By Elizabeth Merchant

Do you feel as if you need a career or job change, but are not sure what sources are available to those working full-time? Fortunately, there are places to turn to.  Colleges and universities offer career assistance for current students, as well as alumni, so if you are a graduate of a post-secondary institution, you can book some time with a counselor.  However, there are certain criteria you have to meet such as being out of school a certain amount of time and there may be a fee.

At George Brown College, graduates can access career information and get assistance with their job search through a service called “Career Wise,” available through the Alumni Relations office free for up to one year after students graduate; after that there is a fee of $45.00 for each 55 minute session.

So, what can a client expect during a session with a counselor?

“The Alumni Career Services assists grads with creating a strong resume and cover letter that will get noticed by an employer,” explains Trisha Grace, the Career Services Liaison. “I also offer a mock interview session where the graduate can practice interviewing skills and learn more about the interviewing process, and the skills for which an employer may be looking. Some alumni may need help with career planning.”

For more information go to www. georgebrown.ca/alumni/careerservices.

The “GBCareers” link can help you in a number of ways:

• Search and apply for jobs online
• Receive email alerts for job postings
• Manage your resumes and cover letters and more.

Trisha Grace can be contacted by calling the Career Centre at the St. James Campus at 416-415-5000 ext2395.

In addition to one-on-one sessions, the Alumni Career Services also offers year-round fun and educational events.  

Humber Community Employment Services (CES) is an employment and training service aimed at the community, not just Humber students and alumni. CES representatives go out into the community to bring awareness about their services, some of which are:

• Workshops on job search topics such as contacting employers and labour market information
• Information and referral to programs and services
• Mentorship opportunities

There are five locations and the extended hours until 7:00 pm once a week is a real plus for full-time workers.  Check this link for other available times: ces.humber.ca/contact-us/locations.html

In addition to post-secondary institutions, there are other good sources for career counseling, especially for those who are struggling with indecision over the next steps in their lives.  One great example is the YMCA of Greater Toronto’s Career Planning & Development Services located at 2200 Yonge Street, which offers fee-for-service testing, such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator®(MBTI®), the Strong Interest Inventory®, Emotional Intelligence (EQ-i®), the Canadian Differential Aptitude Tests®, as well as other personality and interest assessments.  A career counselor can sit down with you to interpret your assessment results and help you to understand your strengths/assets. Through one-on-one counseling, you will develop a sense of direction and purpose so that you can head for the career track that will bring out your full potential.

So what age of client goes for vocational testing? Lynn Davies, counselor at the YMCA’s Career Planning, says, “We work with any age from 16 years old and up. People come into Career Planning searching for answers. Perhaps they are wondering, “What should I do for the rest of my life? What courses should I take in school? How do I decide which career is for me?” We help a client of any age feel confident in selecting a career that will support their individual well-being and satisfaction.”

To schedule an appointment contact 416-928-3362, ext. 22609 For more information on YMCA’s vocational testing, visit: www.ymcagta.org/en/get-a-job/career_planning/ assessment_packages/careerplanning.html

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