Centre for Career Action
Your career is yours to decide, but we're here to help.
The Centre for Career Action (CCA) supports all students, alumni and employees. Career Advisors can help with career planning, career management strategies, graduate and professional school preparation, work search methods and setting meaningful career goals.
Go to WaterlooWorks to book:
- A one-on-one online/phone career appointment on a range of employment topics
- A virtual co-op consult for pre-first work term students (students who are currently on or have completed a work term should contact their student advisor for support)
- An online drop-in for help with résumé, cover letter, or interview topics (undergraduate and Master's students)
- An online career consult drop-in to start the career planning conversation (undergraduate and Master's students)
See How to Book an Appointment for details, live chat between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, or contact careers@uwaterloo.ca for further support.
News
- Feb. 16, 2021Co-op Consult service hours update
Beginning Tuesday, February 16 co-op students on their first recruiting term can access a virtual co-op consult with their Co-op Advisor from 8:30am to 2:30pm daily. Click here for more information on how to book this service.
- Sep. 15, 2020Storytelling: Going beyond the résumé in an interview
Ever heard the saying ‘read between the lines’? This phrase is definitely something to think about, especially in regard to storytelling. Being able to story tell is a great way to engage your listener – a potential employer in an interview – and share an understanding of the intricate parts of your professional past, rather than just telling them word for word what you put on your résumé. Articulating all the experiences you have gathered from previous work or volunteer positions is a key element to consider when preparing for an interview.
Storytelling can help you go beyond your résumé. Here are a few ways how it can work for you in an interview:
Storytelling conveys enthusiasm and emotions that separate you from just another résumé. Many interviewers go through a number of résumés and cover letters but what makes you stand out from the crowd of applicants is how you communicate your experience. Instead of simply talking about experiences, try to think about the “Why” – e.g. why did you pursue this experience and why did it stand out to you?
- A great story is more than just a summary and it’s important to remember that connecting with a potential employer doesn’t have to be scripted. Bringing in authenticity by sharing relevant experiences and stories that are exciting to you shows the employer your interests, strengths, and values.
- Telling your story shows how you are impact-driven. Every good story has a beginning, middle and an end, and there’s always a problem that needs solving. Putting into your own words how you have grown in your career, achieved goals, or developed new skills show that you have assessed what you have learned in your past experience and know what you bring to the table.
Developing a dialogue with your interviewers allows them to see much more than just your past experience and can lead to emotional connections being made. Everyone has a story to tell and using it in the right context can work wonders. Next time you apply for jobs, prepare for an interview, or get ready to network, don’t hesitate to share more about yourself.
- Aug. 21, 2020Fall Volunteer Fair
Due to the current situation, this fall’s Volunteer Fair will be postponed until January 2021. We are committed to ensuring the health and safety of our students and staff while also supporting our local organizations and charities. Details about the Winter Volunteer Fair will be available on our website in November.
Events
- Mar. 4, 2021EDGE – Skills Identification and Articulation
The skills identification and articulation workshop helps students identify the skills they're developing throughout their undergraduate career. Workshop participants will also develop strategies for articulating these skills to target audiences (e.g. potential employers). If you can recognize what you're learning and how your skills translate to the job market, you can set yourself apart from other candidates! The skills identification and articulation workshop is one of six milestones in the EDGE academic certificate program.
- Mar. 9, 2021Résumé and Cover Letter Writing (Graduate Students and Post-docs)
Through discussion and hands-on activities in this half-day workshop, you will learn how to prepare an effective résumé and cover letter by analyzing job descriptions, assessing the relevance of your transferable skills and articulating these transferable skills in an action-oriented way.
- Mar. 9, 2021Exploring Career Pathways - Part 2
Confused about career direction? Overwhelmed with choice? Not sure where to begin? Let’s start with where you’re at! In this two-session workshop, explore the career development process and discuss how values, skills, interests and even luck, play an important role in your career journey.
