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  • Career Profile: Medical Assistant

    Not everyone interested in medicine wants to be a doctor.  Luckily, there are many career paths in the medical field other than becoming a physician, surgeon, or researcher. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, medical assistants have performed an even more vital role in the care of many Canadians.

    Medical assistants are a vital group of medical professionals who work in all levels of the medical field, from walk-in clinics and independent medical practice offices, to hospitals, nursing homes, pharmacies and laboratories.  They can also work in medical-related offices such as optometrists and dentists, mental health facilities, physical rehabilitation clinics, chiropractic clinics, and massage therapy clinics.

    Doctors and nurses need the aid of medical assistants to help them provide care by performing the essential work to keep medical offices and processes running smoothly and efficiently.  They are responsible for client-facing tasks such as preparing exam and treatment rooms, escorting patients to and from treatment rooms, scheduling patient appointments, assisting patients to fill out medical documentation and taking basic vitals and other patient information.  Depending on the workplace, medical assistants may also clean and sterilize medical equipment and inventory medical supplies.

    Medical assistants will also perform duties to manage and run an office or clinic, including updating client records and electronic health records, managing communication between other medical staff, answering phone calls and emails, transcribing doctors’ notes, processing billing and insurance, and managing scheduling for staff and patients.

    Medical assistants typically need a college or trade school diploma in medical records, medical office assisting, medical terminology or a similar program.  They also need to have an interest in the medical field and in working directly with patients in a healthcare setting, as well as a caring personality, strong organizational skills, and strong attention to detail.

    The working environment will differ depending on the type of medical office, whether it is a hospital, clinic, or nursing home.  For example, a medical clinic with regular daytime hours will provide a reliable schedule, while a hospital or nursing home may require shift work, evenings, and weekends.

    Salary expectations for medical assistants range from $17.50 per hour for entry-level employees, up to around $38 per hour for those with many years of experience or specialized skills.  The annual salary range is approximately $32,000 for new workers up to $56,000 for experienced medical assistants.

    COVID-19 emphasized just how important medical assistants are within the healthcare landscape, which will hopefully lead to many more positions in the future–and that means more career opportunities for the medically-inclined.

    Sources:

    https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/occupation/4544/ON

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

    https://www.trade-schools.net/ca/health-care/medical-assistant

  • Career Profile: Nursery and Greenhouse Managers

    Career Profile: Nursery and Greenhouse Managers

    Green spaces around your town or city, or the beautiful gardens that people grow around their own homes, add beauty and natural touches to our lives.  But most of the plants, flowers, and trees in these gardens and landscaped areas didn’t sprout there naturally — they came from garden centers supplied by plant nurseries and greenhouses.  Greenhouses are also a vital part of the agricultural food chain, supplying greenhouse-grown fruits and vegetables to processing factories or grocery stores, and supplying starter plants or seeds to farmers.

    Nursery and Greenhouse Managers are the people who oversee the operation of plant nurseries and greenhouses.  They are responsible for managing staff, planning and directing nursery or greenhouse operations, designing care and planting schedules, determining what plants to grow, performing inventory of stock and ordering supplies, maintaining records and accounts, and providing information to customers.

    Many different horticultural and agricultural products rely on greenhouses and nurseries, including Christmas tree farms, flower farms, fruit orchards, tree and shrub farms, and vegetable greenhouses.

    These horticulture workers also need to have a strong interest in plants, the knowledge to identify plant problems such as insect pests or diseases, and an understanding of plant growth and seasonal cycles.  Most positions as a nursery or greenhouse manager require a college or university degree in horticulture, botany, agriculture, or a related field, as well as three to five years of work experience in a greenhouse or nursery.

    Lots of greenhouses and nurseries will regularly hire high school and university students during the summer, which can be a great way to start gaining experience for those who want to become greenhouse managers.  Since a management position requires supervising, mentoring, and disciplining staff as well as working closely with others, it’s important to work hard to improve your people skills.

    Greenhouse and nursery managers will usually work daytime hours, but may need to start very early in the day or work evenings and weekends, depending on the needs of the greenhouse.  For example, spring and summer hours may be longer or include weekends, as these are the busiest seasons for gardening and agriculture.

    The workplace tends to be a combination of working in an office and working directly with plants on the greenhouse or nursery floor.  These jobs require a certain level of physical fitness, as there will often be moderate to high amounts of standing, walking, bending, and lifting required, as well as operating equipment including hand tools, hoses and irrigation systems, hand trucks and dollies, and even forklifts or motorized pallet carts.

    In Canada, greenhouse and nursery managers earn between $17 and $43 per hour on average, depending on the level of experience and the location of the job.  While many places across Canada have greenhouses, the larger proportion of these career opportunities is found in Ontario, BC, and the prairies, and near large urban centers or farming and agricultural regions.

    Sources:

    https://careers.stateuniversity.com/pages/38/Nursery-Greenhouse-Manager.html

    https://www.agcareers.com/career-profiles/greenhouse-manager.cfm

    https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/summary-occupation/8903/ca

  • Career Profile: Bartender (French version available)

    Career Profile: Bartender (French version available)

    Most people know what a bartender is, thanks to movies and television shows with characters in the role, as well as real-life experiences at restaurants and events.  But the job of a bartender involves much more than just serving drinks and chatting with customers.

    The core of a bartender’s job is mixing and serving both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks to people at a bar, restaurant, private club, banquet hall, special event, or other venue that possesses a provincial liquor license to legally serve alcohol.  Bartenders take orders directly from patrons, as well as from serving staff, and prepare drinks, including pouring beer or wine, mixing cocktails, and pouring or mixing non-alcoholic beverages.

    They also accept payment for drinks, enter sales and payments into electronic point-of-sale systems, review inventory and process stock re-ordering, and must maintain the cleanliness of all bar service areas, equipment, and glassware according to provincial and local health and safety standards.  Bartenders are also responsible for ensuring that they perform their job within the requirements of provincial legislation and regulations related to the sale and serving of alcohol.

    However, bartenders are responsible for more than just mixing and selling drinks.  They also must have extremely good people skills in order to assess patrons for dangerous levels of intoxication or to determine whether there is a safety risk from a patron’s behaviour.

    Bartenders often work evening and night hours, as late as 3:00 or 4:00 a.m., and will spend most of their shift on their feet.  This means working as a bartender requires the physical ability to work standing and walking for 6 to 8 hours, and being able to reach, lift, and carry stock and equipment.

    To work as a bartender in Canada, you must be above the legal drinking age of the province in which you work, which will be either 18 or 19 years old. In most cases, you will be required to have completed a high school diploma, and some employers may also require additional courses at the college level, which offer training in bartending and mixing drinks.

    Depending on your employer’s requirements, you will likely be required to complete a responsible beverage service certification course, such as SmartServe in Ontario.  Each province offers its own version of this certification; these certifications are required in Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta, P.E.I., and British Columbia, and are optional in the other provinces.  However, responsible serving certifications are always recommended, and individual employers have the right to require that their employees be certified.  Responsible service certifications can be completed both online and in-person, and cost between $25 and $50 on average, depending on the province and which program you take.

    These courses train bartenders on the safe serving and handling of alcoholic beverages, including the laws around liquor sale and service, how to check identification, what is accepted as proof of age, how to identify fake identification, risk management, and how to identify and prevent intoxication in patrons.

    Bartenders in Canada typically begin their career earning minimum wage in their province, which ranges from approximately $15 to $40 per hour.  Bartenders, like many service industry workers, also receive tips as additional earnings on top of their regular hourly wage.  This amount will vary depending on the type of business, how busy your shifts are, and how collected tips are distributed between staff.

    While some bartenders can earn upwards of $40 per hour, depending on experience and where they are employed, such as at a private club or event venue, this is not the case for all bartenders.  Many people work as bartenders when they are in university or as one of several part-time jobs, and eventually move into other careers post graduation.  Others who desire to build a career in the hospitality industry will begin working as a bartender with a career path directed toward becoming a bar or venue manager, or eventually owning their own bar or restaurant.

     

    Sources

    https://smartserve.ca/

    https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/requirements/16455/ca

    http://bartending-school.ca/bartender-certifications-required-in-canada/

  • Career Profile: Cement (Concrete) Finisher (French version available)

    Career Profile: Cement (Concrete) Finisher (French version available)

    Every job has its own purpose, even if it seems minor. Cement (concrete) finishers might not seem to have as important a job as many others in construction, but work in this field helps to make sidewalks safer and buildings sturdier. If you are precise in your work and like to make things look nice, the job of cement (concrete) finisher could be a good choice for you.

    Knowing the difference between cement and concrete is a good first step in becoming qualified for this trade. Although many people use the terms “cement” and “concrete” to mean the same thing, cement is really one ingredient in concrete. When people mix cement with water and other substances like sand and gravel, it becomes concrete, which workers can then pour onto a sidewalk, driveway, or the foundations of a building.

    Once workers have poured the wet concrete, the finishers can get to work. The first step is to level off the concrete to make sure that it is not lumpy or uneven. It may be necessary to use a power vibrator or other tool to compress the concrete and remove any pockets of air that could be in it. Then the concrete finisher applies hardening and sealing compounds to cure the concrete. This process involves maintaining the right temperature and amount of moisture to allow the concrete to harden properly.

    Making concrete weatherproof is important. Concrete finishers apply special coatings for waterproofing and damp-proofing new concrete and repair any old sections that are crumbling or cracked. Part of the job is also to install anchor bolts, steel plates, and anything else that can help keep the new concrete strong.

    Many concrete finishers work for construction companies, but some work as independent contractors, being hired by people who need new driveways or patios. The hours can be long since concrete must dry as an entire piece rather than in sections. If other workers pour concrete near the end of the workday, the concrete finisher must stay late to complete the job, even if that means remaining after dark.

    Like with most construction jobs, cement (concrete) finishing work happens mainly in the snow-free months. However, some indoor work is likely to be available even in winter. The work can be physically strenuous and sometimes complicated. People in this field need to be problem-solvers who can work with others but still be independent. Generally, workers in this trade earn between about $18.50 and $37.50 per hour, or $38,000 and $80,000 per year.

    Requirements vary in different parts of the country, but some of the basics are the same. A Grade 10 education is normally the minimum, and a high school diploma is often necessary. Mathematics, science, and drafting courses in school are helpful for calculating proportions and volumes.

    Many employers require workers to complete an apprenticeship program, which normally consists of three twelve-month segments. Certification is required in Quebec and is available but not required in all other provinces. Some employers may require a degree. This is a Red Seal trade, meaning that if people pass the required tests, they can work anywhere in Canada without retraining.

    Working as a cement (concrete) finisher can be a good career choice. If you are precise and like to work with your hands, it might be right for you.

     

    Bibliography:     

    Careers in Construction. “Concrete Finisher.” https://www.careersinconstruction.ca/en/career/concrete-finisher.

    Concrete Contractors Association of Greater Chicago. “What’s the Difference Between Cement and Concrete?” https://www.ccagc.org/resources/whats-the-difference-between-cement-and-concrete/.

    Job Bank. “Concrete Finisher in Ontario.” https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/summary-occupation/6481/ON;jsessionid=B72B88B103A745012DCCA16EC984A4FE.jobsearch76.

    Palmer, Bill. “Guide to Concrete Curing Time & Methods.” Concrete Network. https://www.concretenetwork.com/curing-concrete/.

    Payscale Canada. “Concrete Finisher Hourly Rate.” https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Concrete_Finisher/Hourly_Rate.

    Trade Up Manitoba. “Concrete Finisher.” https://tradeupmanitoba.com/index.php/explore-careers/concrete-finisher/.

  • Career Profile: Horse Groomer

    Career Profile: Horse Groomer

    Each day, you comb your hair, brush your teeth, and take care of other aspects of hygiene and neatness. Except for children and the elderly in need of assistance, most people can take care of their own personal grooming, but horses need someone to do that for them. If you like horses and want to help keep them healthy and clean, the job of horse groomer might be right for you.

    Horse groomers, also known as caretakers, work with all aspects of a horse’s outer appearance. They brush down the horse’s sides and back, trim the hooves, and make sure that the mane is free of tangles. For many horses, this means daily care to make sure that they are as clean as possible. If the horse appears to be sick, the groomer can also alert the owner or trainer that a veterinary appointment might be necessary.

    Horses can have very different personalities. To avoid injury, groomers should know which horses are likely to be calm and which ones might bite or kick. Being able to calm down an angry or frightened horse is important in this job. Some groomers are also animal trainers, and they can often find ways to help nervous or agitated horses to calm down. Getting to know the horses is a very useful step in the process.

    Being a horse groomer means working in all weather, outside or in barns that might be only partially heated in winter. People in this trade should enjoy being around horses and be able to manage their time well. Reliability and the ability to get the work done properly are also very important. Learning from others or taking courses in the care of horses can help.

    Depending on the employer, horse groomers might be able to learn on the job, or they may need to take courses. For people who want to study, two options are available in Canada. Equine Guelph in Ontario offers courses geared towards horse groomers in its diplomas and certificates in equine studies. In addition, the school offers short online courses through its Horse Portal. The diplomas and certificates normally take a year or two to complete, depending on the person.

    Another option is Olds College in Alberta, which offers a Professional Racetrack Groom Course, a four-month course that teaches students how to take care of racetrack horses. Some people might want to complete a university degree in an area such as animal husbandry, which would allow them to do more than just grooming. Normally, these degrees take at least three or four years.

    Much of the work of horse grooming happens at racetracks, which are likely to be in almost any large city in Canada. However, groomers can also find work in places like summer camps for children, cattle ranches and farms, or tour companies that specialize in outdoor adventures. Even a movie set might be a possibility. Depending on where they work, horse groomers can earn between about $35,000 and close to $47,000 per year. Work is likely to be busiest in summer, when people tend to be involved in outdoor activities, but the horses need grooming all year, and a good groomer is likely to have work even in winter.

    For people who love large animals, becoming a horse groomer could be an ideal job. If you are good with your hands and enjoy the outdoors, why not consider this trade as a career?

     

    Bibliography:

    Horse.com. “How to Become a Career Groom.” https://horse-canada.com/magazine/grooming/how-to-become-a-career-groom/.

    Talent.com. “Horse Groom Average Salary in Canada.” https://ca.talent.com/salary?job=horse+groom.

    University of Guelph. “Associate Diploma in Equine Care & Health.” https://www.ridgetownc.com/future/decm/.

  • Career Profile: Commercial Artists

    Career Profile: Commercial Artists

    Artists are known for their creativity, such as paintings or sculptures in galleries and on people’s walls. However, commercial artists are different. They work in a variety of industries, using their artistic abilities to help communicate ideas and help people work on important projects. Artistic people who want to make use of their skills in practical ways should consider becoming commercial artists.

    Commercial artists can work in many different industries, such as film, publishing, advertising, marketing, and even manufacturing. They might work for large corporations or small studios. Normally, a bachelor’s degree in art from a university is required, but some people might choose to study at a design institute. Apprenticeships can also be useful in many cases. Besides artistic ability, people in this field should have communication skills and be able to work with people, besides being creative and detail-oriented.

    Much of the work of commercial artists is based on specific requests. A client might ask a commercial artist to design a poster for a theatre performance or an advertisement for a product. Commercial artists need to be able to follow the guidelines of what the client wants but also be creative and find interesting ways of communicating the concept to the audience. People in this field can also work as desktop publishers and drafters.

    Jobs as commercial artists are more common in cities than in small towns, but people can often work remotely for people in different provinces or countries. People in this field should be organized to be able to meet deadlines but also be creative. They can work in offices with other people or alone in home offices. Although the work is not physically difficult, it can be tiring and sometimes very busy.

    Salaries for commercial artists can vary according to where they work and the number of projects they are able to complete. In general, salaries start at $36,000 per year and can rise to $53,000 per year. As long as their eyesight is good enough and they are able to use their hands, people can continue in this career long into their senior years. If arthritis or other problems affect their ability to draw, many commercial artists can still use computer programs for many of their designs.

    Sometimes, projects might come with specific requirements to fulfill. For example, a company might want a specific size of poster or ask for something that follows certain guidelines. At other times, clients might have a few vague ideas of what they want but have nothing specific to suggest. In that case, the commercial artist might have to decide on the best background material to use, whether that is paper, cardboard, plastic, or another substance. Deciding on colours and other aspects might also be part of the commercial artist’s job unless the client has specific requests.

    Being able to find the best options for clients is important, and this can sometimes take skills in negotiation. For example, a client might want a colour combination that will not display well in a certain context, such as two dark colours together or light writing on a white background. Commercial artists should know what works and what will look bad. Consulting other artists or typography and illustration guides can help commercial artists determine which combinations will work.

    Being a commercial artist is a much more stable job than other types of artwork, but the availability of jobs depends on the economy and people’s willingness to pay for something to look good. However, for anyone who is artistic but wants a steady job, a career as a commercial artist can be a good choice.

     

    Bibliography:

    Best Accredited Colleges. “Commercial Artist: Job Description & Career Information.” https://bestaccreditedcolleges.org/articles/commercial-art-professions-job-description-and-information-about-starting-a-career-as-a-commercial-artist-or-commercial-designer.html.

    Canada Council for the Arts. “Fields of Practice.” https://canadacouncil.ca/funding/grants/guide/apply-to-programs/fields-of-practice.

    Job Bank. “Commercial Artist in Canada.” https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/summary-occupation/5687/ca.

    Payscale Canada. “Commercial Artist Salary in Canada.” https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Commercial_Artist/Salary.

  • Trades Career Profile: Concrete Form Worker

    Trades Career Profile: Concrete Form Worker

    Concrete is one of the most popular building materials, and it’s used to construct everything from residential houses and sidewalks to high-rise buildings and bridges.  Construction firms that work with concrete employ skilled tradespeople called concrete form workers, or concrete masons.

    Concrete form workers are tradespeople who build the wooden forms and pour concrete in order to build a structure.  They read blueprints and determine the specifications and measurements required, then cut and construct the wooden forms using tools such as hand saws, power saws, hammers and nails, and powered nail guns.  They understand the proper way to pour concrete and how to monitor concrete while it sets to ensure that it does so properly and with the correct finish and texture.

    They are also responsible for installing stabilizing materials, such as wire mesh or steel rebar, when building the forms for more complicated structures.  Other tasks include using trowels and tools to move liquid concrete through a form or to smooth concrete surfaces, adding colour or texture, or applying sealants and other coatings.

    Working as a concrete mason is a demanding physical labour job involving heavy lifting, carrying heavy loads, using various tools, and bending/climbing. This requires workers who have good physical strength and endurance.  Much of the work occurs outside and requires the ability to work in the sun or fairly hot or cold temperatures.  Working with concrete is highly dependent on temperature and weather conditions, so depending on the area of Canada you work, these jobs can be available all year round, or only seasonally during the non-winter months.

    Concrete form workers require a high school diploma and enter the trade directly through a three or four-year apprenticeship program where they learn on the job and complete their training.  While not always required, it is often recommended to pursue some additional college or trades school courses in carpentry or similar skills.  For those who wish further certification, there is a Red Seal certification program available in all provinces.

    Wages for concrete form workers begin around $22 per hour for beginners and entry-level jobs.  Progressing through apprenticeship requirements and earning professional certifications and experience can lead to wages in the area of $48 per hour.  As most cities and towns are regularly building new infrastructure, industrial buildings, and residential buildings, there is usually steady, regular work available in this career.

    As with many skilled trades, there are multiple career paths you can follow depending on how you want to work.  If you prefer working within an established company, there are many construction companies that hire form workers and complete projects at the municipal, provincial, and national level, both for public projects and private projects.  Alternatively, if you prefer to work for yourself, you can establish yourself as an independent contractor who works on contract for larger companies, or who owns their own business to complete smaller jobs at the local level, such as home improvement and landscaping projects.

    Sources:

    https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/occupation/6401/22437

    https://work.chron.com/job-description-concrete-form-laborer-18147.html

  • Career Profile: Travel Clerk

    Career Profile: Travel Clerk

    Going on a trip can be fun for travellers who have comfortable places to stay, good food to eat, and interesting places to see. Travel clerks help make the process easier as they help people plan their trips and deal with potential problems.

    Suppose that some people wanted to travel from Canada to England to see the sights there. They would need airline tickets to get there and back, reservations for a hotel or other place to stay, and possibly tickets for plays, visits to museums, and other activities.

    People can make these arrangements on their own, but travel clerks have the skills and connections to arrange travel more easily and cheaply than people can manage otherwise. Hotel managers and restaurant owners often give discounts for large numbers of reservations. A travel clerk who reserves fifty rooms each year, for example, can often get a better deal than someone who reserves only one room.

    Travel clerks can be especially helpful if people encounter problems on their trips. If a traveller gets sick along the way, for example, travel clerks can help rearrange their schedules or even arrange for a hospital stay or an early ticket home. Making these types of arrangements can be very difficult for travellers to make themselves, especially in a country where they do not speak the language. Travel clerks know who to contact for the help that tourists need. Even business travellers are likely to benefit from the skills of a travel clerk.

    Requirements for travel clerks vary. However, most people in this field should have at least a Grade 11 education, and finishing high school is a good idea, especially with courses in English, mathematics, and geography. Getting a certificate or diploma in hospitality and tourism from a career college is also a good idea, especially for people who hope to move into related jobs in the future. Job prospects depend on the economy, and big cities are likely to have more jobs than small towns.

    Working as a travel clerk is not generally physically difficult, but it can be stressful. People in this field need to be willing to spend many hours on the phone each day and be able to remain calm and polite, regardless of how rude other people might be. Good organizational skills are essential, especially since travel clerks often work with several different holiday schedules at once. A good knowledge of foreign languages is useful, as well, because travel clerks often need to deal with people whose English might be minimal.

    Travel clerks can work in a variety of settings. Some clerks might be in small companies where they work with all aspects of the arrangements and possibly even travel out with tour groups to help make sure that they get to their destinations. Other clerks might work only from the office, making plans for travellers. Some people in this field work in provincial or municipal tourism offices, and some people can even set up their own businesses. Specializing in a certain type of travel, such as bus trips to local destinations, is also a good choice.

    Salaries for travel clerks start at about $34,000 per year and can rise to about $49,000, although location and the type of travel that the company offers can make a large difference. Dealing with the seasonal aspect of the work can be a challenge. However, for organized people who enjoy working with others, the job of travel clerk can be a good choice.

     

    Bibliography

    Glass Door. “Salary: Tavel Clerk.” https://www.glassdoor.ca/Salaries/travel-clerk-salary-SRCH_KO0,12.htm

    Indeed. “Travel Agency Clerk.” https://ca.indeed.com/q-travel-agency-clerk-jobs.html.

    Indeed. “Travel Clerk.” https://ca.indeed.com/q-travel-clerk-jobs.html?vjk=d38463d4ddcf03ee.

    Job Bank. “Travel Clerk Supervisor in Canada.” https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/summary-occupation/26940/ca.

  • Career Profile: Court Reporter

    Career Profile: Court Reporter

    Suppose that you need to know exactly what someone said from another day. For legal matters, you might ask a court reporter. People in this field record what people say in court cases so that the participants and the public can have an exact record in case of any disagreements or problems in the future.

    Court reporters have very important jobs because their work can influence many other people. This job involves using special electronic stenograph machines or other devices to make verbatim, or word-for-word, records of what people have said. Sometimes, the judge or someone else in the courtroom will ask the court reporter to read back what someone has said.

    People in this field must be sure that they have not missed anything or misheard what the people have said, since small mistakes can have a large influence on what happens with a court case. For example, a word missed out from or added to what someone said could mean the difference between who receives an inheritance or who is convicted of a crime.

    Generally, court reporters have a diploma or certificate in secretarial science, or they are trained as administrative assistants at a career college or business school. Normally, these programs are under two years long. Being able to type quickly is essential, and people in this field can generally type at least two hundred words per minute. They must be extremely accurate and be able to type while listening to what is happening around them. In high school, courses in English, computers, and related topics can be useful.

    Accuracy can be difficult, considering the potential difficulties. Court reporters need to be able to understand different accents well enough to be able to record what people have said. People in court can also often be emotional, and court reporters might sometimes need to transcribe the words of someone who is crying and difficult to understand. Sometimes, people might trail off at the end of their sentences or have other quirks that make their words hard to understand. Court reporters need to be alert to each person’s way of speaking and be able to record the words so that others can understand. Following all established styles or formats is important.

    Mistakes can be easy to make, especially if a court reporter is new at the job or is feeling tired or sick. Sometimes, court reporters research the information that they have heard to make sure that it is accurate. For example, they might need to check place names to be sure that they have the correct spelling. Sometimes, they might even need to insert a correction, such as if someone has given the wrong information about a place or a business.

    Working as a court reporter is not generally physically difficult, other than sitting in a chair and typing for hours at a time. However, it can be stressful. Also, as people age, their hearing and ability to type quickly might deteriorate. Although some people might want to move into a supervisory role at that point, others can stay in this career for years. Salaries start at about $52,000 per year and can rise to $89,000 per year. Besides courtrooms, people in this field can find work with governments and possibly large companies. Jobs are easier to find in cities than in towns or villages.

    The job of a court reporter is not easy, but it can be exciting. If you are a good listener, are patient and methodical, and can type quickly and accurately, it might be right for you.

     

    Bibliography

    Indeed. “What is a Court Reporter? (With Duties and Required Skills).” https://ca.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/what-is-court-reporter.

    Salary Expert. “Court Reporter.” https://www.salaryexpert.com/salary/job/court-reporter/canada.

  • Career Profile: Cargo and Freight Agent

    Career Profile: Cargo and Freight Agent

    When people send packages to each other or businesses move their goods from one place to another, someone needs to make sure that everything gets to the right place in good condition. Cargo and freight agents are an important part of the process. If you are organized, attentive to detail, and helpful, you might want to consider this field.

    Sending a package or a larger shipment from one place to another can be a complicated process. The address on the label needs to be correct, the package must be properly wrapped, and the sender needs to pay the right amount of postage to send the package to its destination. Someone also must be available to receive the package at the destination. Cargo and freight agents are experts in this field.

    Cargo and freight agents work in warehouses, stockrooms, shipping centres in factories, and other places where people send large packages. Some might even work for museums or universities. They might work for airlines, water transport centres, or shipping companies. They often check documents for importing or exporting goods, meet with clients to discuss prices and shipment options, and organize the goods that are supposed to be shipped.

    Cargo and freight agents can help make the process of shipping easier. For example, they might work with manufacturers to combine different types of products into the same shipment to save space. They might examine different shipping routes to see which one is the most efficient and safest. For example, taking heavy goods over the Rocky Mountains by truck might be possible in summer but not in winter. Cargo and freight agents assess the options and help the client make the best choice.

    Being able to keep track of shipments is very important in this field. Cargo and freight agents must be very organized and be able to solve problems. A good knowledge of geography is useful for making sure that shipments go to the right destination by the best possible route. English courses in high school are useful for giving people good reading skills, and mathematics courses help people in this career calculate weights and volumes. That way, they can calculate how much will fit onto a train or airplane without overloading it.

    Salaries for cargo and freight agents begin at about $46,000 per year and can rise to more than $64,000 per year. Depending on the job, the work might be mainly in an office or involve actual lifting and moving, and cities are likely to have more jobs than small towns. Often, people in this job work with at least one or two other people. The hours can be long, and a certain level of stamina is important. However, the main qualities necessary for the job are good organizational and problem-solving skills.

    Good communication skills are essential for the job. Often, people in this field work with a variety of companies or vendors to get the job done. For example, a company in Vancouver might want to ship to Winnipeg. The cargo and freight agent could then arrange one form of transportation to get the goods over the mountains and another to get across the prairies. Then someone would need to unload the goods and assess them for damage. Cargo and freight agents need to be able to work with all these segments of the job.

    Working as a cargo and freight can be a good choice for people who are organized and able to deal with many different people to get a task done. It could be a good job for you.

    Bibliography

    Career Explorer. “Cargo and Freight Agent.” https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/cargo-and-freight-agent/.

    Indeed. “How to Become a Freight Broker in Canada (With FAQs).” https://ca.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-become-freight-broker-in-canada.

    Indeed. “What Is a Cargo Agent? (With Career Steps and Salary).” https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/what-is-cargo-agent.

    Job Bank. “Airline Cargo Agent in Canada.” https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/occupation/6304/ca.

    Talent.com. “Cargo Agent Average Salary in Canada, 2024.” https://ca.talent.com/salary?job=cargo+agent.