Author: Rochelle C. Pangilinan

  • A Closer Look at a Career as a Public Relations Agent

    A Closer Look at a Career as a Public Relations Agent

    The public relations industry has its share of both positive and negative feedback, no doubt about that, but it’s an industry that continues to thrive and evolve. As the common adage goes, good or bad publicity is still publicity, so anything that PR people do that gets attention means they have done their job well.

    A good example is the 12-metre rubber duck, originated by Dutch artist Florentjin Hofman in 2013, which made its way to Toronto’s Redpath Waterfront as part of the Canada 150 celebrations. When the news of this giant rubber duck floated initially, many were quick to criticize what it had to do with Canada at all. It turned out that the weekend the rubber duck made its appearance would be Redpath Waterfront’s biggest draw of all time.

     

    Public Relations Agent – What You Need to Know

    Public relations agents can be employed across various industries or entities, which can range from political parties to corporations. Actors, artists, musicians, and other personalities may also benefit from employing PR agents to help boost their career or land gigs or jobs.

    The main responsibility of PR agents is to help their clients maintain and enhance their image, and this can involve implementing campaigns and programs to create buzz and improve visibility. PR agents can work individually or under the management of a PR manager or PR director. Depending on their clients’ clout or influence, PR agents often work as part of a team which will also include writers, artists, and others. They also help to defuse negative press and feedback, coming up with mediating techniques between the public and media outlets ( the news).

    Salary

    According to PayScale.com, a PR officer can earn an average of $37,745 to $69,043 per year. In some cases, they can also earn bonuses when their clients experience a boost in their career (such as landing product endorsements, etc.)

    Skills

    To be successful in this field, PR agents will need to have expert knowledge in the industry where their clients belong. For example, if they are hired as a PR agent for a hockey personality, they have to know the sports like the back of their hand.

    To learn the tricks of the trade, so to speak, aspiring PR agents can benefit from completing a bachelor’s degree in public relations, marketing, or any communications-related degree. As it is part of their job, PR agents should have expert communication skills in order to be able to coordinate with clients, stakeholders, media, and the general public regarding their clients. They should have top-notch writing skills to prepare speeches, presentations, press releases, news releases, and any material that is for public consumption.

    It always pays to be extremely good in creative thinking to thrive in the public relations industry too.

    Pros and Cons

    A career as a PR agent can ultimately be rewarding in both professional and financial context.

    However, it can be incredibly demanding of one’s time and effort especially when a client runs into a public image issue. In such cases, PR agents are expected to work overtime until the issue is resolved and a positive image has been restored.

    SOURCES:

    https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Public_Relations_(PR)_Officer/Salary

    https://www.forbes.com/sites/cherylsnappconner/2018/02/25/the-new-rules-for-public-relations-success/#1b63cda74d7a

  • A Closer Look at a Career as a Librarian

    A Closer Look at a Career as a Librarian

    Reading – whether for leisure or educational purposes – has and will always be a part of our lives. While there is undeniably a proliferation of digital materials like e-books and e-newspapers, there remains to be a need for experts to ensure every reading material, whether print or electronic, are organized and correctly catalogued for efficiency and convenience purposes.

    While most people tend to think that librarians’ primary place of employment are academic institutions, they actually have more opportunities than we all think. Some government agencies, private institutions, museums, and nonprofit organizations maintain libraries to ensure their documents are stored and filed properly and related literature are available for their employees, and thus there is a need for librarians. So, if you’re looking at a career as a librarian, there is certainly more to look forward to than working at a school or university.

    Librarians – What You Need to Know

    Libraians are primarily responsible for classifying any type of reading material and making sure they are easily and readily accessible to those who need it, whether they are students or employees. It’s an asset to be knowledgeable in the traditional system of item organization using card catalogues, but most libraries now rely on computerized databases to keep an inventory of all reading materials, so it pays more to have skills in computer systems.

    Librarians also have to maintain the orderliness and cleanliness of all materials in a library, so they have to be readily available to collect stray items and ensure these are placed back to where they belong to.

    Apart from these tasks, librarians are recommended to be customer-focused as they are expected to attend to visitors, making sure their requests or inquiries are completed or answered. While it is an extremely customer-centric job, librarians also need to be a pillar of authority as some library visitors can get rowdy and impolite and would need to be reminded of the library rules and etiquette (most public libraries now employ their own security personnel to maintain safety within the premises). They have to remind visitors about check-out processes and should be making sure that items are checked out and returned properly.

    To thrive in this profession, you will need to complete a bachelor’s degree in library sciences or any related field. Being computer savvy is definitely an asset as you would have to be knowledgeable in operating the library database. Of course, skills in organization and time management are a must as well, but more importantly skills in customer service.

    Salary

    According to PayScale.com, a librarian can earn an average of $30,867 – $78,037 a year, with more experienced workers tending to have an increase down the line.

    Skills

    A bachelor’s degree in library sciences is preferred but not necessary in order to become a librarian. Some institutions also offer specializations now such as studies in digital libraries, archives and records management, rare manuscripts, and others. You will also need to have a passion for helping people and customer orientation. In some cases, librarians do more than inventory. They also work with kids to promote literacy programs and with adults in job search-related causes. With these tasks, the job of a librarian is all the more rewarding.

    Pros and Cons

    As with any staff that deals with people face to face, librarians enjoy the advantage of being in touch with people from all walks of life. As they deal with different people all the time, librarians can look forward to different encounters on a daily basis, which means no day is the same.

    A disadvantage is that it can involve working long hours and being available for weekends as some branches now offer weekend hours. Some libraries also hold events such as author talks, and the librarians are often a part of the organization committee which can have them performing double duties—attending to regular visitors and event visitors. For some, this can be ultimately rewarding as they are front and center for these events.

    SOURCES:

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

    https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/careers/career-advice/life-at-work/i-want-to-be-a-librarian-what-will-my-salary-be/article18989560/

    https://www.mastersportal.eu/study-options/269353019/library-science-canada.html

  • A Closer Look at a Career as a Graphic Designer

    A Closer Look at a Career as a Graphic Designer

    If you’re someone with a knack for creativity and design, your best bet for a career is as a graphic designer. This profession involves being in charge of the visuals, whether it is a logo or packaging for products or layout for magazines or websites.

    With a lot of emphasis placed on digital media these days, the role of graphic designers is more important than ever. For a graphic designer to truly succeed in the industry, it pays to have knowledge in both traditional and digital media since most companies still have not completely abandoned paper in favour of electronic. For instance, newspaper companies, though they offer electronic subscriptions now, still distribute the newsies in the traditional format. In this regard, they are still very much dependent on graphic designers for layout and design.

    Graphic designers also work in marketing or advertising agencies, most of which now offer services encompassing all formats, including customary ones such as brochures, catalogues, flyers, and posters in paper. Whatever medium you choose to work with, you will definitely find a niche, so read on for more information about this exciting profession.

    Graphic Designers – What You Need to Know

    Graphic designers’ main responsibility is to come up with the concept or design that is in line with their clients’ needs, whether it is for marketing or advertising purposes, like a poster, or for information purposes, like a pamphlet. To complete a presentation that is both visually appealing and easily understood means they not only make use of their creativity but also ensure that the elements for the overall design blend well together for consistency and cohesiveness. These elements include colour, font, illustrations, photos, animation, and layout.

    They work under the direction of a production manager or an art director if they are working full-time or in-house in a printing press company or advertising or marketing agency. Some, however, work on their own as independent contractors and are thus on a per-project basis, which is common for website designers.

    Some work with design software like Adobe Illustrator or InDesign, while others work manually at a drafting table.

    Salary

    According to PayScale.com, a graphic designer can make $41,559.00- $58,715.00 (on average) year.

    Skills

    Having a good sense of design aesthetics is a requirement for graphic designers, as well as creativity and resourcefulness. There is no strict requirement of a particular degree in this profession, however, it is truly an asset to have a degree from a design or art school or any other undergraduate institution. They should be well-versed in the use of colour, typography, and composition and must know how to use these elements to meet a visual target. Most graphic designers these days work with computer applications to accomplish their design tasks, so it’s an advantage to be proficient in software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat, Flash, Quark XPress, InDesign, and Dreamweaver.

    Pros and Cons

    Graphic design is one of the few professions which allow for creativity, so you can expect a flexible environment where you are given license to translate verbal messages into a visual representation based on your ideas and sense of aesthetics. Though you often will work as part of a team and under the supervision of an art director or production manager, you have the potential to bring your ideas to the forefront.

    A disadvantage is that you do sometimes have to compromise in situations when clients are not 100% on board with your design, so you do have to learn how to negotiate and meet halfway. In some cases, graphic designers will be asked to work long hours and even on weekends to meet particular deadlines for a client.

    SOURCES:

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

    https://www.academicinvest.com/arts-careers/graphic-design-careers/how-to-become-a-graphic-designer

    http://www.cnmag.ca/careers-would-you-like-to-be-a-graphic-designer/

  • A Closer Look at a Career as a Financial Analyst

    A Closer Look at a Career as a Financial Analyst

    Having a good set of analytical skills is something that not all people can lay claim to. It takes amazing ability to be able to gather information, analyze it, pinpoint potential problems, present solutions, and make decisions.

    If you are looking into a career as a financial analyst, it will be a good time to do all what you can to enhance your analytical skills. Below are the other qualifications and information you would need to know if you want to succeed as a financial analyst.

    Financial Analyst – What You Need to Know

    Financial analysts’ main responsibility is to evaluate marketplace trends, demographics, and other factors to help companies or individuals make financial decisions that will lead to profit or wealth. While similar to financial advisors, financial analysts focus on studying what’s already there (such as an existing financial portfolio) and then make recommendations based on their findings.

    Salary

    According to PayScale.com, a financial advisor can earn an average of $41,689 to $78,525 per year with potential for bonuses, profit-sharing, and commission.

    Skills

    To succeed as a financial analyst, one has to have expert familiarity with how companies or individuals have invested their resources. They must also have proficient foresight on how these investments will pay off over time by determining a financial forecast, while constantly being vigilant of what needs to be done in terms of furthering the financial growth. For example, a financial analyst may be employed by a company who’s looking into franchising opportunities, and then they would have to study the market and ensure that the company will finalize a decision that would be of financial benefit to it, not a risk. Apart from exemplary analytical skills, financial analysts should also have business acumen strengths, excellent understanding of financial functions, and of course, attention to detail.

    It will be a huge boost to have a bachelor’s degree in finance, business, economics, or any other related field, and it is even better to have a post-graduate degree in finance or an MBA. Certification is not necessary to be a financial analyst, but it does serve as an advantage to obtain a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.

    Pros and Cons

    The best thing about being a financial analyst is that you get to be a key influencer in the organization you are employed in as even the high-level management turn to you for their financial decisions. This means if you do things right, you are stable and may even have a good chance of becoming a candidate for CFO.

    The worst thing is that you have to deal with mountains and mountains of financial data which can be overwhelming if you are working under strict timelines.

    SOURCES:

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

    https://www.randstad.ca/financial-analyst-jobs/

    https://www.thebalance.com/analytical-skills-list-2063729

  • A Closer Look at a Career as a Financial Advisor

    A Closer Look at a Career as a Financial Advisor

    At first glance, the job of a financial advisor does not seem to be in high demand compared to jobs in the skilled trades or in the healthcare industry. However, with consumerism so widespread these days, everyone can benefit from being finance-savvy—yes, even those who assume they don’t have a lot of earnings or budget to work with. The trouble is, not everyone has what it takes and therefore for them hiring the services of a financial advisor can make a lot of difference. This is the reason why financial advisors has become one of the fastest-growing industry in Canada.

    If you are passionate about financial planning, this profession is a good one to pursue. Apart from it being financially rewarding, it also affords one numerous opportunities in various industries. Read on to learn more about this lucrative career.

    Financial Advisors – What You Need to Know

    The financial advisors’ main objective is to work with private individuals or institutional clients (from banks, insurance companies, or mutual fund organizations) to assess their financial needs, lay out a financial plan, establish short-term and long-term financial goals, and recommend investment options such as stocks and bonds. Due of the nature of their job, financial advisors must possess high-level knowledge in the financial and investment fields and have expert familiarity with relevant tax laws that are associated with such options.

    Salary

    According to PayScale.com, a financial advisor can earn an average of $48,483 per year with potential for bonuses, profit sharing, and commission. According to the Financial Planning Standards Council, 65% of financial advisors earn over $100,000.

    Skills

    To prosper as a financial advisor, a bachelor’s degree in accounting, business, finance, or any related field is a huge advantage, although not explicitly required. Aspiring financial advisors should also work to acquire a comprehensive knowledge of government (federal, state, and local) laws and regulations and Security Exchange Commission (SEC) rules and guidelines. It is always beneficial to consistently brush up on monetary rules and regulations as well.

    To be technology-savvy is a recommendation for all financial advisors, and it’s a huge boost if they can employ the use of new self-serve tools such as automated portfolio management to accommodate their client base.

    To practice as a financial advisor, registration is a must for all provinces and territories although there are financial advisors who go into this profession without obtaining the proper registration. This is why consumers are advised to check the Canadian Securities Administrators’ National Registrant Search to check the advisors’ qualifications. Everywhere in Canada except Quebec, financial advisors and financial planners can be used interchangeably. In Quebec, one can only refer to themselves as financial planners if they have a certificate issued by the Autorité des marchés financiers or are members of a professional association where the Autorité des marchés financiers is part of the agreement.

    Pros and Cons

    A career as a financial advisor is extremely rewarding financially speaking and professionally speaking. They have flexible employment opportunities as they can work with banks, securities, mutual funds, insurance, credit unions, law firms, accounting firms, and even entrepreneurial businesses. It allows one to immerse themselves in a wide range of financial options and interact with various individuals across all socio-economic backgrounds.

    The expectations from financial advisors are ever-evolving, however, and it is easy to falter in this field if you rest on your laurels. This is why financial advisors should work hard to adapt to the business climate especially in terms of technology improvements, stricter regulations, and market volatility.

    SOURCES:

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

    http://www.fpsc.ca/beaplanner/statistics-about-the-profession

    https://news.efinancialcareers.com/us-en/15316/in-canada-strong-demand-for-financial-advisors

    http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/rick-hyde/financial-advisor-future_b_8076868.html

  • A Closer Look at a Career as a Carpenter

    A Closer Look at a Career as a Carpenter

    With Canada’s continuous efforts to be a major player in world economy, it’s not a surprise why building and infrastructure stays on its must-do list. As a result, a job that is generally perceived as an old-fashioned or outdated one is, in fact, one of the most in demand more than ever especially in the British Columbia province, according to the Global News website. It is also starting to grow in Manitoba, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Ontario, P.E.I. and the Yukon.

    A carpenter is profession that can’t easily be replaced by technology or machine as one would always need to come in and do the work manually, whether they are working on commercial or private properties.

    Carpenters – What You Need to Know

    For the most part, carpenters are responsible for the wood or steel components to be utilized in any structure, be it as a foundation or framing itself or doors, windows, and furniture. They often work with tools or machinery to carry out their duties. Due of the nature of their job, carpenters are expected to be in the best of health to be able to carry heavy items and be flexible and adaptive enough to work at any kind of environment, whether it is within a house, shop, building, or the site itself. Work hazards are a given in this profession, and thus carpenters should be well-aware of safety measures like wearing protective clothing at all times and others.

    While to be successful in the carpentry field requires a great deal of physical skills and knowledge in machines and tools, carpenters are also required to have excellent attention to detail as they have to deliver products that are not only functional but also aesthetically and consistently pleasing. Carpenters should also be able to read and interpret blueprints easily and have good mathematical knowledge to deduce measurements. With these in mind, you can tell that carpentry is both a physically and mentally demanding.

    Salary

    According to PayScale.com, a carpenter can earn an average of $33,352 to $75,991 a year, with more experienced workers having the potential to earn more.

    Skills

    Physical prowess and mental strengths are a must for this job. A high school diploma or equivalent is required as well, and taking elective courses such as shop, industrial arts, and mechanical drawing can prove to be an advantage. It is recommended to undergo a pre-apprenticeship program and afterward an apprenticeship program with a certified carpenter or what is referred to as a journeyperson. The time it takes to complete these programs, which consist both of classroom and on-site training, vary depending on the location, but it generally takes four 12-month periods.

    Carpenters who target to work in Quebec must obtain certification, where it is required. In other provinces and territories, certification is voluntary. However, it is always an asset to obtain certification even in locations where it is not required. The certification process involves a four-year apprenticeship program, plus four years on-the-job experience. If you wish to take it further, you can also look into applying for the Red Seal where you can work as a carpenter anywhere in Canada.

    Pros and Cons

    The biggest advantage of being a carpenter is that it helps you be in tip-top shape as physical strengths are a large part of the job. With any job that’s focused on this, you tend to take care of yourself more, knowing that your livelihood depends on it.

    The biggest disadvantage are the hazards that are part of the job. Some environments can be downright noisy that you may develop hearing sensitivity while some environments are polluted that you may develop sensitivity in your respiratory system. It is therefore important to practice safety measures at all times to minimize these hazards.

    SOURCES:

    https://globalnews.ca/news/3854605/jobs-making-a-comeback-canada/

    https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Carpenter/Hourly_Rate

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

  • Mécanicien de moteurs de bateau

    Quand une voiture tombe en panne, le mécanicien peut souvent la remettre en état en réparant le moteur, en enlevant la rouille ou en remplaçant les pare-chocs. Devenir un mécanicien d’auto peut se faire presque n’importe où, et il y a toujours du travail. Le mécanicien de moteur de bateau est bien plus spécialisé, mais cette profession peut être la parfaite carrière pour vous.

    Les moteurs sont des machines complexes dans lesquelles beaucoup de pièces peuvent s’endommager.  Le mécanicien de moteur de bateau travaille sur deux sortes de moteurs : le moteur in-bord que l’on retrouve sur les grands bateaux comme les yachts et le moteur hors-bord qui propulse les plus petites embarcations et qui peut être plus facilement transporté pour être réparé dans des garages. Ces deux sortes de moteurs ont beaucoup de pièces qui peuvent se casser ou s’user.

    Le mécanicien qui travaille sur des moteurs de bateau doit connaître les moteurs qu’ils réparent. Un diplôme d’études secondaires est très souvent demandé, et il est conseillé de suivre des cours dans une école des métiers. Travailler comme apprenti est aussi une bonne idée, si cela peut se faire, même de façon informelle, comme pour un travail d’été. Comme pour beaucoup de métiers, l’apprentissage pratique est un bon moyen d’y commencer sa carrière.

    Selon sa spécialité, le mécanicien de moteurs de bateau peut travailler principalement à l’extérieur ou surtout à l’intérieur. Pour les moteurs in-bord dans les yachts ou les grands bateaux, le mécanicien doit aller là où le navire est amarré, en général sur l’océan ou dans un grand lac. Ce qui veut dire que le mécanicien doit vivre près d’une des côtes ou près de l’un des Grands Lacs.  Comme les moteurs hors-bords peuvent être déplacés, le mécanicien qui se spécialise sur ce genre de machines peut travailler dans son propre garage pour réparer ces moteurs avant de les replacer sur les bateaux.

    Comme pour la plupart des métiers, le salaire du mécanicien peut varier, selon l’expérience et le lieu. Habituellement, il commence à 16 $ l’heure et peut monter jusqu’à 34 $ après quelques années. Dans les petits garages, le mécanicien gagnera sans doute moins que dans les plus grandes entreprises, mais le travail peut être plus intéressant et diversifié.

    Le mécanicien de moteurs de bateau a besoin  d’une certaine force pour travailler avec de lourdes machines et doit être manuel. La capacité de travailler avec les autres est aussi importante ainsi que de connaître un peu de comptabilité, surtout pour le mécanicien qui travaille à son compte. Même dans les plus grands garages, le mécanicien peut devoir parler aux clients pour connaître leurs besoins.

    Les heures de travail du mécanicien de moteurs de bateau sont variables. Pratiquement partout  au Canada, les lacs et les rivières sont gelés en hiver. Donc, à cette période de l’année, le mécanicien n’a pas beaucoup de travail, contrairement au printemps et à l’été, où il est très occupé. C’est souvent nécessaire alors d’avoir un autre travail, mais les compétences du mécanicien peuvent s’appliquer à bien d’autres emplois.

    Êtes-vous manuel et aimez réparer les machines ? Pourquoi ne pas envisager la carrière de mécanicien de moteurs de bateau ?

    Bibliographie :

    Careerjet.ca. “Mechanic, Motorboats.” https://www.careerjet.ca/jobview/e6016ab1da98c96ac1f8649ac38f7360.html.

    CareerPlanner.com. “Motorboat Mechanics.” https://job-descriptions.careerplanner.com/Motorboat-Mechanics.cfm.

    Payscale Canada. “Marine Mechanic: Hourly Rate.” https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Marine_Mechanic/Hourly_Rate.

    State University.com. “Motorboat Mechanic.” http://careers.stateuniversity.com/pages/776/Motorboat-Mechanic.html.

  • Ponceur/polisseur

    Parfois, les plus petits emplois peuvent faire une différence. Le polissage est seulement une partie du travail impliqué dans la fabrication d’objets faits d’argile, de plastique, de métal, de bois ou de pierre. Pourtant, le travail que fait le ponceur/polisseur est très important.

    Lorsque vous passez votre main sur un morceau de bois brut, vous pouvez facilement attraper une écharde. Une pierre non polie peut vous couper, le travail du ponceur/polisseur fera la différence. Dans ce métier, les personnes travaillent avec des outils manuels et électriques pour polir les bords d’objets qui pourraient causer des blessures à ceux qui les utilisent.

    Lorsqu’on est ponceur/polisseur, on fait plus que frotter une lime ou du papier abrasif sur un objet. Il doit lire des plans d’architecte et noter les imperfections comme les fissures, qui ont besoin d’être réparées. Il peut travailler sur de petits objets comme les vases ou sur de plus grandes surfaces comme des parquets. Il doit choisir les bons outils et être capable de travailler sur toutes sortes de matériaux et les rendre les plus beaux possible.

    Pour travailler dans ce métier, il n’est pas nécessaire de suivre une formation. Cependant, suivre un cours dans une école des métiers peut vous apprendre à utiliser divers outils, et ça serait bien de suivre un apprentissage.

    Le salaire du ponceur/polisseur commence  26 000 $ par année et peut monter jusqu’à 52 000 $. Le salaire moyen est en dessus de 37 000 $ et en général, le salaire horaire est de 19 $ pour celui qui a acquis un peu d’expérience.

    Certains peuvent faire ce travail pendant des années, mais d’autres changent d’emplois après quelques années seulement. Ce travail demande de travailler avec les mains et beaucoup d’ouvriers trouvent cela trop difficile une fois qu’ils sont plus âgés. Les accidents, l’arthrite et d’autres problèmes peuvent aussi faire en sorte que les ouvriers ne peuvent plus continuer.

    Les perspectives d’emplois pour le ponceur/polisseur ne sont plus aussi bonnes qu’auparavant. En 2014, le nombre d’emplois a diminué et plus personne n’est certain d’obtenir du travail. C’est une bonne idée d’avoir un deuxième choix d’emploi et l’ouvrier ne doit pas penser que ses compétences sont inutiles. Ce genre de travail est très important pour rendre les produits aussi beaux que possible. Que ce soit dans la construction, dans la fabrication de pierres tombales ou de plaques pour des édifices, dans ce domaine, il y a plein d’occasions pour y utiliser ses compétences.

    En plus, le ponceur/polisseur acquiert beaucoup de compétences utiles qu’il peut utiliser dans d’autres emplois. La capacité de manier des outils manuels est importante dans de nombreux métiers, et pouvoir finir un travail peut aider ceux qui n’ont pas ces compétences. Si vous aimez faire en sorte que les objets soient doux au toucher et les faire briller, ce métier pourrait être intéressant  pour vous.

    Bibliographie :

    Career Planner.com “Hand Grinding and Polishing Worker.” https://job-descriptions.careerplanner.com/Grinding-and-Polishing-Workers-Hand.cfm

    College Grad.com. “Grinding and Polishing Workers.” https://collegegrad.com/careers/grinding-and-polishing-workers.

    Neuvoo.ca. “Polisher Salary in Canada.” https://neuvoo.ca/salary/polisher/

    Recruiter.com. “Salary for Hand Grinding and Polishing Workers.” https://www.recruiter.com/salaries/grinding-and-polishing-workers-hand-salary/.

  • Géologue

    Pour certains, un caillou ou de la terre ressemble à un autre caillou ou de la terre. Cependant, le géologue sait que les divers endroits du monde ont des sortes de roches et de terre différentes. Si vous devenez géologue, vous étudierez votre environnement et utiliserez vos connaissances pour aider les gens à vivre mieux et de façon plus sécuritaire.

    Imaginez que vous vivez dans un endroit où il y a beaucoup d’avalanches. Comme géologue, vous pouvez étudier les montagnes et savoir où se trouvent les zones dangereuses. Ainsi, les gens peuvent construire leurs maisons, les écoles et d’autres édifices dans des lieux sécuritaires.

    Le géologue passe beaucoup de temps à récolter des échantillons de pierre et de terre pour apprendre tout ce qu’il peut sur la surface de la planète. Il construit des cartes et des diagrammes pour illustrer ses découvertes et les utilise pour informer ceux qui travaillent sur des projets.  Il peut évaluer les conséquences  d’un projet minier sur l’environnement ou travailler pour une entreprise d’énergie électrique et étudier les répercussions d’un oléoduc ou d’un projet hydroélectrique  sur le milieu naturel environnant.

    Le géologue a besoin d’une formation poussée. La chimie et la physique sont importantes ainsi que les mathématiques pour pouvoir calculer des distances ou d’autres éléments. Il doit savoir lire et dessiner des cartes. Ce sont des sujets que vous pouvez commencer à étudier dès maintenant. Si vous pouvez suivre des cours de sciences, profitez-en pour avoir une idée de ce que vous devrez apprendre.

    Dans la plupart du temps, la formation universitaire est nécessaire pour le géologue. L’exigence minimale est le baccalauréat, mais vous aurez peut-être besoin d’obtenir une maîtrise ou un PhD, surtout si vous voulez enseigner. Le géologue peut trouver du travail dans les universités, les centres de recherche et même les centres de météorologie ou des entreprises privées. Le salaire de début est 36 000 $, mais il peut monter jusqu’à 75 000 $ avec l’expérience. Les gens restent environ vingt ans dans ce domaine, parfois plus.

    Une partie du travail de géologue consiste à ramasser des échantillons. Lorsque le temps est mauvais, ce n’est pas agréable, mais c’est nécessaire. Analyser des échantillons dans un laboratoire et écrire des rapports peut être fastidieux, mais c’est important de partager ses recherches. Le géologue peut aller à des conférences pour exposer ses découvertes. Il peut être membre d’une grande équipe de scientifiques ou faire partie d’un petit groupe.

    Travailler comme géologue peut être exigeant physiquement lorsqu’on doit récolter des échantillons, mais sinon, c’est un travail de bureau assez tranquille qui implique beaucoup de lecture et d’écriture. Le géologue doit s’assurer de se tenir au courant des dernières recherches et il est possible qu’il ait à suivre des cours tout au long sa vie professionnelle. Pour ceux qui aiment apprendre, cela pourrait être la carrière idéale.

    Bibliographie :

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

    Eco Canada. “Environmental Geologist.” http://www.eco.ca/career-profiles/environmental-geologist/

    Learn.org. “How to Become a Geologist in 5 Steps.” https://learn.org/articles/Geology_How_to_Become_a_Geologist_in_5_Steps.html.

    Payscale Canada. “Geologist Salary.” https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Geologist/Salary.

     

  • Le microéditeur

    Imaginez que vous vouliez écrire un livre sur votre vie ou sur un évènement intéressant que vous connaissez. Si vous savez comment, vous pourriez publier votre propre livre et en donner des exemplaires à vos amis et votre famille. Lorsque vous finirez l’école, vous pourriez même envisager d’utiliser ces compétences pour en faire une carrière.

    De nos jours, savoir comment utiliser un ordinateur est une compétence assez élémentaire. On utilise un ordinateur à l’école et au travail, pour des dissertations, des rapports et d’autres documents. Les microéditeurs  travaillent avec des rédacteurs, des éditeurs et des graphistes pour produire tout document, que ce soit un rapport d’une page ou un livre entier sur divers sujets. Habituellement, ce sont d’autres personnes qui s’occupent de l’écriture et des représentations graphiques avant que le microéditeur travaille à la préparation et la publication du document.

    Contrairement à d’autres professions, la microédition est, en général, un emploi basé sur des projets. Les dates limites peuvent rendre les horaires des microéditeurs très chargés, et ils doivent parfois travailler de longues journées pour terminer à temps. D’autres fois, ils ont très peu à faire, surtout s’ils sont indépendants et travaillent avec leurs propres clients. Certains micoréditeurs peuvent trouver un emploi au gouvernement ou dans de grandes entreprises, mais d’autres travaillent avec des gens qui veulent écrire l’histoire de leur vie ou publier des documents plus personnels.

    En général, pour devenir microéditeur, il n’est pas nécessaire d’acquérir une formation particulière. Cependant, il peut être avantageux de suivre des cours en arts, en graphisme, ou en programmations informatiques. Les microéditeurs ont besoin de connaître les dernières tendances dans l’édition et les logiciels pour différentes sortes de documents. Ils doivent aussi savoir comment changer les documents d’un format à un autre selon les besoins du client.

    Dans ce domaine, les personnes passent beaucoup de temps à leur ordinateur, mais ils ont besoin aussi de communiquer avec leurs clients pour connaître leurs souhaits. En plus, c’est avantageux pour eux d’assister à des conférences, pour pouvoir discuter des nouveautés dans leur travail. Cependant, la plupart du temps, ils travaillent seuls, même lorsqu’ils sont dans un bureau.

    Le salaire des microéditeurs varie beaucoup. Ceux qui ont leur propre entreprise, peuvent n’avoir seulement que du travail occasionnel et ont besoin d’un autre emploi pour vivre. Habituellement, ils gagnent entre 33 000 $ et 60 000 $ par année. Ce n’est pas un travail physique, mais il peut être fatigant mentalement.

    Presque tout le monde peut devenir microéditeur, mais certaines particularités peuvent rendre ce travail plus facile. Quelqu’un qui est minutieux, mais aussi créatif pourrait trouver cette profession intéressante. Certains sujets sur lesquels les gens écrivent peuvent être assez complexes, mais les bons microéditeurs peuvent rendre le sujet le plus opaque, en un texte intéressant en utilisant la bonne taille des caractères, les bonnes photos et les bonnes couleurs. Ils peuvent aussi aider à la révision des documents pour s’assurer de leur exactitude.

    La microédition est un travail qui demande à la fois, de la créativité et de la minutie. Est-ce que vous vous retrouvez dans ces qualités ?

    Bibliographie :

    Careerjet.ca. “Desktop Publishing and Graphic, Ottawa, ON.” https://www.careerjet.ca/jobview/357580cfc5a8edf6e5f5839aadf480b3.html.

    Learning Path.org. “Pros and Cons of a Career in Desktop Publishing.” http://learningpath.org/articles/Becoming_a_Publisher_Job_Description_Salary_Information.html.

    Payscale Canada. “Desktop Publisher Salary.” https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Desktop_Publisher/Salary.

    Truity.com. “Desktop Publisher.” https://www.truity.com/career-profile/desktop-publisher.