Welcome back to another semester and the beginning of 2008. If your New Year's resolution was to find a job, make more money or be better prepared for graduation, we're here to help. Check us out.

In this issue:

Backpack to Briefcase
Interested in the Finance Industry?
Finding Work as a Freelance Musician: An Interview with Regan Toews
Making the Call (Cold Calling)
Company Information Sessions (Summer Recruitment)
Career Development Workshops
Career Fairs
Contact Us

---

Backpack to Briefcase 2008

Get ready for this year’s BACKPACK TO BRIEFCASE 2008! This incredible event is brought you by, in collaboration for the first time, McGill’s Career Centre (CAPS) and McGill’s Alumni Association. 

Backpack to Briefcase will be a series of career events held throughout the months of February and March 2008 that should help you make the transition out of McGill to the workplace or graduate school.  There will be career fairs, special events, panel discussions, workshops, and guest speakers to address a variety of topics related to career exploration, job search strategies and “real-world” life skills.

Samples of what is to come include:

• Workshops on Dining Etiquette and Dressing for Success

• Information Interview Round-table Sessions

• CV Writing Clinics

• Internship Information Sessions

• and so much more!

All events are free of charge unless otherwise indicated. Sign-up for events is required.

Keep your eyes peeled on the CAPS website (caps.mcgill.ca) and the Alumni Associations website (www.mcgill.ca/alumni/) for up-to-date information.

[back to top]

---

Interested in the Finance Industry?  Read On…

by Anie-Claude Lamarche, CAPS Career Advisor

The finance industry is one of the nation’s largest employers.  In Montreal, the employment growth for this industry is expected to be higher than average at 2 to 3% over the next 4 years; the average is 1.5% for all sectors.  In light of these statistics, it is not surprising that several students hope to work in this industry.   However, what many fail to realize is that the finance industry includes various types of employers and numerous types of jobs, all of which require different sets of skills and offer different work environments.   While most jobs require some knowledge of finance, accounting, and/or economics, graduates from other departments can still work within this sector, namely in the customer service side or in departments common to any organization such as human resources and marketing.  It is therefore important, before you start soliciting employers, that you learn about the various opportunities offered to you so that you can target your resume and your “elevator pitch” more specifically (see our documents on Networking caps.mcgill.ca).   

Normally, when we think of the finance industry, we think of commercial banks.  However, finance professionals are also found in the finance departments of corporations, investment banks, and in insurance companies.   Let us look at each of these sectors separately focusing on the career opportunities available and specific recruitment practices. 

[continue reading this article]

[back to top]

---

Finding Work as a Freelance Musician: An Interview with Regan Toews

by Lucy Armstrong

Regan Toews is a freelancing musician and orchestral player, whom I have had the wonderful fortune of knowing for a couple years since my time in the music department at McGill. For her final recital in 2004 I found myself enraptured and thrilled by her intuitive and passionate performance. A commanding stage presence, and a compassionate and inspiring friend, I am delighted to feature her in this month's interview.

[continue reading this article]

[back to top]

---

Making the Call (Cold Calling)

by Natalie Jewit, U3, BA Psychology

COLD-CALLING. The name seems appropriate, as the thought of calling a complete stranger as part of the job-search is chilling for many of us.  When I realized I would be writing an article about cold-calling I decided I should actually experience it first hand in order to write with any kind of authority on the practice.  However, in all honesty, it was not something I was looking forward to.  In fact, I put it off until the last possible minute, because the uncertainty of the whole thing just made me uncomfortable.

[continue reading this article]

[back to top]

---

Company Information Sessions (Summer Recruitment)

• Goldman Sachs Company Information Session
  Wednesday, January 9, 17h30: McGill Faculty Club Ballroom
  Registration required

• Credit Suisse Summer Info Session
  Thursday, January 10, 17h30: McGill Faculty Club Main Dining Room
  Registration required

For a full listing of all company information sessions offered in January, click here.

[back to top]

---

Career Development Workshops

• Action Plan: How to Organize Your Job Search
  Monday, January 21, 13h30-15h00: Brown, Room 5001
  Register now

  Looking for a job requires lots of organization. This workshop will provide you with the tools you need to plan your job search.

• Making the Most of Career Fairs and Campus Recruitment
  Wednesday, January 23, 13h30-15h00: Brown, Room 5001
  Register now

  In this introductory workshop, you will learn about the On-Campus Recruitment process. A wealth of information and resources are available to assist you in succeeding in the various steps involved.

• Looking for a Summer Job (Non-Career)
  Friday, January 25, 10h00-12h00: Brown, Room 5001
  Register now

  Take advantage of this opportunity to discuss finding a Summer Job that’s right for you. Review the necessary techniques, discover how to deal with hidden obstacles, what are employers really looking for, what can be negotiated, to find a rewarding Summer Job, tailored to your needs and interests.

• Med School Interviewing
  Wednesday, January 30, 14h00-16h00: Brown, Room 5001
  Register now

  Gain detailed insight on how to prepare for your medical school interview. Topics covered in this workshop include what to expect during the interview, typical and atypical questions most often asked as well as the general practices of some major Canadian Faculties of Medicine.

For a full listing of all workshops offered in January, click here.

[back to top]

---

Career Fairs

• McGill Food and Nutrition Career Fair
  Wednesday, January 30, 10h00-14h00: Macdonald Campus
  

• McGill Technology Fair
  Wednesday, January 30 to Thursday, January 31, 9h30-15h30: Engineering Buildings

• McGill Education Career Fair
  Monday, February 4: Shatner Ballroom

• McGill Agricultural Fair
  Wednesday, February 6, 10h00-14h00: Macdonald Campus

• McGill Non-Profit and Public Service Fair
  Wednesday, February 6, 11h00-15h00: Leacock Hallways

• McGill Environmental and Bioresource Career Fair
  Wednesday, February 13, 10h00-14h00: Macdonald Campus

[back to top]