• Before networking events, do your research on the firms and professionals in attendance

• Be yourself - people love authenticity!

• Practice makes perfect - sign up for as many case competitions as you can! The only way to improve your skills is through practice

• Send follow-up emails to thank the people you connected with at networking events

• Use LinkedIn to expand your network and stay in touch with those you have connected with

Club Events

• Clubs are a great way to expand your learning and skillset beyond the classroom

• Clubs can help you discover what industries and career paths you like best

• Club events provide you the opportunity to hear from industry professionals and learn about how leaders got to where they are today

Case Competitions

• A lot of case competitions are offered by clubs and are great for experiential learning

• Participating in case competitions through a variety of clubs is a great opportunity to learn how to solve real business challenges

• All first years complete a case competition within their 1GR0 course

Networking Opportunities

• A lot of clubs host networking events or include networking components during their events - this is a great way to make connections!

DeGroote’s Career & Professional Development Team Resources

• • DeGroote’s CPD team provides many resources for students such as one-on-one coaching, networking opportunities and digital resources

  • DeGroote students can book one-on-one coaching sessions with Relationship Managers for resume and cover letter critiques, mock interviews, and much more!

  • This one-on-one support is extremely helpful as students navigate through the job/internship search

  • CPD also hosts different networking events such as Company Information Sessions, Industry Panels & Alumni Coffee Breaks to helps students grow their networks and build valuable connections

  • Link to the CPD website: https://cpd.degroote.mcmaster.ca/

  • Link to CPD student services: https://cpd.degroote.mcmaster.ca/student-services/

OscarPlus

• • OscarPlus is an excellent tool students can use to find the CPD events calendar, apply for jobs, and book one-on-one coaching sessions.

  • To look at the jobs available for students, both summer and full-time opportunities, go to the dashboard, select “DeGroote School of Business” and select “Job Postings”. Here you will see all of the opportunities available to students!

  • To book a one-one-coaching session, select “DeGroote School of Business”, then “Appointments” and then “Commerce”. Finally, select “Career Coaching Appointment” and you can book an appointment at a date and time convenient for you.

  • To find the comprehensive list of CPD events, select “DeGroote School of Business” and then “Events”

  • Link to OscarPlus: https://www.oscarplusmcmaster.ca/home.htm

Guides

• • Leverage the various CPD Resource Guides available to students - these can also be found on OscarPlus by selecting “DeGroote School of Business” and “Resources” and “Commerce”

  • Here you will find guides on several different topics such as resumes, cover letters, interviewing, networking, and on-campus recruitment