Career Development Services FAQs
Service Overview:
What is Career Development Services?
Career Development Services supports students and graduates with career exploration, career planning, employment preparation, and career transitions.
Services include Career Advising, Career Counselling, workshops and events, online resources, and self-directed career tools.
How do I know whether I need Career Advising or Career Counselling?
Career Advising is a good fit if you have identified a career direction or employment goal and are looking for practical support with:
- Career planning
- Job search strategies
- Résumés and cover letters
- Interview preparation
- LinkedIn and networking
- Labour market information
Career Counselling is a good fit if you are:
- Exploring career or education options
- Making a career or program decision
- Considering a career change
- Experiencing career-related uncertainty or stress
Service Eligibility:
Who can access Career Development Services?
Career Advising
- Current Algonquin College students
- Graduates (up to five years after graduation)
Career Counselling
- Current students who meet eligibility requirements (actively registered in a program or a single course of at least 24 hours of instruction)
- Students who have recently completed or left their studies may also be eligible. If you’re unsure, please contact us to discuss your situation.
Can I book an appointment before starting my program?
If you are enrolled in an Algonquin College program and have received a student number and algonquinlive email address, you can book an appointment.
If you are interested in attending Algonquin College but have not yet enrolled, you can book an appointment with a Prospective Student Advisor to explore program options.
Service Access:
How do I book an appointment?
Career Advising appointments can be booked through our online booking system.
Students and graduates can book up to 4 career advising appointments per semester. Only one appointment can be booked per week.
Career Counselling appointments can be booked through the Welcome Centre:
- 613-727-4723 ext. 7200
- welcomecentre@algonquincollege.com
Can I cancel or reschedule my appointment?
Yes. Please cancel or reschedule as soon as possible if you can no longer attend.
Career Advising appointments can be managed through the link in your confirmation email. Career Counselling appointments can be changed by contacting the Welcome Centre.
Appointments are cancelled after 15 minutes if you do not arrive or attend.
Service Expectations:
What should I expect during my appointment?
Your appointment is an opportunity to discuss your goals, questions, and current situation.
Your Career Advisor or Career Counsellor will work with you to identify next steps, resources, and strategies that support your goals.
No preparation is required, although you’re welcome to bring questions or relevant documents.
Can you help if I’m considering changing programs or careers?
Yes.
If you’re exploring options or making a decision, Career Counselling can help you assess your choices and determine what fits your goals and circumstances. This may include an Algonquin College program, another institution, employment, further education, or another career pathway.
If you’ve already identified a new direction, Career Advising can help you market yourself and identify strategies for job search.
Do you provide career assessments?
Sometimes. Career assessments may be recommended when they support your goals and decision-making process. They are one of many tools that may be used to support career exploration and are selected based on careful consideration and ethical use.
Will you find me a job?
No.
Career Advisors do not place students in jobs, but they can help you become a stronger candidate through career planning, employment preparation, job search strategies, networking, interview preparation, and application support.
Can you help if I have little or no work experience?
Yes.
Career Advisors can help you identify transferable skills gained through coursework, volunteering, extracurricular activities, and other experiences, and show you how to communicate those skills effectively to employers.
We can also help you develop a plan to build additional skills and experience that support your career goals.
Can you provide a reference?
No.
Career Advisors and Career Counsellors are unable to provide employment references. Employers typically request references from individuals who have supervised, instructed, or evaluated your work, academic performance, or volunteer experience.
If you are still building your references, consider gaining experience through volunteering, student leadership, internships, part-time work, or community involvement. If you do not have professional references, consider using a character reference from someone who knows you well, such as a coach, mentor, professor, or community member.