Job Search Strategies
We recommend students used a variety of job search strategies to secure work terms.
Informational Interviews – These are excellent opportunities to build your network and to learn more about potential careers. Meet with someone you know, an alumni, or a second-degree connection and find out about their company, role, industry, or career path. See video below for a full example!
Attend Networking Events – Networking events can take place both on and off campus. CEL and the Co-op program plan and organize networking opportunities for our students year-round. We strongly encourage students to attend these events so they can connect with employers who may have work term opportunities.
Job Finding Club – Job Finding Club runs sessions through the fall and winter semesters. These focus on connecting students with employers who are hiring, plus building and developing job search strategies and skills.
One on One Appointments – Seeking students are strongly encouraged to meet with their Co-op coordinator on a regular basis. Appointments may be booked through our Career Connections platform.
Using Online Networking Platforms – For example, LinkedIn can offer valuable networking connections. Update your profile to show you are open to work and attract potential recruiters. Follow organizations that are in your field, join relevant groups, and search alumni.
Join Associations or Groups – Join a professional or student association to make connections, learn about opportunities, and gain further skills.
Networking Associations
Where to Find Networking Events and Connections:
- Kamloops Chamber of Commerce -Helpful if you have a business or were hoping to grow a business: https://kamloopschamber.ca
- Eventbrite- can search events by location and topic
- Kamloops Innovation Kamloops Innovation Centre
- Tech Company Growth in BC – BC Tech Association (wearebctech.com)
- BC Tech Association Tech Company Growth in BC – BC Tech Association (wearebctech.com)
- Innovate BC Events | Innovate BC
- BC Innovation for Members – B.C. Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy (cice.ca)
- Tech and People Network TAP Network | Homepage
- The Applied Science Technologists & Technicians of BC (ASTTBC) Applied Science Technologists & Technicians of British Columbia (asttbc.org)
- TECHNATION Contact Us – TECHNATION (technationcanada.ca)
- Engineers and Geoscientists of BC – https://www.egbc.ca/Registrant-Directory
- Association of Consulting Engineering Companies British Columbia – https://acec-bc.ca/
Some tips and tricks to successfully networking
On-campus:
- Get involved in campus events
- Volunteer on campus
- Join a club https://trusu.ca/campus-life/clubs/directory/
- Become a Future Student Ambassador https://www.tru.ca/future/ambassadors/join.html
- Go to the Job Fair
Connect with:
- People on LinkedIn with similar interests, in the same program or someone in a potential industry/ job that you would like to go into.
- Your professors, friends, family, or others you admire and ask them to be your mentors.
- Professional associations – sign up as a student member, use their directories, go to their events
Volunteer in the community:
- Check Career Connections, Indeed and Volunteer Kamloops for volunteer opportunities- https://www.volunteerkamloops.org/volunteer-opportunities/
- Reach out to businesses and ask to volunteer or shadow