HOw TO SAy NO TO yOur fOlkS time tO uSe yOur career centre Studying in the u.S.

Save yOur mOney fOr SeptemBer yOu didnt get in. nOw what?

future. yO educatiOn. ur chOice.

fall intO the gap

HOw TAkING A yeAr Off wOrkS fOr yOur beNefIT

2012 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

fall 2012

Success has no limits

BMO Capital Markets offers a range of rewarding career possibilities to help you achieve your greatest ambitions. Talk to your school counselor about how to turn your potential into performance by working in the financial markets.

CAPITAL RAISING MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS RISK MANAGEMENT RESEARCH INSTITUTIONAL SALES & TRADING
BMO Capital Markets is a trade name used by BMO Financial Group for the wholesale banking businesses of Bank of Montreal, BMO Harris Bank N.A. and Bank of Montreal Ireland p.l.c., and the institutional broker dealer businesses of BMO Capital Markets Corp., BMO Nesbitt Burns Trading Corp. S.A., BMO Nesbitt Burns Securities Limited and BMO Capital Markets GKST Inc. in the U.S., BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. in Canada, Europe and Asia, BMO Nesbitt Burns Lte/Ltd. in Canada, BMO Capital Markets Limited in Europe, Asia and Australia, BMO Advisors Private Limited in India and Bank of Montreal (China) Co. Ltd. in China. Registered trademark of Bank of Montreal in the United States, Canada and elsewhere. Registered trademark of Bank of Montreal in the United States and Canada. JOBPOSTINGS.CA | 2012

Bringing learning to life.

Over 250 programs at CentennialCollege.ca See where experience takes you.

002

TAble Of CONTeNTS

SchOOlindex
01 05 08 12 19 22 29 IBC Centennial College University of Waterloo Stratford Campus Chartered Accountants of Ontario University of Waterloo Stratford Campus University of Guelph-Humber Automotive Business School of Canada St. Lawrence College Humber School of Media Studies and Information Technology Humber, The Business School

15

yOur future. yOur educatiOn. yOur chOice.

you have your plans. your parents might have different ones. Its hard to say no to the people we love, but youve got to do it if youre trapped in a future you dont want. Take charge of your career by learning how to talk to your family effectively.

cOntentfall2012
06 Studying in the u.S.
Itching for some time south of the border? Find out the why and how of studying at an American university. how to pick yourself up and give post-secondary another go.

OBC

advertiSerS&emplOyerS
IFC 03 14 18 26 BMO Capital Markets Rogers Wireless Career Connections Bank of Montreal College Pro

09 yOur firSt-year checkliSt

21 cOllege cOnSideratiOnS

For better or worse, theres a lot more to university than studying. Follow this advice to guide you through the process.

Colleges nationwide offer practical skills and the theory you need to excel in your field. Take a look at what college can offer you.

10 handy SkillS & dOllar BillS

A shortage in talent across Canada has added a greater demand and more benefits for students studying the skilled trades.

23 fall intO the gap

SchOOlShOwcaSe
30 Niagara College

Dont know what you want to do yet? Dont worry! Taking a year off can get you the perspective you need.

28 Breaking dOwn yOur Budget

Money makes the world go round. Heres how to keep your world spinning happily.

BrandedcOntent
18 BMO Capital Markets: Ten Reasons why young women should be interested in finance

13 uSe yOur career centre

You want to get a job? So do the people at your career centre! Give them a visit before you graduate.

32 the paper chaSe

20 yOu didnt get in. nOw what?

Dont worry. Youre not finished yet. Well show you

Theres a difference between government loans and bank loans. Find out what fits your needs before making a commitment.

JOBPOSTINGS.CA | 2012

SHAR

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WIRELESS LTE
We were first to launch the lightning-like speeds of LTE in Canada the fastest wireless network technology on the planet. With LTE you can download a song or a photo in under a second.1 So buckle up; the fastest-ever mobile internet speeds are now here.

So whats next? If youre with Rogers, youll be the first to know.

rogers.com/InternetExperiences

Rogers LTE network available in select Canadian cities. Visit www.rogers.com/coverage for details. 1 Times specied are approximations only and will vary depending on size and quality of content. Copyright 2012 Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc. All Rights Reserved. 2012 Rogers Communications.

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eDITOrS NOTe | MASTHeAD

04

editOrSnOte David Tal

yOurfutureyOureducatiOn

yOurchOice
Heres some backstory about yours truly. After graduating from high school, I had no clue what I wanted to do. I took a year off, did a bunch of part-time gigs, then came across a newspaper ad that caught my eye. Become an EXTRA on movie sets! it said. I figured, why not? I spent the next year or two working as an extra on film and television sets, then (through some networking) found work as an assistant video editor for a year, and then as a lighting technician for a year. The 12 to 16 hour days were rough, but the money, the people, and the job, were amazing. I thought Id found my calling. But alas, three years in and the bottom fell out of the film industry. A few months later, I found myself heading to university still as clueless about what I wanted to do going in as I was when I graduated from high school. In the end, I graduated with an honours in human resource management. An HR degree? you say. How the hell are you a magazine editor then? Funny you should ask! You see, Ive always had a bit of a penchant for writing. I started to take it seriously after my grade 12 creative writing class; became hardcore while I wrote my first novel between the ages of 18 to 22; got burnt out after my two book deals fell through; got back on the wagon reluctantly by writing for my university newspaper; got my groove back completely by founding the Arbitrage Magazine in my senior year; used my school newspaper and magazine experience to land a government PR job following graduation; and finally used all that experience to get my current gig: editor of Jobpostings Magazine and G2G. Whew, that was a mouthful. So there you have it. When it comes to figuring out what you want to do, think about what interests or hobbies

puBliSher
nathan laurie nlaurie@jobpostings.ca

you naturally gravitate to. You know, the stuff you study or practice even when youre not paid to do so. For me, it was writing, and it opened many wonderful doors for my career. But what if that passion you want to pursue isnt supported by your parents? This sticky issue is the subject of our feature article, which deals with how to say no to your family and loved ones when the time comes to choose your career. I know from personal experience how difficult it is to go against the wishes of those who youve looked up to and have nurtured you throughout your whole life. But in the end, one has to decide between living your life for yourself or for someone else. Well give you the practical tools youll need to not only defend your career decisions from disapproving parents, but also from your own self-doubts. Growing up is about trusting your gut. So whether you take a year off to travel or work, or go straight into college or university, make sure the decision is the right one for your future. Read on, friends.

aSSOciate puBliSher
mark laurie mlaurie@jobpostings.ca

editOr
david tal dtal@jobpostings.ca @DavidTalwrites

graphic deSigner
anthOny capanO acapano@jobpostings.ca

weB editOr
mark teO mteo@jobpostings.ca

cOntriButOrS

Maya Hamovitch, Panagiota Panagakos, Andrew williams, Christine fader, Christopher lawson, eleni Papavasiliou, emily Minthorn, kevin Nelson.

natiOnal accOunt managerS

Sarah-lyn amaral, mary vanderpaS ShannOn tracey

interns

Amir Ahmad, Chantelle rodrigo

on the cover

IMAGeS: ISTOCk.COM

21

06
Published by Passion inc. 25 Imperial Street, Suite 100 Toronto, ON M5P 1b9 jobpostings.ca 1-877-900-5627 ext. 221

23

10
JOBPOSTINGS.CA | 2012

jobpostings publishes g2g annually. 60,000 copies are distributed to over 690 high schools in Ontario. Contents of this publication are protected by copyright and may not be reprinted in whole or part without permission of the publishers.

MAKI NG THE FUTUR E IN STRAT FOR D

PREPARE FOR BOUNDLESS OPPORTUNITIES

WITH GLOBAL BUSINESS AND DIGITAL ARTS
Join Canadas rst program to combine creative design, technology and business in one unique degree. Collaborate on digital design projects with classmates, professors and industry partners like OpenText and Google youll learn how to turn your great ideas into real business solutions. With the Bachelor of Global Business and Digital Arts at the University of Waterloo youll gain the experience and education you need to succeed in the rapidly evolving digital economy apply for Fall 2013.

gbda.stratfordcampus.uwaterloo.ca

C907286

STuDyING IN THe u.S.

06

Studying in the u.S.

By: Maya Hamovitch

why an american educatiOn might deciSiOn fOr yOu

Be the right
Maybe you want the worlds best school for your subject. Maybe you want to experience life in a different part of the world. Maybe you want to put a national border between yourself and your parents. Whatever the reason, students from around the world (including Canada) are attending American schools. Every year, more than 723,000 international students from more than 200 countries around the world pursue a higher education in the U.S. Of these international students, five percent come from Canada. With the many universities and colleges south of the border, the choices can seem overwhelming. But there are many reasons to consider studying in America.

[Quality Of educatiOn]
America has some of the best universities in the world. Of the top 25 universities listed in The Times World University Rankings for 2011-12, 18 are American. In addition to the Ivy League, dozens of U.S. schools appear on the list of the worlds top 400 schools and are widely known for their high quality education.

[career BenefitS]
Studying in the U.S. can provide you with a new and different perspective that may be valued in the Canadian market. Jane Rendely, a Canadian career and educational counselor, says, When a person comes back to Canada and they have been trained in the United States, there is a cach that comes with that there is an edge. At the same time she cau-

JOBPOSTINGS.CA | 2012

IMAGeS: ISTOCk.COM

STuDyING IN THe u.S.

07

tions that It depends on the school not all American universities share such cutting edge training and hold such a high reputation.

in Canada. Depending on how confident you are, you can also find a tutor or weekend class that teaches SAT testing. Depending on the university you want, you may also have to take SAT subject tests. Subject tests cover everything from microbiology to Mandarin. Look at the admission requirements for your program, and find out what other SAT tests, if any, you need to write. Prepare for the SATs as best you can and write them early in your high school career. Dont worry about doing bad the first time: as long as you can afford the $75 test fee, you can retake the SATs as many times as you want. Most American students write the test in the eleventh grade, and then try again for a higher mark in their final year.

an ones: they will know what courses youre enrolled in by the grade 12, but they make most of their decisions based on your grade 11 marks. Many universities in America require entrance essays especially for schools with higher reputations. These essays usually ask you to write about some aspect of yourself or an event in your life. For these essays, write honestly. Show yourself as a person. Youre not just applying for classes, youre applying to an institution with certain values. The admissions office will use your essay to help them decide if you match those values. Also (and this goes without saying), get a proofreader to check your grammar before you send your essay off. Finally, polish off your application by joining clubs while youre still in high school, listing any student organizations youre a part of.

[prOfeSSiOnal netwOrk]
Many U.S. programs have established affiliations with employers, enabling you to develop contacts in the field. Professors may belong to international research teams and as their student, you may also be able to connect with experts in your field of study. Alexander Castilla, the director of Ivy Educational Systems, says: there are several career benefits, such as participating within social and professional networks that students use for the rest of their lives. This exchange of ideas, knowledge practices, and other forms of social capital will continue to be intrinsic to understanding and facilitating human development.

[hOw dO i dO it?]
So youve made your decision. Goodbye metric system. Farewell Tim Hortons. So long winter. Youre studying in America. But how? Start by doing your research. Which schools do you want to go to? What are the program requirements? And most importantly when are the due dates for applications? Check out the universitys admission statistics, application process, and what items youll need to complete to gain acceptance there. Find out if there is a separate admissions process for international students. Once you get a sense of the forms youll have to fill out, the items youll need to attach, and how and when to send them in, there are a few other things youll definitely have to do.

when a perSOn cOmeS Back tO canada and they have Been trained in the united StateS, there iS a cach that cOmeS with that thereS an edge.
Stella Lee, a grade twelve student, is applying to biology at UNC Chapel Hill and UCLA, advises doing some preparation for the tests. I took a course through the Princeton Review. I found the private tutoring classes they offer are a lot better than the classroom ones. I would probably advise students to start studying early and concentrate on the math and reading sections. Also, for the writing section, pick a couple significant historical events or famous books that you can talk about in any essay.

[find SOme mOney]

Many American graduate programs have their own internal scholarships, some of which you may qualify for. You can also look for funding sources on scholarship sites such as International Financial Aid (www.iefa.org), EducationUSA (educationusa.state.gov), and ScholarshipExperts.com. These sites house databases containing scholarships and grants for several levels and fields of study. Going to university in the U.S. takes planning and persistence to make your way through what seems like an overwhelming process. But the possibilities for a life enriching experience and a fulfilling future may just lie south of the border. Good luck!

deciding where tO apply:

lOcatiOn: Identify your needs and wishes, and spend some time touring the campus and local community. reputatiOn: ensure the program youre considering is accredited. Ask graduates about their experiences. look at websites to see where graduates have become employed. cOSt: Consider tuition and living expenses. find out about scholarships and graduate assistantships that are available. prOgram and degree: look into the teaching philosophy, opportunities to work with established experts, internships, and global fieldwork. Are joint degrees offered? applicatiOn reQuirementS: Do you meet the admission requirements? research and write Statements of Purpose or other application documents. Prepare for and write any required tests.

[dO yOur teStS]

To apply for schooling in America, you have to write the SATs. This is a part of the culture in American high school. The SAT tests reasoning, language, and math. Each of these sections is marked out of 800, culminating in a total mark out of 2400. The higher your mark, the more likely youll get accepted by the university of your choice. Check the admissions page of the universitys website. Theyll usually say what the average admission is for SATs scores and grades. MIT, for instance, usually admits students with scores somewhere around 2100 out of 2400. That said, since Canadian universities only look at your high school grades, youll have to go out of your way to study for the test and find a centre in your province. You dont have to go to America to take the SATs. There are a variety of websites to find test centres

[lOOk gOOd On yOur applicatiOn]

No, dont include a glamorous headshot of your smiling self in the application package. Instead, make your credentials sparkle. You can do this by getting good grades (especially in AP, or advanced placement, courses), writing an awesome entrance essay, and being involved in extracurriculars. There are 647 high schools in Canada that offer AP courses. If your high school has them, try to take some. AP courses, are undergraduatelevel courses taught in high school. AP courses conclude with an exam that determines a score from one to five. A four or five on your AP will show the admissions board of your intended universities that you mean business. Try to take AP courses in the eleventh grade. American universities look at grades just like most Canadi-

2012 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

THE CA HIGH SCHOOL CHALLENGE - MAY 22, 2013

WHATS BETTER THAN EARNING FAME AND FORTUNE? WINNING IT! 1ST PLACE: $1,500 2ND PLACE: $1,000 3RD PLACE: $500
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STEP 1: MARCH 1, 2013 DEADLINE TO REGISTER FOR THE HIGH SCHOOL AMBASSADOR PROGRAM STEP 2: MARCH 8, 2013 DEADLINE TO SUBMIT THE AGREEMENT AND RELEASE FORM STEP 3: MARCH 22, 2013 LAST DAY TO REGISTER FOR COIN STEP 4: MAY 22, 2013 THE BIG DAY!
COIN IS A 75 SENIOR-LEVEL, MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTION COMPETITION. STUDY UP, GIVE IT YOUR BEST SHOT AND YOU COULD WIN SOME SERIOUS OIN.

CHECK OUT EVENTS AND CONTESTS AT:

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WHATS THIS CRAZY LOOKING BLACK BOX ? Its called a QR Code and it tells your Smartphone what web page to visit.

yOur fIrST-yeAr CHeCk lIST

09

yOur firSt-year checkliSt

By: Panagiota Panagakos

Adjusting to your first year of post-secondary is one of the biggest shocks youll ever face. You may have had top grades. You may have spoken as valedictorian. But after high school, youll be competing with the crme de la crme from across the country. On the other hand, for those of you who may not have performed as well as you would have liked in high school dont panic. Here, everyone starts with a clean slate. One big difference between high school and post-secondary is the amount of freedom you get. With a few exceptions, youll probably only have about 20 hours of class per week. Attending classes is not mandatory, and youll be living on your own for the first time (if you live on rez).Theres still a danger though: according to a recent Statistics Canada report, about 14 percent of first-year students drop out and dont complete their studies. So how can you make sure this isnt you?

ITS NOT juST AbOuT wHAT yOu STuDy. fOllOw THIS ADvICe TO rOCk yOur uNIverSITy exPerIeNCe.

attend frOSh week

Not only is frosh week an opportunity for you to meet other firstyear students, and have lots of fun, youll also learn your way around your campus. By being familiar with your campus, youll know where to go and the proper person to speak to if an issue ever arises.

the services. Doing so can make a significant difference in your grades.

viSit yOur career centre

Seek out the assistance of the career professionals at your school. Theyre an awesome resource that can assist you to plan and map out your career and educational path.

gO tO claSS
The temptation to skip class is strong, especially if you were up late the night before, have a ridiculously early class, the weather is beautiful, or if your friends who dont have class want you to join them at the pub. But make an effort to attend your classes. In addition to learning the material, youll also learn about what your professors expect for your upcoming essays and assignments, what to look out for on your tests and exams, and changes in due dates.

exerciSe
Make sure to schedule exercise into your routine at least three times a week. Exercise will not only help you burn calories, it will make you feel better, allowing you to focus better on your studies.

eat healthy
Its important to avoid dying from starvation or scurvy. With all your studying and assignments, its easy to forget to eat (and eat well). A healthy body is important not only to perform physical activities, but mentally stimulating ones too. Your grades will suffer if youre not in healthy physical condition.

get Organized and plan ahead

Every professor will provide you with a course syllabus that include all the course assignments and due dates. Take the time to add all your due dates into your calendar so you dont miss any of your assignments. During crunch time youll find that you have several assignments, tests, and exams all in the same week. Thats why its important to plan ahead and begin your assignments and studying early so you dont feel overwhelmed.

Sleep!
Most post-secondary students stay up late studying, surfing the net, watching TV or socializing. Its , recommended to have eight hours of sleep every night. So make sure youre rested for your lectures and exams. Although adjusting to life as a postsecondary student isnt easy, it can be a lot of fun. Some of my happiest memories are from my years as an undergrad. And let me tell you, none of them have anything to do with studying. So while youre taking the necessary actions to make sure youre on your game, take time out for yourself and enjoy the ride.

uSe the Study reSOurceS availaBle at yOur SchOOl

All schools have a variety of programs to ensure your academic success, like peer tutors and writing labs. Find out whats available at your school and take advantage of

IMAGeS: THINkSTOCk.COM / ISTOCk.COM

2012 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

HANDy SkIllS AND DOllAr bIllS

10

By: Andrew Williams

find OverlOOked OppOrtunitieS in the tradeS that cOuld Be a perfect fit fOr yOu.
The workforce is a lot like high school. You have the popular careers that get all the attention, and the careers that are often overlooked but hold so much promise. The skilled trades industry is practically the latter, and its seeing an incredible demand for young talent. Trades range from construction to the hospitality sector. They include hair dressing, masonry, and cooking nearly anything that requires a hands-on skill. The beautiful thing about these professions is that they are something you can do on the side, or as a full-time career, whichever works for you. And high school is the perfect place to enter this sector. Many high schools have programs that teach skills students can apply to a trade. For example, the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) works closely with high schools to provide co-op placements and a more intimate training experience for the field. Julian Da Silva Silveira is a grade 12 student whos been involved in OYAP while attending Central Technical School in To-

JOBPOSTINGS.CA | 2012

2012 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

HANDy SkIllS AND DOllAr bIllS

11

ronto. Hes been preparing for the electrical trade. This program would be great to put on a rsum, he says. An office job you cant really apply to everyday life. But for trades you can work around your house and save money. Instead of hiring an electrician to come work on something, I can do it myself. Plumbing is another area students should look into when considering trades. Andrew De Sousa, a plumbing student at Central Tech, notes the different facets he can get into. For the first five years I plan on doing as much learning as I can, he says. From there, if you have your license, you can go onto sales or you can work for big supplying companies, giving input on better products there are a lot of options. Most students would rather get their hands dirty outside a cubicle. The satisfaction of starting something and seeing it finished is a reward in itself. Ive made this, says Caleb Bolychuk, an OYAP carpentry student at Central Tech. Ive assembled this right, and its just satisfying

to see what you completed instead of just a stack of papers. According to Lucio Stavole, curriculum leader of construction at Central Tech, one skilled trade isnt necessarily in higher demand than the other. Instead it depends on which stage a project is on. One employer might be busy this week, but next week itll be very slow, he says. Among the co-op placements Stovole discussed were construction, automotive, carpentry, hair dressing, and restaurant services. (The OYAP students) have graduated or are about to graduate. They come back to school to get that specific training, and they go off to work, says Stavole. If the employers like how you work and hire you, your co-op hours may go to your apprenticeship. Some people might go on to university and come out more broke than they went in. Trades can make you money while you study what you love and give you a running start on your way to a career. As Bolychuk put it, Its like playtime with a cheque at the end.

2012 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

M AKI NG T HE FUT UR E IN STRAT FOR D

DRIVE YOUR CAREER

WITH THE MASTER OF DIGITAL EXPERIENCE INNOVATION
The Master of Digital Experience Innovation at the University of Waterloo combines creativity, technology and business in one professional degree that gives you a superior advantage. Collaborate with students, professors and industry partners like OpenText and Google on team-based projects. Earn the education portion of the Project Management Professional (PMP) designation and be uniquely qualied to lead digital media projects from start to nish. Start your career with the Master of Digital Experience Innovation apply for Fall 2013.

mdei.stratfordcampus.uwaterloo.ca

C907285

CAreer CeNTreS SAve lIveS

13

Time To use your career cenTre

DONT wAIT uNTIl GrADuATION TO fIND OuT wHAT yOur CAreer SHOulD be
By: Christine Fader
She wore a fancy dress and carried a bouquet of flowers wrapped in cellophane. I work in a career centre. While I do see students occasionally wearing suits for interviews, this particular students formal attire (not to mention floral sidekick) was markedly different from the standard fare of yoga pants, Uggs, and sports jerseys Im used to. I need to figure out my life, she said, looking tearful. Okay, I said. Have a seat and we can chat. Looking slightly agitated, she asked nervously, How long do you think this will take? I graduate at 2:00 p.m. and my parents are waiting down in the car. During your first year, you might not be inclined to think about (let alone visit) the career centre on your campus. The word career seems to conjure up images of 30-year-olds in cubicles and it doesnt exactly relate to anything in your life, right? Its amazingly easy to end up like the many students who unwittingly land in my office on their graduation day, decked out in their stilettos and silk ties, shaking about the rest of their lives. When they leave our conversation, they invariably say, I wish I had known about this earlier. They thrust their bouquet of flowers thankfully into my hands and plead with me to spread the word to junior students to start early. So, here I am, on behalf of all those students in beautiful dresses and snazzy suits both the ones who know exactly where theyre going and the ones who arent sure at all. Whichever group you fall in, the career centre can help you, right from first year even if youre not ready for the cubicle or corner office just yet. Career centres usually have the following services to choose from: Employment programs: Career centres post (local, national, and international) part-time, summer, internship/placement, and after-graduate jobs on their website. They also host employers on campus, collect job applications on behalf of companies, and try to recruit more employers to hire students from your school and program. They might also be able to connect you with volunteer opportunities. Information area/library: Most career centres have books and computers that allow you to find out more about career options, what to do with your interests (e.g. books like, Careers for Talkative Types), how to write rsums and succeed in interviews, directories to help you connect with networking and employment opportunities, education/grad school information, and program calendars from other schools. The comfy couches are a bonus. Events: Whether its at a large career fair in an arena or a small information session with one education program, these are great opportunities for first-year students to find out more about areas of interest, learn about post-grad programs, and meet employers in a low-risk, friendly environment. Many career centres will run themed events that tap into students interests (e.g. eco-careers) and help you connect with information, alumni, and organizations that work in those fields. Theres also usually free food and swag! In the end, youre paying a lot for your program and sweating buckets on assignments and exams to boot. Right from first year, career centres help you make your education work for YOU and they will help you finesse the high school version of yourself into the newly-sophisticated post-secondary you. So, when youre thinking, I need to figure out my life, drop by your campus career centre. Were here to help no fancy dress or flowers required. Christine Fader works as a career counsellor at Queens University and is co-author of the book, Teen to Tuition. Visit her website at: www.supportstudentsuccess.ca

ADvICe AND SuPPOrT. THrOuGH All THeIr PrOGrAMS, buT PArTICulArly wOrkSHOPS Or INDIvIDuAl COuNSellING SeSSIONS, THe CAreer CeNTre HelPS fIrST-yeAr STuDeNTS fIND ANSwerS TO THeSe queSTIONS & MOre.

I thought Id like my program but I hate it. Now what? I know exactly what I want to do. How do I get from here to there? If I change my program, what are the career implications? what can I do with a degree/diploma/certificate in x field? what pre-requisites do I need to take now to get into program x in the future? where can I find a part-time, summer, internship or after-graduation job? where can I volunteer? whats a good job for the summer? How can I work or study overseas? what are employers looking for that will give me the edge when I look for work? I want my rsum to really stand out from the crowd. Can you help? Ive never had a real interview before. Can I practice in a mock interview? I love my program but what are my career options from it? where can I find work in my preferred field/geographic area? whats it like to work in job x? what do future prospects look like in job y? How much money does job Z usually make?

IMAGeS: ISTOCk.COM

2012 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

Choose a career that values who you are

What are you good at? What are your ambitions? What kind of career is going to contribute to the quality of your life? No matter what your answer, you may be surprised to learn that the insurance industry has a career path that could take you exactly where you want to go.

Insurance aects virtually everything we do in life and in business. And because insurance is all around us, the industry has a wide variety of careers to match your ambitions. One way to a great career in Canadas property & casualty insurance industry is through post-secondary education. Insurance and Risk Management programs are oered at BCIT, University of Calgary, Mount Royal, Grant MacEwan, SIAST, Wilfrid Laurier University, Fanshawe, Conestoga, Mohawk and Seneca. Your interests and your experience may add up to a great job in insurance. Visit our Web site to nd out more. www.career-connections.info

SAyING NO TO PAreNTS

future. yO educatiOn. ur chOice.

sEvEnty-thOusand hOurs. No, thats not the time it takes to beat Skyrim on Xbox, nor is it a movie sequel in which James Franco loses another limb. According to Gillian Watters, director of programs at KEYS Job Centre in Kingston, Ont., 70,000 hours is about how long youll spend at your workplace over a lifetime. Okay, youd rather play Xbox for 70,000 hours, but thats not the way it works. Its time to really get down to it and consider your career options. Envisioning your dream job probably isnt hard. If you dont already have a passion, you likely have at least an idea of the direction your career could take. And if you need ideas, no doubt your parents have an opinion they want to share with you. Maybe a very forceful opinion. Maybe an opinion that completely cancels out your opinion. Maybe this opinion is holding your tuition, food, rent, and bills at gunpoint too. Suddenly, that decision about your future workplace isnt so easy. Yet its one that thousands of students face with every application season. Do you follow your dreams or do you follow the dreams of the people whove been your role models your entire life? No one should make their career decisions to please anyone but themselves, says Watters. We should accept advice from those who know us best,

15

yOu lOve yOur parentS, But they cant live yOur life fOr yOu
By: Christopher Lawson

but all the important life decisions have to be ours to make. A career path has to be related to our passions, our values, and our interests or else well end up miserable for most of those 70,000 hours. Thats a hard to argue. Following your dreams doesnt sound like such a simple idea when you realize it means taking responsibility for yourself and understanding that those 70,000 hours are going to suck if theyre tailored to fit someone elses goals. The only way to live without regret is to tackle things head on. So weve put together this list of ways people can begin their own career path. Read them to learn how to win your parents approval and how to live without it.

2012 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

SAyING NO TO PAreNTS

16

3aSk fOr fOrgiveneSS, nOt permiSSiOn

Lets say your PowerPoint and Excel wizardry fails to persuade your nay-saying parents. Do you make pouty faces all the way to the orthodontists college? No! This is your future on the line! You slap your acceptance letter from the Floral Arrangement Department at Backwater College on the table, look your parents in the eyes, and utter, This is where I want to go.

1degreeS are paper thin

What does it really take to be a doctor, lawyer, or corporate accountant in Canada? Unless you are one, you probably dont have a clue. But this doesnt stop naive parents and unqualified know-it-alls from insisting that you really ought to try it out. This sort of blind enthusiasm is a symptom of an outdated yet widely believed myth that taking a specialized post-secondary program will automatically land you a job in that field. One of the groups I work with a lot are new Canadians in the accounting program, says Catherine Stace, a career advisor at McGill University in Montreal. I ask them why theyre in accounting, and they say they were told that its the best place to get a job. But the reality is that accounting firms wont hire them if they dont have the skills theyre looking for. With so many applicants all holding the same degree, employers are going to hire the keeners who hold the top marks, show the most ambition, and communicate the best the kind of people whod probably be taking the program regardless of job opportunities available after graduation.

Apply to the program you want with or without your parents knowledge. You dont have to commit if you are accepted. Part of being an adult is being confident enough in yourself to make your own decisions. You dont have to check in with mom and dad before every step you take. That also means you shouldnt hide it from them either. In fact, you want them to see that youre taking charge of your life, and that they can either help you get where youre determined to go, or they can be just one more obstacle to overcome on your way there.

2plan yOur attack

Before you sit down with your parents and explain that, yes, you really do intend to study artisanal basket weaving, do your homework. Research the competing schools that offer programs in your area of interest. Compare tuition, housing costs, and travel expenses. Talk to people who have graduated from these programs. Draft a schedule outlining important dates, like application deadlines. Draw up a budget. Make it look pretty. Make it look like youve been obsessing over this for months. Its a lot of work up front, but it pays off when your parents notice how dedicated you are. Once they see how logical and organized your approach is to just selecting your desired path, theyll have less enthusiasm for shooting you down. Youre proving that youve given your choice some serious thought, and subtly asking your parents to do the same.

JOBPOSTINGS.CA | 2012

SAyING NO TO PAreNTS

17

4nO Slacking
So youve done the research, got accepted into your dream program, and even convinced your parents to help pay your bills while you hone your African nose flute skills. Nicely done! But guess what? You better jam that flute so far up your nose that you could snorkel while you backstroke. What exactly does that mean? It means you have absolutely no excuse to slack. Post-secondary life demands a degree of self-discipline that many high school students have a hard time adjusting to. The urge to skip class is difficult to resist when no ones making sure you show up. Remember that while this might be the program of your dreams, it doesnt mean you can sleep through it. Youre the one that fought hard to get where you are, so you owe it to yourself and to the people you want to prove wrong to squeeze out every last drop of education you can.

5uSe it!
So youve done the research, got accepted into your dream program, and even convinced your parents to withdraw all financial support? Parents who use this tactic think theyre just giving you some toughlove. They fail to realize that this jerk maneuver forces you into one of two options: A) Cave in to their demands and forever resent them, or B) Turn outrage into the fuel you need to make your dream happen. I find the harder I work, the more satisfaction I get out of the outcome, says Emily Balfour, a first-year Sheridan College media arts student. When Balfour dropped out of criminology at Carleton University to take the even more expensive diploma program at Sheridan, her parents withdrew their financial support and only agreed to give her a fraction of it back if she maintains an 80 percent or higher grade average. I knew this was coming and I use it as a great motivator.

6get help
Sometimes, the problem isnt with your argument. I knew I couldnt handle it, says J, a former engineering student at Western University in London, who took the program at his parents insistence. I talked to my mother, and she told me to cut the crap. She was always comparing me to her friends sons who were graduating and becoming some big shot doctor or dentist, and asking me why cant I be like them. I was so depressed I wanted to kill myself. My mom even caught me cutting myself once. J eventually dropped out and is now in a program he enjoys, but the time, money, and emotional health he gave up trying to please his parents are going to be hard to recover. Seek outside help from career counselors, teachers, or anyone you trust before a toxic relationship with your parents takes a similar toll on you. When you consider the 70,000 hours youll be investing, the decision to go after your dream job is really a decision to go after your dream life. The hard part isnt figuring out whether you should listen to your parents or listen to your gut. The hard part is digging up the courage to make that choice so that even if you dont convince your parents that youre doing the right thing, youve still convinced yourself.

2012 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

10 reaSOnS why yOung wOmen ShOuld Be intereSted in finance

If you thought a career in finance was stagnant cubicle workand the stuff of clock-punching dronesthink again. for instance, consider the world of capital markets: A fast-paced, youthful work environment driven by brains, charm, passion and yes, even adrenaline. whats even better? Its also a workplace that is welcoming to young women. So, we asked some of the experts at bMO Capital Markets, a team that offers everything from merger and acquisition advisory services to corporate lending, to explain why their jobs are so excitingand why you should consider a career in the financial markets. By Mark Teo

1. make mOney. real mOney

Have you ever seen HBOs Girls?that show about the miseries of wandering between bad relationships, even worse internships, and the nastiest jobs ever? If you want to avoid that lifestyleand dont want to borrow tons of money from your parents and are driven towards financial independence, pursuing finance can offer you an awesome, lucrative alternative. What does that mean? Whether youre into a massive book collection or a massive shoe collection, your career can fund your passions. Im very practical and pragmaticand my familys not from the corporate world. I wasnt focused on business initially, offers Jenny Li, an Associate in BMOs Loan Products group. But then, in school, I had one prof tell us, If you have student loans to pay, and you want more of a guarantee of a job when you get out of school, go into finance and accounting and youll learn practical skills.

4. yOull Satiate yOur deSire fOr infOrmatiOn 8. yOu can Be yOurSelf

If your friends are constantly wrenching you away from Twitter, Facebook and your RSS feedyknow, if youre an information junkieyoull find plenty to like working in capital markets.

The type of work you do will be different every day, because the markets are dynamic and ever-changing, says Joanne Hing, BMOs Director of Financial Products, Sales and Trading. The days go by very quickly, and you love to come in each morning to find out whats changed and whats going on out there in the global markets. You get a thirst for information on whats happening in this world. And people in this business are among the first to know about it.

Do you think that everyone in finance is a clone? Not so. Companies that employ a greater variety of people are more profitable and in finance, money talks. Diversity isnt only about gender and ethnicity, says Roslyn MacLean, BMOs Program Manager of Mentoring and Diversity. It encompasses every bit of ourselves that we bring to work each day. Lifestyle needs are becoming more integrated with the workplace, and our young employees are leading that charge.

9. learn the tOOlS tO run yOur Own BuSineSS

A few facts about our generation: According to a University of North Carolina study, 70 per cent of Millenials say were hoping to switch jobs. Most of us prioritize meaningful work over high salaries. 37 per cent of us dont trust big business. 70 per cent of us, meanwhile, consider ourselves optimistic about our future. What does this mean? As a generation, we want to control our own destinies. And the first step to realizing your potential could be working in the financial world. [When I was in school], I focused on investment management and the capital markets, says Nhat Tien Can, a graduate of York Universitys finance program. Ive always wanted to open a cafe myself, and the knowledge Ive learned is a great tool. Ive learned how to manage my own financial situation: How to invest, how to save tax, how to research the market and economy. It helps to know the timing of [when] to open a business. BMOs Emily Schmidt, a Managing Director in Financial Products agrees. The knowledge you can gain from a financial career can be rewardingeven outside your job. Financial literacy is a huge pillar, she adds. Its critical, both personally and professionally.

5. are yOu an a-type? yOull fit right in

2. yOull never Be BOred again

If youre known for your spontaneity, your chattiness and your ability to command an audience, then congrats! Youre an A-type. Outspoken and strong people do well in capital markets, because you need to make decisions very quickly, says Li. You need to be confident, and deal with a lot of money as part of transaction deals. Were competing against other banks while looking out for the interests of our clients.

Because, contrary to popular belief, jobs in finance dont entail being a desk jockey. In fact, it can be downright riveting (which is the reason that Harrison Ford stars in all those financial thriller movies). For example, on BMOs trading floor, rather than yawning in cubicles, employees experience on-the-fly decision making, thrilling twists and turns and opendoor collaboration with team members. The trading floor is a very different place to work, says Carleigh Publow, Associate with BMOs Trading Products Rotational Program. You see your work pay off right away. Its also very challengingwhich makes it very rewarding.

6. yOu're a myth-BuSter? they need yOu tOO

3. yOull Be part Of a high-perfOrming team

If youre an athlete, you get it. The things you love about team sportsthe competitive spirit, the rush of adrenaline, the camaraderie with your teammates, and the desire to work towards a common goalcan be found in the finance world. You have to work as a team, adds Publow. Youre sitting with over 300 people, and there are no walls. You work with everyone. New employees are literally elbow to elbow with seasoned professionals; learning from them every day.

There are different roles in capital markets and its a myth that everyone here has to be extroverted, counters Hing. I consider myself to be an introvert, even though Im in sales. People think that being an A-type is necessary because its such a candid environment on the trading floor people here are blunt - but I got used to it. There are so many different positions in capital markets, and its a matter of finding a position that fits your skill set. Zahra Ladhani, BMOs Vice President of Foreign Exchange, Sales and Trading, says women can bring a completely different dimension to their teams. We have different strengths, she adds. Were detail oriented and our multi-tasking skills are off the charts. We have a good group of women here, and we all hang out togetherwere a great team.

10. yOure never alOne

7. itS nOt JuSt fOr the guyS

A career in a results-driven business like capital markets, can be dauntingespecially for workers with limited experience. Some companies, however, provide plenty of support to their employees. Take the BMO Capital Markets Mentorship Program for example, which pairs up its young workers with experienced professionals, who offer support, guidance and adviceand the tools to succeed within their industry. The mentorship program is sought after, adds MacLean. And participating in it means someone will be looking out for you.

JOBPOSTINGS.CA | 2012

SPONSOreD by bMO CAPITAl MArkeTS | IMAGeS: ISTOCk.COM

Location
Study in Toronto; Canadas largest and most diverse city.

Heres why students choose the University of Guelph-Humber:

Degree + Diploma
Earn a degree and diploma in four years of full-time study.

Close-Knit Community
Our average class size is only 48 students!

Learn more!

guelphhumber.ca/futurestudents

yOu DIDNT GeT IN. NOw wHAT?

20

dOnt call it QuitS yet yOu can Still get the educatiOn yOu want
The letter arrives: you didnt make the cut. It may feel like the end of the world, but it really isnt. Speak to an academic advisor at the institution you applied to. figure out why you were denied. was it a low GPA? Maybe an incomplete or late application? Most students are too bummed to even try, but talking to an advisor can increase your chances of getting in if not for this semester, then the next one. Applicants are often rejected because there werent enough seats left. Typically, when this happens you can be added to a waitlist: if a student drops out, youre next in line. This happens more often than people think. dont rule it out.
By: Eleni Papavasiliou

nOw
gO tO cOllege firSt then tranSfer tO univerSity cOnSider SchOOlS in Other prOvinceS

yOu didnt get in...

what
Colleges are a great way to start your post-secondary education. Many boast smaller classrooms, less expensive tuition fees, and an easier commute. Plus, youll save money living at home instead of campus dorms. Many colleges act as feeders to universities, so most of their courses will transfer for credit. However, its your responsibility to verify its transferability, so check before you take any course. Taking this route also means making sure your grades are in order, so confirm the universitys entrance requirements before you apply. According to Statistics Canada, Quebec has the lowest tuition fees across the country. Following in second and third place is Newfoundland and Labrador, and Manitoba, respectively. This is a great opportunity to see what Canada has to offer, meet new people, and venture out on your own.

meeting with an adviSOr

If you want the advisor to work hard for you, come prepared. Demonstrate your interest and commitment to your education. Bring copies of your transcripts, student number, and a rsum. Most people apply to more than one institution, so if this school is your first choice, make a point out of saying so.

repeating a cOurSe
An academic advisor can develop a plan with you to increase your grade point average. Maybe you didnt do so well in Math 12, and that C- is holding you back. Most colleges and universities let you redo the course on campus. Make sure you know how your institution of choice calculates your GPA with repeated courses, as some schools will use the higher grade while others take an average of the two.

get help with yOur hOmewOrk

When repeating a course, getting a better grade after the first attempt is preferred. Having to redo a course more than once can be expensive, time consuming, and may be a sign the program is not right for you. Make the second shot worthwhile by hiring a tutor or taking advantage of the institutions free resources for extra help. Most schools have learning centres to provide assistance and chances are the extra effort you put in will pay off. To find a tutor, ask the advisor if they have a list, go to the Student Union, or scan notice boards on campus for advertisements.
JOBPOSTINGS.CA | 2012

take a year Off

A post-secondary education will be one the largest investments youll ever make, so dont take it lightly. Take time off to work, save money, and research all your possibilities. Booking an appointment with a career advisor can be beneficial too. Selecting a career which suits your personality before you commit to a program will save you time and money in the long run.

COlleGe CONSIDerATIONS

21

cOllege OfferS a different type Of educatiOn, and iS Often mOre Specialized than univerSity. But iS it right fOr yOu?
By: Andrew Williams
My class has become like a family, says Laura El Saheli, a second-year student enrolled in the human resources strategy technology program at Seneca College. We all go to the same classes. We work together. Were all friends. Thats just one of the things to consider when thinking about college the campus life and the unique relationship youd have with your peers. And for all you Lisa Simpsons thinking youre too good for college, think again. I really like my program, especially since youre working in the main stream that youre studying, says El Saheli. Theres a lot of teamwork. You have to be able to work with other people and apply your knowledge in different situations and circumstances. You can really get that at college. El Saheli explains its the practical application of concepts, knowledge, and handson learning that makes the college experience worthwhile. College programs that are popular among new students include police foundations, business, community services, and specialty arts such as design and animation, according to David Agnew, president of Seneca College. We appeal to students who want to finish their postsecondary education and basically be career ready, says Agnew. Although a university BA is fantastic to have, Agnew explains that it wont necessarily appeal to an employer, or it may be too general to prepare you for a specific kind of job. Also, you wont disappear in a sea of faces while listening to a professors sermon in a lecture hall. College offers a smooth transition from high school, as you get straight to the tutorials. You get to study in smaller classrooms where theres closer interaction with teachers and students, rather than in university where youre in a lecture hall with a thousand students and the professor doesnt really know you, says El Saheli. So I chose college especially for that reason. You get to work with the teacher and with other group members, and thats very important to any job. Expect some real-world experience to be part of your curriculum as well. But the great thing about college is that it sends you out to get your hands dirty. My field requires hands-on experience and the co-op is mandatory, says El Saheli, while with [university] programs co-op isnt mandatory, its basically theory application, which I dont find very useful at all for anybody, especially in a business stream. College also offers the perfect environment where students can discover their true potential. Well have a student who didnt do too well in high school, then just blossom when they come to college, says Agnew. Its because theyve matured or landed on a goal they didnt have before. Once they turn their mind to doing something, they take off like a rocket. We have students right now in masters programs at great universities who started out barely limping over the finish line coming from high school. For high school students deciding on where to go, let alone what to do after they graduate, theres always the option of college after university, university after college, or even both at the same time. Seneca, for one, offers joint programs with York University. El Saheli says high school students should look closely at their interests, and which fields they wish to pursue. Agnew agrees. Part of the whole advisement process is really going back to the students and asking Whats your passion? he says. The most important thing is choosing something that you love and picking the right path towards it. For people who are 16, 17, theres no shame in changing your mind, for heavens sake. The last thing you want is to feel like youre trapped on a particular path and you cant move. But thats the whole point today, is that you can move.

yOu get tO Study in Smaller claSSrOOmS where there iS clOSer interactiOn with teacherS and StudentS

in 2009-2012

701,622
canadianS
were eNrOlleD IN A COlleGe

*each cupcake represents 100,000 students | According to Statistics Canada

IMAGeS: ISTOCk.COM

2012 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

Find out more about your school at

au tomotive b u sine sssch o o l .c a

ARE YOU DRIVEN?

Dont just make cars your passion. Make them your career.
JOBPOSTINGS.CA | 2012

FOR THE DRIVEN.

POWERED BY

GAP yeArS

fall into

23

why taking a year Off Of SchOOl

After completing four intense years of high school with flying colours, Alexa Garrison assumed that continuing her education, as an environmental science undergrad, would be the obvious next step in her life. There was never any question of whether or not Id go, she says of starting university. I never even considered taking time off after I graduated. That is until she found herself locked in her dorm room, buried under a pile of overdue assignments for a crop of classes she wasnt even interested in. Basically I woke up during midterms and realized I didnt even know why I was there. It was incredibly lame.

iS gaining pOpularity in nOrth america

By: Emily Minthorn
2012 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

GAP yeArS

24

i wOuldnt heSitate tO recOmmend that a Student take a gap year, eSpecially if thereS uncertainty aBOut what they want tO Study.

JOBPOSTINGS.CA | 2012

2012 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

GAP yeArS

25

lexas story is a familiar one to guidance offices across Canada. Here, as in the United States, most students go straight from high school to their first year of post-secondary. But in much of Europe its normal for students to take a hiatus from school, called a gap year. Now the idea is gaining popularity here at home, and research is showing that a breather between school is good for you in more ways than one. I wouldnt hesitate to recommend that a student take a gap year, especially if theres uncertainty about what they want to study, says Paul Bowman, manager of career and education, and a career counsellor at Queens University. We certainly see plenty of students who are motivated and have a clear direction who havent taken a gap year, but we also see a lot of students who arent really sure why theyre here. Theyre basically just putting in time. Alexa isnt an environmental science student anymore. After those brutal midterms, she dropped out of her program, joining the one third of Canadian students who leave school after their first year. It sucks to be part of that drop-out statistic, but it would suck worse to waste more money on a second year of a program I wasnt into. Alexas now getting ready to travel to northern Ontario on a threemonth, tree planting stint this

summer. I just need some time off to figure out what I actually want to do. Alexa plans to use the money she earns tree planting to go do some humanitarian work overseas. A gap year is exactly what many students need to find clarity, agrees Bowman. Most people who take a gap year do return to school. Its a fear from parents, but as from all the data Ive seen, its not a credible fear. All the evidence suggests that people will come back to school. Keep in mind that a gap year is very different from the victory lap thats become common since the elimination of grade 13 from Ontario high schools. Staying in your same high school and being around the same people is not likely going to lead to the sort of growth and change that a year in a different environment, around different people, doing different things is likely to give you, says Bowman. So what exactly should you do with your gap year? Travel is cool, but its expensive, so a year working abroad makes financial sense and there are tons of resources, online and off, to help gappers find a position working or volunteering overseas. Then again, you could get a job or internship close to home and test-drive a career youre really interested in risk-free. The positions you can land right out of

high school might not pay that well or at all but if youre still living with your folks, they wont have to. In any scenario, a gap year is only worth taking if you spend it doing something productive: gaining work experience and self-knowledge, for example, rather than gaining levels on your night-elf warlock. If you do take a gap year, make some plans, says Bowman. Get out the door, meet people, get involved, try new things, learn, network. Get out of your comfort zone. Even if youve already been accepted to a post-secondary program, universities are willing to work around your gap year. Some even have bridging programs that involve a year abroad before resuming school. Successful students who request a deferral for a gap year always present the registrars office with a game plan, says Bowman. Universities support students doing that, because they know that students are likely to have a better academic outcome. Theres growing evidence that a gap year does correlate with increased motivation for students. With that increased motivation comes greater focus and, Bowman believes, a more fulfilling career. Which is kind of the point of this whole thing anyway, right?

milliOnS Of PeOPle lIke THIS

GAP yeArS Are CATCHING ON. THereS AN eNTIre NICHe Of GuIDebOOkS fOr GAP yeArS frOM fINANCIAl ADvICe fOr STuDeNTS TO GuIDebOOkS fOr PAreNTS. lONely PlANeT eveN HAS A GAP yeAr TrAvel GuIDe.

IMAGeS: ISTOCk.COM

2012 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

Sculpting tOmOrrOw'S leaderS

We'll be honest: most summer jobs suck. Whether you're bussing tables at a restaurant or folding clothes at the mall, you're in it for one reason getting that cold, hard cash. I mean, when you're mopping floors at 1 a.m. at your local fast-food chain, waiting to punch out, are you ever thinking, "What kind of skills am I learning here?" Heck no. But summer jobs don't need to suck. Getting involved with College Pro, for example, will get you the money you needto pay off bills, school, or just have funwhile developing skills that'll last a lifetime. Like what, you ask? Leadership skills. Communications skills. And the tools you'll need to run your own business. To add, it's been around since the Bee Gees were the biggest band in the worldin other words, since 1971. They paint over 25,000 houses yearly, and have franchises all across North America. But painting isn't the point: They develop leaders and entrepreneurs, who apply the lessons learned with College Pro to all aspects of their careers. It isn't only about getting your hands dirty, eitherit teaches real-world skills that its former franchisees and painters carry for a lifetime. It's the skills they don't teach in school. If it sounds rad, it's because it is. Don't believe us, though. We asked Lesley-Anne Strachan, a College Pro franchise manager based in Aurora, Ont., to give us the dirt on spending your summer with College Pro. Read on. G2G magazine: you started out as a painter. Can you tell us more about the role? Lesley-Anne Strachan: For sure. I started working as a painter four years ago, and I enjoyed the experience so much, I decided to come back and work as a franchise manager. As a painter, you're doing residential workyou're painting houses and you're responsible for your job site. You ensure that things run smoothly and on time. so, what's it actually like being a painter for the summer? Well, we usually start work at 8:30 a.m. We get to a job site, determine what needs to be done, assemble supplies, and get to work. The starting pay for painters is minimum wage$10.50 an hour, for usbut the best part about working here is the piecework pay system. We charge our customers per project, so if you're really good, you can get a 30-hour job done in 25 hours and get paid the same amount. I like to work hard, and it rewards you if you're highly motivated and have a great work ethic. So, hard workers are who we look for. Doing exterior work can also be a laborious jobyou're working outdoors, and in the heatso people who are athletic usually do well. Some personalities don't fit in as welllike, you can't be lazy. [Laughs.] The best part about being a painter is in the [workplace] attitude. Most of the time, youre

COlleGe PrO TeACHeS SkIllS THAT lAST A lIfeTIMe

working with students and for students. .Everyone wants to work hard, and everyone does, but it's a really fun environment. you mentioned that College Pro teaches realworld skills. Can you explain those to us? I definitely learned punctuality, and I hardened my work ethic. And as the summer goes on, you get more leadership experienceas you get more responsibility, you become in charge of whole job sites. Eventually, you're doing managerial work, where you become in charge of other painters, the quality of the work being done, and you're talking directly to the customer about their needs. Where can you go with your College Pro experiencebeyond being a painter or a franchise manager? The skills you learn apply to so many different areasworking hard and becoming a leader is good for whichever job you choose. As a franchise manager, you gain knowledge of running your own business, and College Pro is a real business. All the money you earn runs through your bank account, but you pay expenses, buy supplies, and deal with payroll. What's left over is profit. As a painter, you also learn sales and marketing skills, too. You cold-call when you're looking for work, so you learn strategies to make yourself more effective, you target certain areas, certain clientele, and actively learn about the market. Those skills go far.

JOBPOSTINGS.CA | 2012

SPONSOreD by COlleGe PrO PAINTerS

Youve got potential. Weve got jobs.

Its time to unplug, get outside and do something. With College Pro, youll get to spend a physically active summer working outside with your peers. Yes, its work. And its also fun.

1-877-277-9787 collegepro.com
Find out now about jobs available in your area!

SIx SuPer SAvING TIPS

28

Breaking dOwn yOur Budget

By: Kevin Nelson

when I left for university, I had no idea what things cost. with a student loan in my hands, I bought whatever I laid eyes on: fast food, beer and music. I accumulated a gargantuan amount of debt that Im only now able to pay off. Debt is the last thing you want after post-secondary. Together with laurie Campbell, executive director of Credit Canada, a not-for-profit charity thats helped people deal with debt for over 40 years, weve compiled tips to get you the most bang for your buck during your first year away. Hopefully these nuggets of knowledge will give you a little insight into making that first year on your own a little easier on the wallet.

yOur GuIDe TO uNIverSITy lIfe THAT wONT breAk THe bANk

take StOck
Figure out where your money will go. Some students get student loans, but heres the scary part: they get it in chunks in September and January. Theyve got to learn to spread that out, says Campbell. When a student sets their budget, they have to figure out their fixed costs: rent, tuition, books, food and transport.

get a JOB!
If while working a couple shifts a week on top of going to school might not sound so appealing, there could be benefits. It really sets you up for what life can be like, says Campbell. If you learn to balance your life in that way, thats a great skill!

keep em Separated
If your money arrives in lumps, keep your expense funds separate from your fun funds. This makes it easier to monitor

03 02 01 06 05 04
your expenses.

campuS living: On Or Off?

Buy the BOOk?

nO charge

Avoid the credit card trap. Itll help in the long run. If youre tempted to get one, stick to one card with a limit of no more than $1000. Another option might be a pre-loaded credit card for emergencies. At least then youll know when the partys over.

There are pros and cons to each. Its going to be cheaper living off-campus if you can live with roommates and youre careful with your money, says Campbell. However, theres a bit of a safety factor to living on campus: tuition fees and meal plans are usually paid in advance and you dont have any transportation issues.

In my second year I bought a $200 history text for an elective that I couldnt sell back because they werent teaching it the following year. This taught me a lesson: only buy the books you need. I saved $500 one year because I used the books reserved in the library. Of course, this isnt ideal for everyone, so scour the school bulletin boards for used books or even try online.

58%
JOBPOSTINGS.CA | 2012

StreSSed aBOut yOur fundS? yOure nOt alOne. in a td canada truSt Survey, 58% Of StudentS Said they were wOrried aBOut mOney.

LOOKING FOR A PARTTIME JOB THAT DOESNT

Visit Jobpostings.ca where you can find the latest internships and part-time jobs from Canadas top employers. Dont limit yourself to working at the corner store. Challenge yourself. Push past your limits. Find a career path youll love ... and doesnt suck.

SUCK?

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A leader in education and training, Niagara College (NC) offers more than 100 post-secondary programs, including diploma, graduate certificate, skills and apprenticeship training, and bachelor degree programs. NC was ranked the number one college in Ontario for student satisfaction in 2012 its seventh time achieving the top spot in eight years. Students learn in new, state-of-the-art facilities recently enhanced by a $90-million redevelopment project at its welland and Niagara-on-the-lake campuses. Set on 100 acres of green space, the colleges welland Campus is home to NCs technology, skilled trades, automotive, media, applied health, community studies, policing and public safety programs. Its facilities include a new $40-million Applied Health Institute, Athletic Centre, rankin Technology Centre and more. The NOTl Campus, on the base of the Niagara escarpment, is a living lab for environmental, horticulture, food and wine, hospitality and tourism, and business programs. Here, the Canadian food and wine Institute houses Canadas first Teaching winery and Teaching brewery as well as the colleges renowned culinary programs.

niagara cOllege
NCs graduate certificate programs equip students with cutting-edge skills essential for success in a competitive job market. These intensive one-year programs allow students to fast-track toward their careers. Through the internships and work placements that many programs offer, students enhance classroom learning with valuable real-world experience before graduation. and communication, and participate in ecological restoration projects.

human reSOurceS management

Gain work experience while learning from professionals. Graduates are hired as recruitment coordinators, human resources generalists, labour relations officers, occupational health and safety coordinators, pension and benefit administrators, staff recruiters, training and development coordinators, benefits coordinators, and compensation specialists.

envirOnmental management and aSSeSSment

This is the first program of its kind in the country and is nationally accredited by ECO Canada. Students learn in an ecological living lab and are equipped with skills valued by businesses, industries, government, consultants and environmental associations.

advanced laSerS
The only program of its kind in Ontario, students develop skills that are highly sought after in the photonics industry. Grads gain employment in fields including biotech and medical research, entertainment, fiber optics, holograph technology, homeland security, imaging, laser technology, optical coatings and hardware design, and aerospace technology.

event management
This internationally-recognized award-winning program teaches students how to plan, promote and run special events for the public, corporate and non-profit sectors. Students complete 250 placement hours.

internatiOnal BuSineSS management

Whether students hope to work for a company engaged in international commerce, the global marketplace or the public sector, this program equips them with the skills and training they need, including applied learning through internships.

puBlic relatiOnS
This program goes above and beyond provincial standards in preparing students for PR jobs in government, agency, corporate and voluntary sectors. It includes a social media component and field placement.

advanced law enfOrcement and inveStigatiOnS

In preparation for careers in policing, investigation and law enforcement, students gain investigative skills and hands-on experience in simulated crime scene labs, and through applied research projects based in community policing.

exerciSe Science fOr health and perfOrmance

Students learn to assess, counsel and prescribe programs for high-performance athletes, and people with chronic conditions. Students gain experience through three field placements.

wine BuSineSS management

Students gain expertise in the business, retail, marketing, and export aspects of the wine industry while studying on a campus with its own vineyards and Teaching Winery.

autiSm and BehaviOural ScienceS

Students are trained to work with individuals who have Autistic Spectrum Disorders, as behavioural technicians or as part of a treatment team. They have access to the latest diagnostic equipment and software, and complete work placements.

geOgraphic infOrmatiOn SyStemS geOSpatial management

Training students to work with leading-edge technology, this three-semester program offers skills in geospatial modeling, geodatabases and internet GIS. Students participate in a year-long project designing and implementing a GIS project.

ecOSyStem reStOratiOn
Students are trained for careers in ecological restoration, environmental management, habitat biology, natural heritage specialization, watershed stewardship, and management of species at risk. They learn field techniques, project management

cOntact
telephOne: 905-735-2211, ext. 7784 email: recruitment@niagaracOllege.ca niagaracOllege.ca

hOSpitality and tOuriSm management

Students gain managerial, communication and leadership skills essential to the hospitality and tourism industries on a campus located in the heart of it all.

JOBPOSTINGS.CA

SPONSOreD by NIAGArA COlleGe CANADA

LOOKING FOR A COMPETITIVE EDGE?

Niagara Colleges one year graduate certificate programs will set you apart from the rest. Practical experience provided by these programs will give you specialized skills, build your portfolio and help you to make all-important contacts in your field. At Niagara College, its all about Student Success your success.

Graduate Programs
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Advanced Care Paramedic Advanced Lasers Advanced Law Enforcement and Investigations Autism and Behavioural Science Ecosystem Restoration Environmental Management and Assessment Event Management

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Exercise Science for Health and Performance Geographic Information Systems Geospatial Management Hospitality and Tourism Management Human Resources Management International Business Management Public Relations Wine Business Management

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NiagaraCollege.ca/graduate
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GOverNMeNT lOANS vS bANk lOANS

32

paper chaSe
gOvernment lOanS, Bank lOanS, and hOw tO pay fOr yOur degree
beING HANDeD A CHuNk Of MONey MAy SeeM GreAT AT fIrST, buT befOre yOu SIGN ON THe DOTTeD lINe, DO yOur HOMewOrk. GOverNMeNT lOANS vAry SIGNIfICANTly frOM bANk lOANS. CONfuSING THe TwO CAN HAve SerIOuS CONSequeNCeS. By: Eleni Papavasiliou
hOw tO apply
Speak to a financial aid officer at your college or university first. They can guide you through the process and answer any questions about filling out the complicated forms. Since government loans are based on demonstrated financial need, some of your expenses might not be covered. When calculating your loan, other sources of financing are factored in, including personal savings or money from a Registered Education Savings Plan. The purpose of a student loan is to supply only what you truly need, so dont count on extra money for beer. In general, money you borrow from the government comes from two different sources: the federal government and the provincial government. The federal component is administered by the National Student Loans Service Centre, and lends up to 60 percent of required financing. The remaining 40 percent comes from your provincial government. To apply for a bank loan, speak to a financial representative at your bank, as all banks have their own policies. Financial aid officers at your school cannot help you.

the

whatS a guarantOr and why dO i need One?

Full-time students however, are given a break with government loans. To qualify for both federal and provincial loans, proof of enrollment in a full-time program is enough. British Columbia is the only exception: a guarantor has to sign if you are under the age of 19. By signing, the guarantor agrees to repay the loan if you cant. Its likely a guarantor will be needed for a bank loan since most new students dont have enough credit history to qualify for a bank loan on their own. On the other hand, bank loans are approved based on a combination of three factors: your personal credit history, the credit history of the guarantor, and the type of program youre enrolled in. Students enrolled in medical school or certain masters degree programs are considered a lower risk from a lenders perspective, because they are more likely to find work upon graduation and pay back their loans on time. As a result, loans from banks are more accessible to them.

what iS intereSt?
Loans arent free. When lenders issue a loan, they charge an interest rate. Interest is a percentage of the original loan amount (also known as the principal, in financial lingo), and is applied over the course of the repayment period. With government loans, full-time students are given an interest-free grace period for six months after leaving school. Most bank loans on the other hand, require you to start making interest payments as soon as you draw money, whether youre still in school or not.

what if i dOnt find a JOB?

The government is more flexible if you run into trouble after completing your studies. They offer repayment assistance, meaning theyll make payments on your behalf. Banks are stricter and may not be able to offer other arrangements. Remember that late or missing payments will affect your credit history negatively. A blemish on your record will create barriers for getting credit when you want to buy a house or car in the future. Dont forget that once a loan is signed for, the responsibility of paying it off rests on your shoulders.

JOBPOSTINGS.CA | 2012

IMAGeS: ISTOCk.COM

10 DEGREES * OF CHOICE
DECIDE ON YOUR SPECIALTY AFTER TWO COMMON YEARS OF BUSINESS STUDIES.

* 4 -YEAR BACHELOR OF COMMERCE PROGRAMS INCLUDING TOURISM MANAGEMENT NEW

View your choices at business.humber.ca/degrees