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When it comes to making a difference, Mary Jean O’Donnell believes her career as a waste reduction consultant goes a long way toward doing just that.

Now the incoming first vice-chair of the Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce board of directors, Mary Jean continues to help drive change through her numerous clients in a business—MJ Waste Solutions—that she formed 20 years ago.

A graduate of the University of British Columbia and a former resident of Canada’s westernmost province, Mary Jean once joked that she received a degree in “garbology”—while not exactly true, it’s a “title” that gets the attention of people who may end up being clients for the work she does.

Having returned to Sarnia (where she was born) several years ago, Mary Jean continues to help a steady roster of clients reduce their operational waste, often resulting not just in reduced expenses but in adding value.

She’s also chair of Tourism Sarnia-Lambton, the organization that actively promotes the Sarnia-Lambton region.

Want to learn more about Mary Jean? Lambton Shield (a Chamber member) published a podcast interview with her in June 2017.

The job market is changing each year, and it can be difficult for young people to know what to expect once they graduate high school and/or college. Also, with more pathways to higher education and careers opening up by the day, more people have opportunities. This means that competition in many areas of the job market is fierce. If you’re a student coming out of high school or college (or know someone who is), here is some practical advice on how to get started in a successful career.

The First Impression: The Resume

In many cases, your resume is the first impression you will give to a potential employer. Your resume should be memorable and eye-catching so that you stand out amongst other applicants. Instead of trying to reinvent the wheel, try an online resume template that will help you build a professional resume you can curate your personal information and make your own. The perfect resume will show your best qualifications, address all the questions an employer would have, highlight your education and work experience in a positive light, use keywords, and be a good length (not too long, not too short). The perfect resume can help you get your foot in the door, get you that interview, and land you that dream job.

It’s Who You Know: Networking

Finding the right job and growing in that job can be achieved through networking. Establishing an excellent and diverse personal and professional network will link you with the right people, get you raving recommendations, link you with new people, create mentorships, promote your business through word of mouth, and serve as a source for referrals. If you are a high school or college student, spend time developing relationships with fellow students, teachers/professors, staff, and volunteers, as well as maintaining an online presence. Tackle any hesitations you might have about networking and put yourself out there by joining the Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce and attending various networking events. Who you know can be key to your success.

Practice Makes Perfect: Internships and Volunteering

Experience not only makes you a better and desirable candidate for a job, but it also helps you grow and determine what you like to do and what you are good at. While paid jobs give you an income and provide growth, internships are an amazing tool for professional growth because they are geared toward your growth and increasing your knowledge. The perfect internship is out there to help you grow in the professional field; you just have to find it. Internships can be found through your school, social media, family, friends, company websites, and job postings.

Similar to internships, volunteering can also provide you with valuable experience. Volunteering will enrich your life and give you an invaluable perspective. In addition to the service you provide others, it will give you perspective into what you enjoy doing, steer you toward your purpose, create wonderful connections, and increase your knowledge.

Suit Up: Interviews

Once you have landed the interview, it’s time to get to work on preparing for your best presentation. Start by picking out a professional outfit that is clean and form-fitting. Before the interview, research some practice questions and develop answers that highlight your interest, experience, and goals. Prior to the interview prepare a handwritten thank you card to the interviewer(s), thanking them for their time and consideration, which you can then drop off in the mailbox right after your interview. During the interview, take the time to think about the question, breathe, and with consideration and ease answer without slang and filler words (i.e. “um”).

The evolution of the job market never stops, but some principles will always apply when you’re beginning a successful career. Be sure to craft a stellar resume and build your network. Apply for internships and volunteer to gain knowledge and perspective. Prepare for your interview(s) so that you can present yourself in the best light possible. Most important of all: believe in yourself and work harder than everyone else.

The Enbridge Famous 5 Speaker Series in Sarnia-Lambton, an ongoing series that is co-sponsored by the Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce, is featuring Heather Moyse, a multi-sport athlete and inspirational speaker, at the next event, which takes place on Thursday, February 7, 2019 at the Holiday Inn, 1498 Venetian Boulevard, Point Edward.

Tickets for the event, which includes lunch, are on sale now through Eventbrite.

Moyse is a four-time Olympian an two-time Olympic gold medalist who first captured the nation’s attention in 2010 while standing on the Olympic podium with Calgary native Kaillie Humphries. After setting start records all over Europe on the World Cup circuit, the duo made Canadian history on home soil after bombing down the track to Canada’s first-ever gold medal in the bobsled event.

Moyse has also competed in rugby and track cycling.

She and Humphries successfully defended their bobsled title after a thrilling come-from-behind victory at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.

Moyse also represented Canada at the 2012 Pan-American Cycling Championships in Argentina and on the National Senior Women’s Rugby team in 22 international games and four international rugby sevens tournaments, including the 2013 Rugby Sevens World Cup in Moscow.

A lifelong humanitarian and proud native of Prince Edward Island, Moyse donates her time and talent to many community events and national charities, earning her the inaugural Randy Starkman Olympian Humanitarian Award, the Queen’s Jubilee Medal, and the Order of Canada.

She is the author of Redefining ‘Realistic,’ a personal invitation from Moyse to her readers to believe in the possibilities and discover, for themselves, what they are truly capable of achieving.