ArtsWORKS Career Development Conference

The Arts Career Development Conference for 2013 is in planning stages. Should you like to request a topic for the conference, please contact the Career Development Officer at artscareers@ualberta.ca

Our 2010 Arts Career Development Conference program was as follows:

Program Summary:

10 - 11 a.m. - Welcome and Keynote Address, Rachel Notley, BA (Hons), MLA Edmonton-Strathcona 

noon - 1 p.m. - Lunch & Learn (lunch provided)

12:05 - 12:50 p.m. - Special Session for international students: Round table discussion on Working in Canada (details below)

noon - 4 p.m. - Rapid Resume Review (ongoing)

11 am - 4 p.m. -  Break-out Sessions (mix and match to create your own program)

Break out Sessions:

Topic A: Going Global
11:10 a.m. - noon - Discover the world: Study abroad opportunities for U of A students 
Presenter: Jennifer Woronuk, Student Mobility Communications and Asia Exchanges Coordinator, University of Alberta International Education Abroad Program
Description: Travel. Learn. Live. Spend a term or year studying abroad while earning credit towards your U of A degree at one of over 100 partner exchange institutions around the world. Enrich your global and cultural awareness by studying in Oceania, Asia, Africa, Europe, or Latin America. The vibrant adventures you will encounter while abroad will give you incredible advantages academically, professionally, and personally, not to mention one of the most profound experiences of your life!

1:10 - 2 p.m. - Global I.Q.  
Panel: Charles Parker, Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), Heather MacPherson, Alberta Council for Global Cooperation and Jon Weller, current student Individualized Major & recent participant in Gram Chetna Kendra, a summer international youth project in India
Description: Are you considering a career in international development or are you planning to gain some international experience? Want to know the ins' and outs' of what it takes to be successful or what challenges you will face? Are you considering the benefits of such an experience and not sure if you should go ahead?  Attend this session to learn more about working abroad and give you tips on making your international experience or career meaningful and productive.

2:10 - 3 p.m.  - Gaining international work and volunteeer experience 
Presenters: Sherilyn Trompetter, International Internship Manager, U of A International and Tiarra Keim, AIESEC Edmonton
Description: Learn how you can integrate career related international work experience (paid or volunteer) into your time on campus. Examples will be provided from U of A International Internships; AIESEC Edmonton's Global Internship Program and more. Opportunities will also be explored for students nearing graduation and recent graduates.

3 - 4:10 p.m. - Applying for work abroad
Presenter: Brianna Enns, Career Peer Educator, CAPS: Your U of A Career Centre
Description: In this seminar we will explore some of the surprising differences that exist between the application process for work in Canada vs. work abroad. We will also review general concepts such as resume formats and interview protocol (although we will not have time to discuss individual country differences). Finally we will take a look at the numerous resources and services that can help with your application for international work.

Topic B: Working In
11:10 a.m. - noon - Communications
Panel: Marvin Polis, President Stimulant Strategies Inc. & Past President of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC); Alison Turner, Communications Director, Edmonton Arts Council; and Roger Graves, Director, Writing Across Curriculum, University of Alberta).
Description: If you have questions about how to get started in the broad field of communications this session is for you! You will hear advice from industry professionals and learn more about opportunities for students to get involved with IABC and the Writers Task Force.

1:10 - 2 p.m. - Human Services
Panel: Brooks Hanewich, Workforce Development Specialist with the Alberta Council of Disability Services; Crystal Cleland, Addictions Counsellor and Prevention Consultant, Alberta Health Services (former AADAC); and Violet Poon, Recruitment Coordinator, YWCA Edmonton and Advisory Committee Member for ECVO Welcoming Workplace Project.
Description: Are you interested in working with people in the human services and/or non-profit sectors? If so, this session is for you! Come learn more about a day in the life of professionals working in various aspects of human services from counseling people with addictions, to working with people with disabilities and working in a non-profit agency. You’ll also learn more about 'Welcoming Workplace', an initiative designed to encourage youth to work in the non-profit sector.

2:10 - 3 p.m. - Your Own Business
Panel: David Bayda, The Business Link; Cathy Whyte, Sun Life Financial Advisor; Lisa Austin, 3eyescommunications
Description: Budding entrepreneurs should attend this session to learn insider tips about starting a successful business post-graduation. Hear from entrepreneurial Arts graduates and get valuable information and resources from the Business Link. No matter what kind of business you're planning to open, you can learn from this session.

3 - 4:10 p.m. - Government
Panel: Tara Langan, City of Edmonton; Mark Woodhouse, Government of Alberta and Jayson Lavergne, Government of Canada
Description: Attend this session to learn more about employment options with the City of Edmonton, Government of Alberta and Government of Canada. Hear first-hand perspectives about working for government, the range of job opportunities available to Arts students, necessary skills and qualifications, and where to look for available positions.

Topic C: Managing Your Career
11:10 a.m. - noon - Bursting Out of the Campus Bubble: Hands-On Career Exploration Activities with CAPS
Presenter: Alexis Lockwood, Experiential Learning Coordinator, CAPS: Your U of A Career Centre
Description: If you are looking to get realistic career information, learn about new and unexpected opportunities, and make professional connections, then it’s time to burst out of the campus bubble.  When you are exploring career options, it can be tempting to spend your time simply researching different jobs online and taking self-assessment career tests.  But if you start asking family and friends, you’ll soon learn that most people have ended up working where they are through seemingly random opportunities and connections that you can’t access sitting at home.  Join us to hear why ‘learning by doing’ is important for your career and review how you can get involved in experiential activities like career information interviewing, job shadowing, career mentoring and more.

1:10 - 2 p.m. - Identifying and presenting your skills to employers
Presenter: Michael Bodnar, Career Advisor, CAPS: Your U of A Career Centre
Description: In this presentation we will try to answer the following questions: What employability skills does my Arts degree provide? How do I effectively market my skills to potential employers? There will be an opportunity to share your own experiences and learn from others

2:10 - 3 p.m. - Screened and Scanned: Taking Control of the Internet Job Search
Presenter: Christine Gertz, Career and Information Specialist, CAPS: Your U of A Career Centre
Description: The Internet is a powerful tool for researching and communicating with employers and it has offered employers access to more job seekers. What are the tools that you can use to get access to employers and how can you showcase your skills and abilities while maintaining your personal privacy? This presentation will talk about using the Internet to your advantage and some of the resources and careers available to Arts students.

Lunch & Learn - noon to 1 p.m.
Take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about programs, services and further education options at the U of A. Have your questions answered all in one place by staff and faculty in a casual atmosphere over lunch. Lunch is provided!

Exhibitors