On Monday November 14th uOttawa WISE hosted the one and only Kari Drouin. A self-described “Trainer, Motivator and Coach”, this employment counsellor from Pinecrest Queensway is something to be reckoned with.
After a quick introduction she started to ask the group those interview questions that make you squirm in your seat: Who are you and what do you want to do? After trying to write my own slogan I realized that maybe the guy at the bus stop could describe me more concisely and clearly. She encouraged us write down our strengths and make a skills inventory, so that we’re never caught off guard in an impromptu elevator interview.
Kari’s presentation was all about maximizing connections or leveraging your network. She reminded us that we already have a rich network: think of all your profs, friends, and co-workers that you already know! We learned how to track and follow-up with our connections, and how to breach the employment subject with our dentist. In one anecdote she compared looking for a job to travelling to Hawaii or planning a wedding, telling us to put in your facebook status the same way you would if you were abroad and asking for help from friends and family like it’s your wedding you’re talking about.
As a nifty touch to the workshop, Kari provided to-do lists. At similar events I’ve left feeling inspired, but lack the direction to take action. But with specific tasks set out, I was in great shape to start networking. I was proud to hand out my business card the following weekend at the National Conference for Women in Engineering. Thanks Kari, for the great advice!
And thank you WISE, for hosting the event.
Zoe Ballantyne Heilig
BASc Chemical Engineering Candidate (2013)