School is back in full swing, and we are all gearing up to tackle a new school year at Concordia.

I am glad to see that many of have popped into the Career Services office to meet with Doreen Kooy, our resident Career Advisor. Doreen’s expertise has helped many students and Alumni find opportunities to develop and achieve their career goals.

Speaking of opportunities, the Volunteer Fair is coming up soon and everyone should make a point to attend. This event is held in Tegler on September 18th and 24th at 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. The fair gives many different organizations and groups from Edmonton a chance to showcase their student volunteer opportunities.

Now, you may be thinking, “how can volunteering help me achieve my career goals? I’m not getting paid, and employers don’t take volunteer experience seriously anyway.”

Au contraire, mon ami! Do not underestimate the great asset volunteer experience can be on your resume.

Employers are looking for experienced individuals, and volunteer experience is just as impressive as work experience, maybe more so.

Volunteering shows character and maturity to employers: you are willing to work for no pay. This demonstrates that you look beyond dollars and cents toward more lasting and meaningful benefits, such as developing and utilizing skills that you are learning or already have, building a network in your area of interest (it could lead to a future job), and being involved in your community.

Volunteering can also help you to discover or confirm your interests. Perhaps you’re thinking of becoming a nurse, but you are not sure how you would fare in a hospital environment. Well, why don’t you volunteer as a hospital porter, moving people to and from their rooms, and find out?

Volunteering is a serious pursuit. For most volunteer positions you must apply and be screened just like a paid job. Take volunteer work seriously and the experience will pay you back with some serious dividends.

If you are interested in learning more about volunteering, be sure to attend the Volunteer fair, or stop by the office for a chat with Doreen. Also, check out the Career Portal (careerportal.concordia.ab.ca) and like us on Facebook at Concordia Career Services to stay up to date with new opportunities and events.

Good luck with your studies, everyone!

There are six events planned for September to mark on your calendar. For more information, please visit careerportal.concordia.ab.ca. You must register before noon on the day of the event.

To register, please contact Career Services by e-mail (careerservices@concordia.ab.ca), phone (780.378.8461), or visit the Career Portal (careerportal.concordia.ab.ca). We look forward to hearing from you!

Upcoming Month Events & Date and Time

“Career Planning –The How and Why?” on Thursday, Sept. 13 – 4:30-6:00 PM

“Career Planning –The How and Why?” on Friday, Sept. 14 – 12:05-12:55 PM

International Day on Wednesday, Sept. 19 – All Day

“Developing my Career Portfolio” on Wednesday, Sept. 26 – 4:30-6:00 PM

“Developing my Career Portfolio” on Thursday, Sept 27 – 4:30-6:00 PM

Volunteer Fair on Thursday, Sept. 18, and Monday, Sept 24 – 10:00 AM-2:00PM

The Career Services office is located in the Library (L265). The office is open Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 4:30pm. To see Doreen please make an appointment by coming in person or by using one of the following methods:

Email: Doreen.kooy@concordia.ab.ca; careerservices@concordia.ab.ca

Phone: 780.378.8461