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Your McMurray Career Advice
Why Find A Summer Job?
Alright, so summer is just around the corner and as much as you students want to go hit Gregoire beach, you should really think about finding a summer job. Why? Well, we know that Fort McMurray has the highest household income in the country and most students do not have to work if they don’t want to. So, I am citing some reasons why you should find a summer job (or job in general). All these stats are taken from a great documentary aired on Doc Zone, Generation Jobless (the title alone can make you want to get a job).
- After University/College, one in three graduates ends up under or unemployed.
- 60 per cent of graduates have on average $27,000 of debt.
- Youth are competing for employment with Baby Boomers who are delaying retirement.
- Employers are more likely to hire someone with experience.
So how do you not end up as one of these stats? Summer employment is a good start. You can build the base of your work experience. Maybe choose somewhere that is in the same capacity as your schooling. Are you taking Education? Get a job as a camp counselor. Want to become a carpenter? Then apply for a summer labour position.
The reality is that when it comes time to build your resume, every bit helps. Summer employment can also help you build connections. The people that you meet at these jobs might one day be the person hiring you for your first professional position. At my first job, I started off at a pizza shop in Nova Scotia. The owner eventually became one of the greatest references I have ever made, and an even better influence on my future endeavours. The skills that you learn at your first job might not be what you want to do for the rest of your life, but they will help build your foundation of knowledge, and your resume.
Are you a student looking for summer employment? Come talk to an employment counselor at the Alberta Works Centre (first floor of the Provincial Building). They can help you take the skills you have developed through volunteering, sports and school and turn them into skills needed for your new job. Another great site is: talentegg.ca It has tones of information for students looking for employment. Happy hunting!
