TalentEgg Trends

Today’s Talent, Tomorrow’s Leaders

Knowledge Hub For Employers, Career Educators And Coaches

Page 2 of 106

Navigating the New Age of Career Education and Employment

TalentEgg’s exclusive interview with Gabriela Casineanu, MBTI® Certified Career & Systems Coach, Founder/Principal of Introverts Academy

In today’s fast-paced world marked by rapidly evolving workplace dynamics, technological advancements, and the aftermath of a global pandemic, career coaching has become crucial in guiding students and new graduates toward success. We recently had the opportunity to speak with Gabriela Casineanu, the founder of Introverts Academy and an experienced career coach with 17 years of practice. In this enlightening interview, Gabriela discusses her insights on career education, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), mental health, and strategies for transitioning from school to the workforce in the digital age.

Gabriela’s Career Coaching Journey

Gabriela began her journey into the world of career coaching in 2006. “Three years after immigrating to Canada, I changed my career [from engineering to professional coaching]. Although I had 18 years in the technical field, I always felt something was missing,” she said. Her passion for coaching, her personality, and the rewarding career aspects motivated her to pursue career coaching. Gabriela recognized a gap in employment and career services and sought to introduce a coaching approach that considers everyone’s individual personality types and strengths.

Gabriela’s most outstanding achievement is the development and successful testing of strategies tailored to introverted students, which culminated in her award-winning book, “Introverts: Leverage Your Strengths for an Effective Job Search.” This work led her to teach at the university level and speak at national career development conferences, emphasizing the importance of personality types and traits in career counselling. 

Gabriela’s inspiring vision for the future of career coaching aims to encourage over a million individuals to prioritize self-discovery, align their professional paths with their true selves, and embrace flexibility and adaptability in their careers.

Seamless Integration of DEI in the Workplace

Gabriela is a strong advocate for a transformative approach in the DEI space. She believes organizations should go beyond viewing DEI as a mere compliance requirement and instead integrate it into their culture and work environment at all levels. With her interactive and experiential job-related workshops, along with individual and group coaching sessions, Gabriela has helped students and teams learn new concepts and strategies, empowering them to improve interpersonal communication and foster an inclusive atmosphere.

A Holistic Approach to Well-being in the Workplace

Gabriela believes in a holistic approach to well-being that goes beyond mental health. “In my work with students, I help them understand that they have a two-fold responsibility: to themselves and the organization they’re part of (equally important for mental health). And I encourage them to speak up when they notice something about the work environment, how it affects them, or when they don’t feel well,” Gabriela tells us. Gabriela recognizes the profound connection between the mind, body, and spirit, and she emphasizes the importance of a healthy work environment that considers employees’ needs, strengths, and ideas. A healthy work environment promotes mental well-being and increases productivity and team performance.

Supporting and Attracting Students and New Grads

Employers can proactively support students and recent graduates in the digital age. Gabriela suggests that companies should communicate their willingness to hire candidates with less experience, emphasize the importance of soft and transferable skills, and consider personality and potential during the hiring process. Building connections with educational institutions and fostering alumni relationships can attract top talent. 

According to Gabriela’s experience, employers can attract top students by aligning their organizational culture with the values of the current generation. Highlighting successful hires and their stories and promoting them can also help attract talent. Offering incentives for employee referrals and actively participating in career fairs can further enhance an organization’s appeal.

Advice for Career Educators

Gabriela’s advice for new career educators is to be patient and understand that expertise grows with experience. In the post-pandemic era, she urges tenured career educators to embrace technology fully, stay up-to-date on digital trends, and adapt their teaching approaches based on the personality types of their students. 

Gabriela reminds us that amidst the endless stream of information, individuals and organizations have inner compasses – intuition and mission, respectively. These guiding lights can help navigate the ever-evolving landscape of education and employment. Success in the modern career coaching age becomes achievable and deeply fulfilling when individuals and organizations cultivate an organizational culture and a workplace environment that empowers employees to contribute their best towards the company’s mission, all while pursuing their own career goals.


Visit talenteggtrends.ca for more up-to-date employer, school and career centre news, tips and information!

Top 5 Ways Today’s Career Educators Can Help Post-Secondary Students

In today’s highly competitive job market, transitioning from post-secondary education to a successful career can be challenging for many students. However, the guidance and support of dedicated career educators can transform these challenges into opportunities for growth and achievement. Here are the top five ways career educators can help post-secondary students navigate their paths to success.

Personalized Career Counseling

A personalized approach allows career educators to listen attentively to students’ aspirations, strengths, and goals, paving their road to success. Career educators gain profound insights into their students’ unique talents and aspirations through individual appointments. They provide tailored guidance and meaningful support throughout the student’s academic and professional journey.  Having a personalized approach empowers students to make well-informed decisions about their career paths and educational pursuits.

Resume Building and Interview Preparation

Crafting a compelling resume and acing interviews are pivotal skills students must master to thrive in the job market. Career educators become invaluable mentors in this regard, assisting students in creating impactful resumes that effectively showcase their achievements and potential. A resume workshop should be organized or recommended to cover topics such as proper formatting, organization, and relevant keywords to include. Moreover, suggesting mock interview sessions to your students provides constructive feedback to help them hone their communication and presentation skills. This comprehensive approach ensures that students are well-prepared to leave a lasting impression on potential employers.

Networking and Industry Insights

Career success is often contingent on establishing a solid network of professional connections and keeping current on industry trends. Career educators should actively promote networking opportunities, encouraging students to interact with industry professionals, alums, and potential employers. Additionally, recommend workshops and seminars featuring seasoned professionals offering valuable insights into industry trends, skills, and available job opportunities. By encouraging these interactions and sharing industry insights, career educators enable students to stay ahead of the curve and make informed decisions about their career paths.

Skill Development and Professional Growth

Academic accomplishments are essential; however, possessing diverse soft and technical skills is crucial for career success. Career educators act as skill development facilitators, identifying areas for improvement and recommending relevant training or courses to bridge skill gaps. By emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and professional development, they instill a growth mindset in students, enabling them to embrace challenges, adapt to changing circumstances, and seize new career opportunities.  At Talentegg, we understand the importance of providing students with the needed support for a smooth school-to-work transition. This is why we offer E-learning courses to enhance your student’s soft skills and expand your career educator tool kit. With our comprehensive course offerings and user-friendly interface, TalentEgg’s E-Learning platform can be invaluable in empowering students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in today’s competitive job market.

Emotional Support and Resilience

Embarking on a career journey can be emotionally challenging, with students facing stress, uncertainty, and occasional setbacks. Career educators should provide not only academic guidance but also much-needed emotional support. They cultivate a positive and encouraging environment, instilling a sense of self-belief in their students. This emotional support, combined with resilience-building strategies, equips students to face challenges with confidence and determination, strengthening their mental well-being and fostering their capacity to persevere in adversity.

Conclusion

In brief, career educators are indispensable in shaping post-secondary students into confident and prepared professionals. They equip students with the tools to excel in their careers and instill a lifelong learning mindset. As the job market evolves, career educators remain instrumental in guiding students through their academic journey and empowering them to thrive in a competitive professional world. With their unwavering support and guidance, students can navigate their paths to success with clarity and determination.

Growing and Advancing Careers at Chick-fil-A

Atlanta-based Chick-fil-A, Inc. is a restaurant company known for the Original Chick-fil-A® Chicken Sandwich and their signature hospitality. In 2022, Chick-fil-A was recognized for its leadership and growth opportunities and named the Best Employer in America by Forbes and the Employee’s Choice by Glassdoor, honouring top CEOs.

We spoke with Whitney Perrett, Lead Recruiter, Talent Acquisition – International, to learn more about Chick-fil-A’s award-winning leadership and growth opportunities and how schools and career centres can involve their students and new grads.

Initiatives for Students and New Graduates Looking to Kickstart Their Careers 

Chick-fil-A, Inc. has internships available to undergraduate students and a unique Leadership Development Program designed to accelerate business acumen and leadership skills in a fast-paced restaurant environment. Whether at their corporate headquarters which is referred to as the Support Center or in the field at restaurants, Chick-fil-A offers an environment where individuals can grow personally and professionally. Having the ability to work and learn from an industry-leading brand sets students and new grads up for success as they prepare to launch into their future careers. During their time with Chick-fil-A, Inc., they’ll be exposed to the company’s inner workings and have access to a vast network of industry leaders, mentors, and professional development opportunities.

The talent acquisition lead recruiter, Whitney Perrett, recommends students and new grads visit their website to learn more about the Chick-fil-A brand, Chick-fil-A, Inc. and the company’s operations. Internship opportunities are posted annually, and the company hires for its Leadership Development Program on a rolling basis, so checking their website or following the company on job boards is also valuable. For those interested in applying, she recommends attending one of their info sessions and visiting a nearby Chick-fil-A brand restaurant to experience the brand.

Exclusive Insights into Chick-fil-A, Inc.’s Leadership Development Program

Success within the Leadership Development Program (LDP) starts even before employees are hired. Whitney mentions their team works to understand an individual’s long-term aspirations during the recruiting and interview process to help the applicant decide if the LDP will help them work towards future goals. During the program, they help each participant design a customized development plan in addition to their business and leadership experiences to support their individual career paths and development needs.

Whitney notes, “I’ve had the opportunity to work for a handful of organizations in my career, and Chick-fil-A, Inc. has an unmatched company culture. I personally believe that working for Chick-fil-A, Inc. as part of an internship or our Leadership Development Program (LDP) will set a high bar for what company culture and work can look like. Students and new grads will experience an authentic workplace environment that cares about the employee and the customers we serve in a distinct way in the industry – and the workforce.”

Additionally, Chick-fil-A, Inc. has a door-open policy for connecting with business leaders. While working with them, interns and LDP Participants will have the opportunity to sit down with senior leaders, executives, and professionals who have been in the industry for decades.

Measuring  Success while Working with Chick-fil-A

Within the quick service restaurant (QSR) industry, success is measured by the speed of service, profitability, and loyalty of customers. For Chick-fil-A, success is measured by the quality of food, providing signature hospitality, and the level of care shown for their employees, guests, and the communities they serve. Students and new graduates have a unique opportunity to learn invaluable lessons from Chick-fil-A’s exemplary approach. Chick-fil-A’s principles can shape their career trajectories and inspire them to prioritize excellence, compassion, and community impact in their professional journeys.

Career-Changing Benefits of Joining the Chick-fil-A Team

Whitney shared with us her valuable experience, “working with Chick-fil-A, Inc. as a Lead Recruiter has been very rewarding. Being a new brand to Canada, I have had the privilege to share new employment opportunities with individuals that may not have considered Chick-fil-A in their careers previously. It’s fun to share my personal love for the company as well as inspire others with our shared vision “to become the world’s most caring company.”

She adds, “I love seeing eyes light up as people connect that Chick-fil-A, Inc. is a workplace that combines business with a positive influence on the people and communities around them. Having the ability to introduce someone to a career where they can grow and flourish while positively influencing those around them is truly a remarkable experience.”

Chick-fil-A presents an exceptional launchpad for students and recent graduates to embark on their professional journey. The organization prioritizes facilitating meaningful career paths, fostering a robust and positive company culture, and staying current with the most significant industry trends to maintain their reputation as a market-leading brand.


To learn more about Chick-fil-A and its career initiatives, check out their employer profile on TalentEgg!

Career Coaching: Cultivating Growth and Development

TalentEgg was granted the opportunity to speak with Stefanie Ince, a certified and experienced career coach based in Toronto, Ontario. She is the founder of March Management, a business that offers its clients strategic career coaching services. Stefanie’s vision is to provide the finest personalized professional development services while empowering her clients to thrive at work and in their daily lives. We delved into why she chose career coaching, her most outstanding achievements, and her thoughts on imperative topics like DEI, mental health, and more. 

Stefanie’s Career Inspiration

Before becoming a career coach, Stefanie had a storied 20-year career in the not-for-profit sector. What caused this drastic career pivot after such a long tenure in the not-for-profit sector? Stefanie explains, “I have always been passionate about having an impact in my professional life.” This passion and drive led her to start her own company. “I started March Management with a goal to provide coaching services to help individuals really see themselves and gain clarity about their objectives for their professional lives.”

Stefanie’s Greatest Achievements

As a career coach, Stefanie works with a lot of students. This field can be highly rewarding, helping emerging professionals find success and accomplishment in the workplace. She has had many achievements helping others in this sector, but she shared with us her greatest one. “I would say that my greatest achievement is when I can help my clients to really see themselves  – through the identification of their strengths and superpowers.”

Stefanie believes instilling confidence in students and helping them align their interests with a particular professional path is the ultimate feat. Building a plan for a professional life starts with believing in who you are as a person, and she wants to help students accomplish this. 

Going forward, Stefanie hopes to use her own knowledge and advice internally. “I hope to do what I encourage my clients to do – continue to learn and grow, and share what I learn with my clients!”

Successfully Transitioning Students from School-to-Work

The school-to-work transition is a massive challenge for students. Recently, the current economy has made it more difficult than previous years to break into an entry-level position. Given her role as a career coach, it’s intriguing to learn about the advice Stefanie provides students aiming to break into the industry. She told us she encourages students and young professionals to be “brutally honest” with themselves about what they want to do. 

“We can all get caught up in doing what we think we are supposed to do rather than what really lights us up inside, and I try to challenge my clients to think about that.”

Students’ Biggest Pain Points

The school-to-work transition is not simple, many hurdles are in the way of these students. She emphasizes a common struggle she sees, “confidence is a real challenge for students, because in many cases, they don’t give themselves enough credit for the experiences that they already have.” 

The pandemic unfortunately has amplified this problem, “I think that confidence has always been an issue, but because of the pandemic, people may have been more isolated in the last few years, which can amplify their anxiety or lack of confidence.” According to Stefanie, creating a safe space for students to come out of their comfort zones is also essential.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Among Students And New Grads

DEI has become a significantly noted topic in the modern workplace. Many workplaces and companies are adopting more diversity and more inclusive policies. This topic has also become an essential part of career coaching in the modern era. 

That is why Stefanie has added a twist on her DEI philosophy. “I have been using the term DEIB, with the “B”, standing for ‘belonging,’” she continues, “my coaching philosophy is grounded in encouraging people to see themselves as they are.” She stresses the importance of celebrating what makes us different. “An important part of really seeing ourselves, and understanding what value we bring to an organization or community.”

It can be seen that the new generation of workers place high importance on these issues, and for good reason. But what can employers do to make sure they are respecting DEI?  “I think what employers need to understand is that being inclusive, creating and sustaining a culture that is dedicated to DEIB principles is essential for recruiting and retaining top talent.”

Stefanie is amazed to see emerging professionals and students demanding these principles in the workplace. “It makes me excited to be able to work in this area – where candidates are creating such impactful culture shifts in the industry.”

Mental Health In The Workplace

Since the pandemic, mental health has deteriorated amongst Gen Z. It has become more and more important that employees’ mental health and wellbeing is respected. “In my opinion, mental health is the most important issue we are facing right now.” She emphasizes, “that it all starts at the top” and that mental health impacts all of us, and having conversations within your organization and having a safe corporate culture is crucial.

With that in mind, there are important strides employers need to take to make sure mental health is held in high regard. Stefanie shared the findings of a study with a corporate client, “which found that when an employer is committed to mental health, their employees HAVE better mental health. What this means is that creating a corporate culture that breaks down stigma and encourages open conversations about mental health can and will have an impact.” 

She continues by saying that the importance of one-to-one conversations can’t be understated. Encouraging honest and open discussions about hopes and fears can be a vulnerable subject, but those are the types of conversations she thinks we should be having in the workplace.

How Employers Can Support Young Talent

Stefanie shares how employers can better support their young talent. “Students want to work for companies that care about them and about making the world a better place. So, I think the most important thing that employers can do is just that.”

That’s not all. A manager committed to developing young talent, an inclusive company culture, and flexibility are other ways she pinpoints.

How Employers Can Attract Top Students

It is crucial for employers to stay on top of modern issues like DEI and mental health if they want to continue to attract emerging professionals. Stefanie mentioned previously “DEIB” principles are essential for recruiting talent, but what else?

Stressing the importance of employee support, “to invest in people – providing a fair salary, tools and supports required to ensure employees are doing the best job they can do, emotional support, coaching, and other ways that demonstrate that they really care is also really important.”

“To create a corporate culture that encourages growth, development, safety, DEIB Principles and a healthy workplace is the first step,” she also highlights.

Stefanie offers one last piece of advice for fellow career educators in this field. She explains, 

“I think that students have a lot to teach us. We should remember that, pay attention, listen and learn.”


Stefanie Ince is a certified career coach in Toronto, providing personalized, leadership coaching for her clients for whatever part of their journey. She founded March Management with a vision to provide career and leadership coaching services that will empower her clients to live their best, most authentic lives at home and work.

« Older posts Newer posts »