By taking part in Career Month you can kick-start your career planning and develop career management skills. Workshops offered can help you: explore your career options, learn how to tailor your resumé and LinkedIn profile, practice your networking skills, or prepare for interviews. From the November 3 kick-off event with refreshments and November 5 volunteer fair to the Employer Advice Café on November 25, Career Month is a great time to engage in opportunities and consider your career development. Visit the Career Month webpage to see what is happening each week in November.

Key events include:

Career Month Kick-off | November 3

Join Career Services and career month partner UMSU for a kick-off event at the Fort Garry campus on Monday, November 3 from 10 a.m. to noon.  Visit the 1st floor of UMSU University Centre for coffee, hot chocolate, snacks, and learn about Career Month events, along with the career supports here to support students throughout the year.  

Volunteer Fair | November 5

Check-out the Volunteer Fair hosted by UM Career Services, Volunteer Manitoba,  UMSU and ASBC on November 5 to connect with local organizations and explore opportunities where you can develop skills, explore interests and give back to the community. Location: 1st floor UMSU University Centre.

Arts Alumni Career Round Table Event | November 19

The Faculty of Arts, Arts Student Body Council, UM Alumni Association and Career Services are co-hosting an evening of  speed networking at the Arts Alumni Career Round Table Event. Arts students can network and discuss career options with Arts Alumni working in a wide variety of professions, from social services to business to government. The event takes place from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at UMSU University Centre’s Multi-Purpose Room on the 2^nd Floor.  Registration is required.

Employer Advice Café | November 25

The Career, Community & Experiential Learning Centre is hosting an Employer Advice Café. Students can meet one-on-one with employers from different industry sectors to network to learn more about opportunities, hiring practices and receive tips on resume and interview.  Pre-registration is not required, but recommended. View the event description for a list of sample questions and to learn which organizations will be represented.   Location: IQ’s Café & Billiards, 3^rd floor UMSU University Centre.

Mini Indigenous Career Fair | November 27

On November 27 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Career Services will host a Mini Career Fair at Migizii Agamik for Indigenous students. The foyer of the Indigenous Student Centre will host 5 to 10 employers looking to connect with students and share information about opportunities at their organization.   

There are so many ways to plan for career success and build your employability.  UM Career Services is available assist you all year-round! 

To register and learn more about all the Career Month events visit the UMConnect events calendar.  Here you can also learn more about additional employer information sessions, entrepreneurship events and relevant career sessions happening off campus.

Are you looking for ways to improve on these most sought-after skills and make you more employable? Would you like to update the information on your resume? Want to distinguish yourself from other candidates for upcoming opportunities? There is no need to go elsewhere – BioTalent Canada has you covered!

Last year over 92 students did over 411 courses that validated their learning and demonstrated to employers that they have the skills needed for today’s labour market. Once again, UM has partnered with BioTalent Canada to offer UM students the opportunity to register for a suite of courses that help individuals to develop technical, transferable, social and essential skills for the workplace. UM students receive these courses for FREE using a code to acquire this $1,500 value suite. Most courses take about one hour to complete and offer the chance to put what is learned into practice by looking at real-life work scenarios.

International students, are you waiting for your work permit to be processed? Completing BioTalent courses is an excellent way to build your resume and skills in the meantime, so you are more prepared for applying and interviewing by employers.

The Skills for Success course series from BioTalent Canada exposes you to the knowledge and abilities you need to contribute, adapt and succeed in the workplace. Nine transferable skills courses include bio-economy fundamentals, reading, writing, numeracy proficiency, document use, communication, collaboration and problem solving. These online courses include:

• an introduction to each essential skill and demonstration of its importance in the bioeconomy,
• a presentation of strategies to help develop the skill,
• provide opportunities for practice, and
• give learners an opportunity to track their progress through a pre- and post-assessment of each course. Whether you are interested in working in the Bioscience sector or not, all students can benefit from these courses since they are the skills most sought after by employers in Canada.

Are you a student in STEM? Enrolling in the suite of technical skills courses can advance your knowledge of producing scientific reports, working in a lab or factory, quality assurance and quality control and clinical practice.

Besides the overall benefits of doing these courses, you have two options to get these courses recognized. Students can receive recognition for completion of individual courses on the Experience Record (previously known as the Co-Curricular record) and/or those completing all 13 courses offered, can receive a BioTalent Ready certificate that employers look for on resumes. Employers in the Bioscience field recognize this certificate and seek out applicants who have it. What better way to help secure the job of your dreams?

Whether you are interested in working in a scientific field or not, you can benefit from taking these courses.

What are you waiting for? Register today!

IMPORTANT NOTE: Students have access to these courses via their University of Manitoba email, by using the coupon code: umanitoba_courses.
Courses can be accessed at Training Programs Archive – BioTalent Canada. It is important for students to know that they only have one chance to register for courses. It is strongly recommended to register for all the courses, as you cannot go back to re-register. You are not penalized in any way if you do not complete all your registered courses.

Sources:
Rose, E. (2024, June 10). SES in the workplace: Insights from Canadian employers. The Conference Board of Canada. https://www.conferenceboard.ca/product/ses-in-the-workplace_2024/

Career Services, in collaboration with UM professors and researchers in various fields, is hosting Undergraduate Research Opportunities at Bannatyne campus, a virtual information session for undergraduate students on November 28^th. Students will learn essential information and can ask questions to researchers in fields such as neuroscience, cell biology, environmental epigenetics, physiology, immunology/virology, and epidemiology. In addition to answering questions and networking, you’ll learn how to find opportunities and apply for them.

To help illustrate how undergraduate research can open doors for careers both in, and outside academia, we spoke to an undergraduate student researcher at the Bannatyne campus and Science co-op student, Deborah Owoyemi:

How did you first get involved with research?

I first got involved with research in high school through extracurricular science activities. My science teacher, Dr. Kathleen Forester, was very enthusiastic about research and encouraged me to connect with professors who were open to working with high school students.

My first project was in a medical microbiology setting. Although I did not have a strong foundation in microbiology at the time, the environment was very accommodating, and I learned everything I needed to know to make my project successful. Upon entering university, I was eager to continue in research, so I explored various opportunities to get involved as an undergraduate student.

What research project(s) have you been involved in?

My first exposure to research happened while I was still in high school, I worked with Dr. Denice Bay in medical microbiology, on the topic “Adapting Escherichia coli to Antibiotics to Study Antimicrobial Resistance.” I later began another research project with Dr. Matthew Bakker, but it was cut short due to COVID-19.

In university, I applied for the URSA program in my second year but unfortunately was not successful. However, I secured my first university research opportunity the following year through the ENRRICH summer studentship, where I worked with Dr. Robert Beattie on the topic “Analyzing the Role of FAN1 in Regulating Neurodevelopment.”

I enjoyed my experience in the lab and took advantage of the co-op program, where I am now working with Dr. Hombach-Klonisch. I am currently learning antibody-based immunodetection methods, including Western blot.

How have these experiences supported your learning?

I enjoy science (specifically finding solutions to problems), and it is nice to have a real-world application of the theories I have been learning in class. The hands-on learning environment deepened my love for and understanding of science. Being in a lab setting also allowed me to make new friends and connect with people from different fields. I had the opportunity to work in various scientific backgrounds, including microbiology, neuroscience, and brain cancer, helping me discover the topics/research focus I liked best.

What transferrable skills have you gained through this experience?

Communication, organizational, attention to details, multitasking, presentation, science communication, independence and teamwork, troubleshooting, time management, technical and laboratory skills.

These are just a few of many transferable skills I have gained through my time working in research.

What advice would you give to future undergraduates applying for research positions?

Reach out! The worst you can get is a no, and the best you can get is a job (or an experience).

When reaching out, be sure to personalize your message. Avoid sending generic or mass emails; instead, express why you are specifically interested in that lab or position. Highlight how your skills align with their work, or express your eagerness to learn the necessary skills. Remember, you are there to learn, so don’t hesitate to reach out even if you don’t meet every requirement.

Rejections are inevitable, so do not be discouraged and keep exploring.

Follow up!  Research professors often receive a large number of emails, so if you don’t get a response within a few days, feel free to send a friendly reminder.

You can read further advice and tips from Deborah in her Career Services article, 5 Top Tips to Get Involved in Research.

To learn more about the many research opportunities at the UM Bannatyne campus register on UMConnect for the Undergrad Research Opportunities at Bannatyne Campus virtual session sign into UMConnect.  Hope to see you there!

The event will take place on November 28, 2024, starting at 2:00 p.m. via Zoom.

1. Connect with teaching assistants (TA’s) and professors about lab work and volunteer opportunities.

Most of the research at UM is conducted under the supervision of a Principal Investigator or Professor. Many faculties, including the Faculty of Science, host a broad spectrum of departmental research and research centres and facilities. For most research positions it is okay to have no prior research experience because you are there to learn! When applying to roles and updating or enhancing your resumé, consider including relevant courses, projects, and assignments you have completed in your classes. Make sure to follow up on your emails, without spamming; and if you are unsuccessful in one hiring cycle, reach out to ask for feedback.

Stuck on what to say when reaching out? Check out this template:

Hello [Professor’s name],

My name is [your name]. I am a student in [your program/faculty] andam interested in learning about your work in [their research areas], particularly your research on ____ [OR I was a student in your class __]. Would it be possible to set up a meeting in the coming weeks?  I would also be interested in discussing work or volunteer opportunities connected to your research. I have also attached my resume/CV for your convenience.

I look forward to hearing from you.

2. Learn about the Undergraduate Research Award (URA) and the Science Undergraduate Research Award (URSA)

The URA and USRA are important UM programs to explore if you’re interested in research.  If you are considering taking part in the Undergraduate Research Awards program, reach out early to eligible researchers willing to supervise students. After you have found a potential mentor to work with, it’s easier to secure a work term if you have funding. Be proactive in applying for grants, funding, and using supports that can assist you during your research term. Some major funding sources include but are not limited to: URA/URSA, NSERC/CIHR, CHRIM, ENRRICH, MITACS, and the Northern Scientific Training Program. Don’t hesitate to consult with your supervisor or faculty to explore potential additional funding options.

3. Explore UM affiliated research centres and policy institutes

There are many research centres and policy institutes that are located on campus or affiliated with UM. In addition to working as a research assistant, you might also want to consider a role as a policy assistant.  Policy research and analysis work is also a common area of work for university graduates from a wide range of subject backgrounds. Roles at these organizations, or within some government departments, could provide great exposure to the field of research.

Did you know?  Science policy and program officers conduct research and advise on policies or develop or administer programs related to transportation, emergency preparedness, communications, natural resources, agriculture, the environment, traditional and alternative energy technologies, land use, recycling and other scientific fields (National Occupational Classification).

4. Explore off-campus work experience in research

Both the provincial and federal student hiring programs, STEP and FSWEP, can offer a chance to get paid experience in your field of interest, and this can include research-related opportunities.  Industry sector councils and other organizations also offer skill building opportunities related to research through student hiring programs or funding supports; here are a few examples: BioTalent Canada, EcoCanada, Mitacs, LevelUp Riipen, Global skills opportunity.  As an added bonus, you’ll learn about different industries at the same time.

5. Consider other on-campus experiential learning opportunities

Beyond those already mentioned, there are additional resources available for engaging in research, such as through Co-op and Internships, the UM Work-Study Program, field placement courses, and honours coursework in a variety of programs at the UM.

There are so many ways to engage in research as an undergraduate student. If you are interested in research and potentially graduate school, it’s also never too early to start exploring program admissions – especially as you compare research/thesis vs. applied masters programs.  Unsure where to start as you define your goals, or what additional steps to take as you plan for success? Visit Career Services anytime throughout the year!

Why Volunteer?

• Volunteering can help you contribute to your community and connect with people who share common interests. For many, helping to build a better community is an important value.
• Volunteer experiences help people build competencies and increase their job readiness and employability. While volunteering, seek advice on which experiences and skills employers in that industry value, and consider this information when planning for the future.
• Volunteering helps you build connections to industry professionals and supports networking. Peers and professionals you meet might be wonderful role models or informal mentors. And these connections you build in this area may also help you bridge the path to your future employment.

How Do I Access Volunteer Opportunities?

1. As part of Career Month this November, learn more about organizations who are wishing to recruit volunteers! Join us at the UM Volunteer Fair, hosted by Volunteer Manitoba, University of Manitoba Students’ Union (UMSU) and UM Career Services on Wednesday November 6^th from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
2. Connect with a UM Career Consultant for support with building career-related experiences.
3. Volunteer Manitoba has a free referral service where students receive help finding volunteer opportunities. Email info@volunteermanitoba.ca to access this service.
4. The UM Occupational Library describes types of positions, links to industry information, associations that may have volunteer posting boards, and listings of employers who you may also be able to volunteer with while in school.
5. Consider getting involved with student groups and associations, as well as student clubs on campus.
6. There are plenty of ways to volunteer with the UM community! Experiential opportunities are plentiful and can be used toward your Experience Record. The Experience Record is an official record of university approved and facilitated activities that support your development outside the classroom. Visit the Experience Catalogue to learn about opportunities.
7. Research a variety of volunteer posting boards and links to discover organizations who regularly recruit volunteers. There are many websites that post volunteer opportunities.
8. Approach organizations that you are interested in directly and inquire about volunteer opportunities.

For more information and support, contact UM Career Services at 204-474-9456 or visit 474 UMSU University Centre to schedule an appointment.

By taking part in Career Month you can kick-start or boost your career planning and develop your career management skills. Sessions offered can help you: explore your career options, learn how to tailor your resumé or effectively utilize LinkedIn to support your job search. From the November 4 kick-off event to the November 6 volunteer fair, Career Month is a great time to engage in opportunities and consider your career development. Visit the Career Month webpage to see what is happening each week in November.

Career Month Kick-off | November 4

Join Career Services and career month partners UMSU and the UM Alumni Association who will host a kick-off event at the Fort Garry campus on Monday, November 4 from 10 a.m. to noon.  Visit the 1st floor of UMSU University Centre for activities, coffee and to learn about Career Month events or ask a career question.  

The Bannatyne campus event kick-off will also be taking place on November 4 – from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Learn more about upcoming sessions and grab a snack at the information booth on the 2nd floor of Brodie Centre (in front of room 260) near the Neil John Maclean Health Sciences Library.

Volunteer Fair | November 6

Check-out the Volunteer Fair hosted by UM Career Services, Volunteer Manitoba and UMSU on November 6 to find opportunities to develop skills and explore interests. Location: 1st floor UMSU University Centre.

Arts Alumni Career Round Table Event | November 20

The Faculty of Arts, Arts Student Body Council, and Career Services are co-hosting an evening of “Speed Networking” at the Arts Alumni Career Round Table Event. Arts students can network and discuss career options with Arts Alumni working in a wide variety of professions, from social service to business to government. The event takes place 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Marshall McLuhan Hall, room 204 UMSU University Centre.
Registration is required.

Mini Indigenous Career Fair | November 27

On November 27 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Career Services will host a Mini Indigenous Career Fair at Migizii Agamik for Indigenous students. The foyer of the Indigenous Student Centre will host 5 to 10 employers looking to connect with students and share information about opportunities at their organization.   

Career Workshops

Attend one or more of the career workshops offered to boost your skills. They include:

• Where can I go with my degree?
• Job Search: Building a Strategy & Identifying Employers
• Resumé and Cover Letter
• Networking
• Interview Preparation

There are so many ways to plan for career success and build your employability.  UM Career Services is available year-round to assist you! 

To learn more about all the Career Month events check out the Career Month calendar and register for events on UMConnect.

What is Work-study?

The Work-Study program offers part-time, on-campus employment for students with financial need during the school year. Apply to the program to gain valuable work experience and skills related to your field right on campus!

Eligibility for Work-study:

• Have proof of a 2024 – 2025 government student aid package of at least $2,000; or, proof of 2024 – 2025 Indigenous band sponsorship, Metis Nation post-secondary funding, or disability funding.
• Be registered at the University of Manitoba as a full-time undergraduate or graduate student in both terms (Fall 2024 and Winter 2025). Students must have a minimum 60% course load (i.e., 9 credit hours per term for undergraduate students). 
• Have achieved a satisfactory academic standing with a minimum 2.0 institutional grade point average in their previous academic session (not applicable for new UM students)
• Be residing in Manitoba throughout the Work-Study employment term

The Work-study program is a great opportunity in working towards your career goals. Whatever they may be, Work-study builds your experience and skills through on-campus opportunities.

We are proud to be offering a diverse range of positions again this year! The positions for the 2024-2025 school year included positions in social services, science, fine arts, sport, and more.

Some of our excellent positions can be found highlight below:

Research Assistant (VARIOUS) – There is a great selection of student research opportunities on campus this year, in faculties and organizations such as Faculty of Architecture, Department of Anthropology, and Recreation Services. If you are an investigative student, we recommend checking out this great positions.

Career Mentor Program Assistant (72655) – Are you interested in helping students in achieving their career goals? The Career Mentor Program through Career Services is an opportunity for UM students to meet with professionals of their desired career to find insight of what their future may look like. The CMP assistant helps the coordinator in making sure UM student can embark on their mentorship journey. This is a great position for students interested in liaison management and career development; however, we welcome all applicants to apply!

Machine Learning Data Annotator (72787) – The Department of Computer Science is looking for a student to join their TerraByte team! This position combines machines and agriculture for those that are interested in these fields. Those with experience in coding and data processing are a great fit for this position.

Alternate Format Assistant/Invigilator (72592) – Student Accessibility Services is looking for a student to join their team. If you have experience working with individuals with disabilities and are passionate about providing accessible formats for all, this position is one to apply for. Students interested in helping others may be excellent candidates for this position.

Waste Reduction Assistant (72755) – Are you passionate about sustainability and waste management? The Office of Sustainability is looking for a student to help in researching and improving the waste management programs around the Fort Garry campus. Students with experience and knowledge in environmental science can excel in this position!

Ceramics Student Assistant (72537) – The School of Art is looking for a ceramics student to assist their Ceramics Technician. The candidate for this role would be an organized individual who works well with others. Students applying to this position would be passionate and knowledgeable about ceramics!

The deadline to apply for the program is September 12, 2024!

For more information about eligibility and how to apply, visit our the work-study website.

If you have any questions, please contact work_study[at]umanitoba[dot]ca or the Career Services office.

What is Work-Study?

Work-Study allows on-campus units to acquire help for departmental support and projects while providing students the opportunity to apply academic learning and build skills. This program continues to support full-time students with financial need (demonstrated by government aid, disability funding, or band sponsorship). Participating employers will be reimbursed up to a maximum of $1,700.00 per project/position at the end of the fiscal year.

How to Apply

For the upcoming Fall and Winter terms, employer recruitment begins in early July so that student recruitment can occur in early in September. Please refer to the Work-Study webpage for more information and further instructions. The employer applications open June 30th, with an Employer Application deadline of Friday July 19th at Noon (this is the deadline for new employers to sign up). The deadline to submit a job posting on UMConnect is Sunday, July 21st at Noon.

Please complete the “New Work-Study Staff/Faculty Account Registration” by July 19 to apply to become a new Work-Study employer.

By supporting experiential learning on-campus, you are helping students develop skills and competencies that will contribute to their future careers and overall success.

If you have any questions about the program, reach out to Madison Bonnefoy, Work-Study Coordinator, or Lindsey Hiebert, Career Consultant, at work_study[at]umanitoba[dot]ca.

Riipen, a project-based learning platform in North America, has been connecting students, academics and industry professionals since 2014. Riipen launched Level UP in 2021, a program providing opportunities for Canadian students to work directly with employers on short-term projects. In addition, students can use and expand their skillsets while getting paid for their hard work

The program funded by the Government of Canada’s Work-Integrated Learning Initiatives with the objective to create quality work opportunities for students across the country.

Each project is completed in 60 hours over 2-8 weeks, with flexible timelines to accommodate the participant’s schedule. Projects available to student are in person, hybrid, and fully remote.  After completing a project, students receive a stipend of $1400 from Riipen.  Applicants can choose projects from a variety of fields including business strategy, computer science and IT, Data, design and creative work, engineering and manufacturing, finance, human resources, marketing, medicine and health, social impact, writing, and more. With 3,000 projects already available on the platform, employers are adding new ones daily.

The program uses a cycle model where students can complete three Level UP projects in that cycle. If all opportunities are filled, you can apply for the waitlist and will be notified when the next cycle begins.

Riipen takes pride in preparing students for the workforce with career-ready skills before their graduation. Level UP aims to make this process even easier.

“It’s a great way for students to gain valuable experience relevant to their interests or degree program while building their network with employers,” says Connie Korchak, Team lead for Experiential Learning Partnerships. You can read testimonials from students here.

To be eligible for the program, applicants must be:

• Eligibility for the program is simple: Be a current student registered in a Canadian post-secondary education institution.
• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or persons to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
• Are legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations.

Take advantage of this opportunity to elevate your resumé, explore your career options, and get paid doing it.

Do you have any questions about Level UP? Some common questions have been answered here.  

The Adult Companionship Services (ACS) Directory, set to launch on April 2, aims to connect older adults and their caregivers within the UM community with students offering support through companionship services. The initiative is a collaborative effort between UM Family Resources, the Centre on Aging and the UM Age-friendly University Committee.

What is an Adult Companionship Service provider?

The responsibilities of an Adult Companionship Service Provider are:

• To provide companionship and emotional support,
• Engage in meaningful activities with clients,
• Accompany clients on outings and appointments,

Companionship services can include a variety of tasks, such as regular check-in visits and phone calls, going for a walk, playing cards, fixing light snacks or coffee. It does not include services reserved for professionals, such as lifting, dressing, and feeding.

This opportunity can be done on a voluntary basis, or as casual employment.

How the ACS directory works

The directory will serve as centralized hub for older adults or their caregivers to view services and post job opportunities. The directory will house service provider profiles, availability, contact information and any certifications they may have. Clients can choose to list a job opportunity or contact a service provider directly to initiate the process of hiring for service.

The directory is exclusively for UM students, employees, and their family members. Using their UM credentials, a student can request access to the directory for themselves (mature student) or on behalf of an older adult family member.

How to apply

The job description (posting #70165) is available on UM Connect.

If you have questions, please contact FamilyResource@umanitoba.ca

“I encourage students to apply for this opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of older adults connected to the UM. I believe it will be a positive and rewarding experience for everyone involved,” says Francene Perehinec, Family Resource Coordinator.