FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Disclaimer: Responses are designed to address common questions as they relate to job search and career development.  They are primarily geared towards business and accounting students/alumni seeking new grad, part time or summer jobs; internships; or volunteer opportunities.  Questions related to finding and securing co-op placements should be directed to the Co-Op Programs Office.

A. Developing Skills

1. How can I gain skills and experience in my concentration area if I am not registered in a co-op program? Where do I begin?
2. How can I make the transition from retail jobs to a "real" job that will help me in the future as relevant experience?
3. I am not certain on what concentration I will be pursuing next year. What kind of clubs, activities or volunteer placements could I get involved in to get a better feel and understanding of what a career within a certain area of concentration would be like?
4. English is not my first language. Are there any resources available that help with my English pronunciation?

B. Career Options

1. What is the most rapidly growing and changing business field in today's business world (HR, Finance, Marketing)? What area of concentration is there a greater demand for within Business?
2. What qualities are managers looking for when hiring a new graduate?
3. Will some jobs in a certain field be more difficult to get into than others? If so, why?
4. If you are still unsure about your career path in business, how can you assess your likes and dislikes of a subject to assist you in making the right decision?
5. I am confused as to what career path I should take. What are some steps I can take to narrow down careers that would be right for me?
6. What are the prominent differences between working for a Fortune 500 or a smaller company? How do we know what is best for us?

C. Concentration Dilemmas

1. Is it more beneficial for me to pick a concentration or leave it as just a Business Administration degree?
2. Does accomplishing a dual concentration lead to a higher starting pay? How does this impact job prospects?
3. As a co-op student in the Business Administration program with a concentration in accounting, what courses do I need to take after graduation if I want to become a Chartered Accountant in the future?

 D. Pursuing Further Education

1. What are the different career/educational paths that I can take after completing my undergraduate degree? Is seeking a Master’s degree the best route and would it help me find a job quicker?

E. Internships

1. What types of responsibilities are typically awarded to interns? Are they paid or unpaid? How do I know if the internship is “valid”?
2. When looking for an internship, what are some key factors to look for in an employer?
3. Where can I find information about international internship opportunities?
4. In the workforce today, are hiring managers looking for students who have had experience with internships?
5. We are told that for our internships, we should be including academic references on our resumes. What if I haven’t had very many small classes or had the chance to get to know a professor? What are recruiters looking for/what will they accept?

F. Job Search & Employer Expectations

1. What is more important when trying to get a job, your resume (i.e. your education and experience) or your performance during an interview?
2. How aggressive/ persistent with following up would you like a prospective candidate to be, before you find them overly aggressive and intrusive?
3. What makes an applicant’s cover letter and resume stand out among the rest for within the accounting profession? What kinds of things do employers look for when selecting candidates for an interview?
4. What if you did not participate in any extra-curricular activities such as club involvement, competitions, events, service learning projects, etc. during your university career? What else could you do after your 4 years to enhance your resume?
5. Do employers rely heavily on your grades (transcript) coming out of university? How much are university marks weighed into an applicant’s chance of getting a job?
6. How important is work experience compared to other attributes on your resume?
7. What steps should I take to gain a competitive advantage against other students and people competing for a position in the workforce?
8. Does an individual with relevant co-op experience have an advantage when applying for a job than an individual with no co-op experience?
9. What is the best way to submit your resume/cover letter (online applications or e-mailing directing to the human resources department)?
10. What type of company would use electronic technology to screen out applicants?
11. How important is it to get a job in your concentration area, rather than general business experience?
12. If there was one tip to give a recent graduate about trying to secure a full-time job, what would it be?

G. Targeted Job Search

1. What is the best way to find entry level jobs in the public service?
2. Within the field of human resources, does a compensation-based job help you in a recruiting based job? For example, is it more important to study one stream of HR such as recruitment, as opposed to knowing every stream such as payroll, benefits, compensation, selection, etc.?

H. Interviewing

1. How can you answer questions in an interview when you do not have relevant job experience in that particular position?
2. During an interview, what is the most important thing that candidates should convey?
3. What is the most important part of an interview?
4. How would you handle multiple interviews and possibly multiple job offers when deadlines conflict?
5. What is one of the most common interview blunders that would make employers think twice about hiring a potential candidate?
6. What is the first thing interviewers notice about applicants when they enter the interview?

I. After You Get The Job

1. What is the best way of approaching your employer about changing your tasks or discussing a promotion?

J. Career Timeline

1. On average, how long does it take after graduation to find a steady, stable job related to your career goals?
2. Where else can I go for career advice/job search assistance if I take a couple of years off after school?
3. Should I accept the first job offer I receive out of school or hold out for one that is more aligned with my interests/career goals?
4. What are some realistic expectations about moving up in a company while in your 20's? In terms of both position and pay.
5. How would taking a couple of years off after school impact my job prospects and starting my career?