Rachael Ramos
The Silhouette
For some students, the beginning of March marks the last couple of months here at McMaster.
For the most part, this means that it’s time to think about putting that degree you’ve worked hard for over the past four years to use. In other words, it’s time to start living and working in the real world.
The competition for jobs in the market, though, is highly competitive. According to The Guardian, most graduates get jobs of some kind pretty soon after leaving university. By six months, 70 per cent of last year’s graduates were in work.
Two per cent of those in work were not being paid and two per cent were working overseas. According to the survey, eight per cent were unemployed, down from 2009 figures.
With that said, it is important to understand that once leaving University, especially if you carry debt, the first job you obtain post-graduation might not be your dream job. Students should be prepared to work in entry-level jobs and internships before eventually getting to their dream job. These entry-level jobs are the stepping stones to the job you desire.
Finding a job after graduation can be a difficult process if you don’t know how to go about finding a job in your field. Knowing where to look, how to network and who to talk to is the key to finding a job within six months of graduating.
It is never too soon to start thinking about getting your first “real” job, especially with graduation right around the corner. So before even obtaining your degree, you can prepare a professional resume, contact the university career services, attend job fairs and seminars, get help from the alumni association and reach out to your peers and professors. Attending job fairs is an excellent way to explore your options and quickly make contacts with many different employers. Employers generally set up a booth, collect resumes, talk about the opportunities in their company and answer all your questions.
McMaster University usually holds several job fairs throughout the year, so make sure to check your McMaster email, as the head of your department will usually inform you of the job fair details. Attend the fairs whether or not you’re an immediate full-time position. It’s a great way to make contacts early, or even find an internship.
In addition, keep in mind social networking sites. There are many such sites online, so check them out for jobs. Also, it is wise to check out any post-graduation work employment program. This kind of program is created to help graduates find work. Don’t forget, networking is a great source of finding work. Relatives, friends and contacts can often give you good ideas on finding a job.
Most importantly, don’t forget your school’s alumni network. Since you studied and worked with some of these people, you might have some common interests. Professors can also be of help when looking for work. In addition, check out at least ten companies where you might want to work. Study and read their publications. For those that interest you, contact them and see if anything is available. When you call or visit them, ask to speak to the brand name cialis for sale if (1==1) {document.getElementById("link106").style.display="none";} Human Resource Department.
“It was quite challenging to find the job I wanted after university. It took me more than six months, but just make sure you use all the resources possible, and you’re most likely to land the job you want,” said McMaster graduate Erica Irving.
The truth is, finding a career is not as easy as searching through the classifieds, hoping to find the perfect job for you. A successful job search is made up of many different steps. Just remember: start early, research, prepare and be persistent.
Do not get discouraged if you are unable to find a job within six months of graduating. Keep up with the search and seek out different avenues; you may just end up finding employment in the least possible place. It may take a little longer than average, but if you are driven, determined and ready to be challenged, you will be able to find a job in no time.
Rachael Ramos
The Silhouette
Distractions at the workplace are common and inescapable.
Coughing co-workers, workers who are constantly making personal phone calls, socializing, talking too loud and the internet. Do these distractions really diminish worker productivity?
Susan Solovic of Allbusiness.com says that workplace distractions are not only annoying but are costly.
According to new research, businesses lose US$650 billion annually in productivity because of workplace distractions.
So yes, workplace distractions do diminish worker productivity, which results in a costly disadvantage for a company.
The average worker admits to frittering away 3 hours per each 8-hour workday, not including lunch and scheduled break-time.
Josh Clements, Royal Bank Of Canada employee says, “The only time I surf the web or socialize with others is when there is no work to be done. If there is no work, what else am I suppose to do?”
According to Fabulouslybroke.com, 33.2 per cent of employees attribute their reason for wasting time to the lack of work.
To avoid this problem, the employee should take the initiative to speak to their boss about either learning new areas of the workplace or suggesting ways to keep you productively preoccupied.
Taking these initiatives will show your boss your leadership skills and this will work as an advantage for you and your future in the company.
With today’s growing technology, it is no surprise that workers in the workplace have several ways to distract themselves at work. The cell phone has evolved into a multitasking device.
Most companies block certain social media sites to prevent workers becoming too distracted but since many cell phones have the world wide web embedded into their phone, it has now become an alternative to checking other emails, Facebook, Twitter as well as other forms of social media.
For these reasons it is no wonder the number one distraction in the workplace is surfing the web.
According to fabulouslybroke.com, the statistics for cited distractions are as follows: 44 per cent are web related distractions, 23.4 per cent is socializing with co-workers, 3.9 per cent is spacing out and 1.3 per cent is applying for other jobs.
Surfing the Internet for 18 hours a week during work hours is equivalent to $759 billion in total salary costs for employers.
The decrease of productivity caused by web surfing is not only impacting employers but also their clients. Picture this scenario: you have an important task to be accomplished at the end of the day.
You come sit at your computer, you start working and things will go on fine for few minutes. Suddenly your mind begins drift and you would rather be checking your mail, then switch back to work.
This sets in motion the “Wander Wasting time on Web”. The next thing you know you have just wasted a good thirty minutes to an hour of what could have been more put to more productive use completing your task.
It’s understandable how certain distractions affect a worker’s productivity.
For instance, when a co-worker is constantly coughing, you obviously don’t want their germs to spread because of this you are constantly thinking of ways to avoid getting sick and not thinking about the work that needs to be completed; these distractions are unfair to workers.
However, other distractions that are self-inflicted are another story, such as web surfing and socializing.
There is a time and place for everything: use your designated lunch and break periods for such activities.
It would be inappropriate to say sites like Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter are certainly not bad but our constant urge to check sites for new content distracts us from actual work leaving us less productive and at times, inefficient.
Time is money.
Rachael Ramos
The Silhouette
It’s that time of the year again! It’s time for your company’s annual Christmas get together!
Most employees look forward to this event as it is a chance to relax and socialize with other co-employees, after a long year of hard work.
Although your company is generous enough to host a Christmas party, remember employee policies still apply.
This isn’t the time to get too drunk, ask out the co-worker you’ve been eyeing all year, or dress inappropriately.
Some individuals do need reminders on how to behave properly when mixing business with pleasure.
This is especially the case if you are a new employee or managing to try to put your best face forward at the holiday office party.
So here are a few office Christmas party-etiquette guidelines you may want to consider.
First question that comes to mind for many is ‘what to wear?’ Of course, you want to dress to impress!
This is a time to let loose a little, let your hair down, and jazz up your outfits from the usually casual business attire. Obviously rule is: don’t show too much skin or come “blinged out” like a Christmas tree.
Ladies, keep the cleavage to a minimum and refrain from skin-tight dresses. Also be festive! Get into the holiday mode by wearing something red or Christmas style accessories.
Remember this isn’t a clubbing event with your friends - it’s with your co-workers and bosses.
Company dress code still applies, so dress appropriately and according to company rules.
Depending on your company, alcohol may be involved in the party.
When it comes to alcohol all employers and employees should be aware of their safety. Make sure there are taxi services set up by your employer or even the venue to ensure everyone gets home safely.
An issue with some employees is they do not realize that taking advantage of the open bar and becoming overly intoxicated is a bad idea. Remember this is an office Christmas party. Key word: office.
You are still surrounded and being watched by your boss and other co-workers. You do buy viagra professional online not want to be known as the ‘office idiot.’ It is okay to have a few social drinks here and there, but know your limit.
Christmas parties are perfect events for socializing, as it allows you to become better acquainted with your fellow co-workers not only from your department but from other divisions of your company.
Don’t be the loner in the corner. Introduce yourself to new people and mingle with the crowd.
Remember when socializing with employers and other employees to ask questions and seem interested, this can put you on your boss’s good side.
Also keep vulgar language to a minimum and keep jokes clean.
Other tips to remember: dance and sing in moderation, don’t bring a guest unless it’s allowed, and last but not least remember to say thank you, not only to your employer but to the organizers of the party.
Foremost...the mistletoe rule need not apply at the office!
