 
### Your Guide to Succeed After Graduation

Practical Advice by Young Professionals

Aly Madhavji, Ryan Coelho, and Karen Deng
Your Guide to Succeed After Graduation

Written by

Aly Madhavji, CPA, CA, CMA, CIM, B.Com

Ryan Coelho, B.Eng (Hon)

Karen Deng, BA (Hon), MPH

Contributors

Lise Cartwright - Author, Freelance Writer & Coach

Jordan Hill, CPA, CA, ATC - Coach, Metcalfe Hill; Co-Director, Global Leadership Academy

Sean Martin, MSW, RSW - Personal Counsellor, University of Toronto Mississauga

Felicity Morgan B.Sc, M.Ed, RP - Director, University of Toronto Mississauga Career Centre

Joel Nicholson, B.Com - Co-CEO, UniversityHub; Co-Director, Global Leadership Academy

Associate Editors

Nitin Bharathy, MBA | Aleem Dhanani, B.Com (Hon) | Laura Foo, CPA, CFA | Ridah Ratanshi | Zahir Ratanshi, B.Com (Hon), MBA | Naima Salemohamed, B.Sc | Isabell Scheringer, M.Sc | Astrid Schrader, MA | Olivier Sorin, B.Sc (Hon), MA | George Wong, HBA

Published by Aly Madhavji at Smashwords

Copyright © 2016 Aly Madhavji, Ryan Coelho, and Karen Deng

Smashwords Edition, License Notes: This book may be reproduced, copied and distributed for non-commercial purposes, provided the book remains in its complete original form.

Available from Amazon.com, CreateSpace.com, and other retail outlets. Information on how to obtain the FREE eBook edition can be found at the websites below or by scanning the QR code:

Website: www.SucceedAfterGraduation.com

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/Succeed.After.Graduation

Series Website: www.YourGuideToSeries.com

ISBN: 978-1-5373125-6-9 Paperback

ISBN: 978-1-3708116-2-5 Smashwords

ISBN: 978-0-9921028-2-1 eBook & PDF

Special thank you to our support networks, mentors, contributors, editors, friends, and family who helped make this book a reality. We really appreciate you taking the time to read this guide. If you enjoy the book, please leave a positive review on Amazon, iBooks, or Google Play to help other students and young professionals to become aware of this guide and please share this resource with friends & family.
Testimonials

"This book is inspirational in many ways. Aly Madhavji, Ryan Coelho, and Karen Deng outline the key steps young professionals should take to succeed after graduation, not only in the labor market but also in life. This book contains words of wisdom from dealing with job rejections to finding your passion to achieving a balanced life. The authors share personal stories of both success and failure that readers can learn from. Release of this invaluable material as a free eBook means the young people who need this advice the most will be able to easily access it. This is the future of publishing, continuing education, and personal development."

\-- Eric Luis Uhlmann, Associate Professor of Organizational Behavior, INSEAD

"Don't be fooled by the title. While it's a great read for young professionals and prospective graduates, this book succinctly captures core life fundamentals, irrespective of where you are in your personal and professional life cycle. It is a refreshing, enjoyable and quick read. A must read for young professionals who are gearing up for the real world and aspire to be successful. A refreshing read for anyone who aspires to simply fine tune and be reminded of things that impact your journey."

\-- Nick Kuryluk, CEO, ColdBlock Technologies Inc.

"Your Guide to Succeed after Graduation" is a must-read for graduates or those who are about to graduate. It is written in simple jargon-free English, chockfull of useful advice and I really like the anecdotes based on the authors' personal experiences that often turn failure into learning experiences. I only wish it was around when I graduated!"

\-- P. C. Choo, Governor of the University of Toronto

An easy read, this concisely written book is an excellent practical guide to career and life after graduating from a university. Rooted in the personal and very relevant experiences of the authors and contributors, the book is mercifully free of intellectual mumbo jumbo and cuts right to the chase with practical advice on the most critical matters a new graduate has to deal with. Even this not-so-new graduate found many useful reminders of what works, what doesn't, and why! A must read for any fresh graduate looking to find success or building further on an already positive trajectory.

\-- H. Deep Saini, Vice-Chancellor & President, University of Canberra

Table of Contents

Introduction

Personal Branding: Define How the World Sees You

Networking: Making Friends Makes a Difference

Mentorship: Personal Development Through Role-Models

Succeeding in Your Career, As Defined by You

Career Strategy and Job Searching

In Pursuit of Passion: Leaving Perceived Safety Behind

Goal Setting: S.M.A.R.T. Goals to Reach Smart Outcomes

Balanced Living

Travel and Going Abroad: Open Your Mind to a World of Perspective

Budget Management and Getting Debt-Free

Further Education: Learning Doesn't End with School

12 Key Themes and Takeaways

About the Authors
Introduction

" **Why did you create this?"**

We wrote this book to give you, as a graduating student or young professional, a better insight into life after post-secondary education, as well as some tools and advice to assist you in navigating the challenges after graduation.

This book focuses on general life advice that will have direct or indirect impact on your career. This advice comes from the personal experiences of success and failure from the authors, 3 young professionals, and the words of wisdom from expert contributors. This starter guide provides a comprehensive foundation for you after graduation but remember to seek out professionals to overcome complex challenges.

Topics we cover include personal branding, networking, mentorship, career strategy, entrepreneurship, goal setting, community involvement, experiential learning, reducing debt, and further education.

" **How can I use it?"**

This book can be read in either one of 2 ways:

1) Read in its entirety (start to finish)

Although many of the topics in this book are mutually exclusive, we've done our best to craft the material in a way that flows organically from start to finish. This guide begins with the areas that are most relevant to you after graduation, including factors that will influence you more as your career progresses.

2) Read based on section relevant to your interest

Alternatively, you can visit the table of contents to navigate to the sections that catch your eye.
Personal Branding: Define How the World Sees You

Personal branding in a career context is showcasing who you are, what you stand for, your skillsets, and the promises you deliver on as an individual. You'll notice this is the same concept that applies to businesses. For example, when you hear the word "Facebook" you immediately think of a place to connect with your friends online. Similarly, your personal brand is what people associate you with when they hear about you or think about you. Define your personal brand before someone else does it for you.

" **Why is personal branding important?"**

Personal branding is very important since it dictates who you are when you're not there. It's a scalable representation of yourself and if you don't shape it, you open the risk of others shaping it for you - whether it's in a way that you like or not.

Keeping a strong personal brand for yourself under your control gives you leverage when it comes to getting a job or running your own business. People gain the opportunity to learn more about you and gain trust with you simply from learning about you through your personal brand.

" **How can I build my personal brand?"**

With the emergence of social media, building your personal brand is simpler. The trick is to create a foundation for your brand on popular social platforms (creating static biographical information) and then leverage those platforms to further define that brand (producing and sharing content relevant to your brand). This is the perfect opportunity to showcase your skills, experience, education, and passion to clearly define who you are as a person.

" **What if I don't build a personal brand?"**

If you do not control your personal brand then others will, and it might not be what you want. People are always trying to 'categorize' the people around them and if you don't create a brand for yourself others may describe you as someone that you do not want to be known for. Even worse, you might not be categorized at all, thus never talked about, and therefore losing out on many opportunities that could have come your way if you had a defined personal brand.

" **What if I don't have anything to add to my portfolio?"**

If you look closely into your past work, volunteer, educational and life experiences you will realize that there is always something you can add to your portfolio. It might not be obvious at first, but after examining the work we're sure you can find a way to connect it to your personal brand and current career path. If you still don't think you have anything, then your job is to start building some portfolio items! Think about what you would like your portfolio to look like, and pursue opportunities in that direction.

## Building Your Brand on Social Media

There are various types of social media networks. It is important to remember that social media use can be leisurely and social; however, when succeeding in your career, you must remember to use social media to portray yourself in a professional manner.

" **What is social media?"**

Social media is medium using websites and applications that help individuals create and share content using the internet. The benefits of it include being able to 'broadcast' messages that can be seen by multiple people in a simple way (i.e. no need to add a bunch of people on an email or create a conference call). The other benefit of social media is its instantaneous nature. Social media has also allowed us to aggregate information in a more efficient way and instantly connect with anyone at any time.

One thing to mention is that social media is not a 'push' platform - meaning it is not meant for you to just put out information all the time. Effective use of it includes 'push and pull' meaning you put out information but also interact with information from others. Those who successfully use social media to their advantage will tell you it's all about the conversations and relationships that are built using the platforms.

" **What pitfalls should I be aware of when using social media?"**

We are often culprits of acting on our emotion before properly thinking things through. In the social media world this is incredibly dangerous. Since writing can easily be misinterpreted. While social media is a great way to connect with others, think about what the impact, both intentional and unintended consequences, might be. Always think before you write something and ask yourself, "Am I writing this having rationally thought about it or are my comments strictly based on emotions? Am I condemning anyone or their beliefs?" "Can my comments be negatively misinterpreted?" On another note, when you do begin work, be sure to check your workplace policies on social media. For example, places that handle confidential information often forbid photos (even seemingly harmless selfies) in the workplace. Also, remember that it is becoming more common for prospective and existing employers to view your social media activity.

" **What type of content should I share?"**

The type of content you share is dependent on your personal brand and career strategy. For example, if you are looking to build your career in marketing, start reading and sharing content that is marketing related – your posts could include a photo of a cool campaign you came across on the street or an interesting article in a marketing magazine that really resonated with you.

The only thing to be cautious of is to only share things that you have actually watched or read, to ensure the content is really something you relate to. If what you share does not properly align with your brand it may start to detract from what your brand actually is. By diluting your brand through an array of social media content, you may confuse people as to who you are professionally, and could even appear as disingenuous! So, before you post or retweet something, think about how that would reflect on your personal brand.

" **How can I leverage social media for my career?"**

Social media is a great way to connect with people and share information. From a career perspective, it is an incredible way to find and attract opportunities. Here are some brief descriptions of various tools available to you.

LinkedIn Profile

Building a strong presence on LinkedIn is essential to your personal brand as a young professional. A LinkedIn profile is meant to be an ongoing list of your accomplishments, skills, interests and experience. Having your profile up-to-date with these types of things allows your friends, colleagues, and others to easily stay up to date with your progress. When opportunities arise, even perhaps some you've never thought about, individuals can then let you know. Showcasing your skills can also lead to other volunteer opportunities or even promotional material for your current employer if they are interested in what you're doing beyond the workplace.

Other Online Presence and Portals

A key consideration in developing your personal brand is researching and understanding your industry and the commonly used media outlets. For example, if you work in research, venues online publications and awards portals (such as Research Portal in Canada) are great ways to connect with the research community, identify researchers with common interests, and identify yourself as a researcher. Often times, this is a great way to learn about potential collaborators and build your network.

Other industries such as film and art may require portfolio builders, such as Common CV. It is important to understand and leverage upon the appropriate online platforms for your industry to best develop your personal brand.

Twitter

Twitter is a very common platform for people to discover you on. It's important that you keep your bio up to date and easy for people to relate to. Once again you want to give people a reason to learn more about you and want to follow you. Keep it short, simple, and really emphasize how you believe you are contributing to society.

Instagram

Instagram is a photo, video sharing, and social networking service. Instagram may be appropriate as a professional branding tool for some industries (e.g. travel, photography sectors), but not others.

Facebook

Facebook is an online social network that allows you to post your profile, share photos, messages, and information, as well as join common-interest user groups. Be cautious, as what you joke about amongst friends may be construed as offensive to others in your network.

## Finding Opportunities through Social Media:

Opportunities come to those who are perceived to add value in some way. This value can come in many forms and the opportunity will almost always be offered by someone who is in 'need' of the value that is being offered. It is key to remember that 'perception' plays a big part in this exchange. For example, just because you offer the value of tutoring people in math does not mean someone who is need of a tutor is guaranteed to offer you the opportunity. Before the opportunity is offered they will first need to know you and decide if they trust you. This is where social media can be your best friend. Sharing your thoughts and insights and helping people out on various social media platforms is a great way to build trust with the people you're helping as well as those 'spectators' who can see that you're doing it! People can see you're the real deal through an ongoing social media presence, instead of just having to rely on testimonials on your website from people they don't know.

Attracting Opportunities through Social Media:

The great thing about sharing and helping people on social media is that anyone can usually see it. This means that if someone indirectly likes what you're doing and needs help with what you do, they can easily reach out to you and offer you the opportunity.

## A Personal Experience: Ryan connects via Facebook

Throughout my transition from engineering to personal development and motivational speaking, I consistently engaged in social media to keep people informed of my activities and developments in the field, engaged in conversations, and shared information that I came across in my research.

When I read content that was interesting, I relayed them through my social media network, which included my Facebook page. Over time, people randomly started messaging me to say how much they appreciated my posts and my mindset and motivation.

Someone who followed my career in personal development via Facebook for 7 years reached out to me over Facebook and hired me to do a keynote presentation at a major university. Had we not been connected on social media, and had I not shared my thoughts and insights about the work I do publicly, that opportunity may never have presented itself!

## Defining Your Brand Beyond Social Media

Personal Website (Sharing who you are)

About.me is a free page you can sign up for that is a great way to showcase who you are, what you're up to, and link people to your various social media outlets. Taking some time to set this up in a compelling way will give you some online presence and credibility, and make it easy for people to learn more about you. The best advice for this platform is to keep it simple and straightforward.

You may want to eventually progress to building out your own personal website where you can share more detailed information and insight into who you are. There are a lot of free services that make website building easy to do, including WordPress, Weebly, and Wix. Sign up for the service that works best for you (some are straightforward drag and drop while others require a bit of experience with HTML coding) and get started. Basic information on your website might include a basic information and contact, your portfolio, and your contact information. You can always add more pages depending on what information you're trying to get across, just be careful not to fill it with so much information that it becomes messy and confusing to navigate.

Blogging (Sharing what you know)

A blog is a crucial part of your personal brand. Why? Well it allows you to share your thoughts and insights, which is a powerful way to build trust with people online. It goes beyond just who you say you are and shows off who you really are. You'll notice that many people make their living off just writing a blog and that's because they are so focused on what they offer and who they're catering to that they build a strong and loyal following.

Now you don't have to do anything that extreme at this point, but sharing your thoughts about the topics you're interested in will allow you to develop a more unique brand that doesn't just have a name and a face to it, but also a story behind it. You can add a blog to your website as noted above or you can create a stand-alone blog on sites such as Tumblr or Blogger.

Another option to consider is to use LinkedIn blogging feature to increase reach and exposure to your existing network and those beyond.

Blogs are great because there are no limitations to what you share. The only forewarning is that anything you write is associated to you and can be read by anyone. As such, it is important to use your judgment on what's appropriate to share or not. The best rule of thumb is don't write anything that you believe will seriously offend anyone in a negative way. That doesn't mean you can't share your opinion on topics that others may not agree with, just be tasteful and classy in the way you write it. Your blog is a gateway to you, your beliefs, and your brand- so be careful how you wish to portray yourself. Avoid any bashing of other beliefs and instead promote the beliefs you hold and why you hold them. Your blog should inspire others, not condemn anyone.

Online Portfolio

Work done in your academic career can likely be leveraged as you enter the professional world. The best way to take advantage of this work is to create a portfolio that outlines the various projects you did and how it relates to your personal brand and where you are heading in your career.

Examples of things to add to your portfolio include:

● Pictures/Videos of you in action (i.e. speaking, presenting, performing, etc.)

● Any graphic designs you created (important for those getting into visually creative fields)

● Projects you were part of and the results that were achieved

● Testimonials from others about your work

● Any media hits you receive (i.e. getting interviewed on TV, etc.)

● Bullet point list of personal/professional highlights

● If permitted, logos of clients you've worked with

Business Cards

As a young professional, business cards are extremely important. Business cards allow you to not only exchange your contact information but also enable others to see which designations you have (including your university degree) and how to spell your name to allow them to find you on social media sites. Obtaining business cards from others helps you to do the same. Depending on the industry you're in, you can make your business card suit your style and professionalism by custom designing a unique look and feel. If you work for an organization, you may be able to get personalized business cards with the organizations' branding.

## Branding Through Effective Presentations: Presenting for Results

Presentations play a major role in your personal and professional development as they are opportunities to present not only information, but also yourself. Each presentation you deliver is a reflection on your personal brand. An effective presentation works to present facts, convince others of a perspective, or initiate a conversation.

" **How would you define an effective presentation?"**

An effective presentation does one thing and one thing only - it creates change. Presentations should never be created to force people into change. Not only is it annoying for the audience, but also rarely works. The key to an effective presentation is inspiring and compelling change - in other words, getting people to want to adopt the change you present.

For example, if you are an entrepreneur presenting your business idea to investors, your objective is to change their minds into giving you money to further the growth of your idea. It's not to show how cool the idea is or how many features are involved, yes, that may be part of the presentation, but it must all be done in an effort to hit your objective of getting the capital you need.

" **What are some tips on presenting effectively?"**

● Practice, practice, practice. The more you rehearse, the more confident and prepared you'll be when you actually present.

● Focus on the audience and be less concerned about yourself. If you make it about their benefits, they'll know it and appreciate it.

● Be yourself when presenting. People have an easier time relating to genuine people.

● Get feedback at the end. Appreciate the good and learn from the bad.

" **I'm not comfortable presenting. How do I get better?"**

Practice is critical. Friends, local meet-ups (i.e. Toastmasters), and other social groups (casual and formal) can provide you with the opportunity to practice and receive constructive feedback. Put yourself into situations that would mimic your presentation's setting.

When you see an impactful presenter, carefully assess what made them impactful. Perhaps it was the words they chose, maybe it was their body language. Identify what elements made their presentation better, and adopt those practices!

## Three Steps to an Effective Presentation

Step 1: Have a clear message, take-away, or ask

The audience should never leave a presentation wondering: "What was the speaker trying to tell me?" You want to make your message clear and concise. Not fluff. Once you are clear on that message (which represents the change you want to create) then move on to adding other elements to the presentation that make it more compelling and exciting.

For example, if you are trying to change a mindset about a political issue, make sure you are clear on what issue you are trying to change their minds on and an easy way for them to remember 'why' that change is necessary.

Step 2: Use stories and analogies

Stories and analogies are a great way to make a message 'stick' with people because they are engaging and often relatable. Our minds love the flow and mystery that good stories provide. If you just throw facts and figures at people, they will lose attention very quickly. Facts and figures can be important, but are only effective when delivered in an appropriate method that keeps your audience engaged.

Step 3: Keep your presentation connected

A connected presentation ensures that it is structured in a way that is easy for someone to understand and easily follow. If you just randomly throw the information you have together, yes you may get across certain messages that you need to, but you may lose the audience because they can't understand how everything fits together. Your goal is to make it simple for the audience to process so that they are more likely to adopt the change you present.

## A Personal Experience: Ryan Experiences an Epic Fail in Public Speaking

In 2012, I landed my first paid speaking gig. This experience taught me the most important lessons in presenting.

Excited by the opportunity I planned for almost a week in advance of the talk. The teacher's objective was to keep it fun, light-hearted and valuable for the students, especially as the talk was planned for the week leading up to summer break. So, I decided to play a game with them that taught them about leadership. When I arrived at the school, one of the students greeted me and took me on a tour. At one point she even mentioned how she admired I was a speaker. Before I stepped on stage I felt on top of the world.

Right from the get-go things started going wrong. My technology was crashing on me as I set-up while the teachers and students were getting impatient. After what seemed like hours, the game did not go as planned, with only about 6 of the 500 students engaged in the activity. The rest were confused about what I was trying to get across to them, and 10 minutes into the presentation students were running out the backdoor. I even ended 30 minutes earlier than anticipated. It was horrible, and I felt incredibly embarrassed. My stomach sank to rock-bottom.

While giving up on becoming a speaker kept coming to mind, I kept pushing myself to focus on what I could learn from the experience. Here's what I came away with:

● I have to make sure I really understand the people I'm talking to, especially where their minds and emotions are at. The students were thinking about summer break, not a leadership lecture. I learned that to make a connection, I needed to relate to the audience at a deeper level by understanding their mindset.

● I tried to implement a confusing game which wasn't clear on the message I was trying to promote. My clear and simple message was thwarted by a complicated game.

● During the talk, the most engaging moments were in the short anecdotal stories that I had presented. I learned that moving forward in my talks I have to use powerful stories that allow people to dive into their imaginations and seem as if they are watching a movie - except one that's in their mind.

All these lessons were huge for me moving forward in my career. Had it not been for this experience I would not be where I am today. By embracing every opportunity as a chance to learn, and applying those lessons to future opportunities, I have become a powerful speaker on numerous topics.
Networking: Making Friends Makes a Difference

The professional world is all about relationships, where anyone can open a door to the next step of your career. In this section, we teach you how to build positive relationships and use them to grow in your career and personal life.

Networking can be approached similarly to making friends. However, networking has the added component of building professional rapports, including finding interests and other common interests with people you network with. Always remember, networking is a two-way street, where anyone can help you open a door to the next step of your career and you can do the same for someone else.

" **Why should I network?"**

Beyond academics, if there is one thing that will make a difference in your career after graduation, it is building a strong network. At the end of the day, what allows you to get jobs, gain and keep clients, and thrive in your field is people. Learning how to interact and build meaningful relationships is the core foundation of your career.

While we will provide you with some tips in this book to help you get started with networking, the best way to learn how to network is to actually do it. Get out there and meet people!

From online social networking (such as LinkedIn, Meetup, Reddit, Ten Thousand Coffees), to live events curated to your personal or professional interests, and well-organized conferences and even casual events with colleagues, networking opportunities are everywhere. Your goal with networking is, and always will be, to build meaningful relationships regardless of the immediate opportunities at hand.

" **Who should I network with?"**

A lot of people get caught-up in trying to figure out who they should meet for certain opportunities that they forget that anyone and everyone can be a part of your network.

Not everyone in your network has to become a customer or client, or help you find your next job. Even if the person you directly interact with does not eventually turn into a direct business relationship, the relationship can lead to them passing your name along to people in their network, which may create opportunities for you. It's important to keep the networking mindset that everyone is a valuable connection and worth talking to. The capacity and type of the relationship can vary, but a simple and basic relationship with anyone is valuable in its own way.

" **What should I focus on to network effectively?"**

Networking always begins with two key objectives - listening and helping. If you go into a conversation to talk and take, there's a good chance you'll leave with nothing. If, on the other hand, your main intention is to genuinely listen to and help others, you will attract others to do the same for you whether now or in the future. Through this process you may also find that you gain many new insights and knowledge that could be of use to you later in your career.

" **How can I leverage networking for my career?"**

The more you listen and help others while networking, the more opportunities will come your way. Despite that, it's still important to ask for help when you think you need it.

The best relationships include both giving and taking. However, they are not dependent on being 'tit for tat' (i.e. direct exchange every time). Sometimes you might help someone and not ask for any help in return. That doesn't mean you can't ask them for help in the future. For example, if you are looking for a job, reach out to the relationships you have and ask if they know of any opportunities you can pursue. Make it easy for them to help you by clearly sharing with them your career ambitions.

" **What is a 'Warm Introduction'? And what is a 'Cold Call'?"**

A warm introduction is when someone in your network introduces you to someone in their network, whom you are interested in connecting with, or who may share common ambitions.

A cold call is reaching out to someone with whom you have no prior connection or relationship, to establish a connection.

In almost every instance, warm introductions are better than cold calls. This is because in a warm introduction, you and your new connection automatically share something in common: your friend! It comes as no surprise that friends are more likely to help friends than strangers. So, whenever possible, use your network to provide you with some warm introductions. And remember, it is a two-way street, so help your network by introducing them to your connections when relevant!

In some cases, a cold call will be needed. The key to this is to take a genuine interest in the person you are trying to make a connection with. Let them know why you are contacting them, and be respectful of their time. Some of these calls will go unheeded, but don't be discouraged – you never know who will respond until you try! Also, before making the cold call, try to learn something about them and their interests and in particular any common interests. This can help break the ice with your new contact, and give you something to build an initial rapport on before you ask them for help.

## The Five Steps to Networking Success

The Five Steps to Networking Success[ The Five Steps to Networking Success: As adapted and enhanced from the 'How to Network' section of Aly Madhavji's book Your Guide to Succeed in University.] can be your starter toolkit to effectively navigate networking with confidence and insight.

Step 1: Network up and down, left and right

Networking is all about creating strong connections and relationships with individuals at all levels, career stages, and fields: individuals who are more senior in their career, at the same level, below your job title and experience, or even in a different field altogether. The reason for this is that any one of your connections could help you by introducing you to new connections, finding a strategic mentor, or leading you to your next career opportunity.

Though it may come most naturally to actively seek out and interact with people from your area of expertise, you could consider networking across industries as well. This will have advantages including learning from other perspectives and approaches. Consider networking opportunities that are not traditional to your industry (such as academic conferences for professionals or networking events in other sectors). When you find yourself in these contexts, take care to listen carefully to get the most benefit out of people who are active in that field. Find areas where your fields intersect to engage in meaningful conversations. By opening up and meeting people where they are, you expand your network in all directions.

Step 2: Help others, including your "competition"

Helping people you perceive to be your "competition" may seem counterintuitive. However, this separates you from everyone else. For example, if you're at a networking event and you help to introduce others, build relationships, and have good intentions, you'll stand out from the crowd and leave a positive impression on other attendees, executives, and even recruiters. More importantly, you will leave that positive impression on your "competition", which will likely be reciprocated in the future.

Step 3: Make friends not just networks

Many individuals try to use networking as an avenue of taking rather than to build a meaningful two-way relationship. However, if you start with the intention of building a friendship, the relationship will naturally become a two-way relationship, a give and take, which will result in more opportunities down the road.

An example of utilizing a collaborative relationship is the tag-team networking approach. Which increases your credibility and chances of meeting the right people.

The tag-team approach works like this:

If you plan on attending an event with a friend, discuss a strategy beforehand and provide each other with a few key points. When your friend meets someone who may share your interests they will be prepared to introduce you using the discussed points. You, of course, will also be able to do the same for your friend. The tag-team networking approach demonstrates your ability to connect individuals while maximizing, for both of you, your networking results.

Step 4: Be yourself and don't be nervous

Some young professionals are nervous talking to new people or highly accomplished individuals. However, it is important to be yourself, find common topics of interest and take every moment as a learning opportunity. It's a continuous development process, so make sure you reflect at the end of each day on how you will improve for the next day.

Step 5: Solidify the connection

It is always important to ask for a business card and/or for a way to connect with your new contact to continue your relationship. Perhaps even follow them on Twitter (make sure you have a professionally appropriate Twitter account!). If it is a more formal connection, you can send them an email and also connect via LinkedIn. If it is less formal, you can add them with a short LinkedIn message or even follow and tweet at them! Remember that sending a Facebook request may not be appropriate (depending on your conversation, you be the judge).

If you've met a person, for example in passing at a conference, or as a part of a group, who you would like to get to know better, you may consider following up with an invitation for a more in depth, one-on-one discussion. Mentioning a couple of items discussed during your conversation by email or even a distinctive handwritten note may help them remember your interaction and solidify your relationship.

## A Personal Experience: Ryan at a Bachelor Party

"It was at my cousin's bachelor party that I met one of my top mentors. What was funny, as you can imagine, was that it was not a "typical" networking environment. I struck up a conversation with someone who was unfamiliar to me, and it turned out to be a good move.

As we chatted about random topics, I eventually led the conversation to his career and what he focused on for work. He proceeded to tell me he was a Brand Strategist for celebrities, including Will Smith, Jamie Foxx and many others. Besides my jaw dropping in awe, the relationship continued to grow because we had a great conversation leading to this point and I showed so much interest in him and what he did.

We continued to meet periodically and he mentored me closely through the early days of my business, helping me learn things in one conversation that would typically have taken years of effort.

This experience shows that networking opportunities are everywhere. It's just a matter of grabbing on to them when they present themselves.
Mentorship: Personal Development Through Role-Models

A mentor is someone whom you can look up to and whose experiences, failures, and successes you can learn from. A mentor can guide you through tough decisions or give you new perspectives on a situation.

Mentorship comes in many shapes and forms, including formal (through university programs and at workplaces) and informal (through networks and at work guidance). Formal mentors are often matched through workplace or post-graduate programs based on your organization, role, and interests. Informal mentors you usually get connected to through personal relationships, activities and events. For the purposes of the section, we focus on informal mentors. Remember that support or guidance is just a mentorship request away!

" **How do I go about getting a mentor?"**

Mentors can provide general guidance (to aid you in determining your career direction and approach), or focused advice (to help you achieve targets and goals that you have set) based on their experiences.

Mentors can be regarded as volunteer 'guidance counsellors'. They do not (and in many cases, cannot) give you answers to your professional situations and circumstances, but more so help you see new perspectives, based on their experiences and wisdom. When you find someone whose career path you admire, then you may gain a lot of valuable insights from them through mentorship.

Be proactive when it comes to finding your mentor. Leverage your network and attend the right events to find a mentor who can guide you through your path. Once you find them, kindly ask for some of their time to learn from their experience. The nice thing is that people love to share their experiences, especially their successes. You can have multiple mentors, for different types of guidance and situations. Sometimes you might find a mentor in a friend or colleague who provides you with practical general advice while you may seek out others specifically for career guidance.

" **How much further along in their career should my mentor be?"**

It really all depends on where you are looking to go in your career and how their current experience level can add value to you. Seeking more than one mentor will provide you with differing perspectives based on different experiences. You can then combine all of these ideas and opportunities, and use them to shape your career journey. In general, try to make and maintain connections with someone slightly ahead of you in their career, someone mid-career, and someone well established in their career.

The mentor slightly ahead of you in their career will be able to offer you insights into the navigation of your own career in the near future. A mid-career mentor will help you understand the bigger picture. Your well-established mentor might be able to help you steer your overall direction.

Staying aware of the challenges at each stage will provide you the opportunity to pivot and adapt to the changes in your industry while keeping in mind your long-term objectives.

" **How do I effectively work with a mentor?"**

Effectively working with a mentor involves understanding the value exchange within a mentoring relationship. It is important to understand that a mentor is not your professional coach, meaning it is not their job to help you stay accountable to your goals. While some may help you in that area, many mentors will expect that you will achieve your attainable goals before meeting them. The value they bring to the relationship is the insight and perspective on how you can move forward towards your vision of success, and the value you bring to them is personal fulfillment, which they gain from seeing their information benefit someone with potential.

When you seek mentorship advice, be prepared with specific questions that will help you along your chosen path. For example, it might not be helpful to ask: should I do XYZ?, but rather ask questions such as: Based on your experience, what do you see as the benefits or limitations of doing XYZ?

Your mentor should be able to provide you advice to guide you, but you should not look to them to tell you what to do. Be careful not to waste a mentor's time or they may not be your mentor for long. Think of their time as an investment in you. If you do not do anything productive or useful with it, then over time they may not see the return on that investment, and may lose interest in mentoring you.

## A Personal Experience: Ryan's Mentors

I had two key mentors when building my career. One individual, by the name of Ray, spoke about "Discovering your passion" at a conference I attended. I enjoyed Ray's talk and wanted to connect with him, so at the end of his session, I asked him for a business card. I figured that reaching out to him the next day to see if he would be willing to meet me would be a good idea. However, at the end of the conference on the same day, Ray walked by saying that he was heading to the post-event social, asking if anyone wanted to join him. No one budged, and I almost didn't either. But in that moment something compelled me to go. I chased and caught up with him, we walked together to the social venue, and Ray and I ended up speaking for close to three hours that night. The relationship has flourished ever since.

The other mentor was Jesse, whom I met randomly at a small function. I was so impressed with the work Jesse did that I kept in contact and was always eager to learn more about his journey. At one point, I even got a job with him! Since then, Jesse has been an important mentor, and has helped me greatly down the path of entrepreneurship.
Succeeding in Your Career, As Defined by You

_Contributed by Jordan Hill, CPA, CA, ATC | Coach, Metcalfe Hill; Co-Director, GLA_

As a career development coach, Jordan specializes in empowering his clients to achieve success. Working with young professionals and organizations across a variety of sectors, Jordan seeks to identify winning strategies to ensure they have meaningful and engaged careers.

Having experience working on the front lines with young professionals as well as working with Canadian business leaders, Jordan has a unique exposure to the needs of both sides of the workforce. Through this understanding, Jordan has crafted an effective program to harness the potential of the new workforce.

Contributed by Felicity Morgan B.Sc, M.Ed, RP | Director, University of Toronto Mississauga Career Centre

Felicity is the Director of the Career Centre at the University of Toronto Mississauga. She is an innovative career services leader, who constantly explores new methods of helping students achieve their goals. Felicity is committed to providing programs and services that help students develop lifelong career management skills and to facilitate their connections with employers, alumni, industry professionals and the community. Felicity and the Career Centre were short-listed in the top five for a North American career services innovation award, recognizing the out of the box thinking the staff employ in their work. A graduate of the University of Toronto, she holds a Bachelors degree in Psychology and Sociology and a Masters of Education in Counselling Psychology and is a Registered Psychotherapist in the province of Ontario, Canada.

" **How is success defined?"**

Success is in the eye of the beholder. Success is based on what a meaningful and engaging career is for you. How you define and/or quantify success is up to you, and you alone. By taking time to define success in your own terms, you will have a clearer idea of the end goal and become more confident in getting there.

" **Why should I always be thinking about my career and strategy?"**

Though the steps of succeeding in the workplace may seem simple in theory, it is far from easy. It requires commitment, dedication and persistence; but like anything in life, it is worth it once you have earned it. Through this process, you will see improvements in your performance, engagement and of course your success!

## Five Steps to Success in the Workplace

Step 1: Focus on You

You have a unique set of skills and motivations that are different from many of your co-workers, allowing you to do certain tasks more effectively. Take inventory of your top values, strengths and passions. Take time to understand what these are. When you are aware of these, you have the ability to put them to use in a position where they are of high value to your employer.

To do this, write down your three responses to each of the following questions:

● What skills come easy to you?

● What do you need in order to succeed in the workplace?

● What type of work-related activities do you enjoy doing?

Next, take a good look at yourself. What do you like to do, what are you good at, what do you want out of life, what places bring out the best in you?

There are services to help you ask the right questions to determine success, including career counsellors (at your university or through community services, private practice), coaches, and dedicated mentors that can help you put together a summary/picture of who you are and help you think about what career options suit you best.

Step 2: Determine what you want

What is it that you really want? We're talking about what you are aiming for at the end of the day, not what is the next position above you. The power lies in the ability to know what your ultimate career goal is and to make that vision as detailed as possible. This ultimate career goal is where you are using your potential to its fullest ability.

If you are struggling to determine the answer, think about Step 1 and this will give you clues. For example, if you find that your strengths are communication and you enjoy networking, this might give you a hint that business development related projects are something that would engage you.

Continue to do this throughout your career. As you progress, make sure you really understand the career options in front of you by reading about them (e.g. career books, career information websites, professional association descriptions), talking to people who are in that field, getting related experience, job shadowing, etc. Reflect on what you are learning to help you plan your next steps. In doing this actively, you will become aware of potential opportunities to excel in the workplace that you previously would not have noticed. Remember to be open. Your research and experiences may expose you to options you did not know about. Check them out. Develop an opportunities mindset!

Step 3: Figure out how to get there

Having a great plan is only half the battle. It is important to keep yourself accountable and motivated. Regularly track your progress and reflect on what is going well and what is not.

Each week ask yourself these four questions to keep yourself moving forward:

● What went well?

● What did I accomplish this week?

● What do I want to accomplish next week?

● I will keep myself accountable to the above by...

Step 4: Ask for Feedback

Remember that your development does not have to rest entirely on your shoulders. It is important for your development to ask your peers and managers for feedback based on the goals you have set. A good practice is to seek feedback on a recurring basis, such as setting-up a meeting invitation with your manager/supervisor to grab a coffee or lunch every Friday or every other Friday. This is a great method for informal feedback where you can share with your manager what is going well and where they can share opportunities for your professional development. Try to find out specific areas that you can improve upon, including measurable items that you can show progress with at your future feedback and performance review meetings.

Step 5: Grow while you are working

Keep your ears and eyes open and continue to research and explore; most people do not get the perfect job right away, it takes time. Continue to network, learn about other careers, and build skills to get to where you want to go. Even then, you need to stay on top of what is happening in your field to identify and seize opportunities as they come along.
Career Strategy and Job Searching

## Career Strategy

Contributed by Jordan Hill, CPA, CA, ATC | Coach, Metcalfe Hill; Co-Director, GLA

Gone are the days of long-term secured employment. In fact, there's a 50% chance that you won't be in your current job in two years. You can even expect to change your job eleven times over your career. However, if you know where you want to go, there are many paths to get there.

" **What is a Career Strategy?"**

A tool in which you build awareness of your unique skillset, build clarity around your long term career aspirations and go from asking "what do I want to do with my life?" to answering "how can this role help achieve my success?"

" **What does it mean to have a Career Strategy?"**

With this high element of uncertainty in your career, it's important that you are being proactive and taking ownership of your career direction. As the employer and employee relationship becomes shorter term in nature, you are becoming your own career entity, contracting with various organizations throughout your career. As a result, the responsibility of that direction is in your hands.

Do you want to ensure that you have an engaging and meaningful career? Then take ownership by establishing your Career Strategy.

## Five Steps to your Career Strategy

Step 1: Define your Values

Values serve as the "North Star" of a successful career, guiding you in the right direction. Values influence your decisions and actions, so taking time to understand them will assist in ensuring that you are doing work that keeps you engaged. To determine your values, ask yourself "What does a meaningful career mean to me?" Write down specific things that come to mind.

Step 2: Determine your Strengths and Opportunities

Each person possesses a unique, natural set of talents that allows them to perform certain tasks better than the average person. If you want to be successful (i.e. be in high demand), utilizing your strengths is the best way to get there. In fact, studies note that working with your strengths increases your engagement, performance and overall well-being[ Seppala, Emma, and Kim Cameron. "Proof That Positive Work Cultures Are More Productive." Harvard Business Review, 01 Dec. 2015. ],[ Sorenson, Susan. "How Employees' Strengths Make Your Company Stronger." Gallup Business Journal, 20 Feb. 2014.].

Ask yourself the following questions to identify some of your top strengths:

● What comes easy to me?

● What have I been praised on in the past?

● What have I scored well on in performance reviews?

● How would someone describe me?

Consider using a variety of online personality tests (such as the Meyers-Briggs or Clifton StrengthsFinder) that can provide an outline of some of your key personality traits and strengths. Although these tests are not definitive, they provide a structured method to gain personal insight.

Step 3: Understand Your Passions

Career passions generally differ from traditional passions, which tend to be hobbies, such as rock-climbing or photography. Career passion refer to the type of work that you enjoy doing. When one does work that aligns with their career passions, they are able to execute work to the highest level. Think back to your school or work career and identify the type of work that you genuinely enjoyed doing, where time flew by and you felt fully engaged. List the top activities that come to mind.

Step 4: Put It All Together – Your Career Vision

Select your top three values, strengths and passions and have them in front of you as you perform the next exercise.

First, write down your ideal career in 25 years. This is the perfect outcome of what you want in a career and serves as your career vision. Why have a vision? Because like any successful company's strategy, it's important to know what you want at the end of the day as this will help you focus your efforts towards that. Your career vision is generally the culmination of your top values, strengths and passions. Write down what comes to mind (and don't be afraid to think big!).

Second, from that 25-year vision, identify where you want to be in one year and some major milestones along the journey. Try and give details of what an ideal scenario would be.

Step 5: Set a Goal & Act on it

From the previous steps, you've identified your talents and motivations as well as an idea of what you want out of a career in both the short and long term. You now have awareness of what talents you can bring to your role and the motivations that will keep you engaged to develop yourself. Now it's time to identify goals that will progress you towards your vision.

Identify a goal that you want to accomplish over the next month and list three tasks that will be required to achieve that goal. Make the goals attainable yet challenging. At the end of each month, reassess your achievement towards that goal and if accomplished, set a new goal. If not, try and see what prevented that goal from being attained and make strategy to accomplish it next month. With your Career Strategy in place and tangible goals to focus your efforts towards your vision, you can expect to see yourself grow and develop in ways that you would not have thought possible.

## Job Searching

Job searching can be exciting, stressful, de-motivating, and emotional, with every keystroke and moment bringing new hope and new disappointments. Job searching is a discovery process. It takes time and practice, but with the right attitude, it's an opportunity to learn about yourself.

## Finding a Job

" **What do I need to find a job?"**

● **A work permit** , or a plan to obtain one where required. Almost all citizens are allowed to work in their nation of citizenship. Students who pursued their education abroad may require a new or change in visa. Also, if you are seeking employment out of your country, you may require a work visa. Although some companies may sponsor the appropriate visa, it is always beneficial to be well-prepared and have the process under way to the best of your ability.

● **An application** : In many cases, this may be a professional, tailored resume and profile. In other cases, this may require a portfolio or a sample of projects. Knowing your industry will help you determine exactly what you will need for your applications.

● **Reliable contact information** : phone number, voicemail, and email (professional and appropriate). New graduates may find it appropriate to use your university email, however, ensure that the subscription on this does not expire in the near-term. Consider transitioning to free email services (such as Gmail, Hotmail, or others). For email addresses, we recommend the use of a simple combination of first and last name.

● **References** (coaches, past managers, volunteer, school, and personal if appropriate) could make the difference between top candidates contending for a job. Think carefully about your references and pick ones that can best describe your contribution to a project or team. Many new graduates may have a difficult time identifying references because of a lack of formal work experience. In these cases, identify your transferable skills and ask your references to speak about those skills that helped you succeed. Appropriate references for new graduates could include teaching assistants, professors, teammates and supervisors from non-related work experiences. Be sure to let your references know if they should be expecting an employer to contact them.

● **A passion and a positive attitude** : it's very important to be passionate about the positions you apply to or at least view it as a stepping stone to help you build the necessary skills needed for your desired career. This will help you both in the application and interview process as your confidence level will increase, you will exude energy, and you will better understand the various aspects of the role.

" **When should I start job searching?"**

If you intend on working shortly after graduation, start your search before you graduate.

This will allow you to leverage resources provided by schools while you are a student. If you recently graduated your school may offer employment services.

If you have been out of school for a while, fear not. There are many community services and employment agencies offering career and employment resources to those who are qualified.

If you are employed and looking to move forward in your career, the best time to look for a new job is while you already have one. Many employers find employment status a desirable asset as it may demonstrate reliability and experience. It's never too late or too early to start your search.

" **How long will my job search take?"**

It will depend on the market demand for your job (type, number of vacancies, frequencies) paired with your networking effectiveness and effort. It is important to remember that finding a job does not just hinge on your skill set, but also on the market for the type of job you are looking for.

Remember: unemployment is not permanent! It might take some time to find a good fit, but new jobs are posted every day, and a positive attitude can help you succeed in your job search and keep you motivated!

" **What about internships? Should I do a free, or a paid internship?"**

Internships are a great way to build your confidence and competence in a career path. Hands-on experience allows you to see and feel the effects of your work, something that can often be missing from just learning the theory in school.

When it comes to the 'free' versus 'paid' debate, it all depends on your situation and beliefs. If you see the value in the experience instead of money, then by all means offer yourself to unpaid internships. Doing so will get you a foot in the door and allow you to build trust within an organization. If you see yourself working there for a longer term, start having conversations around being compensated. If a company truly values you and the work you do, they should not have a problem compensating you appropriately. If they aren't interested in compensating, be grateful for the experience and proceed to look elsewhere for an organization that will value you appropriately.

From the start, if you do not feel excited to work for free, then don't. Work on selling your value to an organization so they hire you as an employee or paid intern. Both approaches have their benefits and drawbacks and it all depends on your interest and confidence.

" **How much time can I expect to spend looking for a job?"**

You may have heard others say: "getting a job is a full time job". That is, with every connection you make, every volunteer gig, and every application you complete, you are building your profile and gaining experiences to better your chances in getting the job you want.

Remember that job searching is not easy, especially in a tough economy. You have to realize that if you're having trouble finding a job, you are not alone. Perseverance and organization are your keys to success. Finding a job that fits you depends on a multitude of factors, including how you present yourself and the market. It's important to put your best foot forward, while consistently remaining positive.

A critical component of the job searching process is building relationships, which forms the networking section of this book. One of the biggest misconceptions related to networking is that it is limited to a specific time and place. Networking is something you can practice anywhere, anytime!

## Four Steps to Job Searching

Step 1: Create a professional, tailored resume and cover letter

Your resume and cover letter are your first opportunity to display your achievements, meaning you should proudly display your hard-earned accolades.

Ensure you review various templates and formats online to come up with one that best reflects your personality and industry. Resumes may be done reverse chronologically, functionally, or as a combination of the two. Moreover, resumes can be industry specific: graphic design and marketing resumes for example may appear differently than accounting and finance, so ensure your resume is appropriate for the industry and role you are applying for. Once selected, begin filling in the resume template with your professional contact information and experience.

If resources such as career centers are available to you, seek and incorporate feedback from your career centres, as well as from peers. There is relatively inexpensive feedback available from HR professionals that critique resumes and cover letters (for example: $5 for a second opinion on Fiverr.com) and free, objective online discussion on social networking websites (for example: local job searching meet-up groups, and reddit.com/r/resumes).

For your cover letter, of course follow similar best practices as for creating a refined resume, such as researching online and having your friends review your applications.

Once you have an initial and good version of a cover letter ready, a good practice is to use that first version as a template for future versions for different jobs that you will apply for. A standard cover letter includes an introduction, three body paragraphs and a conclusion. So, to create a template version of your cover letter that is easily adaptable, you can state the company name and position in the introduction paragraph and update these each time. The three body paragraphs should be based on the company's values, which generally include a selection of the following six traits and skills, which, for the most part, can probably remain the same with a bit of tailoring for many of your cover letters (some tweaks may be necessary to customize):

● Leadership

● Teamwork

● Communication / Interpersonal skills

● Customer service

● Desire to succeed

● Organization / Time management

Once you write up a paragraph on each of the six above mentioned traits and skills, you can quickly and easily insert relevant paragraphs into your cover letter based on the company's values. This will limit the amount of customization required for each cover letter. Once you have a refined resume and a templated cover letter, you are ready for the next step in job searching.

Step 2: Build your Profile

The next step to job searching is building your profile: let people know who you are, and what you're looking for. The two key ways of putting your profile out there are passive and active.

Passive: This will allow individuals, companies, and opportunities to find you, even if you don't directly search for a position.

I. Ensure that you have a LinkedIn profile that is up to date with your resume. Once your profile is updated on LinkedIn, seek recommendations and endorsements as these partially act as visible references.

II. Find suitable job portals to create a profile with your credentials, such as Workopolis, Monster, Career Centre portals, etc.

Active: This entails targeting individuals, companies, and opportunities, and can lead to more direct searches.

I.Your Network: Contact your networks and let them know you are looking for a job. When doing this, be sensitive, be specific, and be open. Research each individual you are contacting and tailor your message to them. Although your contacts may not have a job readily available, they will know what you are looking for, and may be able to connect you to opportunities. It is important not to stress, or strain your connections, as doing so could jeopardize your network in the long-term.

II.Recruiters and Human Resource (HR) Departments: Contact recruiters and the HR department of companies that interest you. Often, the contact information for these individuals are readily available on company websites. This is the typical entry point into the company, so asking them what they are looking for in a candidate can help you tailor your approach. Research the company and let them know why you are interested in working for them. Explain what you can bring to the table in terms of skill, education and experience. As well, seek advice on how to apply for a desirable role at the company to increase your chances for success.

Step 3: Start the Search, Apply for Jobs and Follow all your Leads

There are several venues in finding and applying for jobs that vary in the level of control you have. Being able to paint a clear portrait of yourself and what you are looking for is very important.

1. Look for each individual position of interest

a.Find specific positions of interest through your university/college career centre, LinkedIn, job portals, networks, etc.

b.Seek opportunities to personalize the process through coffee or lunch meetings.

c.Submit a tailored cover letter and resume for each position.

d.Follow-up with friendly phone calls or emails.

Results: This will allow you to target specific opportunities and build relationships with staff from specific companies. You will have the most control and be able to target your profile, resume, and cover letter; however, this may be the most time consuming.

2. Build multiple leads effectively by attending job fairs or networking events

a.By attending a networking event or a job fair you can make a few good leads in only a couple short hours! Bring copies of your resume and contact information, practice a short pitch about yourself, and go in with an open mind.

b.Utilize the tips and strategies in our Networking Section to effectively present yourself.

Results: This will create higher quality leads to finding a job (or a mentor) both in the short and long term.

3. Have others search for you (Recruiters)

a.Contact employment agencies firms or recruiters through online searches, LinkedIn, and through your network. Often, you will be asked to submit your profile.

b.You can ask to meet with the recruiters to explain your credentials and what type of positions you are looking for.

Results: Get access to new job portals and even while you're not looking, recruiters will be searching new positions for you. You may have less control of where your resume goes when using employment agencies, but the process may be less time consuming than other approaches.

4. Follow all your leads

After submitting a well-crafted job application, pat yourself on the back, but continue your search. Hiring processes could take weeks or even months, and even then, you are likely competing against many qualified individuals. Even if you believe yourself to be the perfect candidate, do not put all your eggs in one basket: keep searching.

Results: This will ensure that no time is wasted waiting for a recruiter, manager, or HR to call you back. If a hopeful opportunity falls through, you will simply have to continue looking. Don't give up!

Step 4: Ace the Interview

Before the interview:

● Learn the S.T.A.R. approach: The S.T.A.R. (Situation, Task, Action, and Result) approach is a good way to formulate your interview responses into stories. If you do a quick google search you can find good techniques on how to make your interview responses into captivating STAR stories.

● Research: using all available resources (including your connections, information from the job posting, social media, and the internet in general) carefully research the role you are interviewing for, as well as the firm, and if possible, your interviewers. The more you know about them, the easier it will be for you to build an initial connection and rapport, which may lead to a more positive interview.

● Practice: out-loud in front of a mirror for your interview, and you'll be able to tweak your body language. Find someone to practice with who is either unfamiliar with your background or whom you trust to give you their honest opinion. Help them by providing the job description and a few related questions, but be open to any questions they may ask. Finding someone you are not familiar with could more closely mimic the interview experience (where you will be asked questions by a stranger).

● Look Right for the Job: Dress appropriately for the industry and role. Find out what the normal dress code is at the firm where you have the interview and match your outfit accordingly. If you have a phone or video-supported interview - dress up as if it were an in-person interview to create an appropriate environment.

During the Interview:

● Relax, breathe deeply, and take your time to answer questions. A common interview mistake is rushing through the process and accidently eliminating things. Your practice will ensure that your answers are appropriate. The interviewers have scheduled this time to talk with you, so do not rush or squander it!

● During your interview, remember that not only are they interviewing you, you are also interviewing them! Have a few questions prepared to learn more about the job and company. This also makes the interviewers feel that you are interested in the position and want to know more. And do not forget to ask well-researched questions to show that you put thought into the position and interview!

● Smile!

After the interview:

● Take a minute to personally celebrate and reflect how far you have gotten in the process. You have likely competed against dozens, if not hundreds of applicants and made it all the way to the final selection stage.

● Review, but do not dwell on the experience. Write down the questions they asked. Think about how you answered them. Would you change your responses in the future? If so, make note, and revise your future responses. Remember that the interview is over. So whether you feel like you aced it, or wish you could do it again, the only thing you can do is take it as a learning experience.

● Send a note to the interviewers to thank them for their time, and reiterate your interest in the role.

● Often, at this stage, there is nothing further you can do. You have put your best foot forward, so while you wait, follow up with other leads. If applicable, prepare for your second or third interview. Some companies have multiple interview stages including behavioural and technical tasks.

**A Personal Experience:** Aly and PwC[ This PwC story is adapted and enhanced from the 'How to Network' section of Aly Madhavji's book Your Guide to Succeed in University.]

When I applied to PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), a prominent accounting and advisory services firm, I thought to myself, "There is a zero chance of me getting the job, but maybe I'll get an interview." I thought this because I had abnormally low grades in the only accounting course I had taken. Nonetheless, I put in the time on creating a strong resume and cover letter, and I applied. I was surprised and thrilled to receive an interview request a few days later. I did a Facebook search to find out who else worked at PwC that I may have common friends with. I noticed there were 2 people at PwC and I decided to message the two of them, even though I had never met either of them. I asked them for help with my interview. Shockingly, they agreed to help me. They helped me through mock interviews, shared tips, and provided me with insights about my interviewers.

I saw the interview process as a learning opportunity. I did not expect to get hired, given the tough competition, but I still did my best to prepare. I practiced in front of the mirror for hours and practiced with friends. I also spent time researching my interviewers through Google searches, viewing their LinkedIn profiles, and any other resources I could find. I tried to incorporate the background knowledge I gained into my interview. Since that does not always work, I also considered reframing this knowledge into specific concluding questions for my interviewers.

I went to the interview fairly relaxed. During the interview I discussed my experiences about what I had done in university, displayed my passion for the role, explained how it was a strong personal fit, and smiled a lot!

The interview went by fairly quickly. One particularly tough interviewer was a Partner of the firm. He did not smile at all throughout the interview, nor did he make any eye contact. This threw me off because I was relaxed but nervous, trying to make jokes and using every moment as a learning opportunity. I left the interviews unsure if it went well. The next afternoon, my mobile phone, which I keep on me at all times, rang: it was the Partner from PwC. He said, "Congratulations, we would like to offer you a position with PwC." I was so excited that I literally screamed out loud and did a happy dance!"

This story should be an inspiration to you to just take a chance. Do not always expect a successful outcome, and always try to learn from every moment. Do not worry about making mistakes, it's part of life and things always work out in the long run!

## Taking Rejection: Learning from a "No"

After engaging your networks, applying for a number of jobs, landing, studying and practicing for your interview, and making every effort to impress, you now find yourself waiting to hear back. Regardless of how you felt after the interview (confident or not), it is time to plan your next steps. Ideally, you will be practicing your negotiation skills to accept the role. However, to be as well prepared as possible, you may also consider getting ready for a possible rejection.

Reasons they may not have selected you for the role may include:

● Your interview, including the responses to your behavioural or fit questions

● Another candidate may have been a better fit, despite your best efforts and qualifications

● Your knowledge of the company and the role

● Your references

● Or a variety of other reasons.

The only way you would find out is to ask. Despite your disappointment, take the rejection as an opportunity to learn and to improve for the next interview.

## Four Steps to Taking Rejection

Step 1: Thank them for their time

Although rejection is not the ideal scenario, and you may feel that you were perfect for the role, you were selected out of a great number of candidates for an interview. They spent the time to discuss the opportunity and role with you, and you in turn may have learned information about the company. As such, thank them genuinely for their time.

Step 2: Schedule a follow up call

After thanking them for their time, request a follow up call with the hiring managers, interviewers, HR, and anyone else involved in the recruitment process.

Step 3: Learn by asking questions

Prepare questions to ask about their experience in interviewing you. Consider asking about the characteristics of the successful candidate, and how you could have improved. Take notes that you can review before your next interview – this will greatly ameliorate your performance.

Step 4: Keep in touch

Take the opportunity to follow up on these newly established connections. Turn rejection into opportunities by developing networks through these interviews. Approaching rejection professionally is the best way to improve your interview techniques and to expand your network.

## A Personal Experience: Karen makes the best of a "No"

After applying for a number of roles that may have been a great fit, I finally got an interview! I studied for the interview intensely, put my best foot forward, smiled a lot, and walked out of the interview feeling uncertain.

I felt pretty good about my answers to most of the questions, however I had some hesitations based on the body language of the two interviewers (the hiring manager and the HR manager). As such, after sending a thank you note to the interviewers, I wrote down the questions I had been asked in the interview, and the answers I provided.

After not hearing from the firm three weeks past the noted deadline, I prepared for the likelihood of rejection. I made a list of questions, including how I could improve my responses to the interview questions that were asked, the characteristics of what they consider to be a successful candidate, and what roles at the firm I may be better suited for.

When the HR manager finally e-mailed me more than a month later informing me that another candidate had been successful, I responded to her (and copied the hiring manager) to thank the interviewers again for their time and requested a follow-up meeting. Although the HR manager did not respond, the hiring manager offered me a 30-minute call. I took the opportunity to learn how to improve each of my answers, my approach, and how I could fit within the firm. He gave me feedback on how my responses could have better matched the job posting, and how my nervousness gave the impression that I was not confident in my responses. Though I was very disappointed, I tried to be receptive of his honest (and blunt) feedback, and expressed my appreciation for his time. Finally, he offered to keep in touch and to contact him in case a suitable opportunity arose.

I carried the feedback and advice from the session to each of my subsequent interviews. By learning from the experience, I was able to succeed in a future interview that landed me in an ideal role.

If I was not prepared for the rejection, I likely would not have known what to ask to improve my technique, and therefore would have never received the feedback that ultimately improved my future interviews. By regarding their "no" as an opportunity to learn, I was able to grow and develop!
In Pursuit of Passion: Leaving Perceived Safety Behind

Contributed by Joel Nicholson, B.Com | Co-CEO, UniversityHub; Co-Director, GLA

Joel was born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario by a family of teachers. He graduated from the Queen's Commerce program in 2010, and spent five years of his career working across Australia, Asia, and North America with a global management consulting firm. Joel co-runs a website called UniversityHub.ca and a talent accelerator program called the Global Leadership Academy (GLA). He also writes for the Huffington Post and is a fitness instructor at Equinox Toronto.

Your generation — more than any other generation in history — has a deep, relentless desire to work on things they are passionate about. It makes sense.

Using my experiences, this section will walk you through some of the self-constructed mental barriers preventing you from pursuing your passion, as well as the more practical steps to turn something you love into a sustainable career. Don't hold back on your passions, find the right time to pursue them. Let's get started.

" **How can I know if my idea or passion is worth pursuing?"**

If you're dedicating your career to a single entrepreneurial idea, then you need to be 1000% passionate about it. Your passion for seeing the idea take shape will allow you to push through the many tough times that go along with launching a business.

Regarding your passion, ask yourself what you want out of your immediate career, and if working on things you are passionate about is very important to you, then make the conscious choice to do so. If it isn't, then don't discount the fact that it may become so in the future. Keep your options open and don't get pigeonholed.

" **Is it worth the risk?"**

In my opinion, the risk of not pursuing your passion is so much greater than the alternative. Jim Carrey's famous commencement speech referenced his dad, who became an accountant rather than a comedian because it was the 'safe route', then ended up being let go from that job.

"My father could have been a great comedian, but he didn't believe that was possible for him, and so he made a conservative choice. Instead, he got a safe job as an accountant, and when I was 12 years old, he was let go from that safe job and our family had to do whatever we could to survive.

I learned many great lessons from my father, not the least of which was that you can fail at what you don't want, so you might as well take a chance on doing what you love."

" **When is a good time to pursue my passion?"**

One of the strategies I tend to advocate is developing your passion as a side project during the first stage in your career. I launched UniversityHub almost immediately after I graduated, and five years later, it became large enough for me to leave my job and focus on it full-time. If you're reading this, passion is important to you, so ensure that you plan ahead for when you will take that pivot to work on the thing that you love, and how you will do so.

## Three Steps to Pursue Your Passion

"Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life," sounds great on paper, but what does it actually mean? Is it even true? And if so, what are the practical sequence of steps I can take to get there? I work a lot with young people who are deliberating these questions. Let's walk through the steps, one-by-one.

Step 1: Career Orientation

The first step is to determine your career orientation. What does this mean? It means that you need to articulate what you want out of your career when you graduate. There are six categories of career orientations. These categories are not binary; rather people want bits and pieces of all categories. They will change and evolve as you proceed through your career; however, the key is to determine the most prominent two orientations that you seek straight out of graduation.

● Career Growth. Performing well in your job to rise towards a leadership position.

● Personal Growth. Developing new skills and knowledge.

● Relationship Building. Working with great people.

● Problem Solving/Innovation. Creating something new and innovative.

● Stability. Having a career that allows me to live the life I want.

● Authenticity. Having the ability to make an impact in the area I care about.

List out yours and see if you can find the patterns.

If Authenticity was one of your top categories, pursuing your passion might be the right path for you. If not, it doesn't mean you shouldn't pursue your passion. Rather, it means that you're currently looking for something else out of your career. Passion may take on a larger role in the future.

Step 2: Create a Mission Statement

We're looking at careers the wrong way. We try to choose a career that will allow us to live an authentic and fulfilled life, but we should be doing it the other way around. Let's begin with the end in mind, and create a mission statement, then work backwards and ask ourselves which career (or careers) allow you to best execute upon that mission statement.

Here's my mission statement for my career:

To be a world-class coach and educator, developing empowered, self-aware, and highly skilled leaders who make a significant impact in the world.

How did I land on this mission statement? It's easier than you think.

Mission = Passion + Vision

Your passion is simply what you care about, and what you're good at. I care about coaching, education, and development. It also comes naturally to me. In terms of vision, this is what you want the future world to look like through your work – developing leaders who can make a significant impact in the world. Have a go at your mission statement!

Step 3: What Careers?

Now that you have a version of your mission statement, the final question is which career (or careers) best suit you mission statement – and your career orientation. The key thing to note here is that we can't all create our dream careers out of graduation. You need to start somewhere, so focus on which entry-level careers you can achieve your mission statement through.

Many Millennials believe entrepreneurship is the dream career. But maybe they enjoy the freedom associated with entrepreneurship (fulfilling their Stability career need), which can also be fulfilled through being a freelancer, or a contractor. Perhaps they want the ability to create something new and innovative (fulfilling their Problem Solving orientation). This need can also be fulfilled in current organizations, particularly start-ups. One of my biggest pieces of advice to future entrepreneur is to join a start-up building a similar product they want to launch, then get the skills and key learnings that you can take when you jump into a business of your own.

Whether or not the career is entrepreneurship, the key is listing out as many potential hypotheses with careers that allow you to fulfill your career mission.

## A Personal Experience: Joel's Pursuit of Passion

Just like any kid, my list of answers to the question "what do you want to do when you grow up?" was quite wide-ranging on the spectrum of jobs. But, by far the most serious of my career pursuits was being a government intelligence officer (a spy!). I was so set on becoming a spy that my dad had to sit me down to make sure I had given enough thought about the lifestyle and consequences that come along with the job. My parents I'm sure were satisfied that I decided to forgo the life of an international man of mystery, and rather live vicariously through film.

Grade 12 rolled around, I chose to apply to university business programs frankly because I didn't like any other option. I was always a generalist — good at most things, but not exceptional at any one in particular — and business seemed like an area where I could excel as a generalist. The experience that changed my life was a full year university exchange to Hong Kong and England. It allowed me to understand what I wanted in my career — international travel, new experiences, growth, and development. The perfect career that satisfied these desires was something called management consulting.

Management consultants are tasked on a variety of short projects, in different regions around the world, and in different industries. It was perfect for what I wanted after graduation. I worked on high-profile assignments with senior level executives, I lived in five countries, and learned more than I could ever imagine. However, there came a time where I desired something more from my career.

That's what leads me to today. I left the high-flying world of global management consulting, for the hustle of entrepreneurship. I have a few different activities that keep me busy: a company I founded, which can be best described as a talent and career accelerator for students and young professionals seeking more from their lives and careers. I also co-run a website which helps students choose the best universities for them, and helps them navigate the difficult university applications process. These are my main gigs, but some of my smaller endeavours are being a fitness instructor at a gym in Toronto, speaking engagements and acting when I can.

To some, I appear spread thin and doing unrelated tasks, but to me they are a perfect sequence of synergies I have strategically manifested. My career is the most authentic reflection of what's important to me in the world.
Goal Setting: S.M.A.R.T. Goals to Reach Smart Outcomes

" **Why should I set goals for myself?"**

Having a goal or target gives us something to focus on and work towards. Without a target, it's easy to let the mind wander. When you set a goal that is tangible and exciting to you, it allows you to stay focused in moving forward towards it and avoid other distractions. However, without a goal you will easily be led in different directions and while things will likely get done, it will take you much longer. Without concrete goals, you will find that you will lose track of your career progress and the motivation you had before.

" **What if I don't hit a goal?"**

Many people are scared to set goals in case they do not achieve them. They feel like they have 'failed' if they don't meet their goal successfully. The biggest thing that needs to be done to overcome this is to redefine what a goal is. It is not a deciding factor for an outcome, it is simply a focus point to strive towards. Just because you don't achieve a goal does not mean you are a 'failure' or unable to ever achieve it, all it means is that you must learn more about how to achieve that goal before you actually accomplish it. Taking every "failure" as an opportunity to learn is a good way to consistently achieve your goals.

By treating your goal as a focus point for progress, it will become less intimidating and something that you will embrace more. When you reach the date your goal is set to be completed, instead of judging yourself for completing it or not, evaluate how much progress you have made and what more you must to do complete it. Extend the date, and keep moving forward towards your new objective. At times you might even evaluate that it is no longer worth pursuing for whatever reason. In that case feel free to change it all together.

" **How can I effectively set a goal?"**

The most effective goals are the ones that are S.M.A.R.T. (this acronym was first used by George T. Doran in 1981[ Doran GT. 1981. There's S.M.A.R.T. way to write management's goals and objectives. Management Review (AMA FORUM). 70 (11): 35 -36.]). Using this technique for goal setting will help you create more structure, increasing your likelihood of developing well-rounded and achievable goals.

● **Specific.** The goal should be specific, not general. Goals may answer the question of: what, why, who, where, and which.

● **Measureable.** Activities working towards your goal should be measureable with appropriate indicators. Measuring progress can help you stay on track and understand how you are working towards your goal.

● **Achievable**. Goals should be both realistic and attainable. The goal should not be extreme, or meaningless.

● **Relevant**. The goal should be worthwhile and match your overall strategy.

● **Time-bound**. The activities and goals should have target dates, which prevents them from getting buried in day-to-day living.

" **What kind of goals should I set?"**

Along with being S.M.A.R.T., your goals should always align with your greater vision. The reason for this is that it will allow you to make and feel progress, which will motivate you to achieve them and set new ones when they're done. It's important to always find the connection between what you're trying to accomplish in the short-term and where it's taking you in the long-term.

What are some goal setting tips that can help me?"

● Don't set so many goals that you feel overwhelmed by them. This may result in not even starting on them

● Keep your goals related to your career vision or your ideal of who you want to be

● Don't cheat your way to achieving your goals – at the end you'll only cheat yourself of the journey. Be honest.

● Stay focused on the outcome and be adaptable during the process in getting there

● Ask others for help when you need it

● Help others when they need it

" **How do you stay motivated?"**

Like concentration and long-distance running, motivation isn't constant. It's normal to feel your motivation levels ebb and flow depending on factors both within and beyond your control.

Things you can control might include your physical wellbeing (diet, exercise, and sleep), your actions, and your attitude. Although you cannot control everything, focus on the things you can control.

Motivation can be trained, and with time and practice, you will find your ability to motivate yourself and hone in on your goals stronger. Give yourself some slack! If you find your motivating waning, simply notice it, and refocus on your goals.

## Four Steps to Motivation

Step 1: Set long and short-term goals for yourself

First, pick a goal that is important to you, not dictated upon you by someone else. If you find yourself working in a team to achieve a goal, clearly find and define the relevance of your actions to a part of the goal that is yours. Make sure that all your goals are S.M.A.R.T. ones.

Step 2: Outline an action plan to achieve your goals

Define, in specific steps how you are going to achieve your goals. This might include a schedule using the resources you have (such as people who can help you), and the resources you will need (such as material goods or networks). Write down what you will need to do and when, in order to move towards your goals.

Step 3: Define feasible incentives for completing your goals

Although the sky's the limit, feasibility often comes into play. Long-term outcomes may require training and skill development before you can reach the goal. As such, it might also help you to motivate yourself along the way with small, feasible, incentives at set intervals.

Step 4: Constantly reassess and refocus as you undertake your action plans

Sometimes life offers obstacles, and that's okay! It's important to take on barriers and detours as a learning experiences when working towards your goals. Sometimes, you may need to adjust the timelines of your goals, or make changes to the action plan. Always keep in mind what prompted you to set your goal in the first place. Just because it's not going exactly as planned does not mean that it is not possible! Stay motivated, and remind yourself of your next incentive, and your ultimate goal.

## A Personal Experience: Aly on Goal-Setting

Goal setting is an area of continuous development. I have 2 whiteboard stickers on my wall. I use one for goals 3 months and longer and the other for shorter-term goals. By writing my goals down, it makes them official, and I feel more accomplished when I cross each one off the list. I also use a To-Do list on my phone (The app is called Any.Do) that syncs to my computer and through my internet browser (Google Chrome), which allows me to bring my To-Do list with me anywhere and everywhere. I also write down an incentive system for myself to motivate myself to meet my goals. Everyone always has their eye on a special pair of shoes, sports tickets, a musical instrument, a special night out, or something else tangible or intangible. If I meet specific goals, I make it a certainty that I reward myself with one of those things I've had my eye on. This personal reward system helps me stay on track to achieve those goals.
Balanced Living

As a young professional, we know it's easy to get swept up in your career development, which may include going above and beyond the duties of your role. While thriving in your role is important, it should not be a long-term sacrifice. Remember to invest the time to take care of yourself and your community.

## Mental Health: Not Just an Absence of Disorders

Contributed by Sean Martin, MSW, RSW, Personal Counsellor, University of Toronto Mississauga

Sean is a Personal Counselor/Therapist in the Health and Counseling Center at the University of Toronto, Mississauga campus, where he provides students with individual, couple and group counseling to support them as they focus on achieving their academic and career goals. In addition to his front line clinical work as a Registered Social Worker, Sean is a part-time faculty member in the School of Social Work at York University and teaches classes on the impact of Power, Organization and Bureaucracy on social work practice as well as social work communication skills.

Why is mental health important?

Good mental health is achieved when we are engaged in work we find meaningful and productive and when we continue to grow and learn by doing new things. In addition, students who have a sense that they have positive connections to family and/or friends experience better mental health than when they don't have these connections. Finally, maintaining good physical health by eating well and exercising also contributes to good mental health. Strong mental health helps to prevent burnout. In addition to having a strong work/life balance, other aspects that improve your mental health are staying organized and being positive. This is critically important for any new graduate to keep in mind. In a world where work life balance is becoming harder to maintain, identifying the activities which help you to de-stress effectively should be preferred.

Life transitions often test our abilities to cope with stress and the feelings that come along with it. When we think of stress we usually imagine negative moments such as the end of a relationship or death of a loved one. However, any life transition can be a source of stress. Even happy moments like marriage, the birth of the child or graduation from college or university can all be examples of stressful moments that impact our emotional and mental wellbeing.

" **How can I best reframe or redirect my stress?"**

Even though you have struggled with competing demands, take some time to reflect and consolidate all the different ways these demands have helped prepare you for the working world. For example, you may have undertaken multiple responsibilities while completing your degree such as: keeping up with family commitments; maintaining a part-time job; shouldering campus executive or committee responsibilities. This should be seen as evidence of your ability to be organized, multi-task and persevere. These are marketable skills and strengths. Often due to necessity, students are forced to find a type of balance between their academics and other aspects of life. You have been learning, changing and growing academically, physiologically and socially during your college/university career. While this was no doubt stressful, recognize your own worth for having accomplished this. It is likely you have prepared and know enough to get started in an entry level job in your chosen field.

" **What is social anxiety and what should I do about it?"**

Networking has been identified as a critically important part of one's job search plan and something you should be engaged in throughout your career. Be self-aware and curious if you notice that something seems to be getting in the way of you doing this effectively. Being nervous or shy is a perfectly normal and common emotional response when one is networking. However, social anxiety is more than shyness. Individuals that experience social anxiety may find themselves very nervous and their worries may include thoughts like: "Are people going to like me? Will I say something stupid? Am I going to look weird standing there all alone?"

These thoughts and feelings may be accompanied by strong physical reactions in the body like sweaty palms, tightness in the chest, shortness of breath and a strong desire to run and get out of the situation. It is very important to recognize the difference between every day stress of job seeking versus anxiety and stress that impacts your mental health. Failing to recognize this can negatively impact your career, professional and personal relationships, and overall well-being.

We all have anxieties, however, if you feel that your anxiety is becoming too much to handle alone, or that it stops you from living your day-to-day life, it may be time to reach out to talk to a health professional.

" **Where do I go for mental health support?"**

When the stress of transition from university to the work world reaches a level that gets in the way of you achieving your goals, then you may need more professional clinical support. This support exits in many forms. First, consult your family doctor. They can help you determine normal versus clinical levels of stress and what steps need to be taken to best manage it. There are a number of telephone or Internet help lines that you can access for helpful and trustworthy information. Your doctor can refer you to these services. If you haven't graduated from university yet, on-campus Health and Counselling Centers are also an option. When you graduate you will need to get familiar with healthcare resources in your community, as well as how you can access these community mental health services, so that you can continue to take care of your own mental health.

## Well-Being: Be Well to Do Well

## Work/Life Balance

As a recent graduate, you may enter the working world motivated to succeed, which may result in working a considerable amount of overtime. On the other hand, you may have other priorities, studies, a side-project, etc. that you're managing. Despite these things, it is important to balance work and life. Work-life balance reduces stress, avoids burnout, and is important in establishing and maintaining meaningful personal connections.[ "Work/Life Balance" by The Canadian Mental Health Association: http://www.cmha.ca/mental-health/your-mental-health/worklife-balance] Moreover, for your health and well-being, moderation is key. For example, if you enjoy watching movies, take care of your eyesight by taking regular breaks. If you enjoy fitness and weightlifting, ensure you hydrate accordingly!

You can do this through pursuing some of the following:

● Actively participating in your interests - from board games to travel, cultivate an interest that sparks joy. You can build your network by actively participating in discussions and meeting up with others that share your common interests.

● Volunteering – in the following chapters, the topic of giving back to your community is discussed as a way to network and contribute in meaningful ways.

● Gaining new skills through classes or personal research and dedication (such as a language or arts).

● Physical activity – through joining a gym, a recreation league of your favourite sport(s), or simply enjoying a walk in your spare time. The World Health organization recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity throughout the week or do at least 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity throughout the week.[ "Physical Activity and Adults" by The World Health Organization: http://www.who.int/dietphysicalactivity/factsheet_adults] Engage in physical activity daily to reap the benefits of good health.

● Healthy living - such as taking the time to meditate and practice gratitude.

## Social Life

" **What's the best way to manage my social life?"**

From our experience we've learned that the best way to manage your social life is to have enough of it that it keeps you motivated, but not so much of it that it keeps you distracted.

Just as friends were important during school, they're just as important in the working world. The big thing to be aware of though, is that you are greatly influenced by those you surround yourself with. As you create your friend group post-school, be sure you pay attention to the actions and beliefs of those you spend your time with.

" **Who should I hang around with then?"**

Making meaningful friendships stems from knowing yourself. Assess your interests, your aspirations, and your goals and values, and then seek people who share the same interests, aspirations, goals, and values.

If you aspire to be better, and make the world better, seek out people who do the same. If you want to be a positive person, reach out to other positive people. If you enjoy talking about ideas and inventions, then you'll notice that people who favour gossip quickly slide away from your friend groups. If you have a poor experience, instead of complaining needlessly, discuss how the experience could have been improved. If you are positive, you will also attract other positive people, and you might notice others around you becoming more positive in time. Having friends with a positive attitude starts with you!

In any case, we advise you reconsider relationships where you find yourself not having fun, and your best interests are not at heart.

" **But what if people I want to hang out with don't want to hang out with me?"**

Assess the situation: perhaps their interests were similar, but not the same as yours; or maybe they are genuinely busy. At the end of the day, you can only control your own behaviours. So after some self-assessment, the best thing you can do is move on. Seek out other people and friends. Diversify your exposure to different individuals and perspectives. Meeting more people gives you the opportunity to learn not only about them, but about yourself.

" **What if my current friends are not ones that can help me reach my dreams and goals?"**

Something important to keep in mind is that you're always learning and growing, and your friends are too. Ensure that you surround yourself with positive and motivating friends who support your dreams and goals. These friends should be motivating but honest in being able to provide you practical feedback. 'Discovering' new friends is important, as new people bring a unique set of strengths, connections, and perspectives as you grow, change, and build your networks.

## Staying Motivated

" **How do I keep myself motivated after school finishes?"**

Life can be very different after school. There are no deadlines or do-overs. Sometimes you only get one shot at an opportunity and it's up to you to find it and win it. The key to effective motivation is not relying on external forms of it but rather developing motivation from within.

The first step in developing motivation from within is to come up with a compelling vision for your future. A vision is an imaginative look at what you want yourself and the world to look like in the future, as far as you can imagine. The clearer this vision, the more motivating it will become. In creating your vision, explore your passion, purpose and powers (i.e. strengths).

Another key component of internal motivation is recognizing the effect your beliefs have on you. Throughout our lives we adopt various beliefs from various people, situations and experiences.

Our experience and our past is often what shapes us but also has the potential to make us stronger and more resilient. Use positive thinking to focus on your strengths and leverage your past experiences towards your motivation.

" **What if nothing is going my way after I graduate?"**

We get it- sometimes luck doesn't seem to be on your side after graduation. You might not be able to find a job, or you may be stuck in a job you can't stand. The trick here is to continue striving towards your objectives without becoming demotivated in the process.

The power to change your perspective is in you. Think of the analogy of a glass that is filled halfway with water. You could look at the glass from the perspective of being half full or alternatively you could view it as being half empty. By looking at it from one perspective doesn't mean the other perspective ceases to exist. It still exists, but you're just not looking at it that way.

In the same light if you feel like nothing is going your way after graduating for whatever the reasons it's because you've lost sight of the other perspective of how they are going your way. It may not be easy to see when you're consumed by another perspective, but if you practice looking for the reasons that exist for new perspectives, in time you'll find them. Another way to think of this is that if you believe nothing is going your way you'll look at the world from a viewpoint that proves why that belief is true. The only way you can see the world from a different perspective is to consciously change it. Again, this takes learning about your beliefs and practicing how to shift them.

## Community Involvement

" **Why is community involvement important?"**

Giving back to the community is extremely important. Most people don't realize it from the outside looking in, but you will gain more personal development relative to the time that you're giving. Getting involved in volunteer initiatives can range from being a sports coach, working at a community kitchen, or volunteering in a field of your study. The possibilities are wide-open.

" **What are the benefits of volunteering over paid work?"**

The main difference between volunteer work and paid work is that you'll generally have much more flexibility and responsibility in a volunteer position. This allows you to refine your skills such as communication, leadership, and teamwork and to develop these skills more rapidly versus your peers who are not volunteering.

Remember, it's not one or the other. Volunteering is a great way to supplement your career by providing you with exposure to people and settings you might not encounter in your conventional work. Even if you work full-time, we recommend you find ways to get involved in your community.

" **What are some other benefits of volunteering?"**

Volunteering provides opportunities for increased exposure to fields of interest and allows you to build your network. It results in great opportunities to develop your skills and to give back to the community.

" **How can I give back?"**

You have the ability to give back in a number of other ways that include:

● Helping out or working for a cause that you are passionate about - this could be at a not-for-profit organization or a registered charity

● Taking initiative on community projects through your workplace

● Help the people around you or a student through mentoring, even if it isn't a formal position

● Start your own not-for-profit or charity

These are all great ways to continue to develop your skills and invest your time towards making the world a better place.

## Three Steps to Giving Back

Step 1: Find a cause you care about

Maybe you, or someone you know has been personally invested or affected by this cause. From political to events-based, there are many causes and communities. Find one that you identify with and can positively contribute to.

Step 2: Reach out

Seek out roles in the causes you have identified. Similar to job searching, these may be identified passively (such as posting your interest in getting involved on social media) or actively (such as contacting your networks, seeking volunteer role postings, etc.).

Step 3: Be practical

Understand what it is that your cause needs, and what it is that you can give in terms of time, resources, and capabilities. Some organizations need highly skilled and technical support. Don't be offended if they do not ask you to volunteer for these roles! Set expectations and then meet those expectations. For many organizations, volunteers are the most important resources, and are required to run programs and events. Honour your commitments: programs and people are relying on you.

## A Personal Experience: More than Food at the Dinner Program for Karen

When I had first relocated to a major city, I found myself struggling to see how I could ever fit in my community. I wanted to be a part of the community around me, by giving back and building social connections. Given my interest in socio-economic inequity, food security, and community well-being, through an online portal, I found an opportunity that would allow me to work evenings at a local dinner program that served lower income individuals and families.

Initially, I was tasked with seemingly mundane duties such as dishwashing, but as I became comfortable in the setting, I began to take on tasks such as leading the service, planning meals, and resolving conflicts. Not only did I hone my leadership skills, I also made great friends from walks of life I would not have normally encountered, and was even offered the opportunity to interview for a few roles in social program planning.

The community that assembled around the dinner program helped me develop skills beyond my professional role, taught me the value of social connections, and helped me feel part of a tight-knit community in a big city.
Travel and Going Abroad: Open Your Mind to a World of Perspective

At its core, the purpose of travelling outside your community is to gain exposure to people, experiences, and perspectives. Travelling to other regions and communities within your own country, or studying abroad, is an important factor in your personal development and your career. It challenges you to see other perspectives you might have never seen before. These perspectives can teach you many things about yourself and the world around you. In addition, travel provides the opportunity to learn about your sector and industry in a global context, and gives you the opportunity to network worldwide!

" **When should I go?**

Many new graduates go shortly after graduation, before most jobs and careers require regular attendance. Others may choose to travel once they are more established, for example, taking leave from work or a sabbatical. There is no perfect or ideal time to go - so work with your desires, availability, and travel goals.

" **How long should I go for?"**

When travelling or going abroad, it matters less how long, but rather what you make of it. The valuable experiences that can be gained can also be overlooked. So once you arrive at your destination, make the most of it.

To do this, make a conscientious effort to learn about your destinations. Meet locals, immerse yourself in the new environment, and take the time to learn about traditions, cultures, and the history. The different perspectives you will encounter will give you new insights into your life and career.

" **What are some ways to manage the cost of travel?"**

Gap years are a worthy investment to gain perspective, however, funding may be a limitation. Consider your financial situation carefully when budgeting your time and locations. There are several ways to supplement the costs of travel including working holidays and work-for-accommodation programs.

Volunteering while traveling is a great way to gain exposure and experiences while giving back to the local communities. Consider what you have to offer and what you are interested in being involved in. There are several local and international agencies that can help you with a placement ranging from weeks to months.

One popular method to travel for those on a budget is volunteering with 'World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms' (WWOOF). These programs, available worldwide, trade work for food and accommodation. In addition to being a great way to meet like-minded travelers, joining a WWOOF provides first hand experiences in the local culture, customs, and environment.

Working contract or remote jobs could also be a way to generate income, meet people, and see the world. Travel industry related jobs (such as cruise ships, resorts, airlines, tour organizations) offer alternative working opportunities with travel.

While not all jobs you take while traveling and working abroad may fit into your career strategy, take every opportunity to learn and develop transferable skills that you can apply in all facets of your life.

" **Am I allowed to work anywhere?"**

When planning to work in a foreign country, be prepared to meet visa requirements. Many countries have agreements to facilitate working holiday visas for extended amounts of time, and rules on what constitutes "work" varies by nation. Be sure to do your research and any necessary paperwork before booking your flights!
Budget Management and Getting Debt-Free

Although money management is important during university, after university you will likely have the ability (and need) to affect your debt. Interest on student loans piles on quickly after graduation, and unless you keep a firm hand on it, debt can slow you down. Other than your regular living expenses, there are two major areas you will want to tackle after graduation: student debt, and emergency fund. Implement creative and practical ways to manage your budget.

" **How do I pay down my student debt faster?"**

Student debt generally has a high interest rate burden and it is extremely difficult to start making payments towards student debt immediately after graduation. It's wise to look into the terms of your student debt as well as inquiring about any repayment assistance. You may be eligible to delay the interest accumulation or even obtain some debt forgiveness.

When you do start paying back your loans, try to make a goal of how much you can afford and stick to it. Interest can be accumulating rapidly, so if there are ways to reduce your interest rate such as asking for an interest freeze, borrowing money from lower interest rate sources, or consolidating your debt, it's definitely worth looking into. Having good money saving habits to repay your student debt is crucial to effectively manage it. Also, you can consider seeking a financial planner (or professional) to give you more insight and advice for a personalized strategy.

" **What is an Emergency Fund and why is it valuable?"**

It's important that when you start working you keep some funds aside just in case. Many students lose jobs, work contracts end, or unforeseen circumstances occur. Try to have at least a small reserve fund to ensure you can make all of your short-term payments (credit cards, line of credit, etc.). There are high fees and interest penalties associated to overdrafts and late payments and being unable to take care of these will only aggravate the situation.

" **How can I make extra money to become debt-free?"**

Contributed by Lise Cartwright | Author, Freelance Writer & Coach, HustleandGroove.com

Lise is a full-time author and coach. She writes her books for time-poor entrepreneurs, authorpreneurs and new freelancers looking for actionable information to help them move forward in their business, whether they are just starting out or need help moving forward.

" **How do I utilize a 'Side Hustle' to manage my money and become debt free?"**

Graduating from College should be an exhilarating feeling, one filled with promise and hope for the future... it shouldn't be leaving you breathless with worry about how you're going to pay your student loan and still visit home for the holidays.

Avoid the stress of money worries by following these simple steps on creating a side income while you work full-time or look for a job. By creating a side income, you can pay off your student loan faster and still maintain a semblance of a life!

## Four Steps to Create Side Income

Step 1: Find a cause you care about

We are all good at something, whether it's giving advice on how to grow roses or how to bake an amazing cake or writing resumes that result in job interviews. You name it, and you can pretty much monetize any skill you have. Below you'll find a starting list of ideas, check it out and see if it generates more ideas for you. Pick one and then move on to the next step.

Writing

Resume writer

Report writer

Podcast transcriber

Speech writer

Press releases

Graphics

Logo designer

Cartoon Designer

Ebook cover designer

Photographer

Illustrator

Programmer

C++ coder

PHP coder

App design and coder

WordPress websites or plugin developer

Audio/Video

Podcast editor

YouTube video creator

Animated videos

Ebook trailers

Audio book narration

Online Marketing

Web analytics

Search engine optimization

Domain research

Keyword research

Social media manager

Advertising

Radio adverts

Online banner advertising

Magazine adverts

Flyer management

Direct mail outs

Business

Event planner

Program manager

Project manager

Brand strategy

Virtual assistant services

Other

At-home hairdresser

Beautician services

Dog walker

Pet carer

Babysitter

Cleaner

Tip: Make sure to choose a skill that you don't need any additional training in, focus on the skills that you can already do with your eyes closed.

Step 2: Figure out where your customers are

In most instances, once you've identified a skill, it's relatively easy to figure out where your potential customers are. For example, for anything that you're doing online, sites like Upwork, freelancer, Fiverr, and others are a great place to find jobs. If you're doing a more offline skill such as dog walking or cooking meals, advertising on online marketplaces and bulletin boards is the easiest way. Maybe your customers are hanging out at your local coffee shop, library or community centre. Think about where they are hanging out and start connecting with them there.

Step 3: Advertise or apply for jobs

Once you've figured out where your potential customers are, you can start advertising to them or applying for jobs. If you're targeting online areas, such as writing, designing websites etc., then you can try applying for jobs on websites such as Upwork. To make the most of your time on this site, ensure that you complete your profile 100%, passing as many tests as possible to support your skill and providing as much information as possible about how you can help your potential clients. If you're looking to advertise your skills instead, use such sites as Craigslist or Facebook. Keep your ads short and to the point and highlight the benefit the customer will receive if they choose to hire you.

Step 4: Land clients

Typically, within 48 hours of advertising your services on Craigslist or applying for jobs on sites like Upwork or Freelancer, you should have had a few bites of interest from potential clients.

In order to land clients, you'll need to ensure that you do at least these three things:

1. Respond to all requests, including those for further information, in a timely manner.

2. Provide them with contact details so that they can interview you (where applicable). Skype is ideal for this.

3. Be professional and friendly. The more helpful you are, the more likely you will be to land the job.

If you're applying for gigs on sites like Upwork, are you providing the client with the information they need? The focus should be on what you can provide them, not about your work history (a common mistake that freelancers make).

Keep applying and advertising until you land a gig. Although these gigs may help you manage your debt and finances, remember to seize opportunities that align with your career strategy and personal brand. Don't get complacent, and don't give up!
Further Education: Learning Doesn't End with School

Depending on your career aspirations, and your existing credentials you may need further education. If so, try to create a plan on when you see yourself enrolling into the program, what the entrance criteria are, how you'll achieve these criteria, and also how you'll manage the costs and associated expenses. Learning is a lifelong journey and you'll continue to learn and develop throughout your career; however, it's better to identify the credentials you'll need early on and begin moving towards them.

" **What kind of education is out there?"**

Similar to post-secondary education, the opportunities may seem endless. There are graduate degree opportunities for all fields of study and specializations. Keep in mind that there are also part-time education programs, certifications, and informal learning classes.

" **Should I go back to school?"**

Post-graduate education is becoming an increasingly popular option to advancing understanding in topic areas and getting a "leg up" on the competition in many industries. Regardless of the reasons of going back to school, be sure that you want to go.

We advise that you do not go back to school only because you can't find a job, or your career hasn't launched yet! Going back to school for this express purpose can result in loading on debt, or worse, stunting your career growth. A good way to determine if school is needed is to reach out to your networks. Talk to people who have the careers that you want, and attain an understanding of whether or not further schooling will help you reach your goals.

That being said, gaining knowledge and perspective is never a bad idea! While you decide if earning an additional degree is a good move for you, work to improve your educational profile by taking individual professional development courses in areas you find interesting. In many cases, these courses can be applied for credits towards certificates or diplomas later, should you chose to pursue one.

" **What factors should I consider when picking a program?"**

Similar to an undergraduate degree, there are a number of factors to consider when selecting a post-graduate program. Here are some things you may want to consider:

● **Think about your purpose and outcome above all else.** Figuring out why you are pursuing further education goes a long way in selecting your program and your school. Ask yourself why you are going back to school. What do you want to gain from it?

● **Program type and duration:** How much time do you want to be in school? Would you prefer full-time, or part-time?

● Eligibility: Can you attend the program of your choice? Do you have the requirements, and if not, how will you gain the needed requirements?

● **Funding** : How can you afford the program of your choice? Consider student loans, work, and work-study programs- have a plan before you start your program.

● **Location** : Consider taking a program or semester abroad to gain global perspective, understand the context of your industry in other jurisdictions, and work towards a worldwide network. Local programs may offer the benefits of strong local networks, which may lead to opportunities. Having a sense of your career after your studies will help you to make an informed decision about the program which best aligns with your goals.

" **What is a certification?"**

Certificates usually require two years or less of study and may include specific professional and technical courses. This is in contrast to a degree that aims to provide general education. Certificates are a great way to supplement your existing education by gaining specific knowledge in niche aspects of an industry.

Find out which certifications/designations will not only meet your short-term needs but your long-term goals. It's important to find out what certifications may help you down the line. The idea is that you wouldn't want to be limited in your career aspirations or successes a number of years down the road because you haven't obtained certain credentials or certifications. It's also quite difficult for many individuals to go back to school or to pursue new courses/designations 10 or 20 years after leaving school. It's better to have it on your radar as a recent graduate and to start chipping away at these goals while studying is still a norm.

" **What are other ways to informally keep advancing my education?"**

Thanks to the digital world there are now many ways that you can continue to learn without having to formally sign up for an educational program.

Here are some resources you can leverage:

● Online courses including coursera.org, skillshare.com, khanacademy.org, iTunes U

● Videos on YouTube

● Training opportunities within your company

● And of course, the library!

## A Personal Experience: Karen Learns to Invest in her Future

I always knew I wanted to make a difference in the health of people, and I knew I wanted it to be at a preventative, systems level. I spent a lot of time talking to friends of friends working in jobs that I could see myself doing, researching job requirements on LinkedIn, and looking up the qualifications of people working in my ideal career. I discovered that most of the accomplished people making decisions that affected the health and well-being of communities held a Master's degree (in arts, politics, business administration and even economics).

Thus, as I approached the last year of my undergraduate education, I thought about my interests and my current education and began looking at programs focused on the social determinants of health. Being Canadian, and wanting to impact change on the Canadian health system, I knew I wanted to pick a Canadian school. I also knew that to offset the high cost of graduate school, I would have to work (at least part-time) during my studies. As such, I selected an off-campus program, which required only 3 week-long, on-site visits, and the rest could be done via correspondence. I also wanted to choose a program with a placement option, which would allow me to gain relevant exposure to current problems as well as access networks.

After painstakingly putting together my application including transcript, statements of interest, and reference letters, I was delighted to be accepted to the program of my choice!

In preparing for graduate school, the first thing I did was let my networks know, that I would be obtaining a Master's degree in my field of interest (and therefore would be more qualified in the future). I then browsed social media to seek out others who would be joining the program and who had recently graduated from the program to seek advice and experiences on which courses to take.

Working towards a post-graduate degree also allowed me to leverage my expected education to gain a relevant position in my field of interest. I was able to apply the textbook knowledge and theories I was learning to real situations and people!

A post-graduate education is not to be taken lightly. It takes determination and a strong plan to succeed. For me, gaining knowledge and an education in what I'm passionate about was a worthy investment in my career and future.
12 Key Themes and Takeaways

**1) Define your personal brand before someone else does it for you.**

Your personal brand is about showcasing who you are, what you stand for, the skillset that you possess, and the promises you make and deliver on.

2) Networking is a vital part of success, where anyone can open a door.

People make a difference, so value those two-way relationships

3) Guidance is just a mentorship request away.

Mentors come in many forms and can provide guidance and feedback along your career path.

4) Job searching is a discovery process.

The process, including rejection, is a continuous opportunity to learn about yourself.

5) You define your own success.

You can succeed in any career you choose at any time. Consider a career direction that excites you most and you will inevitably gain value in that direction.

6) Know where you want to go, and that there are many paths to get there.

Your career strategy acts as a compass to an engaging and meaningful career.

7) Discover your passions; find the right time to pursue them.

Keep your passions in mind as you grow your career and develop - seize opportunities, no matter how unconventional.

8) Set S.M.A.R.T. goals to reach smart outcomes

Achieving effective outcomes is a combination of S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measureable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound) goals, self-motivation, and a personal reward system.

9) Take time to take care of yourself and your community.

To maintain your physical, mental, and social well-being, be sure to balance your career and job duties with activities that support yourself and your community.

10) Open your mind to a world of perspective.

Living and traveling outside of your community is a great way to expose yourself to new experiences and perspectives, and a great way to build your network.

11) Implement creative and practical ways to manage your budget.

Having a plan to manage your money and pay down your debt will ensure that you are on a solid path to a rewarding career.

12) Learning does not end when school does.

After school, actively seek out either formal or informal means of learning to enhance your skillset and to continue your personal development.
About the Authors

## Aly Madhavji

Aly is the author of the internationally acclaimed book "Your Guide to Succeed in University", the #1 College book on Amazon and an Award-Winner of the 2015 International Book Awards. He continues to energize and inspire thousands of students and young professionals through his books, speaking engagements and mentorship.

Aly has been very active in community building with education at the core, having served on various boards including Executive Committee and Academic Board of he University of Toronto, as well as at Advantage Mississauga bridging the gap between higher education and the business sector, and the Executive of the College of Electors, to select the Chancellor and Alumni Governors of the University of Toronto.

Aly spent two and a half years in the Assurance practice for PwC in Toronto and New York leading the audits of a number of multinational Canadian and US clients. Aly then joined the Management Consulting practice with PwC as a Senior Consultant working in Canada, the United States, Brazil, and the Caribbean. He worked closely on the strategic investments of large private equity firms, the creations of centers of excellence, turnarounds of emerging market companies, and role reengineering to create efficiencies.

He is a December 2016 Masters in Business Administration (MBA) Candidate at INSEAD based in France and Singapore. He holds the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), Chartered Accountant (CA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), and the Chartered Investment Manager (CIM) Designations. Aly has been featured in The Medium and The Varsity newspapers, the Ismaili Magazine, Mississauga Magazine, and University of Toronto Press.

Connect with Me Online

Email: alymadhavji@live.ca

Twitter: @aly_madhavji

LinkedIn: Aly Madhavji

## Ryan Coelho

A Rocket Scientist turned Motivational Coach; Ryan Coelho has been working closely with millennials for over the past 4 years in helping them develop as leaders. Through schools, youth organizations and numerous other platforms he focused on helping them develop vital soft-skills, confidence and self-esteem that is needed to succeed in the real world.

His outgoing personality and thirst for unlocking the secrets of motivation and success even gave him the opportunity to be part of select high-profile events, such as the 2015 Pan Am Games in Toronto, where he travelled across the province energizing audiences as the torch passed through various communities.

Based on his extensive experience with young people, Ryan naturally became an in-demand resource for organizations in helping them understand the millennial mindset and how companies can leverage it. Over the past 2 years he has consulted over 90+ Executives and CEOs, has started the Millennial Engagement Movement, and has written numerous eBooks to support both organizations and millennials in their growth.

Ryan has expanded his mission to help individuals of all ages learn the Psychology of Motivation. He is currently working on a book and is determined to eventually turn it into an educational academy where people can gain insights into their mind and then put them to good use.

Connect with Me Online

Email: im@ryancoelho.com

Twitter: @iamryancoelho

LinkedIn: Ryan Coelho

## Karen Deng

After completing her Bachelor of Arts in Health Studies and Environmental Sciences at Queen's University in 2012, Karen went on to work with health administration authorities in First Nations communities in British Columbia, Canada. She pursued a Masters of Public Health at the University of Victoria, completing her specialization in Health Policy in 2014.

Karen has worked in federal government, provincial government agencies, and not-for-profit organizations to better understand and support improvements in the health of populations. Karen has experience in health policy, program evaluation, and health funding strategy. Karen has managed projects and stakeholders in multiple levels of government and their partners.

Karen's interest in complex puzzles and problems spurs her passion for working in systems change to promote individual and community health and well-being. She believes that helping others begins with providing the best possible information, and understanding and adapting to unique contexts of communities, civic, and user issues.

Connect with Me Online

Email: gottareachkarend@gmail.com

LinkedIn: Karen Deng
