Frequently Asked Questions

This page reflects questions that are often asked of career advisors at colleges and universities across Atlantic Canada. As a post-secondary student, you may have similar questions. It’s important to know that you are not alone. Career counselling services and faculty advisors are available to help answer your questions and explore career options.

How can a career advisor or counsellor support me?

Career advisors and counsellors are professionals who are available to help you make decisions about your career plan. Using various tools and strategies, they can help you determine your talents, strengths, abilities, interests, and values. They are there to help you make connections between your programs of study and the workforce and support you in exploring career options. 

What job can I get with my degree/diploma?

Your education does not limit your career path. While there are certain jobs that require a specific degree, diploma or certificate, the transferable skills that you gain as a result of your education will equip you for many job opportunities. Degrees, diplomas and certificates are versatile, making your job possibilities endless!

What’s the difference between a CV and a resume?

Sometimes, “resume” and “CV” (Curriculum Vitae) are used interchangeably, but they are actually quite different. A resume is a self-marketing tool used when applying for jobs to highlight your education, experience, and accomplishments while profiling your ability to do the work an employer is hiring for. It is concise and typically 1-2 pages in length. Though a CV can also contain work experience, its primary focus is on academic credentials such as education, research, publications, teaching, fellowships, etc. It can be longer, several pages in length, and used mainly for academic job searches or continued research, schooling or experience in the academic field. Many employers request a CV when they are really expecting a resume.

How and where can I meet employers?

It is never too early to start networking with employers and building your professional contacts. Some great ways to get started include:

• Attending Career and Graduate School Fairs;
• Attending employer information sessions;
• Applying to participate in an Externship Program; 
• Participating in networking events, such as ‘Coffee & Connect’, ‘Tea & Talk’, job fairs, etc.; and 
• Signing up for networking platforms such as LinkedIN.
  
  

How can I build experience on my resume?

Get involved! As a student, it’s never too early to build your network, develop skills, and gain experience that can enhance your resume. Some ways you could do this may include: 

• Student employment opportunities; 
• Enrolling in an academic program with a co-operative education, field education, or internship option;
• Volunteering (Student Volunteer Bureau);
• Joining a student club or society; and
• Participating in leadership programming and professional development opportunities. 

What is the difference between experiential learning and Work Integrated Learning?

Experiential learning is a term used to describe a range of experiences that may be available to students to help them apply their learning and develop their skills. These opportunities can take place through job placements, simulations, community service learning, labs, and studios in educational or workplace settings. Experiential learning is often described as “learning by doing”. Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) is a form of experiential learning. WIL involves a formalized process to provide students with opportunities to develop employability skills and earn academic credits while integrating and applying their academic studies in a work environment.

How can experiential learning help me make decisions about my future? 

There are many benefits associated with participating in experiential learning opportunities, particularly when they have career exploration connections. You can benefit the most from experiential learning when you understand and examine the options available to you, are involved in the decision-making process, find purpose and value in the experiential learning and have the opportunity to reflect on the different learning experiences.  Experiential learning can help you become more self-directed with your career-related decisions, helping you take responsibility for your learning and becoming more independent. 

How can I get Work Integrated Learning (WIL) experience and how will it help me?

Each post-secondary institution will have its own specific WIL opportunities; however, here are some examples of WIL:

• Taking part in a Co-op program; 
• Undertaking service-learning as part of a course; 
• Completing professional practicums or clinical placements as part of your program;
• Engaging in applied research projects; 
• Completing an Entrepreneurial Co-op work term; and
• Finding a program that has an internship opportunity for academic credit.  

These experiences will help you develop skills, support career decisions and make connections as you prepare to enter the workforce.