! Professional Development Overview 2004-05

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Professional Development

Session Descriptions 2004-05

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How to Give a Seminar Talk

Susan Allen

Abstract: Susan Allen will talk about the important aspects of seminar talks. In particular, postdocs and grads applying for academic positions are required to demonstrate some of their skills through seminar talks. The impression made in these talks is an important factor in the hiring decision.
PDF version of presentation pdf


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Thesis management - Or how long should a thesis take?

Garry Clarke

Abstract: If you are just starting your thesis, right in the midst of it, or a postdoc ready to be a faculty supervising graduate students, this may be for you. Garry Clark will share his view and experience on the topic, and we will hopefully have a fruitful discussion.
PDF version of presentation pdf


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Career Planning and Management

Christian Reuten

Abstract: Career counsellors and book authors like to make you think that career management and life are synonymous.  By contrast, most students finish their degree and then start worrying about writing applications.  The truth probably lies somewhere in between the two extremes:  It is a life-long continuous process, involving many more steps than writing a CV and cover letters.  I will try to shed some light on the breadth of career management and share some of my experiences ranging from questions like how to choose a suitable career to progressing in your career.  Please bring your questions, philosophical or practical, for a lively discussion.
PDF version of presentation pdf


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Applying for a Faculty Position

Paul Smith

Abstract: Contemplating an academic career? This presentation will tell you where to look and how to maximize your chances of success. In the process we will shine a light into the dark corners of university selection procedures.
PDF version of presentation pdf


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Making sure you are offered the academic job you have applied for!

Douw Steyn

Abstract: I will discuss how to prepare for the interview; what the interview process consists of; how to plan your interview seminar; what to ask (and not to ask) the interview committee; what to ask (and not to ask) potential departmental colleagues; and what to expect (and not to expect) in a job offer.

Mock Interviews for Job Applications: Academia

Douw Steyn

Abstract: To attend this session you MUST submit a hardcopy version of the job ad for a real academic position, your cover letter, and your CV to Dr. Steyn's mail box in the main office by Friday, Nov. 26, noon. You do not need to apply for the position but your qualification must reasonably match the job ad. On the day of the mock interview Dr. Steyn will choose ONE applicant and perform a typical hiring committee interview. Afterwards the whole group will analyse the interview.


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Working in the Private Sector: Self-employment, Start-up, Corporate, Consulting

Dr. Stephen Billings, Senior Geophysicist, Sky Research Inc.
Kevin D. Oldknow, Research Engineer, Technology & Commercialization, Kelsan Technologies Corp
Christian Reuten, Ph.D. candidate, Dept. EOS, UBC

Abstract: The private sector offers almost infinite job opportunities, with many different kinds of jobs, and huge differences between small and large companies, manufacturing and service, engineering and consulting, self-employment and corporate hierarchy. We will share with you some 20 years of experience over a fairly wide section of the entire spectrum.


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A Career in Government (or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bureaucracy)

Stephanie Meyn, Air Quality Meteorologist, Ministry of Water Land and Air Protection

Abstract: Have you ever wondered if a career in government is for you? Stephanie Meyn, a graduate of the M.Sc. Atmospheric Science Programme and currently an Air Quality Meteorologist with the B.C. Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection, will discuss what it's like to work for the Provincial Government. Stephanie has done her fair share of career exploration, and will highlight the differences between working in academia (university research centres), federal government, private sector consulting, and the provincial government. She will also go over the nitty gritty details with respect to time pressure, salary, benefits, career opportunities and application procedures.
PDF version of presentation pdf


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Resumes and Cover Letters

Marlene Delanghe, UBC Career Services

Abstract: Applying for a job in government or industry requires a resume that clearly identifies what you can offer to a prospective employer. It needs to be focused and relevant and distinguishes you from other applicants! Come and learn specific suggestions and guidelines for creating an effective resume for non-academic positions. In this session you will gain guidelines for resume format, layout and key strategies for transforming ordinary resumes into great ones. You will also gain some tips for writing a cover letter.
PDF version of presentation pdf
PDF version of sample resume pdf

Networking

Marlene Delanghe, UBC Career Services

Abstract: Did you know that 80% of jobs are unadvertised? In this session, you will gain specific techniques for identifying unadvertised opportunities and ways to effectively connect with prospective employers.
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Job Interview Skills for the Private Sector

Marlene Delanghe, UBC Career Services

Abstract: Do you feel prepared for your next job interview? Come to this session to learn interview essentials including how to prepare for the interview, types of questions used by interviewers and strategies for responding.
PDF version of presentation pdf

Mock Interviews for Job Applications: Private Sector

Marlene Delanghe, UBC Career Services

Abstract: For private sector mock interviews, all participants should be ready to volunteer as interviewee and are strongly encouraged to bring along a resume. The more realistic the interview contents the more you will gain. We will work through different scenarios varying interviewer personalities and interview characteristics.


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