However, sometimes it feels like there is an overwhelming amount of stuff to know. Between basic HTML and social media alone, you could spend hours upon hours learning the dos and don’ts.

So we took to Twitter to help you figure out:

What are the must-have Internet and social media skills for new grads?

Knowledge of channels, communication & messaging skills RT @TalentEgg What are the must-have Internet & social media skills for new grads?

May 11, 2012 3:05 pm via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@samdunsiger

Samuel Dunsiger

Good judgement! RT @TalentEgg Question of the day: What are the must-have Internet and social media skills for new grads?

May 11, 2012 1:32 pm via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@desiraeo

Desirae Odjick

Strong communication skills across multiple channels. RT @TalentEgg What are the must-have Internet and social media skills for new grads?

May 11, 2012 1:49 pm via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@meaghanjohns

Meaghan Johns

@TalentEgg Prezi.

May 11, 2012 1:54 pm via Twitter for BlackBerry®ReplyRetweetFavorite

@humanehr

Jessa Chupik

Proper spelling and grammar! RT @TalentEgg: Question of the day: What are the must-have Internet and social media skills for new grads?

May 11, 2012 2:29 pm via Twitter for BlackBerry®ReplyRetweetFavorite

@MaddieLeznoff

Maddie

"@TalentEgg: Question of the day: What are the must-have Internet and social media skills for new grads?" Excellent written communication

May 11, 2012 2:32 pm via Twitter for AndroidReplyRetweetFavorite

@MichaelGKing45

Michael King

@TalentEgg be able to quickly understand the value propositions of internet and social media tools, and whether they are useful to the firm.

May 11, 2012 2:34 pm via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@ElissaRiddell

Elissa Riddell

@TalentEgg excellent communication skills for effective networking

May 11, 2012 3:08 pm via Twitter for iPhoneReplyRetweetFavorite

@iBlake05

Chuck

@TalentEgg The ability to filter: what's appropriate to post and what is not!!

May 11, 2012 3:24 pm via Twitter for iPhoneReplyRetweetFavorite

@Recruit_Campus

Lisa Kramer

The ability to interact with your audience. @TalentEgg What are the must-have Internet and social media skills for new grads?

May 11, 2012 3:18 pm via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@StaceBurg

Stacey Burger

@TalentEgg ability to present themselves in a professional & respectful manner, especially when representing their respective organization

May 11, 2012 3:16 pm via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@meryemaslam

مريم [ˈmariːˈam]

@TalentEgg like attracts/follows like: your online presence is measured by quality not quantity; Spelling, grammar & brevity are paramount.

May 11, 2012 3:36 pm via Twitter for BlackBerry®ReplyRetweetFavorite

@robjharmer

Rob Harmer

@TalentEgg Knowing the difference between your & you're and they're, their & there. #Itsnothatdifficult

May 11, 2012 3:39 pm via TweetDeckReplyRetweetFavorite

@metz730

Tim Metz

@TalentEgg My four personal rules: 1) Be interesting or informative 2) Be safe + smart 3) Be funny and/or 4) Be positive.

May 11, 2012 3:40 pm via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@droppshado

Mike Zablocki

@TalentEgg To create positive awareness regarding current CDN issues and hot topics via SM platforms.

May 11, 2012 3:40 pm via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@lanifallis

alanna fallis

Amazing listening skills @TalentEgg What are the must-have Internet and social media skills for new grads?

May 11, 2012 3:54 pm via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@angelacope

Angela Cope

@TalentEgg Social Etiquette. It also applies in the online world. #socialmedia #jobsearch

May 11, 2012 3:59 pm via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@SourceSpot

Stefanie Hanz

Spelling, grammar and appropriateness RT @TalentEgg: of the day: What are the must-have Internet and social media skills for new grads?

May 11, 2012 4:06 pm via Twitter for iPhoneReplyRetweetFavorite

@MrEpid

Atif Kukaswadia

I will admit I was nervous about getting back into the business of journalism, given it had been almost a year since I had last done any solid work. Fortunately, it was a smooth transition into the workplace.

On Wednesday I met the entire crew of the radio station located at the University of Rouen. There I met a fellow intern called Harmonie, who has been working there since January. She has been very helpful in showing me the ropes by telling me about the people I will be interviewing, describing the work environment and explaining how to use the station’s editing program.

By the end of the week I had been on my first assignments. The most exciting was a press conference about the Tour de France. The most important members of the city council of Rouen were there to explain the programming for the days when the annual bicycle race will be stopping in the city, on July 4 and 5.

I felt slightly out of place when I got there with Harmonie. Almost everyone was dressed in suits and ties. I was wearing jeans, a black shirt…and a Green Day hat.

Yet, like the other professionals in the room, we sat down in front of the city officials and listened for about half an hour as they went into detail about the race’s programming. By the time they were done, we were to go up to them and ask them questions, which we would record with a portable recorder. I was getting nervous since, as the conference was winding down, nothing came to mind.

Then I remembered: I am from Quebec City, a city that is invaded with tourists every year during the summer festival when international rock groups come to play. The newspapers always talk about the positive impact the event has on the tourism industry. Why not take the same approach with the Tour de France?

So Harmonie and I approached Valérie Fourneyron, the Mayor of Rouen, and I asked her what impact the event would have on the city’s tourism industry. It turns out the hotels are booked that weekend.

Overall we recorded two solid minutes with the mayor and two more minutes with the president of the agglomeration. I do not know the names of all of the officials yet, but Harmonie has met most of them after having worked in the area for over four months. Maybe I will be able to say the same by the time I leave.

After each assignment we return to the station to upload the interviews on the station’s computer and edit them in time for the show. The station manager sometimes checks up on us to make sure we have interviewed the most important people. Once everything is uploaded and ready, we go over when and where we have to go for the next assignment.

So far everything I have done confirms doing this internship was a good idea. I am given actual work experience and I am allowed to think on my feet.

Also, we are not just asked to go on assignment. On my first day I was encouraged to come up with story ideas of my own. It has been a busy week, but I have taken the time to start thinking of a few story ideas. Hopefully I will start working on them soon. I need to show potential employers I can do more than follow orders. I have to be proactive as well as reactive.

Do you have any advice that will help Simon make the most of his internship in France? Share your tips in the comments section below!

I’d submitted a portfolio, interviewed with my potential higher up, wrote a set of sample pieces, and was (obviously) really eager to learn whether or not I’d be making the cut.

Lucky for me, I had an inside source to scoop who my competition was and why we were the two left standing. What I wasn’t expecting was to discover that our strengths and weaknesses both had to do with our proficiency with language: the other candidate’s written French was much more polished than mine, but I’d demonstrated my understanding of HTML and CSS.

Fast forwarding a tad, you should know that neither of us got the job as the company underwent a bit of a hiring freeze (it happens). But I was still intrigued by my competition’s lack of knowledge of markup languages. How is it, considering how prevalent the Internet and technology are in most fields nowadays, that some still don’t know how to code?

Sure, it’s as easy now as it ever was to fully customize your Tumblr, Blogger or Twitter page with a simple click or drag and drop. A decade ago, we were doing it with GeoCities and LiveJournal. Except it gets tiresome seeing the same layout over and over again, with all the blogs and personal websites out there, standing out is key. Design is important.

It’s not hard to find sites with resources for beginner code-monkeys; the Internet is crawling with them. If you’re looking to spruce up your blog and CV with some extra skills but aren’t sure where to start, these are some of the better sites to give you a jump start:

Back to basics

The first site I ever looked to for HTML how-to was Lissa Explains. Don’t let the eye-popping fluorescent-themed colour scheme fool you – it’s super useful. If you’ve never encountered anything code-related before, this site is fantastic because it’s meant for kids. You’ve got to start somewhere, right?

Developers know best

Mozilla, you know, those fine folks behind Firefox, have created the Mozilla Developer Network, a hub that’s chock full of tools and articles on web development. It’s completely open and run by developers, so there’s no question about the relevancy of the information or whether it’s up-to-date. There’s also a lot more than just HTML and CSS.

Instant gratification helps

Who doesn’t like getting a big pat on the back? What’s even better is getting one immediately after doing something right. Code Academy is an interactive resource for learning how to code. It works lesson by lesson and when you understand key concepts it gives you badges and points. Sounds kind of fun, no? You can sign up to get a new lesson in your inbox every week, or just go through the site at your own pace. It’s mostly for JavaScript, but they’ve recently started modules for HTML and CSS as well.

The idea isn’t to become a web design pro, but you never know when an employer might be looking for some extra web savvy. Being able to prove you’re disciplined enough to teach yourself something new is also a nice tidbit to mention in an interview.

Just a few years ago, this profession didn’t even exist. And now? Well, some 79% of corporations have jumped on the bandwagon hiring social media and community managers to drive their online efforts. The growth is astounding and it’s a role that’s here to stay.

I’ve worked in social media for the past three years now and it’s been an incredibly rewarding experience as I’ve connected with some of the most interesting people from all over the world and of such varied backgrounds. It’s the perfect job if you’re someone who enjoys interacting with people (remember, it is social media!) and thrives on creativity, risk and experimentation.

But what makes a really great social media and community manager? And what are employers looking for when hiring someone to fill this role? Hint: they’re not looking for someone who can stare at their Facebook feed all day.

Adaptability and versatility

Online and social media is one of the most – if not the most – fast-paced and booming industries. New technologies and tools emerge and fall everyday. Social media and community managers must be quick to adapt to new trends and understand how to apply them to a company’s advantage.

More than that, they often have to be comfortable wearing different hats and juggling different skills. You must be a researcher, a communicator, a writer, an event planner…all at the same time. As someone who works in social media, you must embrace and thrive in this state of flux.

Solid communications skills

Well, this is a bit obvious. After all, a career in social media is ultimately a career in communications. But I can’t stress enough how essential writing and verbal skills are. Social media come in different forms — blog posts, videos, Twitter, you name it…and you need to be the Jack (or Jill) of all communication trades.

Oh, why yes, I am the girl always on her phone checking Twitter!

Flexibility and constant connection

Conversations don’t stop the minute you walk out of the office, you know? The thing about the online world is that it operates 24/7 and conversations will happen with or without you.

Your hours will be a little different from the usual 9-to-5 grind because people are always talking, tweeting, uploading videos and photos, and updating their Facebook statuses. Digital does not stop. You’ll likely have to check social networks around the clock, in the evening and on the weekends.

And no, that does not count as overtime. It’s just a regular part of your job.

Enthusiasm, energy and passion

You are the online voice and face for the company. You need to exude passion for whatever product or service you are representing. You need to understand the industry lingo, empathize with the company’s community, and just straight up live and breathe that brand.

If you don’t? Well, it’s a lose-lose situation both for you and the company that you’re working for. Not only will you be ineffective and unsuccessful in driving your company’s visibility, traffic and user engagement…you’re going to hate your life while doing so.

I’ve been in this position before and, let me tell you, there is nothing worse than pitching something you don’t believe in and engaging with a community you can’t relate to.

But being the resident evangelist for an organization/cause/brand that you do believe in? Great feeling. Great results. Just remember, passion is never overrated and it sure as hell can’t be forced.

So…do you think you’ve got what it takes to work in social media?

Photo credit: Social Media Mess by KEXINO on Flickr

Many of us are under the assumption that the degrees we earned in university or college will make us marketable when it comes to getting a job. Soon enough, however, we come to realize that our undergraduate degrees, relevant volunteer work and extra-curricular experience don’t necessarily guarantee us jobs with our dream companies or organizations.

After years spent in lecture halls, we look forward to actually starting our lives in the professions of our choice, only to become discouraged when the competitiveness of the job market leaves us unemployed and questioning our past academic decisions.

However, there are ways in which you can keep your chin up during the job search.

Remaining positive, taking care of yourself and sticking to the passion that has driven you thus far are keys to success. Here are some tips:

Utilize all sources and leads

TalentEgg is a great place to start when pursuing a job in your field. Job listings are conveniently categorized based on the field or industry you are interested in.

Beyond Internet job listings, you can also use “leads” that peers give you. Speak with people you know about your goals and interests. They may have a contact who can help you in your job search.

Furthermore, it is important to keep in contact with former co-workers or bosses for exactly this purpose. If you keep frequent contact with those who have helped you get to this point, they are more likely to keep you in mind when they hear of upcoming job opportunities in your field.

Surround yourself with positivity

Surround yourself with positive, encouraging people who believe in your abilities. The job search isn’t easy, but with a solid support system you are more likely to maintain optimism and momentum.

Volunteer

Not only is volunteering a great way to meet new people and forge new connections, it is also important for improving skills and gaining new experiences. Additionally, acting altruistically is a mood-booster and stress reliever.

While you may not have your dream job right now, volunteering helps you to boost your resume, establish new contacts and references, and develop skills.

Personally, what I have gained from my volunteer experience with the Canadian Red Cross is unrivalled. Through my experience, I met my current mentor (a United Nations ambassador), improved my communication skills, and increased my knowledge of humanitarian law and international organizations. Although not a “real job,” my volunteer experience made me more confident that the path I am taking is the right one for me.

Don’t underestimate the value of the “less-than-ideal” job

While it is difficult to come out of university and directly get a degree-relevant job, any job helps to build skills that employers look for.

Working at a restaurant, for example, can help improve both communication skills as well as your ability to work in a fast-paced, stressful environment. These skills are transferable to other jobs you may apply for in the future. Jobs that have little to do with your preferred career path are not meaningless, but instead are just further opportunities to increase your abilities.

Furthermore, while working for these temporary jobs, you can still continue the search for a job more relevant to your degree. Two summers ago, I worked as a house cleaner and gardener. Although the job had little to do with my chosen career path, I still learned valuable lessons. I often worked in the homes of seniors which gave my job a more humanitarian element. Not only did I clean homes, but I cared about the people living within them. I was instructed to inform my boss about any declining health conditions of our elderly clients and I also simply chatted with the often lonely and widowed seniors.

Currently, at my volunteer job at the Mobile Food Banks at the Red Cross, I utilize similar skills when delivering food to physically and mentally challenged Toronto residents. Although, at the time, I didn’t see how being a housecleaner would relate to my interest in NGOs and charity work, I was able to gain some important transferable skills that have been important assets to me today.

Practice makes perfect

Make sure you keep up-to-date with the latest news in your field. Subscribe to magazines and periodicals specializing in the subject of your choice. Just because you are no longer in school, doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t keep up – intellectually – with the latest revelations in your area of study. Not only will this ensure you are fully informed but it will maintain your interest and desire to keep pressing on to gain that dream job.

Learning and developing your knowledge is a lifelong process and shouldn’t end as soon as you graduate. For me, I find that subscribing to email newsletters is a great strategy for keeping updated. I get concise, weekly notifications from organizations I’m interested in, including UNICEF and OXFAM, so that I’m aware of news, special events as well as potential job opportunities.

Attend events

Keep informed about upcoming job fairs (you can find them listed on TalentEgg!), print off some resumes and meet with the professionals in your chosen field. Even if you don’t initially get a job, meeting with recruiters and other representatives helps put a face to your name. Next time you apply to a job opening, there is a greater chance that the hiring staff will remember you.

Take advantage of any opportunity to meet with those active in your field. If your passion is writing, for example, go to book signings and take a minute to ask the authors for tips and advice. You never know just how far your advice and connections could go.

Although I’m currently on the hunt for a job, I am feeling hopeful, rather than discouraged. I have tried to utilize the many resources I have access to and, as a result, have applied to jobs that I wouldn’t otherwise had known about. I have attended job fairs and frequently read up on the organizations that interest me. Most importantly, I try to add new skills to my resume by continuing to volunteer on a weekly basis.

Although I am not guaranteed the perfect job this summer, I know that the steps I am taking are valuable and will benefit me in the long run. Each skill and experience culminates in making you the person and professional you will eventually become. Working to develop these skills, keeping optimistic, and making the most of the resources and experiences you have will cause you to become more effective at both finding job opportunities as well as getting hired.

Photo credit: Stay Positive by Christian on Flickr

Helping students and teachers explore the world

Megan, a recent graduate of Brock University’s Tourism Administration program and Australia’s James Cook University’s Masters of Ecotourism program, worked as a Tour Consultant at EF Education First for almost two years before being promoted to her current role as a Sales Manager.

At the time of filming, she was in transition between the two roles, receiving training and learning more about being a Sales Manager. She says she thinks she’s been successful because of how driven she is to be the best and how much value she places on developing strong relationships with EF’s clients.

EF is growing quickly so, while there are certainly plenty of opportunities to start your career with the company, it’s clear you can grow and advance within EF as well.

As an Educational Tour Consultant, Aaron spends most of his time on the phone speaking with teachers, school principals, school board staff and parents about educational travel – everything from what it’s like for students to travel to what’s involved in planning a trip.

Once they actually book a trip, they might work with a Senior Tour Manager like Mary, a recent Wilfrid Laurier University Global Studies and Political Science grad, who provides their flight itinerary, answers any questions they might have before they travel, and works with them until they return to Canada.

Travelling around the world with EF

Even recent grad employees get to travel the world at EF Education First!

Since starting her career with EF two years ago, Megan has visited seven different countries and Aaron has had the opportunity to work at various conferences and lead trips for teachers. Mary says she has seen more of the world than she ever thought possible at this point in her life! (And that’s saying a lot because she traveled extensively before joining EF.)

Exciting work and travel experiences with EF

In the last year, Mary, Megan and Aaron have had some truly egg-citing work and travel experiences with EF. We asked them to tell us about their favourites:

• By meeting certain goals and incentives at work, Aaron earned a trip to London, England
• Last summer, Megan was chosen to go to China with a group of teachers who frequently travel with EF to help them experience and learn about travel opportunities there
• Mary recently traveled to Iceland for the first time

EF Education First is the world leader in international education. Working at EF is less like a job and more like an adventure! Learn more about the world of EF.

That freedom is hard to come by once you’re old enough to work, so it’s no surprise that when you’re looking for a summer job, you may find yourself longing for the summers of your childhood.

While you may be too old to go to a summer camp, you aren’t too old to work at one.

Alberta has over 200 summer camp locations throughout the province, in small communities and urban centers like Calgary and Edmonton alike. This large market is one of several reasons that make summer camp employment a promising avenue for student job-seekers.

Summer camps are student-friendly

A summer camp is a great destination if you’re looking for an entry-level position, as previous experience isn’t always necessary (after all, everyone has experience being a child). Camp managers will appreciate candidates who demonstrate maturity and common sense: any past employment, extra-curricular or volunteer work which shows that you can handle responsibility is a great asset.

To help your job application stand out, it’s a good idea to get a basic first-aid certification before applying, as most summer camps require that counsellors have one.

Alberta summer camps are hiring

Many camps experience high employee turnover each season, so it’s a sure bet that just about any camp in Alberta will be looking to hire (community day camps are good places to start). Since summer camps usually begin their programs at the end of June, many will have jobs to offer students who are in a last-minute scramble to find work.

Even if a particular summer camp isn’t hiring, unexpected vacancies may pop up at any time—it’s always a good idea to submit a resume.

Summer camp jobs have regular hours

Unlike many student jobs, summer camps will usually assign you consistent hours and days of employment. This is a double bonus, as a regular schedule not only helps you estimate your summer earnings, but also makes it easier to organize other activities, such as school, travel or a second summer job.

Summer camp jobs are great experience

Experience working with children is always an asset, particularly if you plan on teaching, either as a career or while traveling abroad. Working in a summer camp will also develop your multi-tasking and problem-solving abilities. These transferable skills are invaluable in any job search, and applicable to many positions.

Summer camp is fun

While the prospect of getting paid to play is exciting (you’ll be the fastest kid on the playground, at last), you might even be able to find a position at a summer camp which matches your hobbies and interests.

Alberta’s summer camps offer a surprisingly diverse range of activities in education, athletics and arts. Sports camps now include rock-climbing; science camps offer robotics; an arts camp could mean music, fashion or drama.

Though your summers of endless fun are behind you, a job at summer camp in Alberta might just make you feel like a kid again.

Photo credit: Canoe tour by vastateparkstaff on Flickr

Internships and co-ops are a great way to gain experience while still in school, network within your desired industry and maybe even land a full-time job!

Since first impressions are so important, we wanted to know: How can summer interns or co-op students make a good impression during their first week on the job?

Here’s some egg-cellent advice from TalentEgg tweeps:

@TalentEgg Be yourself and do what got you there! Work hard, listen and soak in the experience. #co-op #CareerPath

May 2, 2012 1:54 pm via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@CGA_DoMore

CGA Ontario

@TalentEgg Make sure to not hide in your cubicle. Walk around, make sure to introduce yourself to those around you. Relationships are key.

May 2, 2012 1:35 pm via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@cheapstudents

Cheap Students

@TalentEgg Dress appropriately, be on time, and ask a lot of questions! It shows interest and its a way to get to know people

May 2, 2012 1:40 pm via UberSocial for BlackBerryReplyRetweetFavorite

@EssDotElle

Shanel Elle

@TalentEgg Ask all the "stupid" questions, don't be afraid to try new things and always have a notebook and pen handy!

May 2, 2012 1:40 pm via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@ddeestefano

Daniela DiStefano

@TalentEgg: Act confident & network! Stay at work until your boss heads home...get into the office before your boss arrives! Don't say no!

May 2, 2012 1:49 pm via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@Recruit_Campus

Lisa Kramer

@TalentEgg Show up on time!!! Listen. Take notes. Don't be afraid to admit you don't know something. Ask for help.

May 2, 2012 4:06 pm via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@HumberTechWorks

HumberApplTechWorks

@TalentEgg #Listen #Observe & #Connect - listen in meetings, observe the team dynamic, and then connect to your previous experiences. #Coop

May 2, 2012 5:07 pm via Twitter for BlackBerry®ReplyRetweetFavorite

@dizzypuma

Feral Rizvi

@TalentEgg Interns/Coops should use their position as a way to talk to upper management. Csuite execs in my experience love hearing from us!

May 3, 2012 1:50 pm via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@ElissaRiddell

Elissa Riddell

I obtained this internship after being on the hunt for my first job following my graduation from the Journalism – New Media program at Sheridan College in Oakville, Ontario.

I completed my studies in April 2011, and then participated in the ieiMedia program, in the town of Perpignan, France in July of the same year.

Like many young job seekers, I am stuck in a vicious cycle. I don’t have enough experience, so I do not get hired. I do not get hired, so I don’t gain experience.

The program allows students from journalism schools in North America to travel abroad and sharpen their journalistic skills by conducting interviews, writing feature stories, shooting video stories, and blogging about their experiences on the program website.

After completing the program I returned to my hometown of Quebec City where I began a full-time job search by sending out resumes, making cold calls and using social media.

I managed to obtain various in-person interviews in Quebec City, Montreal, and even one in Toronto. I also did telephone and Skype interviews with potential employers in Charlottetown and Windsor.

Yet by October I still had not been hired anywhere, so I joined a local job agency that specifically caters to young people seeking employment. Last February one of the career counselors told me about an offer for an internship at Radio R2R, a radio station based at the Université de Rouen. The offer seemed tailor-made for me: they were looking for someone who was 18 to 35 years old, a Canadian citizen, unemployed, currently looking for a job, and with a college or university diploma in journalism.

After carefully considering the offer, I decided to apply because when I contacted employers who had interviewed me, they often told me one of the reasons my application was rejected was lack of experience. The experience gained with ieiMedia was good, but clearly one month is not enough in this competitive market.

Like many young job seekers, I am stuck in a vicious cycle. I don’t have enough experience, so I do not get hired. I do not get hired, so I don’t gain experience.

The internship in Rouen lasts 12 weeks and involves proactive work, such as conducting interviews, working on the daily show from Monday to Friday with fellow reporters, and producing news reports. Hopefully this experience will help me break out of the cycle.

Stay tuned: This summer, TalentEgg will follow Simon throughout his internship in France!

On Tuesday, April 17, 2012, we had the pleasure of hosting Office Hours with special guests Kelly Heggie, Natalie Kisil and Stephanie Moniz from Molson Coors.

Kelly, Natalie and Stephanie fielded questions about career opportunities at Molson Coors, gave insight into various career paths at Molson Coors, and provided excellent advice to help students and new grads successfully navigate the application process.

In case you missed the live event, you can read what they had to say below: