Myths vs Facts & FAQs
Haskayne Career Development
MTYH: Employers want you to finish your degree in exactly four years.
FACT:
While there may be a handful of employers that look at time to graduate, most are very understanding that an education is a personal journey. Being in a Co-operative Education program, studying abroad, or working while attending school are a few examples of why it can take more than four years to graduate. Employers look for the skills that you will bring into the workplace rather than your time to graduation.
MYTH: I need a GPA of at least 3.8 to be considered by most employers.
FACT:
While some employers do ask to see transcripts, most do not use your GPA as a screening-in tool.
MYTH: Career Workshops or events are just for 3rd and 4th year students and Co-op students.
FACT:
Not at all! Every career event is open to all Haskayne students (including MBA and MMgmt students). Some events may be structured towards students of a certain concentration and are labelled in Elevate to guide students.
MYTH: It’s important to join many student clubs to build my résumé.
FACT:
Club participation on campus is a fantastic way to meet new people and to expand on your fundamental skills. We encourage you to join clubs that are of interest to you – and not because you think it will look good on a job application.
MYTH: The career development specialists will find me a job.
FACT:
The career development team is not a staffing agency. It is our role to provide career guidance and support to Haskayne students and to conduct employer development for you. We provide all of our services and resources at no cost, and offer many resources including: one on one career advising sessions, a dedicated job board for Haskayne students, and several online career resources (available to you 24/7). Participation in career events is optional; choosing to use these resources and services is entirely up to you.
MYTH: Mentors and informational interviews are about getting jobs.
FACT:
Having a mentor and/or attending an informational interview are about support and knowledge. It is improper to ask either about a job within their organization or within their network.
MYTH: The Haskayne career development team will only help me find a job in Calgary.
FACT:
If you would like to work in a different market, please let us know! We would be happy to help you source opportunities in a different city and/or country. There are many resources available for University of Calgary students who are looking to expand their job search beyond Alberta’s borders.
MYTH: Career fairs are a waste of time. No one is actually hiring.
FACT:
Career fairs are a great way for you to learn about the types of organizations that hire students and new grads. You have the opportunity to ask an employer directly about the roles they fill and about their hiring practices. While it’s true that the timing of the career fair may not align with the employers’ recruitment cycles, attending such events give you a chance to build on your knowledge, practice your networking skills, and to be prepared once the positions are posted.
MYTH: My career will be directly related to my degree and concentration.
FACT:
A degree opens many doors that will allow you to pursue different career paths. As a student you should carefully look at each opportunity as a whole, rather than a sum of its parts. Each role will contribute to your skills and are transferable into your next role. Remember, no matter what your concentration, you will graduate with a degree in business.
MYTH: The Haskayne Career team will not help me once I graduate.
FACT:
Once a Haskayne student, always a Haskayne student! For the first year after graduation you can still access our services and resources using your student credentials. Alumni can create a free Elevate account by visiting: https://elevate.ucalgary.ca/login/alumni-login.htm
MYTH: The Haskayne Career & Student Experience team only provides résumé and cover letter help.
FACT:
We offer a wide variety of services, both online and in person. Some of the services that we offer include:
- VMock SMART Career Platform: Resume to Practice interviews (including video interviews)
- VMock résumé Optimizer
- Career education and coaching
- Exclusive job board for Haskayne students and alumni
- International career exploration
- BComm Co-operative Education Program
- Workshops and opportunities
- Employer Events* (Industry Panels, Skills Development Workshops, Career Coffee Chats, Informational Interviews, etc.)
* Please check the Haskayne Events calendar in Elevate for all upcoming events