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Author: Marianne Stephens

  • Career Profile: Lawyer

    Career Profile: Lawyer

    If you’re looking towards the future to see if you want to become a lawyer, this can help. The job outlook is very good throughout the country, particularly as there is always a demand for access to the law, not to mention that new types of law are emerging all the time. With the highly specialized educational demands required, the starting wage is approximately $37,000; with a medium being more than $100K per year. But note one very important point: this happens only after a lot of education. First comes high school graduation, then an undergraduate degree in almost anything, passing the LSAT (Law School Admission Test), acceptance into law school;

    You need an extensive education to pass the Bar exam; then you can figure out which field of law you would like to practice. There are many different kinds of law, so you have some flexibility. You can work in corporations or the financial services industry. In the public sector, choices are as diverse as charities or government. Types of law are quite varied: environmental, business, family, criminal, housing (or real estate, which is a different thing compared to housing rights), tax (personal, estate and financial), employment, immigration, human rights in regards to health and disability rights in housing, employment and in public interactions; and income assistance.  New fields include cyber-related law, immigration law (especially with more refugees and others seeking citizenship), and entertainment / copyright law.

    The Law Society of Ontario (formerly the Law Society of Upper Canada) offers numerous resources to help you figure out if this is a career path you might like to pursue, and outlines the options available to become fully licensed as a lawyer. You can see this information on this webpage: https://www.lsuc.on.ca/licensingprocesslawyer/.

    Whatever path you choose to follow, there are ways you can do something you care about (to help the public, financial gain, or society as a whole); and find the purpose that best meets your needs and goals. This can also be a determining factor when you start on an undergraduate degree: find a sector you’re interested in – say, history; you can then focus on the elements you find interesting to follow as a lawyer: going into environment law, employment law, even human rights in regards to discrimination.

    In addition, there are several requirements that are commonly seen within the job postings to become a lawyer: attention to detail, communication skills (especially if the type of law you want to practice requires you to be in Court regularly), organizational skills; and a strong work ethic. The rest depends on the sector of the law and the demands of the profession. Law and medicine are very difficult careers: they require a lot of education, time, and self-discipline.  Expect to work long hours in the beginning. They are also very rewarding professions, but make sure of your career goals and the requirements they place on you and your family and friends.

    “Job Vacancy and Wage Survey, Second Quarter 2017.” Government of Canada. Government of Canada, 7 Dec. 2011. https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/LMI_bulletin.do. Accessed 06 Jan 2018.

    “Lawyer Licensing Process.” Law Society of Ontario. Law Society of Ontario. https://www.lsuc.on.ca/licensingprocesslawyer/. Accessed 06 Jan 2018.

  • Why are so many young people bad with money? (Or are they?)

    Why are so many young people bad with money? (Or are they?)

    In all honesty, I don’t like the articles directed towards millennials that blame them for everything that’s currently wrong in society: not buying houses, not being financially responsible, buying avocados, not having kids; the list literally goes on and on. A search online shows that whatever problem you might identify (economics, children, lack of spending), millennials are being blamed for it. And you don’t really have to generalize it by generation: it’s just the latest target because it’s catchy to put in the media’s headlines.

    This is a problem that has existed for generations. It’s actually a form of stereotyping – you are blaming the actions of a group, “causing” a perceived problem, for the actions of a few individuals. It doesn’t necessarily mean that there are a lot of young people who are bad with money.  It simply means that regardless of age, there are still people who are bad with money.  So this article is intended to help you recognize you have a problem with finances, and how to help yourself out of it:

    University and college do make things tighter financially, particularly since you want to avoid dipping into loans or credit as much as possible – because if you do, you have to pay that back, plus the student loan. By limiting this as much as you can, you can owe less money. The less debt, the better off you will be financially.

    This also sounds like common sense, but budgeting can work wonders. By knowing what you can expect to receive on your paycheck, you can calculate how much you can afford for the week (or biweekly, monthly; depending on how you are paid). What is unavoidable to pay: utilities, rent, food and the like; as well as how much you can save for future things you would like to get or to do: clothing, books, a ski trip, video games.  You do this by saving a little bit each paycheck. It will slowly add up, leading to extra money, very much like an allowance you earned when you were younger. If this works out well, and you’re living within your means, you will have some money available to help yourself in the future. (It also helps to put some aside for an emergency fund, because things do happen – such as emergency car repair or having to find a new place to live quickly, for any number of reasons.

    Yes, a job promotion with an increase in pay also helps so that your budget grows. If this is not a possibility right now, and you have been in the same job for a while, consider exploring your options, such as staying where you are and taking further education courses; quit entirely and lose that income while you search for a new job; or ask your manager if you can be promoted based on your job performance.

    So, it’s not just young people who are bad with money – this is simply an unrealistic stereotype. Instead, take responsibility, as an individual, for your finances. If you realize you have a problem with debt, take action early to help yourself in the future. If you have no problems, it is better to realize to keep going the way you have, or to take account of possible emergencies in the future as I mentioned earlier.

    There is always a way to get help with financial difficulties, the advice I’ve given is only suggestions to get that first step, such as budgeting, which helps you realize where you may be overspending in one area and how to compensate (dining out instead of buying groceries and doing your own cooking). But always remember that self-discipline and saying “no” to temptations is always a good idea.

  • Campus Disability Services

    Campus Disability Services

    If you’re a student with a disability looking at your post-secondary options, we’ve provided a handy link to the NEADS website where you can access information about campus disability services all across Canada.

    NEADS EdLink is the most comprehensive Canadian directory of college and university disability service providers and links to service centre websites, with listings from coast to coast. Each entry provides current contact information for service providers at Canadian post-secondary institutions. The links to disability centre websites allow access to detailed information on accommodations, physical access, services and supports.

    Access the Campus Disability Services search engine via NEADS on their website.

  • Career Profile: Municipal clerks

    Career Profile: Municipal clerks

    What the job is:

    • An office working position, but on behalf of a government (municipal government such as the City of Toronto as compared to provincial or federal governments) that involves customer service functions and many different duties relating to municipal roles (garbage collection, parking fees, local taxes and the like).

    Pros of this Job:

    • You have an ability to understand and know what the customer is looking for quickly so more likely to work independently.
    • There is a lot of variety in tasks that keeps the job interesting and provides many learning opportunities.
    • The working environment is fairly quiet.

    Cons of this Job:

    • You are likely to be standing upright or sitting in a chair for long periods of time.
    • Overtime can be likely, particularly with more specialized requests.
    • There are usually several repetitive tasks, although they vary more as compared to clerk within a courthouse.
    • You are dealing directly with the public and may have to deal with conflict from that interaction.
    • Clients may expect you to be an expert on everything.

    Salary:

    • Municipal clerks’ starting wage is $14 per hour and can reach up to $31.
    • Part-time or full-time positions are available.
    • You can earn a higher salary depending on your hours, level of education, requirements of the role, the size of the city you work for, and the amount of work you do.

    Education requirements:

    • A very strong knowledge of Word processing programs, specifically email programs, Microsoft Word and Excel. Knowledge of database management is a strong asset.
    • You can communicate effectively through telephone, in person or email.
    • A strong understanding of office management, records management, and understanding what you can and cannot do when in the position. (Specifically, this means addressing privacy concerns, what you can retrieve in the records and keeping confidentially when talking about the client.)

    Tips to get started:

    • Look for office-related college programs. It is recommended to find something specifically in records management.
    • Most local cities offer student internships during the summer; this could be a leg up. They’re not always offered though, so watch carefully.
    • Bilingualism is a strong asset – It doesn’t have to be French and English, it can be English and another language. This will depend on where you work, and the different languages that your clients may speak.
    • Knowledge of Freedom of Information requests, record management strategies, content management software expertise, and being sensitive to privacy concerns are recommended for the position, but also depend on your role as a municipal clerk.

    Other points of interest:

    You may be asked to do many different and various things depending on your role, such as:

    • receiving and processing Freedom of Information requests from the public
    • helping them understand where the pipes are on their property so they know where not to dig;
    • helping them enroll in activities offered by the municipality (swimming classes, as an example);
    • helping members of the public get a new recycling bin.
  • A Closer Look at a Career as an Interpreter

    A Closer Look at a Career as an Interpreter

    If you’ve been able to see a foreign language film – you know, those ones with subtitles – you probably can get an inkling of how interpreters work. Most TV programs and films are accessible in different languages these days, and we have interpreters to thank for that.

    However, some words or phrases are not easily translatable to English, but you have to consider what is being said and ensure the intended message is loud and clear, and this is where the interpreters’ challenge begins. As the word suggests, interpreters do more than translate the language – they have to make sure what they translate is understandable and easily comprehensible.

    Interpreters – What You Need to Know

    Interpreters are the main instruments for breaking down a language barrier, and they are employed by various sectors, both public and private. For example, government agencies that deal with immigration may employ an interpreter to facilitate discussions between a client and the consultant, while private individuals may also employ an interpreter if they are visiting a foreign land whether for business or for pleasure.

    While interpreters are the major players for a smooth communication, their roles today usually encompass language translation and interpretation. In most cases, they also act as cultural experts for clients, providing them with education on rules and etiquette and ensuring that none of these are broken. They should also be highly sensitive not just on verbal cues but also non-verbal cues, making certain that their clients are well-aware of them.

    Salary

    According to PayScale.com, an Interpreter can earn as much as $32,083 – $63,358 a year.

    Skills

    If a career as an interpreter is what you have in mind, you have to have advanced fluency in the target language. You have to have good analytical skills to ensure accurate message delivery. As you will have to work with people from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds, you have to be well-versed in cultural norms and practices.

    To be an interpreter in Canada, you need to obtain certification from the member body that exists in the province or territory you intend to settle or work. There are three different mechanisms used, namely certification on dossier, certification exam, and certification by mentorship, each of which have their own set of requirements in terms of education and work experience.

    Pros and Cons

    The main advantage of interpreters is they get to work with individuals or companies with different needs, making their regular day at work exciting. There are travel prospects involved too so this is especially beneficial for those with the travel bug.

    The main disadvantage is that it is a profession that is on per-need basis, which means most of the time, they will have to be on-call.

  • Start Saving Straightaway

    Start Saving Straightaway

    Between schooling, jobs, rent, and living expenses, it makes sense that retirement is low on the list of priorities for most youth. You should absolutely focus on ensuring that your grades are strong and wallet is not empty while searching for jobs and slowly defining your career path. But time never takes its time. Each year will pass faster than the last. Building savings is the best way to equip yourself for the road ahead. You can start planning for your retirement today in ways that will positively impact your present priorities.

    Setting aside some of your money from your work, even from a small part-time job, requires making it a habit. The best way to do that is to start on your next payday. Retirement may be decades in the future, but small steps now will add up to substantial savings down the road. Even saving a nominal amount is infinitely better than nothing, and a pivotal first step on making it habitual. You will cultivate the routine of putting a little bit aside whenever you make any amount of money. This can encourage you to make tiny cuts to your finances in order to save. Even something as small as skipping one of your $2.00 daily cups of coffee can easily result in over $50 saved each month.

    Saving now forces you to think about where to put those savings. The government provides two ways to go about it via Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSA) and Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSP). The former lets you save tax-free and is ideal for those with lower incomes. RRSPs let you save now and pay tax later, which is the better choice when you are earning a large salary and can pay the tax at retirement when you are making less. You can use your TFSA safely with high-interest savings accounts or Guaranteed Investment Certificates, or take on greater risk with mutual funds or stocks. High-interest savings accounts are ideal when you plan to use your money in the near future. If you are putting dollars away and do not plan to use them for years, a good place to start is with robo-advisors such as Wealthsimple. These companies invest your money in a diverse portfolio that keeps the risk low. This virtually guarantees you will make money over the course of multiple years.

    Finally, saving for retirement does not mean you will necessarily use the money for retirement. Along your life’s journey, you might decide to go back to school, start your own company, buy a house, or leave an unfulfilling job before finding another one. If you find yourself out of work at some point, that can be a good time to withdraw a portion of your RRSP as you will pay little tax. Having savings gives you a safety net to pursue the things that will truly enrich your life. Retirement will always lay ahead and you want to be prepared, but it is not a destination.

    By thinking of retirement now, you will build strong saving habits, become financially savvy, and be equipped for the journey ahead. Putting away a few dollars a week now can eventually lead to a strong investment portfolio. That, in turn, can allow you to chase your dreams and pursue a fulfilling life knowing that you can survive any bumps in the road along the way.

    Sources:

    Commisso, Christina. “Start saving for retirement: A ‘how to’ for millennials.” CTV News. https://www.ctvnews.ca/5things/start-saving-for-retirement-a-how-to-for-millennials-1.2745215

    Topan, Riana. “A Student’s Guide to Saving and Investing.” TalentEgg. https://talentegg.ca/incubator/2015/02/03/beginners-guide-saving-investing/

  • Financial Literacy: Starting at an Early Age

    Financial Literacy: Starting at an Early Age

    Canada has hit an economic surge the past few years, and among those who are benefiting from this are ages 28 to 34. According to a study by the Federal Finance Department, those who belong in this age bracket, particularly those who were born in the first half of the 1980s, are actually the wealthiest such generation in the country’s history. This shows that today’s young Canadian generation is growing their finances at a much faster pace than those in previous generations.

    Furthermore, Canada placed in the Top 3 in the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), a triennial worldwide survey run by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) that measures financial literacy among 15-year-olds. Participants included those in British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador. The survey revealed that 46 per cent of Canadian 15-year-olds were able to perform tasks associated with advanced levels of financial literacy (Level 4 or Level 5).

    So what exactly is financial literacy?

    For most people, being financially literate is avoiding debt, but that is only a part of the equation. To be financially literate is to be aware, knowledgeable, and skilled to come to sensible financial decisions that ultimately lead to one’s financial wellbeing.

    Looking at the benefits

    Some people dismiss the importance of teaching finances to kids because they don’t come across money in the way that adults do. However, the moment kids are provided with school allowance—even with something as small as $5 a week—is the moment financial literacy becomes a necessity. Exposing them early on will help them grow into financially wise adults. With the knowledge they will gain at an early age, they will be able to manage their finances well and be well-aware enough to avoid the pitfalls of too much debt once they start paying for their own utility bills, credit card bills, food, transportation, rent, mortgage, insurance, and other expenses.

    Room for improvement

    While Canadian youth is not lagging behind those in other countries when it comes to financial savviness, there is still much room for improvement, and numerous organizations around the country recognize this. Hamilton-based Teresa Cascioli, revered philanthropist and Lakeport Brewery business legend, shared in a recent interview with the Hamilton Spectator that financial literacy among the youth should be a priority just as much as reading and doing math.

    This perspective drove Cascioli to launch a publishing company that released a series of children’s books that focuses mainly on financial literacy. Elementary school-age kids read these books and learn about loans, budget, and savings, which will prove to be valuable as they grow older.

    Various educational institutions throughout Canada has also embraced the fact that the youth can truly use some help in gaining an insight into finances at an early age. In Ontario, for example, financial literacy subject has been integrated into the existing Grade 4 curriculum.

    Meanwhile, in Saskatchewan, the Ministry of Education has approved 10 school divisions to teach a personal finance class for Grade 12 students. Here they can learn about saving and investing, budgeting, income tax, insurance, and even the stark differences between leasing and buying vehicles.

    Start saving early

    It’s not only the educational institutions who are willing to lend a helping hand to improve Canadian youth’s financial literacy. A number of Canadian credit unions have worked together to launch Humanomics Youth Savings Account, which provides incentives for pre-teens who start saving early. Others are determined to help out with financial literacy efforts like Coast Capital who has launched Junior Achievement’s Dollars with Sense.

    While there are more efforts these days to create a financial literacy mindset among today’s youth compared to before, there are still a lot to be done.

    SOURCES:

    https://globalnews.ca/news/3474278/why-canadas-top-3-ranking-in-global-youth-financial-literacy-test-isnt-much-to-celebrate/

    https://www.thespec.com/news-story/8311631-money-talk-educating-kids-about-financial-literacy/

    http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/finances-literacy-education-youth-parents-debt-1.4498115

    https://online.campbellsville.edu/education/financial-literacy-for-kids/

    http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/sara-austin2/financial-education-should-be-a-basic-human-right_a_23266120/

    http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/millennials-money-canada-generation-1.3462064

  • April 2018 Scholarships: Apply Now!

    April 2018 Scholarships: Apply Now!

    Unifor Scholarships

    Scholarship Value: $2,000

    Awards Available: 28

    Award Deadline: April 30, 2018

    Address: http://www.unifor.org/en/member-services/education/scholarships

     

    Student Tour Deals Scholarship

    Scholarship Value: $500

    Awards Available: 1

    Award Deadline: April 30, 2018

    Address: https://www.studenttourdeals.com/student-scholarships/

     

    IWSH Essay Scholarship Contest

    Scholarship Value: $1,000

    Awards Available: 3

    Award Deadline: April 30, 2018

    Address: http://www.iapmo.org/Pages/EssayContest.aspx

     

    Gloria Barron Prize

    Scholarship Value: $5,000

    Awards Available: 25

    Award Deadline: April 15, 2018

    Address: https://barronprize.org/apply/

     

    Meridian’s Commitment to Communities Sean Jackson Scholarship

    Amount: $10,000

    Provided by: Meridian Credit Union

    Deadline: April 15, 2018

    Donor: Niagara Community Foundation

    Renewable: No

    Number Available: 1

    Type of Award: Scholarship

    Automatic: Consideration No

    Address: https://www.meridiancu.ca/About-Meridian/Community/Sean-Jackson-Scholarship.aspx

     

    Canada’s Luckiest Student 6

    Amount: $100,000

    Provided by: Student Life Network

    Deadline: April 30, 2018

    Renewable: No

    Type of Award: Contest

    Automatic Consideration: No

    Address: http://cls6.studentlifenetwork.com/ref/sln-homepage

     

    Ipsos i-Say Survey

    Provided by: Ipsos – North America

    Deadline: May 01, 2018

    Donor: Ipsos

    Renewable: No

    Type of Award: Contest

    Automatic Consideration: No

    Address: https://rec.i-say.com/survey/ca/en/standard/2/a68704ecb7fb0b329468b926fde7d65c/?utm_source=Edge&aid=FeaturedScholarship&vid=

     

    $600 Pinecone Research Sweepstakes bi-Weekly

    Amount: $600

    Provided by: Nielsen

    Deadline: April 06, 2018

    Renewable: No

    Number Available: 1

    Type of Award: Scholarship

    Automatic Consideration: No

    Address: https://www.pineconeresearch.ca/SignupCA/Signup_Form.aspx

     

    Specialist High Skills Major Award

    Brock University

    Scholarship Summary

    Quantity: Multiple

    Application Required: Yes

    Value: $500

    Renewable: No

    Deadline : April 15, 2018

    Address: https://discover.brocku.ca/

     

    Goodman Scholarship

    Brock University

    Quantity: Multiple

    Application Required: Yes

    Value : Up to $8,000

    Renewable: Yes

    Deadline : April 15, 2018

    Address: https://discover.brocku.ca/

  • NEADS Events April 2018: Mark Your Calendar!

    NEADS Events April 2018: Mark Your Calendar!

    Organizer: University of Toronto – Peer Mentorship Program, Accessibility Services

    Title: University of Toronto’s Transition Day

    Category: Education

    Location: Toronto, Ontario

    Date: April 25, 2018

    Telephone: 416-978-1497

    E-mail: rouya.botlani.esfahani@utoronto.ca

    Web site: http://www.studentlife.utoronto.ca/as/transition-day

    Description: Dear High School Educators and Community Partners,

    This is a reminder that the University of Toronto’s Transition Day is on Wednesday April 25th, from 10am-3pm. (Morning refreshments & lunch will be provided.)

    The event is an opportunity for students, parents, educators, and community partners to learn more about:

    • Accommodations at the post-secondary level
    • Student services available in university
    • Specific transition support for students with disabilities
    • Professor, Registrarial, and student views on accommodations and navigating disability

    Organizer: University of Toronto Scarborough

    Title: Career and Disability Resources Fair – University of Toronto Scarborough

    Category: Employment

    Location: Toronto, Ontario

    Date: April 30, 2018

    Web site: http://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/aacc/career-disability-symposium

    Description: Career and Disability Resources Fair – University of Toronto Scarborough

    You are invited to participate in a Career and Disability Resources Fair at the University of Toronto Scarborough on Monday, April 30 from 10:00am-1:00pm. This event is part of a Career and Disability Symposium, our first Job Search Strategies conference for students with a disability which is designed to equip them with the necessary strategies, tools, skills and confidence to find and keep work. This 1-day conference includes interactive workshops, panel discussions, keynote speakers, networking events and a resource fair. We anticipate 40-60 students and recent graduates to attend this event. For more information on the symposium see uoft.me/cdsymposium

    Organizations that provide programs and/or resources to help students with a disability find employment are invited to this event. There is no cost to participate and refreshments and lunch will be provided.

    If you are interested in attending please complete the on-line registration form at https://cln.utoronto.ca/CDSymposium.htm.

  • Career Profile: Glazier

    Career Profile: Glazier

    Nearly every building and vehicle you pass each day has glass windows or doors. The unique properties of glass mean that most uses require a specialized professional to perform installation and maintenance. This is done by skilled tradespeople known as glaziers.

    Glaziers are skilled tradespeople who are responsible for cutting, fitting, installing, and replacing glass inside and outside all kinds of buildings, including commercial and residential, as well as other types of structures. Glaziers will assemble and install prefabricated glass and glass substitutes for windows, mirrors, doors, skylights, cabinets, and aquariums.  They will also be trained to build wood or metal frames for windows and other glass installations.

    Other aspects of construction-related glasswork also fall under the duties of a glazier.  This includes tinting glass, working with stained glass for churches or museums, and specialty glass such as glass railings, smoke baffles, or shower enclosures.  The automotive industry also employs glaziers to work with the glass in windshields, sunroofs, and doors.

    However, most glaziers are employed by construction companies to install glass, or manufacturing companies where they perform fabrication of unitized panels.  Working on construction projects involves working both indoors and outdoors, depending on the project.  Depending on the job, glaziers will need to know how to use equipment including lifting equipment, scaffolding, cranes and hoists.  Many tasks a glazier performs are considered heavy labour, and so glaziers must be physically fit and capable of bending, lifting, kneeling, standing, and maneuvering suspended loads.

    Tradespeople who work as glaziers will often work closely with other construction professionals and members of the skilled trades, such as architects, bricklayers, carpenters, roofers, ironworkers and automotive vehicle repair people

    Most glaziers will work regular hours with a construction or fabrication job, such as 9am to 5pm.  However, depending on the job or the needs of a specific project, occasional overtime or working in evenings and weekends may be required.

    Entering the trade is usually accomplished through completing an apprenticeship program after graduating from high school, which requires a combination of approximately 8,000 hours of on-the-job and in-school training, followed by a certification exam.  The International Union of Painters and Allied Trades is one group that offers glazier internship programs.

    This kind of trade apprenticeship requires you to train under an experienced mentor while you learn the work involved.  The benefit of this is that apprenticeships are paid positions in Canada, so you are able to earn a wage while you learn the trade.  There is also a Red Seal accreditation program and exam available for glaziers, which is optional, but will often be considered a significant benefit as it means you have all the current standards and can work in any province in Canada.

    Salaries for glaziers in Canada range from around $28,000 for apprenticeship and entry-level workers, up to around $69,000 for those with experience.

    Sources:

    http://www.red-seal.ca/trades/gl.1z.3.2r-eng.html

    http://www.careersinconstruction.ca/en/career/glazier

    http://www.routestotrades.ca/glazier