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Letters From Past Clients
Computer Science |
Engineering |
Social Science |
Business |
Other Degrees
Computer Science:
Name: Oliver
Degree: B.Sc. Computing Science SFU
Program Outcome: Software Developer with one of the top 5 IT companies in British Columbia (according
to 2002 revenues)
My time with Todd and his Internship program has been a resounding
success. After attending University and getting my Computing Science
degree, I thought getting a job would be easy. I was wrong. After
a year of being unemployed and not even receiving a single job
interview because of lack of experience, I joined Todd's internship
program. What a difference this has made! In only one month, I
went to five different job interviews, many of whom were with
the top IT companies in Vancouver. In fact, many of these companies
were the ones with which I applied for previously before the program
where I received no response to my application. I had my pick
of which company I wanted to work for and my only dilemma was
to turn down four other companies. After my four month internship,
and through a lot of hard work, my internship host saw the value
of keeping me on board and created a permanent job for me when
there was technically a hiring freeze. Now, I am still working
at my internship host, gaining invaluable experience. I have to
say that I would not be where I am today without the help of Todd's
internship program. It is the perfect program for new graduates
who have all the skills and determination but are lacking the
experience. I would recommend this program to any new graduate
that is finding it hard to get relevant experience in their chosen
field.
Engineering
Name: Ryan
Degree: B.Sc. Chemical Engineering, University of Alberta
Program Outcome: Junior Engineer Job Offer
The New Grad Internship Program (NGIP) program has played a critical role in terms of my personal and professional growth. It helped me develop the confidence I need to be successful during my job (intern) search.
Prior to the participating in the NGIP I was approaching job searching in a passive manner. I was waiting around for job advertisements and then faxing or emailing resumes out to anything I was qualified for, regardless if I really wanted or was interested in the position. This approach doesn't work very well and I was getting frustrated. I stumbled across Todd's advertisement in the Straight and decided to go check out what he had to say. I was convinced by the seminar that enrolling in his program could only be beneficial, so I decided to do it. As it turns out the NGIP was just what I needed. I learned many job searching techniques I had never tried before or wasn't comfortable doing. The group effort really helped as it provided support from people in similar situations as myself. This is very helpful as you can really relate to each other and support each other.
Essentially, it's a crash course in how to successfully market yourself, how to network, how to contact employer, and most importantly, how to be successful in your job (intern) search. This is the kind of stuff they don't teach you in school. Todd helped me focus my energy on obtaining the job I wanted. It is possible.
Todd's advice on tapping into the hidden job market was very beneficial to me, as he knows so much about it. The majority of jobs never get posted and to get these jobs its takes a lot of determination and also a bit of luck. Don't underestimate how important it is to be in the right place at the right time, trust me on this one, a cold call/drop in at the right time (with the right person) can get you further then you think. Todd will provide great advice and tips on the most effective ways to tap this hidden job market. I was extremely lucky to land an interview with a company that was in dire need of a Junior Engineer, and was offered a position shortly after. I really owe a world of thanks to Todd for helping me get that job. Thanks Todd!
Name: Sarah
Degree: Engineering UBC
Program Outcome: EIT Position with a company associated with the Aerospace Industry
There I was in 2000 with a UBC engineering degree and no job in sight.
I then heard about a job search program which included workshops in addition to a 8-week internship program.
Joining this program where Todd was the facilitator really changed my life.
Thanks to the experience that I gained during the internship, I found a job where I have been for the last 3 ½ years.
Todd did an excellent job in organizing the workshops and helping us find internship placements. I particularly appreciated his support during those dreaded "cold calling" sessions. So if you are a new graduate, I would highly recommend joining Todd's program.
Social Sciences
Name: Carolyn
Degree: B.A. Arts U.B.C
Program Outcome: Career Practitioner
I would like to write this letter in support of Todd Ogryzlo and
his efforts to continue to offer a valuable opportunity to University
Graduates through his New Grad Internships program. As such, I
will proceed to describe my experience as a participant in the
Graduate to Work program (of which he was the Program Coordinator).
Just 2 and a half years ago I was a recent graduate from UBC.
I received my education in Psychology with an emphasis on Counselling
Psychology. As is the experience with many graduates, I had high
hopes that the Degree that I worked so hard for would lead me
to full time employment in my desired field (Employment Counselling).
Within a few months of graduation, I was faced with a reality
check. Employers were telling me that I was looking to get into
a competitive field and that I just didn't have enough experience
to be considered. I was told by a number of people that I had
obtained a "useless degree". I was devastated, had I
really just devoted more than 4 years of my life to obtain what
amounted to just a piece of paper? I felt like I had so many ideas
and skills to contribute, if only someone would give me the chance.
Over the next 6 months or so I applied for job after job with
little or no success. I felt myself getting bogged down in feelings
of despair, self-pity and unhappiness. My self-confidence dropped
drastically and with that went my chances of finding work.
Then one day, through word of mouth, I heard about the program.
I applied, completed all the steps and was accepted! I was so
excited at the prospect of actually putting my education and ideas
to use. I was also thrilled that I could observe such a program
and learn skills in my field, while at the same time breaking
into my career. I was definitely right! I had never experienced
anything like it. It was so wonderful to be with a group of people
in the same situation and to support each other. Through this
experience I truly learned to believe in the power of a group
and teamwork. With the support of the Facilitator and Todd as
the Co-ordinator, I saw everyone's confidence rising rapidly (including
mine). In particular, I found Todd to be very knowledgeable
about careers and the work search process itself, and also a very
open, genuine and supportive leader. With my rising confidence,
I began to interview with potential host employers. To my amazement
at the end of the 4th week in the program I was offered a job
as an Employment Assistant. I was the first in my cycle to obtain
paid employment. I was so proud and grateful to both Todd and
Deborah, because I knew without their coaching and my experiences
in the program, I would likely not have made such an impression
on my employer. I left the program to take the paid position that
was offered me, but returned on graduation day to celebrate the
rest of the group's success as well.
I have now been working in my field for almost 2 years, and look
back appreciatively on my experiences working with Todd.
Business
Name: Phuong
Degree: Bachelor of Commerce degree University of British Columbia
Program Outcome: 6 month contract position in Accounting for a large Engineering Company
My name is Phuong. I completed my Bachelor of Commerce degree at UBC, specializing in Accounting. I was willing to work hard and I got skills to offer but I had difficulty finding a full-time job that suits my education.
Part of the problem is that I was really confused and undetermined about what I want to do. I joined New Grad Internship program hoping to get help with career clarification and with my search for a host employer to sponsor me for a few months work experience placement. After just 2 weeks participating in the program, these were the most valuable things that I have gained:
A resume that sells my skills and abilities
Guidance on my career choices.
Confidence and techniques to make cold calling, contacting presidents, managers of businesses asking for an internship.
Networking opportunity with the manager of business audit at the Canada Revenue and Custom Agency (one of my target employer) who gave me information about the profession and employment opportunities at this federal agency.
An internship offer as Accountant Assistant at H. Environchem
Right now I am still working with this firm as they offered me a contract extension for another 6 months.
Other
We have worked with graduates in the following areas: business, engineering, arts, social sciences, computer science.......
Please note, internships are
effective in any field as employers are always looking for new talent. Please do not hesitate to contact us to inquire about your field if it is not
listed above!
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