Written by Mathangi Mahalingham and Rina Roka Magar - Career Outreach Ambassadors with Student and Graduate Employment
Starting school can feel overwhelming. Fear not - we’ve got you covered! Here’s a checklist for you to refer as you navigate student life toward academic and career success.
- Academic Essentials
- Register for your courses and pick suitable timetable on MyMohawk. Don’t forget to note your classroom numbers, class times, and professor names.
- Attend academic and college welcome orientation. These events are icebreakers for networking with peers and professors while getting familiar with college spaces and facilities.
- Pick up your one card. It’s your student ID. Bring your government-issued ID (like a passport or driver’s license) when you visit the campus to collect it.
- Each program has its own tech requirements. Review your program details beforehand and determine the specific tech requirements. When in doubt, reach out to the IT department.
- Plan and print your schedule after getting your timetable finalized. Make sure to set aside time for your academic as well as your part-time job commitments.
- Attend classes regularly. Use the calendar feature in myCanvas to track your assignment deadlines. Set aside at least 10 hours per week for assignments and classwork.
- Reach out to your student success advisor for support, if needed.
- Setting up in Canada (if you are an International student)
- Get a Sim card to set up your phone and update your contact information with the college.
- Get SIN number from a Service Canada centre near you. You can either visit in-person or get it online.
- Visit the nearest bank of your choice to open your bank account. Make sure to book an appointment and carry all the essential documents.
- Get Presto Card from MSA (Mohawk Students’ Association) on campus or from Shoppers’ Drug Mart. Activate your bus pass online or seek help from MSA.
- Set up your health insurance to live a worry-free and healthy student life.
3. Part-time job
- Attend resume and job search workshops. Get personalized support from career advisors. Know more about career services offered by Mohawk College here.
- Set up your LinkedIn page. Build your professional profile, network, and make connections through informational interviews.
- Attend job fairs, hand out resumes in-person and apply online.
- Keep an eye out for referrals within your circle.
- Volunteer on or off campus to build transferrable skills and network.
- Get money management tips and skills from Mo’ Money Financial Literacy Resource centre to manage your finances.
4. Non-academic success
- Every connection counts. Network with fellow students, professors, co-workers and peers to form meaningful connections.
- Explore Mohawk events that you want to attend and plan your schedule to attend them. Events can be a great place to network and gain insightful information on different topics.
- Gain cultural and learning experiences through events around you. Check City of Hamilton events page, Discover events on social media, Eventbrite and so on.
- Make the most of the free learning resources such as LinkedIn Learning, myCanvas micro-credential courses, IBM SkillsBuild, Digital Skills Toolkit and so on.
Phew! It might seem like a lot, we know. But, remember, a number of students have navigated through this path before and are doing it with you right now. Lean on your peers, ask for help when needed, and tackle your checklist step by step. You are not alone in this journey. Take a breath and remember self-care amidst all of it.
“Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary.” – Dead Poets Society (1989)
