Happy end to Hell Week! I hope midterms went well for everyone and that your hunt for a job next term is well under way. With jobs in mind, I’ve got some information for you regarding the new platform that will eventually be replacing JobMine.
If you’ve been following the updates online or via the mailing list, CECA has recently signed a contract with Orbis Communications Inc. to develop a platform that will replace JobMine. Orbis is a local company based out of Dundas. They have over 10 years of experience with co-op and career-related software on campuses across Canada. That being said, Waterloo co-op can be considered as the “grand prize” of co-op programs, being the oldest and largest. Orbis will be able to point to the efficiency and effectiveness of their software at a world class institution in future bids and, as such, they are extremely invested in creating a seamless package for us.
In fact, the new software will be more than just a replacement of JobMine. The goal is to ultimately integrate the various standalone applications within CECA that support co-op and career activities and processes for students and employers. WaterlooWorks is the confirmed name for the new platform. This name quickly identifies to employers what the system is for and that they are recruiting the University of Waterloo’s students.
The software itself, while new to Waterloo, will not be a completely new package. It will be based off of an off-the-shelf package that Orbis uses for other institutions. That being said, Waterloo will be working extensively with Orbis to modify the package to cater specifically to our needs.
Some of the specific upgrades will include enhanced job search capabilities to help students find the jobs that they are looking for. On the flip side, they will also be aiming to create a more efficient screening process to assist employers in finding their ideal candidates.
Get excited! Many of you will experience the new platform during your education at Waterloo. CECA plans to implement the software in 3 stages: with a pilot group in Spring 2014, with a 2nd pilot in Fall 2014, and, finally, with full implementation to all students in Winter 2015. Additionally, while not strictly finalized, some sort of prototype demo will be available this coming Fall term. I should stress that the demo will be mostly of the existing off-the-shelf product. I am told that Orbis’ software has more functionality than JobMine for the most part which will give students a sneak peak of the system, its capabilities, and its potential here at Waterloo. I should also point out that students have and will continue to be consulted during the development to help CECA prioritize customizations. Student engagement tactics include student panels, website poll questions, and meetings with the six student VPs of Education and their respective student societies. For more information, please visit www.uwaterloo.ca/co-operative-education-career-action-systems/ where you will find all of the information currently available regarding the project. Be sure to keep an eye peeled for emails about current polls, as your input is needed to develop a program that works for you! If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to stop by the EngSoc office to speak with me.
— Drew
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