Your Trent Major
Use your degree specific page to research, investigate and discover how you can use your academic related knowledge, skills and experiences in the workforce. Remember, the information provided can be used as a starting point, but there are many other things to consider during career exploration. Your interests, values, personality, and abilities are important personal aspects to reflect on during this process. The information below describes what you will find on your own major’s page, with tips on how to use it.
Skills Developed Through Your Major - Recognizing Valuable Assets
This section includes sample highlighted skills and abilities that you may have developed and strengthened specifically through your area of study. Being able to recognize the transferable skills gained through your academic experiences can be an advantage in many situations - applying to graduate school, marketing yourself to employers, on paper and in person, and being self-aware when considering future pursuits.
Sample Job Titles And Fields Of Work
Often it’s difficult to relate academic study with actual job titles, careers or fields of study. This section gives a very brief list of sample careers and fields that may relate to your area of study. It’s important to remember that these are simply some of the more common careers and fields pursued by graduates in your discipline and by no means is the list exhaustive. Also, some of the examples provided may require further education / training and experience in the field.
Remember to explore all your options! These are samples - try talking to people in different fields, visit Careerspace, research interesting employers, or visit the Job Bank for more ideas. There are many ways to discover options.
Careerspace & Trent Resources
Trent Careerspace provides services and information to students and alumni. This section on the degree page includes resources that are well-matched to your discipline. Explore not only discipline-specific materials, but also general resources and services:
- Assessment tools and quizzes
- Workshops, Résumé Critiques, Career Counselling
Professional Associations & Societies
Professional associations and societies can be very effective exploration resources. Often, their websites contain excellent information about careers, job boards, what’s happening in the field, events and professional development opportunities, and links to related information. These groups can be used for networking, so become familiar with them!
Opportunities - Internships, Careers, Government Programs
This section focuses on opportunities where you can gain practical experience. Many of the sites are specific to a certain field or branch of work and will allow you to apply the theory and skills you have gained in your university career. Whether you have graduated and are seeking employment or are in your first year looking for a volunteer opportunity to build your résumé, this section will have information that will help you get started.
Use this section as a starting point in your search. It’s important to remember that as helpful as job boards, internship listings, and structured programs are, being able to tap into the hidden job market is equally important. To learn more about how to search for and create opportunities, visit Careerspace.
Get Experience
This section includes sources for further information at Trent. Your department may offer special courses or projects that can provide valuable learning in addition to your traditional courses. Also remember that extra-curricular activities and student groups allow for learning and skill development.
Get Connected
As a Trent student, learn about career paths and seek guidance from alumni working in diverse professions and industries. Check the Careerspace website for mentoring programs with alumni
What’s in it for you?
- Receive advice from someone who has had similar experiences
- Gain insight into industry/job information, description of daily duties, career alternatives, & emerging trends
- Find out where your degree has taken others
- Expand your network and contacts in professional fields
Contact us for details and information about special events with alumni.
“... be open to fields and careers that you learn about as you go, and be creative in how you apply your skills to diverse areas… employers really do value a broad liberal arts education.”
- Liz Scanlon, Public Relations
“Take the time to be clear on what you are good at and like doing….often you can create the job you want. The advantage of formal education is not what you learn, but how you learn to think and analyze and respond to the world around you.”
- Hollie Devlin, Integrated Healthcare Communications
“Do what you enjoy. That's the best way to find a career. Do your homework. Interview people in a field you're considering. People who love their careers love to talk about their work!”
- Barbara McDonald, Librarian
**This resource was developed by researching other universities, reviewing related associations and speaking with Trent academic departments. **