GENERATION YKNOT
Building Dreams And Making An Impact By Nour Hachem-Fawaz
Over the past 10 years, I have pursued a career leading multiple employment training programs in Windsor Essex. I have worked with industry leaders to recruit the right candidate, and assisted job seekers in landing their dream careers. What support and advice can I pass on to my fellow millennials and anyone looking for a career? What is the secret ingredient to landing your dream career? It’s simple — hard work! 1. Keep an open mind. It is great to have goals, a plan in place, and a lot of ambition. However, it is what you are willing to do to get there that will ultimately lead you in the right direction. We all have to start somewhere — in many cases, it is at the bottom — and that is ok. What may seem like a step back could lead you to the opportunity you have been seeking. 2. Market Yourself. The ability to market yourself on paper, online and in person will increase your likelihood of
landing an interview. Learn the role you are seeking, the lingo used in the industry, and research potential markets to target your resume accordingly. Continuously update your resume and fill in the gaps by getting involved, networking and investing in professional development. Make sure to Google yourself — “would you hire you?” 3. Get Involved. There are plenty of organizations seeking your help and, in addition to the intrinsic rewards volunteering provides, there are plenty of advantages to support your career hunt. You will develop new skills, expand your network, gain experience and boost your “soft skills” (communication, teamwork, adaptability, problem solving and critical thinking. These are the skills most sought after by industry. 4. Build your network. You know the saying “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know and who knows you.” Know your network; this includes family, friends,
B IZ X M A G A Z IN E • J U L Y / A U G 2 0 1 7
co-workers, peers, teachers, etc. Tap into their network during your career hunt and book coffee chats. There are plenty of amazing leaders attending networking events hosted in our city every month. Are you attending these functions? If you are shy, ask someone to join you or reach out to the organizers for some assistance. Go prepared, meet new people and make sure to follow-up. 5. Invest in YOU. There is always room for growth and improvement. Reflect on your strengths and commit to improving your weaknesses. Attend local workshops hosted by experts and find a mentor who will provide you with advice and guide you in the right direction. Learn from others and be adaptable to change. In closing, keep this in mind. Windsor allows you to be a big fish in a small pond. My final piece of advice: Dream it. Believe it. Do it. Nour Hachem-Fawaz is an Employer Relations, Co-op Coordinator at the University of Windsor. She is passionate about shifting perceptions, inspiring action and is the Producer of the #Becauseits2016 video (re-tweeted by the Prime Minister). She is the “Build A Dream” Chair, an initiative aimed at encouraging young women to pursue careers in Skilled Trades, STEM and law enforcement. You can reach her by email: nourh@uwindsor.ca. Nour is also a member of YKNOT Windsor Essex (Facebook.com/yknotwe).
29