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“If only you could finish your degree and then figure out what you’re going to do,” says Robin Spittal, a fourth-year arts student from Victoria, B.C. “It’s a lot to think about all at once and it’s kind of stressful.”
But a new web-based system to be launched by Dalhousie should make it easier. Described as “an online integrated recruiting solution for employers and students,” myCareer launches on January 5. Students will be able to access the new site by logging into MyDal and then hitting the services tab. (Link: https://mycareer.dal.ca/home.htm)
MyCareer brings together the resources of four career and co-op centres at Dalhousie: Career Services Centre; Management Career Services; Engineering & Computer Science Cooperative Education; and Science Cooperative Education.
Integration
“The big shift with myCareer is its integration,” explains Laura Addicott, Director of the Career Services Centre. “”What it means is that instead of navigating through multiple offices, students and employers will have one place to go.”
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| With myCareer, students can view job listings, upload their resumes and set up appointments with career advisors online. |
The portal will be accessible to all current students who are seeking employment, whether part-time work, a summer job, volunteer experience, internship, co-op placement or that all important job in their field of study after graduation. It brings together all aspects of the search: students will be able to scan job listings, submit applications and stay tuned for a message that they’ve been selected for an interview. They can also make appointments with career and co-op advisors at Dalhousie and browse upcoming events, such as the Dining Etiquette Luncheon on January 21 and the Summer Job Fair on February 9.
MyCareer will allow students to upload the three components that go into an application—cover letter, resume and transcripts. They can even have a couple versions of their resume uploaded, highlighting different strengths and experiences to customize their application depending on the job they’re interested in.
Even though she’s not ready to start applying for jobs, Ms. Spittal says browsing myCareer allows her to identify the skills she has and the kinds of jobs she’s qualified for.
Easier to use
“Just because you have an arts degree doesn’t mean you’re going to serve coffee when you graduate if you prepare and identify the skills your degree gives you,” says Ms. Spittal, who had a chance to test-drive myCareer through its development.
Stephen Kulach, a third-year commerce student, also took the new employment portal out for a spin. Interested in the sports-entertainment business and passionate about technology and new media, Mr. Kulach says he’ll use myCareer to search out relevant co-op placements.
“It’s a lot more clean and easier to use,” he says. “You can apply for jobs, make appointments, register for events—it’s all together and it makes it very convenient.”
MyCareer also offers benefits for employers. “We see it as a self-serve system,” adds Ms. Addicott. “Employers will be able to post jobs, review applications, select interviewees, even book a location to conduct the interviews and do this all online.”