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Almost everyone has a Facebook or Twitter account; grandmothers, fathers, and companies all have one. Social networks are a fun way to spend your extra time and connect with your friends.

However, in the past few years employers have been looking up potential candidates on various social networks before inviting them for an interview. Something that may seem harmless to you may end up being a deciding factor on if you get the job or not.

Here are a few things to consider in determining what kind of online persona you currently have or would like to have:

1.) Use Google to search for your name. You may be surprised what pops up or you may find you are still a member of a long forgotten social network.

2.) Close all accounts that you don’t use anymore.
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The Surrey campus recently held an ECE workshop for the ECE and CSW students with the well-known Early Childhood Expert and published author of “Learn to Play – Play to Learn” series, Susan Munzer-Briner.

Susan inspired and motivated those in attendance to teach children with hands on experiences and creative resources that she designed specifically for young children. We all took a fresh look at exploring language and literature experiences in ten different creative ways.

At the end of the presentation Susan had story kits and resources available to purchase for the students to add to their professional stock pile to use in the field.

In attendance at this workshop were all the Surrey ECE Basic students along with those on practicum, Abbotsford ECE Basic students and their instructor, the Surrey CSW students and their instructor, and a former Surrey ECE graduate.

At first, networking can be a scary thing to think about. Questions surrounding who, where, how, and when should I network start to come into play. Many times you will find yourself in networking situations; the only difference from a normal conversation is slowly switching the topic to one that is career related. Here are some tips to network better:

Things to be mindful of:

• Smile at people. This will increase your approachability and make people want to talk to you.
• Realize that opportunities for networking are everywhere and that anyone can be a potential contact. You can eventually ask anyone what their name is and where they work.
• Don’t apologize for asking for the occasional help or starting a new conversation with someone new.
• Don’t change who you are when networking, just be yourself. Being genuine goes a long way.

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If you are not including a cover letter with your resume, you’re making a big mistake!  A cover letter sets you apart from other candidates. It says who you are, past work experience, and what you can bring to the company if they hired you. It shows your personality and sets the tone for how the potential employer will perceive your resume.

Here are a few tips on how to make your cover letter attractive and informative to a potential employer:

• Address the letter to the appropriate person. If you don’t know their name and title, then use “To the Human Resources Department”
• In the first paragraph, include the position you are applying for and the job number if it is provided. For example, “Please accept my cover letter and resume as my application for the Administrative Assistant position.” Also, you can include where you heard of the job opening and the name of a person you know in the company who may have referred you or would speak highly of your abilities.
• In the second paragraph, briefly introduce yourself and the personal skills you possess. For example, you have a positive attitude or you thrive in workplaces with tight deadlines. Make sure that it is meaningful and reflects who you are as a person.
• In the third paragraph, mention your work experience, abilities, and the skills you have gained that would benefit their company. Focus on three of your best attributes and give examples. Read more

When you are considering changing careers or trying to decide on a career, many people forget how helpful informational interviews are. The purpose of an informational interview is to find out information about a career from someone who has knowledge about and experience in a particular field. This can help you decide if you want to pursue a career in this field or switch your attention to something else.

Here are a few pointers on what to consider when setting up an informational interview:

Narrow down what interests you

Figure out what career you are interested in learning more about. Try to match it to some skills you already have and decide if you might need more education.

Do some basic research

Research the career you are considering and the different titles people will have in that career. Figure out what education this career requires you to have and how much time you will spend gaining the skills needed. Find out what the entry level positions are that lead to this career, since you can’t start off in your dream career immediately. Research what the entry level position pays and what the higher level management is paid. Read more

The Early Childhood Education Department of the New Westminster Campus held a workshop on February 7th and 8th, to say “Thank You” to the Child Care Centres who sponsor our students when they go on practicum. These dedicated Early Childhood Educators came on their own time, and we provided the materials (and pizza) to make 5 different rhythm instruments. The Centres keep asking us “Where do your students get their great instruments?” so we responded by giving them this workshop.

Participants earned Continuing Education credits for the workshop.

Once you have graduated from one of Sprott-Shaw’s 180 programs, you still have to do an interview to get the job of your dreams. Here are some interview tips from our Career Centre.

DO

• Take a practice run to the location or know exactly where it is and how long it takes to get there.
• Research and practice for the interview.
• Dress the part of the job, company or industry.
• Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early. Late arrival for a job interview is never excusable. If running, do phone the company.
• Make a first impression once you entered the building. Yes, even with the receptionist or assistant.
• Fill out job applications neatly, completely and accurately.
• Bring an extra resume.
• Greet the interviewer’s by title and last name. If not sure how to pronounce, ask the receptionist before going into the interview.
• Shake hands firmly with the interviewer.

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The first annual Kids Fair was held at the New Westminster Quay on Saturday January 21, 2012. The fair provided the opportunity for parents and children to experience some of the latest innovations in children’s goods and services.

The New Westminster Campus participated with a focus on our Early Childhood Education programs. New West Campus is now offering an evening Post Basic Program which will allow people who work full time in Child Care to take their career to the next level by obtaining a diploma in Post Basic Infant Toddler or Post Basic Children with Exceptionalities or both.

Over 300 bags of play dough were made by current ECE classes and distributed at the fair along with balloons, carrying bags and a draw for a child focused basket.

The Fair was a great success with thousands of adults and children attending.

We will be back next year!

Our New Westminster campus Accounting and Payroll class was grateful to Mihaela Cretu, a Sprott Shaw Graduate who took time out of her busy work day to speak to the class. She is a certified Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP) and Human Resources Professional (CHRP).

It was a rewarding experience for our Instructor and Students to hear about her payroll job and how her studies at Sprott Shaw have helped on the job.

Mihaela also expressed how the Canada Payroll Association (CPA) plays a valuable resource to those working in the field. Each time a member has a question, they can ask and the CPA will provide the correct answer. Rewards of membership!

We are very proud of Mihaela’s accomplishments as a Sprott Shaw Graduate!

Sprott-Shaw Community College is considering to offer entrepreneurial programming. Help us decide its feasibility by taking our entrepreneurial program survey. It should only take about 30 seconds.

http://app.fluidsurveys.com/surveys/sscc-technology-coordinator/entrepreneur-program-external/

Thank you for your feedback!