time and during the summer.

Work experience, on or off campus, develops your skills. The Conference Board of Canada outlines skills that employers seek: communication, thinking and learning; personal qualities such as positive attitudes and behaviors, responsibility, adaptability; and team work. Work and volunteer experiences that relate to your studies also permit you to consolidate and reinforce the skills and expertise you need to continue your professional development.

The belief that there are no jobs is misguided; in fact the number of jobs that exist in the labour market is the same as the number of people currently working. Furthermore, new opportunities are frequently created due to economic growth. Positions also become available because of retirements and departures due to professional advancements. Other various leaves of absence (parental, sick, refresher, non-paid, self-financed, etc.) also create opportunities.

Since job posting open opportunities to many candidates, it is often advantageous to network before the position is posted.

Activities

• To be aware of career advancement strategies, get informed by the workers and the supervisors in your field.
• Visit company Web sites to explore potential employment opportunities and the selection criteria to submit your application.
• During your work experience, obtain written confirmation of your achievements to showcase your skills and successes.
• Systematically document each professional work experience in your portfolio to highlight them for future employers.
• Throughout your career, you may need to make adjustments because of shifting personal needs. These adjustments revolve around a number of factors: the importance work holds for you and what it brings, relationships, income, accomplishments, goals, time and space management, etc. Take the time to consider these factors to increase your satisfaction.

Methodology

All the examples of volunteer opportunities and potential employers, types of organizations and field of work were selected based on the field of studies and the related occupational groups which can support you in gaining experience.  The examples of volunteer opportunities in Canada and abroad are followed by a list of directories where further volunteer opportunities can be found. The examples of types of organizations and fields of work are taken from the NOC.  Moreover, examples of potential Canadian and international employers were compiled from employment events on campus, research in employer directories as well as from various reputable ranking.

Students are solely responsible for researching and gauging the suitability of an employer as Career Services does not establish qualifications, credentials and overall fit between organizations and student applicant, see disclaimer.

• Canadian volunteer opportunities
• International volunteer opportunities
• Volunteer directories
• Types of organizations
• Fields of work
• Potential employers

Activity

• Consult the following Web sites to find more volunteer opportunities in Canada and abroad and for information on services and organizations.

Activity

• Choose the types of organizations where you envision yourself working from the following examples.  This may help orient your job search.

Activities

• Choose the fields of work from the examples below that interest you.
• Use them as key words to search for potential employers.

Answer

The following job search resources aim to increase networking activities, to develop marketing strategies, to offer support in resume and cover letter preparation, and to facilitate access to job postings.

Networking activities not only offer employers an opportunity to better understand the available labour force, but also help students and graduates gain access to recruitment processes.

Activities

• Find the professional associations related to your field of studies and participate in their activities. Stay informed on current affairs related to your occupational interest.
• Develop your marketing techniques by participating regularly in networking activities either in group settings or by appointment.
• During networking activities, ask to be referred to other professionals or employers to expand your list of contacts.
• Prepare a cover letter and a resume for potential employers.
• Highlight your experience in your cover letter and resume and during professional meetings and job interviews.

Methodology

Below are examples of professional associations and other resources of interest related to the previously mentioned occupational groups and this field of study.  In addition to providing essential information on professional development and networking activities, the following examples give access to publications and employment opportunities. These examples are presented according to their location: Ontario, Canada and abroad. You will find resources to support the preparation of a resume and cover letter.  Finally, you will find several Canadian and international job search sites.

The resume and cover letter are useful tools to reflect your skills and experience.  Therefore, they need to be customized and continuously updated throughout your career. They are used in the job search or for requesting professional advancement.

Activities

• Update your cover letter and resume using the resume examples prepared for your faculty and follow the resume writing advice.
• Ask for a resume critique to improve the quality of your documents.