Using Library Resources to Find the Job That is Right for You
By Jeffrey
I was teaching a computer class on finding job ads online and encountered a very interesting patron. The class involved learning how to subscribe to job alert notifications on a free database called Job Bank. I was walking around the room, asking our customers if they needed assistance, and I found a customer who looked somewhat puzzled. When I asked if she needed help she appreciatively said she did. Finding the right "keywords" to type into the database can be challenging and I was happy to assist her.
When I asked her "what she did," she responded that she was a personal support worker. I then mistakenly proceeded to link what she did as a job to her identity when I said "So, you're a personal support worker." This is something we all do in our interactions, for instance when we ask "what do you do for a living?" people will respond "I am a doctor or teacher or librarian" because what we do for a living shapes who we are. This woman quickly responded that being a support worker was what she did, not who she was. This comment led to some reflection on my part.
I believe that "you are what you do" in certain respects. I enjoy being a librarian because it fits my personality: I enjoy helping others, I would choose a book over TV any day and I like challenging myself by finding that golden nugget of information. Of course, I have a life outside of work but I enjoy finding materials for friends and relatives in my spare time in areas like health, business or personal growth information.
Library customers looking to return to school to start the path to a new career and foreign trained professionals looking to upgrade should attend Maria A. Shchuka Library's College and University Fair on Wednesday, August 8th from 2:00-4:00 PM. This fair was put together in partnership with North York Community House. The program does not require any signups. For any questions, please call 416-394-1000.
Participating institutions will inclide Trios College, Herzig College, Humber College, University of Toronto, York University, and the Learning Enrichment Foundation.
Be sure to check out these classic books that also share the philosophy that your job and your personality can align in some way.
One thought on “Using Library Resources to Find the Job That is Right for You”
I am also teaching a computer class for more than a year now. It has not been my forte. However, the class seems to be happy to handle.