Career Success: Get to Know Your Career Advisors, Ian and Gungeet!

---

Are you thinking about your future career? Many students who come to study in Canada also seek job opportunities either while they are studying or after graduation.

Whether you have worked in another country previously or you’re looking for employment for the first time, finding a job may feel like a daunting task!

Luckily at Alexander College, Career Advisors are here to help! Career Advising Services are available to current students as well as alumni so you can feel ready and confident to work towards your dream career path.

We sat down with Ian and Gungeet, our two resident Career Advisors, and asked them to shed some light on what to expect during a Career Advising appointment, how to find a job in Canada, and more!

Ian is an industry veteran, having received his degree from UBC and working with various colleges and WorkBC agencies as a career educator before becoming a Career Advisor at Alexander College. On the other hand, Gungeet chose a broader approach and went through various educational paths before finding her calling in the education industry as a Career Advisor.

Both of these Career Advisors bring their depth of knowledge and personal experiences to the table when it comes to helping students succeed in their chosen career paths. Aside from meeting with students, our Career Advisors also host events and presentations throughout the year.

Some quotes have been edited for clarity and brevity.

What is a typical day like for a Career Advisor?

We brainstorm and strategize a lot for the next upcoming months and seasons. Fall, Winter, and Spring are our busiest seasons with many students walking in and out of our doors, but we always try to bring upon new initiatives.

The fun thing about being a career advisor is that we are constantly learning ourselves! The job market and demand is changing and that is something we are studying every other week to month.

Resume styles are changing as well, and they are becoming far more different than how they were 10 years ago. Education is key to success!

What should students expect when they book an appointment with a Career Advisor?

Our appointments are 30 minutes in length. We try to answer all the questions the student(s) bring but we do like to work step by step.

The goal for students is to usually land a job and for that we always start with resume writing. We ask students to sign up for the Canadian Job Readiness program which is available in Canvas under Student Support to help them gain more clarity on integrating in Canada.

What is some advice you would give to someone trying to find a job in Canada?

Research the job market – look for industries that align with your skills, experience and qualifications to increase your chances of finding a suitable opportunity.

Polish your resume – tailor your resume to highlight the relevant skills and experiences that match the job requirements.

Network – connect with professionals in your field through platforms like LinkedIn and through attending Job fairs! Networking can lead to valuable connections, job referrals and insights to the job market.

Prepare for interviews – once you start securing interviews, be prepared by researching the company, its values and its core vision. Practice common interview questions and consider how your skills and experience align with the role you are applying to. Additionally, be aware of Canadian workplace culture and norms!

Volunteer – Try to give some of your time to organizations in Metro Vancouver. This way you will meet other Canadian people. Volunteering is a great way to network, make local contacts, and get future employment.

What advice would you give to students trying to juggle work and studies?

Prioritize your studies – at the end of the day, your education will lead you farther if you have desires to get into university after graduating from AC. Work experience is great to have but just remember you may not enjoy every job you have although you walk away with a whole new skill set!

What is something you wish you knew as a student?

Whatever degree or path you are pursuing in university may not always end up being in your best interest and that is OK. Your education and career path will not always be linear.

Instead, try out new subjects, new roles and gain new experiences! You may fail at some, but you will gain many new skills that you never thought you had before and that’s what the journey is all about.

What are additional things you want readers to know about you or Career Advising?

Don’t wait to come to us until its near end of graduation.

Career education is not a one stop shop – instead it is something you will be carrying during your entire education and throughout your life. It’s a revolving door and we try our best to bring new updated information to all the students.

90% of the hard work is going to come from you. We will be the 10% providing helpful guidance, information, and strategies.

Work hard now so you can see how it pays off in the next 5-10 years.

Ready to take your resume and interview skills to the next level? Book an appointment with an Career Advisor today!