Student Success Centre continues to boost career and employment repertoire

Dheeraj Dhull

'Company information sessions provide students with an opportunity to meet recruiters face-to-face and make a good first impression,' said employer engagement officer Dheeraj Dhull, seen here in the University's Student Success Centre.


The Student Success Centre has co-ordinated company information sessions on campus for some time, but this month is particularly busy.

“For the past two months, we have so many employers interested in hosting sessions, we are having trouble accommodating them,” said Dheeraj Dhull, employer engagement officer.

It’s Dhull’s job to connect with employers and entice them to take part in company information sessions and career fairs, and look to McMaster graduates to fulfill their recruitment needs.

On now until Oct. 30, the following employers will be on campus to recruit for summer, co-op, part-time and full-time positions: Newton, Kiewit, IBM, Nielsen, Hamilton Police Services, Bruce Power and Works Applications.

“Company information sessions provide students with an opportunity to meet recruiters face-to-face and make a good first impression,” added Dhull. “It’s also a chance to explore job possibilities, learn about a company’s organizational culture, recruiting process and more.”

Sessions take place on campus during the evening from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Students interested in attending are encouraged to dress in business casual or formal attire. For details on specific sessions and to register to attend, visit OSCARplus.

Students seeking job search, resume and interview preparation support can take advantage of Get a Job… Start your Career — a new online program for final-year students, new grads and final-year graduate students.

In addition to learning about upcoming information sessions and job openings, participants can practice their interview skills with InterviewStream, take part in interactive discussions and complete online modules. One-on-one career advising sessions are also available.

“Our goal is to help students be successful in their career development,” said Kathryn Hryb, career consultant. “This program supports their goal of finding a career that takes their academic studies into the workplace.”

Drop into the Student Success Centre to learn more and sign up for an orientation session.

Students who have not yet zeroed-in on a career path need not worry. Career Planning Group is a full-day workshop that guides participants through an assessment of their interests, personality, skills and values by using the MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator), Strong Interest Inventory, as well as card sorts and surveys.

“At the end of the day, participants feel a lot less stressed about their career path and tend to feel more confident about their next steps,” said Kerri Latham, career counsellor.

Workshops run from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. To register, drop into Gilmour Hall 110 a minimum of four days prior to the scheduled session. There is a $25 fee (cash only), and payment is required at registration.

Visit OSCARplus for more information on upcoming sessions. For more information on career and employment services including mentorship and career field experience, visit the Student Success Centre.