Graduate Students’ Association president Aidan Smith views grad school as the ultimate blend of opportunities to develop academically, personally and professionally.<\/p>\n
“We are surrounded by professionals and experts who are passionate, knowledgeable and motivated to share their insights,” he told an audience of grad students during the closing remarks at the recent SHIFT Conference.<\/p>\n
Sixty Brock graduate students who attended the second annual SHIFT Conference<\/a> in the spring discussed life and career planning strategies in a day of workshops themed around self-discovery, skill development and career readiness.<\/p>\n A repository of resources and worksheets developed by facilitators for the SHIFT conference is now available on the Vitae Essential Skills website<\/a> and summarized below.<\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n Top 10 Life Affirming & Career Ready Tasks for Grad Students<\/strong><\/p>\n Go ahead, jump in! Here are a few summer tasks to help you prepare for a meaningful life and career:<\/p>\n 1. \u00a0Swim in, float on or follow a river. And recommit to the wonder and potential of your life.<\/p>\n 2. \u00a0Reflect on your graduate experience and compose a list of\u00a0your transferable skills<\/a>. \u00a0Your graduate education provides you with a rich set of experiences and skills that employers seek. If you are an international student, learn how to ‘Canadianize’ your resume.<\/span><\/p>\n 3. \u00a0Write a few ‘achievement statements’ <\/a> and be prepared for the position you desire.\u00a0Reflecting on your achievements is a real feel good exercise. Sometimes we underestimate what we’ve accomplished. Take the time to assess, reflect, articulate and transcribe those accomplishments.<\/p>\n 4. Go inside. Reflect on your unique qualities, interests, and ambitions. Ask yourself about how you intend to live your values? What is your life purpose? What impact and influence do you envision for yourself? Are your life and work-related values congruent? <\/a><\/p>\n 5. \u00a0Ask yourself the hard questions about your future and actively\u00a0explore your career choices. <\/span>The dynamic and changing world of work means inconceivable opportunities. Take the time to explore your options. There are some very cool self-assessments available.<\/p>\n 6. \u00a0Get social. Define your brand<\/a>, assess your online presence<\/a> and build a strong LinkedIn profile<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n 7. As a researcher you are a knowledge mobilizer. Every facet of work within and outside of higher education will require a sophisticated set of communication skills. Learn how to make your messages memorable<\/a> to a funder, potential employer or larger audience.<\/p>\n 8. \u00a0Take the Entrepreneurial Potential Self-Assessment<\/span>: perhaps you have what it takes? Are you a social innovator, ‘edupreneur’<\/a>, or\u00a0‘artpreneur’<\/a>? Consider immersing yourself in Brock’s Kick-Starting entrepreneurial training<\/a> program and the Blueprint Challenge<\/a> at Brock over the next year. Explore your entrepreneurial spirit by taking a free online Entrepreneurship 101 course.<\/span><\/p>\n 9.\u00a0 Get Ready for your interview. Understand the interview process, what the employer wants <\/a>and how you can prepare for those tricky questions.<\/p>\n 10. \u00a0Stare at the flames of a fire under an August sky. And be inspired and motivated for the year ahead.<\/p>\n