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Author: Susan Huebert

  • Career Profile: Crossing Guard

    When children are young, they need help with crossing the street, but sometimes even adults need help. Crossing guards work in all kinds of places to help people get where they need to go. If you like to help people, this might be the right job for you.

    Driving can be complicated, and sometimes people need help. At schools, crossing guards work before and after school to help students get safely from one side of the road to another. They watch for traffic and wait for a safe time to let the students cross. At construction sites, crossing guards direct traffic and pedestrians towards places where they can safely go without causing problems for the workers. Wherever they work, crossing guards do more than just point people in the right direction. They watch to make sure that drivers are following traffic rules and report unsafe actions or other problems.

    Becoming a crossing guard might seem simple, but sometimes special skills are necessary. If a student becomes ill or hurt at a crossing, for example, a crossing guard might need to call for help and then use First Aid on the person until the ambulance arrives. People in this job need to be healthy enough to stand for long periods of time and be able to hold signs. They should have good vision (with or without glasses), good hearing, and they should not be colourblind, because they need to be able to react quickly to traffic signals.

    Besides these requirements, a high school diploma is normally all the education that is necessary for becoming a crossing guard. Most employers also provide some training for the job, often just a few weeks long. Salaries for people in this field start at $18,000 and can rise to $36,000, but pay can vary from one part of the country to the other.

    Work in this field is not very difficult, but it can be tiring. Some people might find that they have to give up the job as they get older, or at least move to an easier location . Because the work is outdoors, crossing guards need to be prepared for all kinds of weather. Sometimes, they might have to stand in the rain or wind, extreme heat or cold. If you want to become a crossing guard, you will need to prepare to feel uncomfortable at many times of the year, but the job can also be very pleasant at some times of the year.

    Being friendly and patient is an important part of being a crossing guard. No matter how difficult other people are or what the weather is like, crossing guards need to be able to deal with others politely and efficiently. Sometimes, crossing guards can even become friends with the people they help, and that can make the job special.

    Even if they feel sick or tired, crossing guards need to keep their minds on the job. Not noticing just one car could result in an accident for someone on the route. Do you think that you can manage all of that? Why not consider becoming a crossing guard?

    Bibliography:

    Career Planner.com. “Crossing Guards.” https://job-descriptions.careerplanner.com/Crossing-Guards.cfm.

    My Plan.com. “Crossing Guards.” https://www.myplan.com/careers/crossing-guards/description-33-9091.00.html.

    Neuvoo.ca. “Crossing Guard Salary.” https://neuvoo.ca/salary/crossing-guard/.

  • Career Profile: Roofer

    Career Profile: Roofer

    Imagine what it would be like to live in a place with no roof. Rain and snow would come in, and it would be impossible to keep the house warm in winter or cool in summer. Roofers are some of the people who help to keep buildings safe and warm in all kinds of weather.

    Building a house is a complicated process that involves many people.  Usually, the basement and walls go in first, and then the ceiling and roof go last. Roofers have to wait until almost everything else is done on a building before they can do their work, which can make it difficult to plan a schedule. A few days of bad weather can delay a construction project, and roofers might have to work very quickly to get a project finished.

    In many parts of Canada, construction is basically a summer activity, when it is warm enough to be outside for long periods of time and the concrete and other materials will not freeze. Depending on where they live, roofers might do most of their work between about April and October, although the season varies from one area to another. However, they can still find some work even in the middle of winter if they are able to do repairs to buildings that have been damaged by storms, frost, or other issues.

    Requirements for roofers depend on the part of Canada where they live. Generally, a high school education and on-the-job training are necessary, and some people also choose to do apprenticeships. Certification is required in Quebec and British Columbia but optional in other parts of the country. Shinglers require at least a year of training on the job, and individual employers might want their workers to take other courses and training before they start to work.

    Many trades, including roofing, are part of the Interprovincial Red Seal Program. This program helps maintain standards across Canada to make sure that buildings are well built and safe for people to be in. Salaries for roofers vary in different parts of the country, but wages are generally between about $15 and $34 per hour, or $33,000 to $75,000 per year.

    Roofing can be dangerous work, because people can easily fall off roofs or injure themselves or others with heavy equipment. Being physically fit and strong with good balance are essential in this job, and people are likely to move into different fields once they begin to feel the effects of age. However, even older workers can continue to be roofers if they are still able to keep up with the work.

    Roofers can choose to work for companies or find clients on their own, Generally, the work is only during the day, but it sometimes involves long hours in July or August when the sun rises early and sets late. If buildings develop sudden leaks, roofers might have to respond quickly, but generally, they can work at their own pace to finish the task.

    Being a roofer is not always an easy job, but it can be rewarding. If it appeals to you, why not think about choosing this trade?

    Bibliography:

    Ontario College of Trades. “Construction Sector: Roofer.” http://www.collegeoftrades.ca/wp-content/uploads/Roofer.pdf

    Payscale.com. “Roofer.” https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Roofer/Hourly_Rate

    Student Scholarships/org. “What education do you need to become a Roofers and Shinglers?” https://studentscholarships.org/careers_salary/27/education/roofers_and_shinglers.php#sthash.4ul89rDj.dpbs.

    Truity.com. “Roofer.” https://www.truity.com/career-profile/roofer.

  • Career Profile: Snubber

    Everyone needs help at times. Drilling for oil and gas is a complicated task, and people in this field can use all kinds of help. For getting pipes into or out of the ground, a snubber is the person they need.

    You might think that a snubber is someone who says rude things to other people, but actually this job is all about making it possible to get oil or gas out of the ground. Basically, snubbers put pipes, tubing, or other equipment into oil or gas wells or take it out.  This allows other people to do their work of pumping the fuel out of the ground. Often, snubbers come when an oil or gas well is under pressure and they need to decrease the danger of an explosion.

    Because snubbers work when there are already problems, their job can be dangerous. They use a large machine that looks like a pole with a platform on top to drill down into the well. Often, snubbers need to remove pebbles or anything else that has fallen into the well. They might have to work for a long time at one place or move from one oil well to another in a very short time. The work can be hard, but with the right equipment, it does not have to take a lot of strength.

    Snubbers can work at different levels, and their pay rises with the amount of responsibility they have. Starting wages are about $29 per hour for beginners, but pay for supervisors starts at $56 per hour. Salaries can rise with experience, but many people leave the job as they get older. If you want to become a snubber, you will need a high school diploma and a driver’s license, but the rest of your training comes from your employer.

    Even with no official training programs to become a snubber, you can prepare for the work in many different ways. Taking courses in mathematics can help you to calculate the amount of pipe or other materials that you will need to help everything to run smoothly. Also, getting practice in working with your hands could be helpful. Being able to repair broken machines is important, since you will need to make sure that you can take care of the machines you use.

    Most snubbing jobs are in areas like Alberta, where the oil and gas usually come from. The number of jobs also depends on how well the economy is doing and what kinds of fuel people are using to heat their homes and run their cars. Snubber jobs are likely to be fairly easy to find when the economy is doing fairly well but harder when demand for fuel decreases. For some people, moving to a different province might not be an option, but it could be possible to fly in to the area for a few months and then to return home, like many people in the oil and gas business.

    If you like to solve problems and you don’t mind danger, the job of snubber might be right for you.

    Bibliography:

    Careers in Oil and Gas. “Snubbing Operator: About This Career.”  https://www.careersinoilandgas.com/careers/snubbing-operator

    Government of Alberta. ALIS. “Snubbing Services Operators and Supervisors.”. https://alis.alberta.ca/occinfo/occupations-in-alberta/occupation-profiles/snubbing-services-operators-and-supervisors/.

    Guera, Tony. “The Average Salary of a Snubbing Driller.” http://work.chron.com/average-salary-snubbing-driller-30235.html.

    Huffingtonpost.com. “Oil Patch Jobs: How Much Do They Pay?” https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2014/11/02/alberta-oil-jobs_n_6090190.html#gallery/563501/25.

    Rigzone. “History of Snubbing Units.” https://www.rigzone.com/training/insight.asp?insight_id=348&c_id=.

    Schlumberger.com. “Oilfield Glossary: Snubbing.” http://www.glossary.oilfield.slb.com/Terms/s/snubbing.aspx

    Wkiipedia.org. “Snubbing.” https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snubbing.

  • Financial Aid Available for Post-Secondary Students with Disabilities in Saskatchewan

    Financial Aid Available for Post-Secondary Students with Disabilities in Saskatchewan

    Specific financial assistance for post-secondary students with disabilities is available across Canada. Because not every province and territory offer the same grants and loans, each will be featured in their own article in this series. In this article, I describe what financial assistance opportunities are available to Saskatchewan students. Note that the provincial financial aid office is called Saskatchewan Student Loans.

    Saskatchewan is among the nine provinces—and one territory—where post-secondary students with disabilities are eligible to apply for two federal grants (in addition to what is available provincially). These grants are called the Canada Student Grant for Students with Permanent Disabilities and the Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment for Students with Permanent Disabilities. Together, the two grants offer a maximum total of $10,000 and can cover costs such as tuition, textbooks, and accommodations. If you’re a Saskatchewan students, know that financial aid is available on both the federal and provincial levels.

    1. Canada-Saskatchewan Grant for Services and Equipment for Students with Permanent Disabilities

    Despite having a name almost identical to that of the federal grant, the Canada-Saskatchewan Grant for Services and Equipment for Students with Permanent Disabilities is in fact the provincial grant for post-secondary students with disabilities. One immediate difference is amount of funding available: the provincial grant offers a maximum of $10,000 per school year whereas the annual maximum coverage for the federal grant is $8,000.

    The eligibility requirements for the federal and provincial grants are similar. To be eligible for the Canada-Saskatchewan Grant for Services and Equipment for Students with Permanent Disabilities, the student must have a permanent disability; must qualify for either a full-time or part-time student loan; must be enrolled in either full-time or part-time post-secondary studies; must provide proof of disability; and must provide documentation of what services and equipment are required.

    The provincial grant aims to provide an equitable learning environment by helping students with disabilities purchase education-related services and equipment. Examples include tutors, note takers, interpreters, readers, and assistive technology—but did you know that this grant will also cover costs associated with specialized transportation to and from school? Are you wondering if a specialized service or equipment you require will be covered? If so, a document called the Standard Costs and Frequency of Entitlement for Approved Services (link: http://publications.gov.sk.ca/documents/139/101538-Standard%20Costs%20and%20Frequency%20of%20Entitlement.pdf) is the comprehensive list of services and equipment eligible for coverage by the Canada-Saskatchewan Grant for Services and Equipment for Students with Permanent Disabilities.

    In addition, the Standard Costs and Frequency of Entitlement for Approved Services also details how much and how frequently the grant will cover each service or piece of equipment. For example, the provincial grant will cover $1,500 for a complete computer system (hardware, peripherals, and software) once every four loan years. Tablets are also something that can be covered (it’s on the list!)—but overall, only one computer package (desktop, laptop, or tablet) will be approved.

    Now that you know about the Canada-Saskatchewan Grant for Services and Equipment for Students with Permanent Disabilities, let’s talk about applying for it. First, you are strongly advised to start well before your classes start—at least two months before. Second, you require a document from your school confirming that you are enrolled; another document outlining what your needed services and equipment are; and yet another document documenting your disability. All of this information will be required in order to complete the application form (link for 2017-2018 school year: http://publications.gov.sk.ca/documents/139/101540-Grant%20for%20Services%20and%20Equipment%20for%20Students%20with%20Permanent%20Disabilitie%202017-18.pdf). The completed application must be submitted to Student Services Centre, Disability Unit (address is 1120 – 2010 12th Avenue Regina, Saskatchewan  S4P 0M3).

    If you still have questions, the Saskatchewan government put together a helpful video on applying for the Canada-Saskatchewan Grant for Services and Equipment for Students with Permanent Disabilities. Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZrBdQF31I0.

    Because post-secondary students in Saskatchewan are eligible to access federal funding specifically intended for students with disabilities, you should read this article in addition to the one covering the financial assistance available from the federal government.

    References:

    1. https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/education/provincial-offices.html#saskatchewan
    2. https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/education/grants/disabilities.html
    3. https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/education/grants/disabilities-service-equipment.html
    4. http://www.saskatchewan.ca/studentloans#utm_campaign=q2_2015&utm_medium=short&utm_source=%2Fstudentloans
    5. http://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/education-and-learning/student-loans/printable-applications#students-with-permanent-disabilities
    6. http://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/education-and-learning/scholarships-bursaries-grants/grants-and-bursaries/canada-saskatchewan-grant-for-services-and-equipment-for-students-with-permanent-disabilities
    7. http://publications.gov.sk.ca/documents/139/101538-Standard%20Costs%20and%20Frequency%20of%20Entitlement.pdf
  • Financial Aid Available for Post-Secondary Students with Disabilities in Alberta

    Financial Aid Available for Post-Secondary Students with Disabilities in Alberta

    In this series of articles, I go across Canada, researching what financial assistance is available for post-secondary students with disabilities. Every province and territory will be covered. This article will cover the funding available to students with disabilities in Alberta, where the post-secondary financial aid office is called Alberta Student Aid.

    As you read the article specific to your province or territory, remember that federal financial aid is also available via the Canada Student Grant for Students with Permanent Disabilities and the Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment for Students with Permanent Disabilities. A noteworthy limitation is that students in the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Quebec are not eligible to receive these two grants. These three provincial and territory governments have their own distinct financial aid system.

    1. Alberta Grant for Students with Disabilities

    Since Alberta is a province where students with disabilities are eligible to receive the two federal grants mentioned above, the Alberta Grant for Students with Disabilities provides financial coverage to students who may not be eligible to receive those grants or have expenses that are not covered by those grants. For example, the Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment for Students with Permanent Disabilities will not cover costs associated with transportation (parking and fuel)—whereas the Alberta Grant will, provided the student submits clear documentation that they could not have used public transportation.

    The Alberta Grant for Students with Disabilities is capped at $3,000 per loan year. Eligibility requirements include documentation of a permanent disability, enrollment in a full-time program, having a calculated financial need of at least $1, and submission of a completed Schedule 4 form. Let me elaborate on two of these requirements.

    First, Alberta Student Aid defines full-time studies as enrollment in at least 60% of a full-time course load. For students with disabilities, they may be considered to be full-time students while enrolled in a reduced course load (in other words, in less than 60% of a full-time course load). Alberta Student Aid does not have a reduced cutoff for students with disabilities to have to be considered full-time students for funding purposes. Instead, the organization advises students to contact their disability advisor to determine that. In other words, if your school considers you a full-time student while enrolled in three courses per semester, then you are a full-time student in the eyes of Alberta Student Aid. Your full-time or part-time status depends on your school’s specific criteria.

    Second, let me take a moment to go over what a Schedule 4 form is. This form gives you information on what kinds of medical documentation are required as proof of disability. For example, if you have a speech-related disability, the only acceptable medical documentation is a speech language pathologist report. In addition, this form is where you will be detail what kinds of services and equipment you may require. This is why Alberta Student Aid advises—before completing the form—that you speak to a disability advisor at your school; they are the best resource to find out what services and equipment the school already has in place for students with disabilities. Therefore, these do not need to be applied for in the Schedule 4 form.

    Another reason to speak to a disability advisor is that the Schedule 4 form has a section to indicate a reduced course load. If you will be enrolled in 40 to 59% of a full course load and want to be considered a full-time student for funding purposes, a disability advisor or registrar can complete this section to indicate you are approved for a reduced course load.

    In short, it looks like Alberta has only one province-specific financial aid opportunity for students with disabilities. It is important to note that two federal grants are also available to Albertan students. The Alberta Grant for Students with Disabilities is open to full-time students, but before you get discouraged, speak with your disability advisor and see if you can wrangle a reduced course load while still getting full-time student status.

    References:

    1. https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/education/grants/disabilities.html
    2. https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/education/grants/disabilities-service-equipment.html
    3. https://studentaid.alberta.ca/before-you-apply/types-of-funding/alberta-grants.aspx
    4. https://studentaid.alberta.ca/before-you-apply/eligibility/
    5. https://studentaid.alberta.ca/applying-for-funding/students-with-permanent-disabilities.aspx
  • A Closer Look at a Career as a Courier and Messenger

    A Closer Look at a Career as a Courier and Messenger

    According to 2015 data based on industry average compiled by Statistics Canada, the delivery service providers industry receive an average annual revenue of $146,000 with profitability rate of 93.5 per cent. This comprises of establishments mainly engaged with providing courier delivery services via air, land, or a combination of both, encompassing activities such as parcel deliveries and post office courier operations.

    Even with text messaging or emails overtaking snail mail as people’s preferred mode of communication, the need to deliver documents in person still remain especially if it deals with contracts or official documents. In addition, the age of digital revolution paved the way for e-commerce, with most companies now offering product delivery services via online shopping. With Canada having a good chance to land a deal with Amazon to be its second headquarters (first in Canada), the demand for couriers and messengers is likely to grow even more. You can read on for more information if a career as a courier or messenger is something you have in mind.

    Couriers and Messengers – What You Need to Know

    Couriers and messengers are responsible for delivering packages or documents from one location to another, and they always must ensure they are delivering to the intended recipient. Some delivery service providers require a signature from the person who receives the item, especially if it deals with a pertinent matter such as a signed business contract.

    As the nature of their job requires them to make sure deliveries are made accurately and on time, couriers or messengers have to have expert knowledge of road rules and regulations, highways, and traffic patterns. It also goes without saying that they should not only have a driver’s license but a clean driving record as well. While most can now rely on GPS technology to pinpoint particular locations, it is still a boost for messengers and couriers to have extensive knowledge of routes and time estimations so they can still manage to accomplish their tasks even when their GPS fail them.

    In heavily populated areas where parking is limited, some companies rely on bicycle couriers instead. To be able to be an effective bicycle courier, one has to be in good physical health and have knowledge in bike maintenance.

    Salary

    According to PayScale.com, couriers and messengers can earn an average of $25,094 to $57,993 a year with potential for overtime. In some cases, the compensation is based on the employee’s work efficiency.

    Skills

    A big plus to be successful as a courier or messenger is to have exceptional time management and organizational skills. As they are out on the road most of their working hours, couriers and messengers must also be in ideal physical health to be able to withstand challenges that come with the job such as dangerous road conditions or extreme heat or cold.

    While there is no degree required for couriers and messengers, it pays to have customer service knowledge so they can deal with customers well and handle issues or conflicts whenever it arises.

    Pros and Cons

    A career as a messenger or courier can prove to be the ideal profession for those who are not too keen on being stuck at the office cubicle for 7 or 8 working hours. While they are expected to make their deliveries properly and on time, they have the freedom of using their own judgment and analytical skills without a supervisor watching their every move.

    The disadvantage of this profession is naturally the physical challenges especially when weather conditions prove to be unpredictable or unstable. In some cases, they also have to deal with customers who might have complaints of how their packages arrive.

    SOURCES:

    https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Courier_%2F_Messenger/Hourly_Rate

    https://www.ic.gc.ca/app/scr/app/cis/summary-sommaire/4921

    https://www.ibisworld.ca/industry-trends/market-research-reports/transportation-warehousing/couriers-local-delivery-services.html

  • Surefire Tips for Detoxing Yourself of Netflix

    Surefire Tips for Detoxing Yourself of Netflix

    We have all been there one time or another. One fine day you are fully aware that you have chores to get on to, assignments to complete, books to read, and activities to do with family and friends, and yet you can’t seem to get out of bed or the living room and your eyes are glued to one thing: your favourite Netflix series. We all have that FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) attitude we can’t shake off when it comes to our fave TV show that we can’t let go of the remote until after the entire season is done. It happens – we are all human after all. After you are done with a season, you can move forward with your life.

    However, if it does reach a point when you are settling for whatever you can find in the streaming service’s library and basically watching with no purpose at all – watching something you are vaguely interested in – then it may be time to wane yourself out of your Netflix habit. It’s not going to be easy – that’s for sure, but it can be done. Here are a few tips to help you out:

    Set a schedule.

    If you’re one who can’t live without Netflix as if it helps you to breathe like air, you may have to take it step by step instead of completely making your Netflix love disappear. What you can do is evaluate your class and work schedule, and set a time when you can give yourself a break. However, be adamant that it should not be more than one hour of viewing time per day so you can focus on your tasks. This way, you enforce on yourself to watch something that you really want to instead of merely watching whatever is there.

    Enjoy the outdoors.

    You don’t have to go hiking in the mountains to escape from your Netflix urges – but then again, if your resources or schedule allows it, why not? However, since Canada is finally experiencing more sunny days than gloomy days after an extremely long winter, it’s always fun to take advantage of this and head out to a park nearby or a café where you can enjoy your coffee al fresco. At first, you may feel a bit out of place especially if you’ve been used to your couch or bean bag for so long, but eventually you’ll seek out the benefits of being outdoors even more.

    Seek out a good time with your friends and family.

    While it’s true that real life can’t really be as good as the life you see onscreen – there is unlikely to be a kid who was kidnapped and raised in a laboratory where she was experimented on, eventually developing psychokinetic abilities – your family and friends might share a story or two about themselves that might just be as interesting. You wouldn’t know if you don’t give them a chance, so next time you find yourself tempted to rewatch the first two seasons of “Stranger Things,” pick up your phone instead and invite your loved ones to a lovely, intimate dinner.

    If all else fails, rely on technology.

    It may be ironic that the only way to conquer a product of technology is by utilizing a product of technology. Well, if you’ve tried the first three steps and you still find yourself seeing the Netflix logo everywhere you look, it might be time to rely on an app to help curtail your addiction. The aptly named “Self Control” app allows you to blacklist websites for a given period of time up to 24 hours. You can set it on a daily basis if you have to, and you’ll completely be rid of your Netflix habit.

    When it comes to entertainment, there is an addiction tendency that’s inherent to most, if not all of us. After all, who does not want a distraction from the piles and piles of home work or the loads and loads of chores? Still, there is such a thing as too much of a good thing is bad, and when it comes to Netflix, you really have to draw the line. Just follow the tips above, and soon enough, you’ll find yourself asking, “What’s Netflix?” Or maybe not.

    SOURCES:

    https://lifehacker.com/how-to-break-your-netflix-binge-watching-habit-1745394858

    https://www.deseretnews.com/article/865613275/How-to-break-up-with-your-Netflix-addiction.html

    https://www.theodysseyonline.com/12-steps-overcoming-netflix-addiction

    https://www.nbcnews.com/better/health/what-happens-your-brain-when-you-binge-watch-tv-series-ncna816991

  • Heading to College or University? A Reading Survival Guide

    Heading to College or University? A Reading Survival Guide

    We all know that at some point in our lives, we will need to close a beloved chapter in our book to begin a new one with the hope of achieving a more enriching, albeit challenging experience. Starting college or university is one of those phases that we anticipate with either absolute excitement or with extreme dread, and yet we all know that ultimately it will be a worthwhile experience.

    If you’re about to join the ranks as a freshman next semester, know that you can always turn to your older family and friends for advice if you ever feel overwhelmed. In addition, most – if not all – educational institutions provide online and off-campus admissions team or counsellors who can help as you transition from high school to college or university. In between, you can also turn to these vital reading materials to help you prepare for what lies ahead.

    Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

    Dystopian novels are a dime a dozen these days, thanks to the success of young adult series like Hunger Games and Divergent. However, in a way, they owe it to this novel published in 1932. “Brave New World” imagines a world where individuals are human embryos are genetically engineered to adhere to the standards of five castes: one destined to grow up to be physically and intellectually outstanding, another are set to grow up as labourers and basically to serve those in the upper castes. Amidst this chaotic world lies a strong-willed main character who strives for his individualism. No one can deny its message that one should always strive to remain true to one’s self despite society’s pressure not to be otherwise.

    The Bell Jar by Sylvia Path

    This acclaimed novel centres on Esther as she struggles with mental health issues while in college. Sylvia, a stand-in for the main character, doesn’t mince for words and paints a sordid picture of what it was like for people in her situation – certainly a far cry from the Hollywood movies which depict quick fixes for people coping with depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorders, often set to a soundtrack of indie music’s flavor of the month. Mental illness is real, and often the process to cope with these issues is painstaking and overcoming these issues is a long road. Ultimately, however, we all should know we are not alone and that there’s always hope.

    The Circle by Dave Eggers

    One of the more current novels in the list, the Circle may not be about the college or university experience, but it shows the repercussions of oversharing private information and intimate moments and being excessively dependent on technology. As with any individual in a new environment, it’s always natural to have a desire to fit in and to belong, but in some cases, you would have to learn where to draw the line to maintain your individuality and your privacy.

    The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

    Described by book connoisseurs as one of the Great American Novels, the Great Gatsby is an irresistible but ultimately heart-wrenching tale of a young man who struggles to pursue the love of a young woman. While this isn’t set in a college or university, the central theme of seeking love or approval through all the wrong means isn’t lost on students. It’s easy to get caught up in a façade we’ve built for ourselves a a coping mechanism, but eventually, we all have to wake up and smell the coffee.

    Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka

    You can say that entering college or university is your first step into “adulting,” and for that, you can’t miss out on one of Franz Kafka’s great stories – if not the greatest. Kafka’s remarkable storytelling style takes you inside the head of Gregor Samsa, who is transforming into a human-sized insect in his sleep. As the title suggests, “Metamorphosis” can stand in for that phase in one’s life that is strange and unfamiliar while everyone around you seems to stay the same. Sounds like first day of your college or university class, isn’t it?

    SOURCES:

    https://www.topuniversities.com/blog/top-10-books-read-starting-university

    https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/01/us/college-summer-reading.html

    https://blog.prepscholar.com/books-to-read-in-high-school

  • A Closer Look at a Career as Market Research Analyst

    A Closer Look at a Career as Market Research Analyst

    Have you ever wondered how new products are launched into the market? Sure, through TV shows like “Dragon’s Den” (or its US counterpart “Shark Tank”), we have obtained a general idea about product designers or service operators seeking finance to bring their product or service into life. However, there are actually professionals who analyze whether these products or services have market viability before the product or service can step into the market.

    These individuals are referred to as market research analysts, and they gather much-needed data to determine whether there is a need or not for a new product or service and who will the target market be. Their ultimate goal is to help their respective company’s profits grow, and thus they have to have expertise in the consumer’s market to know whether a product or service will be successful enough to generate income for the company.

    If you’re targeting a career as a market research analyst, you can read on for more information.

    Market Research Analysts – What You Need to Know

    Market research analysts accumulate marketing and sales data and trends to measure the market potential of a product or service. Once they obtain the necessary data, they must analyze in order to prepare reports and forecasts based on their findings. Often, they must use a variety of methods to conduct their research and analyze customer preferences, such as doing surveys or focus group discussions. They also have to research on other factors to determine marketability such as geographical location and competitors.

    Depending on the industry they are employed at, whether at a product development company or a marketing firm, they are often asked to join the meetings or brainstorming sessions so they can help in devising marketing strategies based on their market research. To be able to do that effectively, they have to have brand awareness and be well-versed in brand marketing strategies and best practices.

    Salary

    According to PayScale.com, a market research analyst can earn an average of $38,583 to $69,591 a year with potential for profit sharing.

    Skills

    Having exceptional research and analytical skills is definitely a must for any market research analyst. A plus is possessing a sharp business acumen to be able to hone in on opportunities and capitalize on chances for sales growth.

    Having a bachelor’s degree in marketing is typically common for market research analysts. However, since they deal with a large amount of data and relevant statistics, it does pay to have further studies in math, computer science, business, or other fields. In lieu of a bachelor’s degree, they can obtain certification from the Market Research Association.

    Pros and Cons

    A career in market research analysis can prove to be exciting experience as you would work with different types of projects according to the requirements of the product or service for market launch. As they are tasked to deduce whether a product or service will prove to be a success in the market or not, they are constantly in touch with the consumers and are well-aware of consumer behavior. Most of the time, the work of a market research analyst is not done once a product or service is launched. They also have to keep track of the sales to redefine future marketing efforts.

    Being a market research analyst though can be extremely demanding in terms of work schedule when there is a deadline to beat as per the client’s demands. At times, data gathering can be an excruciating process especially when you have limited resources or the requested parties are not providing you with the necessary information. Eventually, if you don’t have enough data to analyze and you have insufficient variables to prepare a comprehensive report, you may not be able to arrive at an conclusion regarding the saleability potential of a product or service.

    SOURCES:

    https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Market_Research_Analyst/Salary

    https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesagencycouncil/2017/10/24/18-steps-to-take-before-you-launch-a-product-or-service/#43ac04b219cf

  • A Closer Look at a Career as Legal Secretaries, Paralegals, and Legal Assistants

    A Closer Look at a Career as Legal Secretaries, Paralegals, and Legal Assistants

    Paralegal is probably one of the professions one often hears about but doesn’t fully understand. To have an idea, we can take a look at what the prefix “para” means. “Para” could refer to numerous definitions such as resembling or abnormal. However, in the context of paralegal, “para” means alongside. To simplify it, paralegals are those who are trained to work alongside a lawyer.

    Legal Secretaries, Paralegals, and Legal Assistants – What You Need to Know

    Paralegals are an integral part of law offices, legal departments of corporations, and courts. They perform research duties related to legal, regulatory, and business for lawyers, providing them with assistance in filing materials such as motions, memoranda, pleadings, and briefs in various court systems. At times, they accompany lawyers during client meetings or court sessions.

    Apart from that, paralegals also review pleadings, technical papers, briefs, and other documents and ensure to gather facts relevant to the cases their lawyers are assigned to. Paralegals can also further provide assistance in organizations by interviewing clients in person or via phone prior to referring them to lawyers to take on their cases. In some cases, they are granted authority to reject or accept clients based on their initial assessment. They can also conduct one-on-one sessions with clients prior to the lawyers taking on the case or during case proceedings.

    Salary

    According to PayScale.com, legal secretaries, paralegals, and legal assistants earn an average of C$32,021 – C$71,226 a year with potential for profit sharing and commission.

    Skills

    Having exceptional skills in legal research and analysis is a must for anyone aspiring for a career as a legal secretary, paralegal, or legal assistant. A comprehensive understanding in law fundamentals is of course necessary. It also pays to have good organization and time management skills as they have to work according to the lawyers’ schedules. Being a good communicator and being able to have expertise in customer service and client relationship-building are also key factors for excelling in this field.

    An associate’s degree or certificate in paralegal studies is required for this role, although a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field can be a substitute in lieu of that. It’s also a big boost for paralegals to consistently work on expanding their knowledge in legal terminology and principles and keep themselves posted on current cases similar to what they are working on. Once they have sufficient experience and knowledge, they can consider earning additional degrees or certifications to be fully qualified as a lawyer and therefore perform duties and responsibilities as a full-pledged lawyer.

    Pros and Cons

    A career as a legal secretary, paralegal, and legal assistant can prove to be a rewarding experience as one is working alongside lawyers who are directly providing clients legal services that would help break or make their cases.

    However, the role can be extremely demanding in terms of work schedule especially when there are a load of documents to review and go through to be able to gather enough data such as statutes, decisions, legal articles, codes, and documents.

    SOURCES:

    https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Paralegal/Salary

    https://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/paralegal-voice/2018/04/paralegal-leadership-skills/