CU Launches the Carleton Career Advantage

Ottawa – Carleton University launched an innovative program to ensure all students have the tools necessary to leverage their Carleton degree in a difficult job market.

“In tough economic times, job seekers need every advantage they can get,” says Dawn Legault, director of the Career Development and Co-operative Education department. “The Carleton Career Advantage will ensure Carleton students and graduates have the necessary skills to market and leverage their degrees.”

The new package offers Carleton students and recent graduates several new initiatives, including a job shadow and career mentoring program so students can observe professionals in their field of interest and gain a better understanding of the demands and opportunities within a particular profession or industry.

“This program will engage students to learn more about careers outside the classroom,” says Lorraine Anderson, senior employer relations advisor. “Students will make a connection to their degree of study and receive in-depth awareness of particular types of jobs in certain industries to assist them in making informed career decisions.”

In an effort to continue providing employment services to our recent grads and alumni, the Career Centre will hold its inaugural New Grad & Alumni career fair on March 3, 2010. The purpose is to bring alumni together with employers seeking people who have either a completed degree or some work experience.

In addition, Carleton is launching the Career Development Certificate and the Graduate Career Development programs. These certificate programs are designed specifically for new graduates who wish to develop essential skills required to launch a successful career.

Students can also look forward to two major networking nights held at the university on November 3 and 4. The Career Connections Networking Night is an opportunity for students to interact with program-specific employers to market their skills and learn about job opportunities in their fields. Students will rub shoulders and benefit from the long-time employer contacts of both the Career Centre and Co-operative Education office.

While there are several new initiatives for 2009 -‘10 , the well-established co-operative education program forms a large part of Carleton’s Career Advantage. Placing students in over 80 co-op options at the undergraduate level and four at the master’s level, students can gain between 12 and 20 months of degree-related experience. The program has seen many of its students either successfully bridged into the federal government or hired before graduation in the private sector after one or more co-op work terms. Kerry Eamer, manager of the program, adds: “In a survey of recent Carleton graduates, 95 per cent of co-op students said they were satisfied with the work they have secured.”

Quick Facts

* In 2008-09, 632 recruiting employers met with approximately 8066 CU students
* In 2008-09, 1,100 co-op students were successfully placed in work terms
* Over 16,000 Carleton students and alumni are actively engaged through the daily use of our online portal, myCareer