Question:  What can I do with a degree in __________ (place the degree of your choosing here)?

Answer: The easy answer is to look at our webpage on what you can do with various degrees (http://umanitoba.ca/student/counselling/resources/to_do.html). The better answer is that it depends on the degree, the extra-curricular activities (volunteer, work, etc) of the student and the courses taken for the degree. Any two students with the same degree may not be equally qualified for the same job because of differing elective courses, extra-curricular experiences and interests.

Instead of trying to identify what you can do with a particular degree, we suggest starting by identifying why you like that field of study. You should consider other factors as well. For more on this, check out our webpage on career planning ( http://umanitoba.ca/student/employment/student/2829.html).

Question:  I’m thinking of pursuing a career in …… but it is a challenging to get into that faculty or program (e.g., Medicine, Law, Dentistry, Clinical Psychology, etc). What should I do if I don’t get in?

Answer:  You need to start by identifying why you want to get into the occupation/program you’ve picked. What is it about the occupation/program that appeals to you? Students pursue the same career path or goal for different reasons so may need different “back-up” plans. For example, let’s say you’re hoping to get into the Faculty of Medicine. What should your back-up plan be? If your goal in Medicine is to become a Psychiatrist, perhaps you should consider Clinical or Counselling Psychology. If your goal in Medicine is to both practice medicine and conduct research, perhaps you should consider pursuing graduate studies in a field such as Immunology.

Keep in mind that the back-up plan you identify could be almost if not as enjoyable, attractive or rewarding as the primary plan!

Question:  I have a couple of careers in mind, but I’m not sure which one I should pursue.  What should I do?

Answer:  We recommend starting by finding out as much as you can about the options you’re considering. Also, take time to think about why you’re interested in each of the options and what you need from your career. Perhaps take a look at our webpage on Career Values (http://umanitoba.ca/student/employment/student/2838.html).
Sometimes these types of decisions can be very difficult because the career options are equally attractive so another thing to remember is that you could be fine regardless of what you select.

Having trouble deciding? Maybe connect with a career counsellor or career advisor.

Question:  I think I might be in the wrong Faculty, but I’m not sure.  Can you help?

Answer:  First thing to know: You’re not alone! Our research indicated that university students change career goals, education programs a lot. Take a look at our webpage on career planning and consider dropping by to talk about your situation.

Question:  I’m just starting out at university and not sure what I want to do.  How do I go about picking an occupation?

Answer:  First thing to know: You’re not alone! First-year university students are often unsure about their career direction and many frequently change their career goal. Much like the previous question, this is not abnormal! Check out our resources and look at our webpage on career planning (http://umanitoba.ca/student/employment/student/2829.html).

Question:  I think I want to be a Speech Therapist. I have to go to the United States to become a Speech Therapist, don’t I?

Answer:  No you don’t. There are programs in Canada for Speech Therapy. We can help you find education programs that fit your goals and plans. Drop by Career Services to learn more or check out our webpage resources.

Don’t make assumptions about your career planning and what you have to do! Check with us for the facts.

Question:  I’m really worried about finding work when I graduate so I want to pick a degree that guarantees me a job when I graduate. Which should I take?

Answer:  There is no degree you can pursue that will guarantee employment. Even Medicine has no guarantee because you cannot guarantee that you will get into Medicine. The same is true for other competitive programs and career paths.

The best you can do is to remember that students from every degree and certificate program at the University of Manitoba are successful in finding work. The students who have the most success are the ones who are in the “right” program and path. This means that they are interested in their studies and career field and are likely doing well academically and engaged in related extra-curricular activities (e.g., volunteer, work, research, etc., ). Students who like what they’re studying are far more likely to do well and to do these “extras.” 

To increase the likelihood that you will get work when you graduate you should:

• Study something that makes sense for you. Check out our webpage on this: (http://umanitoba.ca/student/employment/student/2829.html)
• Engage in related activities to build skills, confidence and a network of connections. This will help create unexpected opportunities for you.

Question:  I’ve really messed up at University and my grades are awful. I’m worried that I may not have any options left. Can you help?

Answer:  Yes we can! There are often options that you’re unaware of that we can help find. Come by our Career Centre to speak with a Career Advisor to start getting help and remember that many programs do forgive some poor academic performances. For example, many competitive faculties (e.g., Medicine, Law, some Graduate Studies Programs) use an Adjusted or Comparative Grade Point Average that removes some of the worst grades from your application.

A key point here is to consider how you can get better grades. This will likely mean that you need to change your approach to your studies. Also, consider checking out the Learning Assistance Centre for suggestions on how to be a better student (http://umanitoba.ca/student/u1/lac/).

Question:  My parents really want me to become a _____________ (insert career here), but I have no interest in that. I’m worried about how they will react when I tell them I want to do something else. What should I do?

Answer:  This is a tough question that has no easy answer. Every student’s personal situation is unique and has different pressures and history. There is one main recommendation we have: you need to have a very thorough understanding of the career/occupation you’ve chosen! If you sound uncertain or indecisive, this may provoke worry and anxiety in your parents and yourself. You can also ask your parents to check out our webpage for parents. (http://umanitoba.ca/student/employment/parents/index.html)

Finally, consider dropping by our office to talk. Many students talk to us each year about conflicts or disagreements with their parents on their career plans.