Strange coincidence — our two interviewees found a summer internship at Cossette. Another coincidence: as many Laurie Dumulong what Felix Vachon dream of becoming communications executives. the Grenier asked these rising stars in the making what their steps were to find a first job, the first “real thing” after a period on the school benches.
From theory to reality
Graduated fromLaval University in Business Administration, Marketing Concentration, Laurie reveals that you mainly see theory in traditional courses. Rather, it was her involvement outside of class with her student association, where she acted as VP of operations and business development, that allowed her to put theory into practice. She has also participated in many academic competitions including Marketing Successionorganized by theAssociation of Creative Communications Agencies (A2C). “It’s these experiences that helped me a lot for my internship,” says the one who completed one at Gardens last summer in marketing, where she had the opportunity to touch on several offensives. With enthusiasm, Laurie shares with us that he participated in the “Life is full of surprises” campaign, with Arnaud Solythat the Grenier had released in the fall of 2021.
The importance of expanding your network of contacts
In terms of job search, what were the steps of our two graduates? For Laurie, research already begins at school. She advises making an appointment with the professional development service of schools to refine your CV and do interview simulations, among other things. Throughout her university studies, she also attended several activities organized by her marketing student association, DéMarkor by SOCOMallowing him to learn a little more about the different professions offered in agencies and see what might interest him more.
In this way, we develop a solid network of contacts that could always be used. As? “I think of my manager that I had during my internship at Gardens. I was also contacted on LinkedIn after participating in a university competition and after the 15 minute evening. I am also thinking of all the students I met during my career: these are certainly contacts that I would like to keep for the future,” she says.
same for me Félixwho worked for 3 years at Preamble Communicationthe student agency of theLaval University, during his studies in public communications. He was also a communications consultant for the Ministry of the Executive Council of Quebec. According to him, he owes his progress to his involvement with committees and all the extracurricular activities that have fostered the development of his network. As Lauriehe participated in the 15 minute eveningallowing him to get an internship at Cossette. “If I hadn’t gone to that party, I wouldn’t have spoken to the person who brought me into the agency.”
Our two graduates are absolutely right. If we think the network is built only when you start your career — you’ve got it all wrong. Our first contacts are made during our school career: an opportunity to forge links and promote professional integration!
What sites to surf?
Having already her idea in mind of the agencies she would like to work for later, Laurie often checked their career section to see if there were any new offers. Another platform that she particularly likes is LinkedIn, to see the offers on the news page. As for Felixthen a student in Quebec and considering moving to Montreal, he watched 3 to 4 times a week the newsletter of the Grenier to the news to see the opportunities that could be offered to him. And, just like his sidekick, he considers that Linkedin is a great visibility platform. Félix sharing that we must be open to opportunities. “For my part, the 15 minute evening was really beneficial, both for making contacts and meeting new people. I am very happy with the results and the benefits!” he concludes.
Get involved, develop your network of contacts and be open to opportunities. Like what chance meetings are not so fortuitous as that, but can definitely help you propel your career!
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