What are my goals for further education?
Pause and reflect on your Why and When as we commence. By reflecting on your motivations, you can uncover valuable insights. Take this opportunity to ask yourself thought-provoking questions about your expectations.
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- Further education module
- Connect to people
- Attending events
- Talk to career and peer advisors
Want to dig a bit deeper? Try this activity:
1. Further education module
The Further Education Module is a great place to start thinking and planning for further education applications. It comprises seven mini-modules, each requiring only 5-10 minutes; this resource is flexible. You can start at any module and return to others as needed, making it a versatile tool for busy students.
It has resources to help you understand application timelines and processes and reflect on your strengths and needs. You can explore the entire module or focus on just the sections that resonate with you.
2. Connect with people
Networking is a pivotal part of gathering insights and advice about further education. Engage with platforms like LinkedIn, connect with professors, and utilize tools like the Career Navigator website to broaden your understanding and reach. Talking to individuals who are currently in the field or have completed the program you’re interested in provides real-world perspectives that are often invaluable. These conversations can also lead to mentorship opportunities and professional relationships that could benefit you throughout your educational journey and beyond.
Here are a few places you can make these connections:
- Join the U of T Hub on Ten Thousand Coffees today! It is a career networking platform for the whole U of T community. With more than 3,000 alumni professionals across many fields, students and recent graduates like you can seek out career advice anytime and from anywhere. Monthly webinars with alumni deliver learning around best practices in the workplace.
- Explore Career Navigator and connect with U of T alumni. The University of Toronto Career Exploration & Education built the Career Navigator website to help our students with career research and planning. Career Navigator connects a strong network of Alumni who, when they share their stories, provide examples of all that is possible with a University of Toronto degree.
- Attend a Networking Workshop. Networking allows you to gather information about your career questions and establish connections with people who share your professional interests. Attend this workshop to learn how to connect and network with professionals in ways that feel comfortable and authentic.- Register on Career & Co-curricular Learning Network
- Review Tips for Informational Interviews as you connect with people
3. Attend Events
Attending departmental information nights and speaker engagements can significantly enhance your understanding of different programs and what they offer.
Additionally, attending broader industry nights and educational events like Career Exploration and Education can expose you to various perspectives and experiences that academics, professionals, and peers share. These events are informative and great networking opportunities, helping you connect with like-minded individuals and professionals in your field of interest.
Our career exploration programs connect you with career professionals. You can ask questions and learn the latest about careers, companies and industries.
Job Shadowing: Short-term opportunities to explore careers by shadowing a community professional.
In the Field: Take a field trip to an organization and meet professionals from various departments.
Industry Spotlights: Network with professionals working in industry-specific careers.
Career fairs: Meet with recruiters, hiring managers and employees from Canada’s top employers and global organizations.
4. Talk to a Career Educator
Book a one-on-one further education appointment with a Career Educator
- Pre-booked appointments (30 min) are available to book up to one week in advance.
- Just-in-time (30 min) appointments are available to book by 10:30 a.m. on the day before the appointment is held.
Contact Career Exploration & Education through the online chat and log in to the Career and Co-Curricular Learning Network (CLNx) to book your appointment with the St. George Career Exploration & Education team.
You could also come to Career Support Drop-ins in person every Monday and Thursday from 1:00 pm – 4 p.m. and speak with a Career Educator or a Peer Career Advisor.
Gathering more information on further education?
Check out these Career Start links about further education: