Kristen White

I provide career development services to students with the Career Development Office at Memorial University of Newfoundland. I provide one-on-one appointments with students and host career development workshops. The events and programming that I create and host are focused on Science and HSS students but I provide one on one career development appointments for all students.

I provide assistance with resumes, job searching, interview skills and career planning. I host networking events to connect students with alumni and industry professionals. There, they learn more about industries and gain a better chance of finding employment in their field of interest. I also assist the Career Development Office with events such as the annual Career Fair and various Job Fairs.

All events were virtual during the pandemic. As a result, I learned how to use technology even more in my work. I use my computer to interact with students, book appointments, set up and promote events. I search for resources for students, which can include learning about companies that hire for their educational backgrounds and exploring careers they can do with their degree.

I reach out to employers and alumni in my role. So, I have to be strategic and very social. I promote career development events and do a lot of outreach. This includes class visits, reaching out to employers, attending events, or promoting events on social media.

I often use presentation skills in my work. I present at various workshops and events and communicate information to students daily during one on one career development appointments. Listening skills are very important in my role. I must understand the interests, skills and values students currently have, and what they need. I also use organizational and time management skills a lot as I plan and organize events for students and industry professionals. I communicate with attendees in a timely and professional manner.

I connect with colleagues in the Career Development Office at Memorial to plan events, or host workshops. We also send each other resources and information that would be useful to students. We work as a team to ensure we are providing consistent and useful information for students. We also participate in professional training together and help promote each other's events.