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Speak Up

Every job that you have had, whether you enjoyed it or not, whether it resembled your future career or not, was an important step towards success.

It is through work experience that we learn employability skills, our strengths, our likes, and our dislikes.

We learn what occupational fields we enjoy working in and we set goals to achieve advancements in these fields.

We have been talking to local personalities and asking them to share their first job experiences and to share the lessons learned from their humble beginnings.

Stephen Brunet is a retired teacher who's known today as the mayor of Bathurst, now serving his second term. He said his first jobs as a student were at a family-owned auto junk yard and at the Eaton's department store as a window washer.

He gained knowledge in money management as he saved most of his earnings and he leaned people skills as he worked with a variety of clientele. He also learned how to be professional on the job as he worked with the public.

Mr. Brunet's advice for students that are currently working or looking for employment is not to rely on one employer and to try and create as many networking opportunities with employers as possible.

Mike Sadavoy hosts the morning show at Max 104.9 FM. His first work experience as a student was working at a Toronto flea market as a general clerk. He learned problem solving, how to take responsibility and how to work as part of a team.

Mr. Sadavoy's advice for students and youth searching for full time or part-time jobs is to keep an open mind and to send your resume to as many places as possible. He also urges students to take pride in their jobs small or large.

Known for his creative lyrics, energetic performances, and blues-style artistry,

J. P. Leblanc has become a local celebrity across the Maritimes. Fittingly enough, the singer-guitarist's first job was playing music in local bars.

He said he learned organizational and negotiation skills, and how to conduct himself professionally with employers and other musicians. Mr. Leblanc's advice for youth in the community is to enjoy the experience of working and learn as much as possible while doing it. Also, learn to profit from the occasions to network with others around you.

Yvon Godin, a former miner and union organizer, has been the New Democrat Member of Parliament for Acadie-Bathurst since 1997. His first job was as a gas pump attendant in Bathurst, work that helped him to become more outgoing and to work comfortably with the public.

He also learned that he did not want to work at a gas station for the rest of his life as the job did not match his personal strengths and interest. His advice for students in search of employment is to create a well written resume and to present your skills and qualifications to many employers.

We hope these anecdotes will help motivate you in your summer job search. For personalized help with your search for summer employment, you can visit Service Canada Centre for Youth at 120 Harbourview Blvd., or call 548-7970.

Written by Brittany Hachey, a youth service officer at the local Service Canada Centre for Youth.