Author: Jingwei Chen

  • Un scientifique bio-informatique : qu’est-ce que c’est ?

    La bio-informatique est un nouveau domaine de la science qui unit deux domaines très différents l’un de l’autre : la biologie et la programmation informatique. Un scientifique bio-informatique analyse les données biologiques en utilisant des logiciels informatiques. Les ordinateurs sont devenus si omniprésents et les capacités sont si avancées que nous pouvons utiliser leur puissance pour pouvoir répondre à des questions reliées à la fonction génétique, à la structure des protéines, à l’évolution moléculaire, aux cibles médicamenteuses, et aux mécanismes de maladies. Si cela vous semble intéressant, lisez ce qui suit pour en apprendre plus sur cette carrière.

    Comment puis-je devenir un scientifique bio-informatique ?

    La bio-informatique demande une solide éducation. Après un diplôme de premier cycle en biologie ou en programmation informatique, l’étudiant doit poursuivre des études avancées, et c’est à ce moment-là qu’il se spécialise en bio-informatique. Il vous faut un diplôme de maîtrise, ou même un doctorat dans ce domaine – notez bien que ces programmes sont d’au moins cinq ans. Ou alors, vous pouvez aussi suivre des études de médecine, et une fois diplômé, vous pouvez suivre des études en bio-informatique. En tout cas, la bio-informatique est un domaine compliqué et vous devez vous attendre à étudier plusieurs années.

    Où les scientifiques bio-informatiques travaillent-ils ?

    Les scientifiques bio-informatiques sont très demandés !  Ils peuvent travailler pour toutes sortes d’employeurs, comme les universités, les hôpitaux, les entreprises privées et les agences gouvernementales. Étant données leurs compétences spécifiques, on leur demande régulièrement de conseiller d’autres scientifiques et chercheurs. Lorsqu’ils sont employés par une université, ils peuvent avoir leur propre laboratoire, gérant des techniciens de laboratoire et servant de mentors pour des étudiants. Habituellement, ils ont des heures de bureau, mais on peut leur demander de travailler plus longtemps ou pendant le weekend.

    Quelles sont les perspectives de carrière des scientifiques bio-informatiques ?

    En fait, elles sont très positives. Un salaire US est très agréable, à 75 000 $ (5).  Une recherche rapide sur Glassdoor indique qu’au Canada, les salaires moyens sont sensiblement les mêmes. Les salaires vont probablement augmenter puisque la demande continue de grandir. Aux États-Unis, cette carrière a grossi de 16 % depuis 2004 et  7 170 postes seront à  pourvoir d’ici 2018.

    Devenir un scientifique bio-informatique est un choix de carrière difficile mais gratifiant. Si vous aimez la biologie et les ordinateurs, cela pourrait être une carrière pour vous !

    Références :

    1. http://www.senecacollege.ca/fulltime/BIF.html
    2. http://study.com/articles/Bioinformatician_Job_Description_Duties_and_Requirements.html
    3. http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-engineering-careers/health/bioinformatics-scientist#keyfactsinformation
    4. http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-engineering-careers/health/bioinformatics-scientist#onthejob
    5. https://www.sokanu.com/careers/bioinformatics-scientist/
    6. https://www.glassdoor.ca/Salaries/bioinformatician-salary-SRCH_KO0,16.htm
    7. https://www.recruiter.com/careers/bioinformatics-scientists/outlook/
  • Inclusion: The Women’s March for All

    Inclusion: The Women’s March for All

    Donald Trump’s ascension to the U.S. Presidency is nothing new. My history studies in university helped me make a modicum of sense of a world that is almost always on the brink of chaos. From countless wars to questionable leaders, humanity has persevered. What is new is technology. On one hand, we are now easily capable of bringing the environment to its knees and bombing the global population many times over; conversely, the masses are also able to come together like no other point in history.

    The Women’s March on Washington mobilized hundreds of thousands of women as they stood up against the catastrophic rhetoric permeating many nations through the rise of right-wing nationalism. They were not alone. Other marches, including one in Toronto’s Queen’s Park, sprung up and helped make it the largest protest in United States history. The idea originated with Teresa Shook, a Hawaiian grandmother who suggested a protest on Facebook immediately after the election. Thanks to modern technology, what would have only reached family and friends instead made its way to over ten thousand people within hours.

    Organizing such a vast protest en masse undoubtedly would lead to difficulties. The intersectionality of different races and life experiences led to numerous disagreements, and unlike other protests, listing the demands would be no easy task. As a white male, I am in no position to equate my experiences with the voices being heard. As a history major, I am excited to be a part of the galvanization of the masses. Cultures are historically structured with a few success stories at the top, standing on the shoulders of countless lower class workers, farmers, or slaves. For the first time in history, that group can effectively mobilize.

    The Women’s March was inclusive of everyone because that is the only way it can truly have an impact. Divisionary tactics have always been one of the strongest weapons against this. When it comes to feminism, we can all implement its tenets, whether we label ourselves a feminist or not. Those with lesser privilege can be heard, and those with more can finally truly listen. However you wish to identify yourself, we are awakening the voices of many generations of civilization that had no social media. After centuries upon centuries of peasants, slaves, and proletariat simply persevering – your ancestors, and mine – we are giving those voices a platform.

    It is unfortunate that it took something as traumatic as electing such a divisive figure to the White House. More importantly, the tumultuous nature of politics at this time exposes the deeper flaws more inherent to a capitalist system at odds with globalist collectivism. The never-ending imperialism, the routine of a select few taking advantage of a large group of people, and the ongoing success of those select few cannot persist in a world of growing compassion and intersectionality. As globalism brings us together, oppression and division become archaic.

    We will continue to march. It will continue to be messy. There will still be defeats and disagreements. There are no overnight victories. But the story of humanity has been a long history of individual struggles, of countless unheard voices of the everyday people never mentioned in history books. At long last, this is an opportunity for us all to come together to do what humanity does best – persevere.

    Sources:

    Egozi, Arielle. “How to tell if the Women’s March is about real feminism – not the safe, trendy kind.” Vox. http://www.vox.com/first-person/2017/1/19/14314038/womens-march-feminism

    Tolentino, Jia. “The Somehow Controversial Women’s March on Washington.” The New Yorker. http://www.newyorker.com/culture/jia-tolentino/the-somehow-controversial-womens-march-on-washington

  • The Basics for First-Time Investors

    The Basics for First-Time Investors

    If you have never invested a single dollar and have no clue whatsoever how to go about it, then this article is for you. Investing creates positive long-term habits. Even if you are just putting a few dollars away, the habit of abstaining from unnecessary expenses and saving instead can make a huge difference. There are numerous factors to consider, but you can start immediately.

    Tangerine and President’s Choice offer simplified banking without the fees imposed by major banks. It is easy to create a no-fee chequing account, and from there open a savings account. Funds can easily be transferred between the two, with the latter providing a small interest paid monthly. That small amount can add up to a substantial yield in the long-term, but more importantly, it encourages regular saving of your income.

    The next step is to do more with your savings. You can set up an appointment with a financial advisor at your local bank to ask questions. The stock market is a popular but risky choice. It can be approached by selecting companies you already know and whose products you already use. Larger corporations are a safe way to get started without taking on any massive risk. However, this approach is not serious investing.

    For serious and larger investments, you have to first determine how long you want to put the money away for. Perhaps you plan to use the funds to buy a car in five years, to purchase a house in a decade, or for retirement. Investments that offer higher interest are better for the long-term as the amount will likely fluctuate. If you are not prepared to set it aside long enough, you could end up losing money. This risk can be mitigated through mutual funds.

    Allan Small, the senior investment advisor at DWM Securities, describes mutual funds as a “basket of investments.” A mutual fund manager determines where these numerous investments go. Their expertise makes them generally safe as an investment as long as you are able to set the money aside long enough. These investments are diversified by an advisor to ensure you will get the most out of your money.

    Guaranteed Investment Certificates, or GICs, are provided by trust companies and banks. They offer a lower rate of return, but this rate is guaranteed. However, that return can only be attained by locking your money into the investment for a specific period of time. Withdrawing funds before the agreed upon time results in no interest whatsoever. Conversely, exchange-traded funds, or ETFs, are not actively managed. These are a basket of assets that trade much like stocks, meaning their values change throughout the day.

    There are many experienced financial advisors. On the other hand, robo advisors are becoming an increasingly popular option. These automated investment services cost less, which results in more savings over time. If you are comfortable with your funds fluctuating but likely going up in the long term, robo advisors are a good choice for a better rate of return. If you have a larger amount to invest, a human advisor is the safer approach.

    These investments can be done through Tax-Free Savings Accounts or Registered Retirement Savings Plans. The former gives you tax-free interest, while the latter lets you reduce your taxable income by storing some of it away in investments. TFSAs are ideal for young, low-income earners. RRSPs only require you to pay tax when you withdraw the funds, making them perfect for retirement or when you are not working.

    There are many options for investing your money, and it can appear overwhelming. Start by getting the most of your bank with a high-interest savings account. From there, look into mutual funds and investments that will reward you in the long term. With so many options readily available with many professionals willing to help, the worst investing mistake you can make is not investing at all.

    Sources:

    Leong, Melissa. “Five investment tips for beginners.” Financial Post. http://business.financialpost.com/personal-finance/tfsa/five-investment-tips-for-beginners?__lsa=18ab-2309

    myMoneyCoach. “Learn the Basics of How to Invest Your Money.” http://www.mymoneycoach.ca/investments/budgeting-investment-basics

  • Start Learning a Musical Instrument Today

    Start Learning a Musical Instrument Today

    Music is a language. Instruments are its speakers. What they say is up to you. Many children start to learn an instrument at a very young age. They are ushered into music classes by their parents, practice daily based on instructions from their teacher, and excel after many months and years of adherence. If you are wishing that had happened to you, it is far from too late to learn. You can start today by learning sheet music, picking out an instrument, and practicing a song.

    I have taught piano to children and adults for years. My own musical studies sprung from my own self-interest in middle school. We were placed into different music classes, and I happened to be given the keyboard. I fell in love with it and inquired with my teacher about lessons outside of class. From there, it was a wonderful journey. Despite starting later than most, I also persisted longer than many other piano pupils, and am glad I did

    More than ever, the world around us encourages instant results. From same-day deliveries to streaming entire seasons of a show in one sitting, we have trained ourselves to expect things to happen right away. Music is very old-fashioned; long-term dedication is the only way to achieve results. The first step in learning this language is determining which instrument you want to use for speaking its melodic vocabulary. Borrow instruments from friends, try them out in music stores, and watch as many performers as you can to help you decide which one speaks to you.

    Learning the sheet music that parlays said music is no easy task, but it is one you can start at this very moment. There are a wide array of music apps and online resources for educating yourself on sheet music. Even before you have your instrument, you can take this first step before you even finish this article. Devote at least 15 minutes a day to these apps and websites.

    From there, the next step is to focus on the beauty inherent to music. Look at it not as a chore, but rather as a form of meditation. When you are playing a song, you are embracing the world’s beauty and clearing your head of negativity. Pick out a song for that instrument that you already know and love. Find something that evokes a response from you when you listen to it; whatever that piece is, make sure it is one that you find beauty in. Classical works have sheet music readily available online at various levels of difficulty, whereas pop songs will likely have to be purchased for a few dollars.

    Now comes the daunting challenge of actually playing the music. When learning on your own, the ideal approach is to tackle songs in digestible chunks. How much of a song to start with depends on your own comfort and abilities. It may be as little as a few notes, as much as the entire page, or anywhere in between. Music is not a race – learning a song quickly but sacrificing accuracy and technique is not learning a song at all.

    Practice that selection of notes daily, maintaining a slow speed while maintaining accuracy and proper technique. Even if that means moving at an absurdly slow tempo, accuracy and technique are always paramount. With this proper practice, you will notice steady improvement in all three categories, including speed. As you continue to practice each day and gain comfort with that section, add on another section of the song. An instructor is valuable primarily for helping you with your technique and catching oversights in accuracy. If possible, try to arrange lessons with an instructor at least once a month to monitor your progress.

    As you continue your musical journey, incorporating theory studies will help you better understand the chords and structures you are encountering in the songs you play. Like learning and maintaining any language, studying music is a lifelong journey with daily practice. It is never too late and always worth it.

    Sources:

    Burton-Hill, Clemency. “Why it’s never too late to learn an instrument.” BBC Culture. http://www.bbc.com/culture/story/20170110-why-its-never-too-late-to-learn-the-piano

    Hensold, Dick. “How to Play Music Faster: Ideal Practice Methods for Adult Musicians.” Dick Hensold Teaching. http://www.dickhensold.com/playfaster.html

  • 5 Reasons You Should Always Have a Job in High School

    5 Reasons You Should Always Have a Job in High School

    While it is sometimes true that school can be considered a student’s “job,” there are many reasons why students should work regularly both during the school year, and over summer break.

    1.  Earning Your Own Money

    The reasons you want to earn money in during high school can vary, from wanting spending money to wanting to help out with family and household expenses.  Having a part time job can provide students with enough money to let you save for college or your first car, help out your family, and have cash to go out with friends or treat yourself to the latest video game or clothing.  By having your own money, you will also learn how to budget yourself and effectively manage your finances.

    2.  Learning and Demonstrating Responsibility

    Starting to build your work history in high school gives you lots of time to learn how to operate in the adult world.  Being a good employee shows that you can handle responsibility for yourself, your work and your actions, which can help you achieve important future educational and career opportunities.  You will also learn how to balance work, school, and your personal life, which is an essential skill you will need in college, university or your future career.

    3.  You Will Develop Your Skills and Work Experience

    When it comes to getting hired to your dream job, you will need to have a lot of valuable skills and experience to bring to the table.  Working throughout your teen years will give you the chance to try lots of different jobs, which will help you decide what kind of work you want to do for a living, or what college program you want to take.  You will build a lot of great, unique experience this way, all of which will be valuable to your future.

    4.  Part-Time Work Could Lead to a Full-Time Career

    The adult working world can be a surprisingly small one, and a place that employs you part time when you’re a teen could become the place that hires you on permanently after you graduate college or university.  Companies often like to hire people they already know, because they are familiar with the person’s attitudes, work ethic, and performance.  If you can make a good impression as a part-timer, someday you might be able to take on a vital role within that company.

    5.  Polish Your Networking and People Skills

    Almost all jobs involve working with many other people from diverse backgrounds and different personalities.  The more you work with people, the better you will be at things like conflict resolution, decision making, teamwork and leadership.  In addition, you never know which person you meet could be the key to your dream job, so making connections in the professional world as early as possible can be very useful.

    Sources:

    http://talentegg.ca/incubator/2013/08/26/6-benefits-of-a-having-a-part-time-job-at-school/

    http://www.ecampustours.com/for-students/career-exploration/building-your-resume/benefits-of-working-a-part-time-job-in-high-school

    http://www.bachelorsdegreeonline.com/blog/2012/12-compelling-reasons-your-teen-should-work/

  • Why Women Should Go Into the Trades

    Why Women Should Go Into the Trades

    If you’ve ever thought, or heard someone say, that working in the trades “isn’t for women,” it’s important to know that this simply isn’t true.  It can even be difficult to ignore this idea, when you see that most professions in the trades right now do employ mostly men.

    However, young women who are planning their future should give serious thought to entering a trade, because anyone with the skills and determination can excel at and make a great living for themselves in the trades.

    But why are there so few women working in the trades?  There are several misconceptions that can contribute to women not entering the trades.  Among these misconceptions is the idea that either trades careers are not challenging, or that they require specialized skills that are difficult to acquire.  As it happens, both of these ideas are incorrect.  Trades careers offer challenging, engaging work with sophisticated equipment, large projects, and diverse groups of people.

    For those young women who think that they don’t have the right skills, the fact is that many trades use transferable skills you likely already possess, such as leadership and teamwork.  Everything else can be taught, through education and training opportunities such as a college program, internship, or apprenticeship in your chosen trade.

    The other common concern of many young women considering the trades is the perception that because a skilled trade is currently made up of mostly men, that this means female workers will be unwelcome or unappreciated.

    The truth is that yes, it can be hard to be the only woman in your workplace, and yes, there can be difficulties where you have to “prove yourself.”  But by breaking this ground yourself, you will make it easier for the young women who enter the trades after you – and you may even be able to mentor a young woman entering your trade in the future, as well.

    It’s important for more women to enter the trades for several reasons, but perhaps the most important is that all jobs, from the trades to the CEO’s office, will benefit from a diverse mix of employees.  Women bring unique thoughts, methods, and ideas to the workplace, which enriches everyone in the company, and the trade itself.

    So if you’re considering a trades career, do your research.  Learn what is involved in the trade, what skills or schooling you will need, and what kind of living you can make from a trades career.  Then go for it!  Every trade will be the better for having more women involved.

    Sources:

    http://www.collegeoftrades.ca/resources-for-women

    https://www.conestogac.on.ca/trades/women/

    http://talentegg.ca/incubator/2012/03/12/women-working-skilled-trades

  • International Scholarships

    International Scholarships

    A large bulk of Canada’s student population—in addition to the actual base population—is made up of immigrants and international students. But going to a university or college in another country always means one major thing: hiked up international tuition fees. While Canada can offer some great education to those who may not have the same opportunities in their own countries, the price isn’t cheap. Luckily there are some significant scholarships up for grabs geared specifically to international students.

    International Undergraduates Scholarships within Canada

    Humber College International Entrance Scholarships

    Divided throughout the school’s three semesters per year, international scholarships here are awarded based on serious consideration of academics, reference letters, statement of interest and community involvement. In other words, the best get the money. There are scholarships awarded that amount to between $1,000 and $5,0000, and even full tuition. The latter is only awarded to three students throughout the year, so that’s the one to shoot for. These scholarships are both entry and Bachelor’s Degree Scholarships.

    www.international.humber.ca/study-at-humber/scholarships.html

    York University International Student Scholarship Program

    With scholarships up for grabs for both undergraduates and graduate students, there are entry, continuing student scholarships and bursaries to apply for if you are an international student. York students are encouraged to set up a Student Financial Profile to be aware of the selection and application processes.

    www.yorkinternational.yorku.ca/current-international-students/scholarships-awards-and-bursaries/

    University of British Columbia Scholarships for International Students

    Vancouver is one of the best cities to live in if you are an international student. UBC offers individual entry scholarships totalling in $40,000 over four years. That’s $10,000 per year, which is some of the best money in Canada hands down.

    www.you.ubc.ca/financial-planning/scholarships-awards-international-students/

    Carleton University Entrance Scholarships for International Students

    As long as you have an admission average of between 80-84.9% or 85-89.9%–depending on what you apply for—you could be eligible for Carleton University scholarships amounting to between $1,000 and $8,000.

    www.carleton.ca/awards/scholarships/entrance-scholarships-for-new-students/scholarships/

    International Graduate Scholarships within Canada

    These four schools boast some of the best scholarships within Canada for international students pursuing either a Masters degree or a Doctorate degree. These are awarded based on your previous undergraduate success, work experience, references, and personal essays. These take more time to apply for than the above—apart from the entrance scholarships—but oftentimes the amount you can receive from a single university can be higher within the graduate sphere.

    University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships

    www.umanitoba.ca/faculties/graduate_studies/funding/585.html

    Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships

    www.trudeaufoundation.ca/en/programs/doctoral-scholarships

    University of Waterloo International Master’s and Doctoral Student Awards

    www.uwaterloo.ca/graduate-studies/awards/international-masters-and-doctoral-student-awards-imsa-idsa

    University of Calgary Graduate Awards

    www.grad.ucalgary.ca/awards

  • What Trade is for You?

    What Trade is for You?

    It’s no secret that there is some good money to be made in the trades. But there are so many different trades, so how does one choose? If you are completely at a loss for where you want to place your work focus, but know for sure that the trades world is the world for you, ask yourself these basic questions:

    Do you prefer to work outdoors or indoors, regardless of the season or the weather?

    Construction workers are often required to work in some pretty heavy winter and rainy conditions. If you are someone who enjoys the outdoor elements no matter what, this trades job might be for you. Other outdoors trades include rotary drill operator, pipefitter and steamfitter. Inside trades jobs include work like plumbing, electrician (although sometimes this might take you outside) and boilermaker. Welders can have work days that are either outdoors or indoors depending on the job and the geographical location.

    Do you like stability and working at the same place every day?

    Moving to a new job site every day can be exciting for those who like variety—for these people construction work and electrician work is ideal. But if you would rather stay put for the most part, apply for a base company as their handyman or on-site mechanic etc. Aircraft mechanics and avionics technician also tend to have a base work place.

    Do you think heavy equipment and big machinery is cool?

    Do you want to be at the helm of some pretty cool, and often high-tech large machinery? Than try the following trades: crane operator, industrial machinery mechanic, mobile heavy equipment mechanic, and construction equipment operator. These positions require a lot of training as they can be very dangerous, but with all the technological advancements it is an excitedly realm to be in.

    Do you like building things or would you rather install equipment?

    If you like building things than any job within the construction and carpentry sphere is ideal for you. Those who rather install equipment tend to lean more towards being diesel mechanics, auto body repairers and any jobs under the computer trades umbrella. Both areas are meticulous in their own way.

    For general pay information on the above listed jobs, visit www.trade-schools.net/articles/trade-school-jobs.asp

  • Careers in Helping Others

    Careers in Helping Others

    Everyone needs help at some point. You probably get help from your teachers or classmates when you have trouble understanding something in class. At home, your family members help you, and you do the same for them. Do you enjoy helping others? Someday, you could turn your enjoyment into a career.

    Suppose that your friend falls and breaks a leg. You might not be able to help much now. However, if you decided to become a doctor, you might be able to do more in the future. Medical jobs are good ways to help others feel better and to be able to get back to their lives. For example, physiotherapists help injured people get movement back into injured arms, legs, and back, and paramedics help people in emergencies. Working in these fields can be very rewarding, and the pay is often very good, as well.

    Other careers in helping people are not as high paid as medicine, but they can also be very good. Teachers help students to learn the skills and knowledge that they will need later in life. What if someone is struggling with depression or anxiety? Counsellors and psychologists help people in schools and other places to get through difficult times and to understand their lives better. Social workers help people who are dealing with family issues or other problems.

    A special kind of counsellor often gives very useful advice. Career counsellors help people decide what kind of work they want to do and let them know what kind of education they need to get. These counsellors should be good at searching for information and be willing to work with all kinds of people to help them decide on their best job choices.

    Do you already help the poor at places like soup kitchens or food banks? When you grow up, you could work at a charity that helps low-income people or that works with building good housing or planting gardens. For some people, working in animal welfare to keep pets or farm animals safe and healthy could be a good option. If you like to travel and learn new languages, you could even do many kinds of work in countries like India or China. Overseas terms often include work in agriculture, medicine, teaching, and all kinds of development jobs.

    Some helping careers require a lot of education, but others need very little. Doctors study a long time to become qualified, and many overseas workers need Master’s degrees. In other cases, however, people might not need any education beyond high school. Salaries can vary widely, but often the jobs that require the most education are also the highest paid. However, some people prefer to work with organizations that pay very little but do important work.

    Helping people can lead to a good career for people who enjoy working with others. It might be the right choice for you.

    Bibliography:

    Inside Jobs Blog. “Top Jobs for Helping People.”

    http://www.insidejobs.com/blog/top-jobs-for-helping-people.

    Labrie, Julie. “What are the best career opportunities for helping others?” http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/careers/career-advice/what-are-the-best-career-opportunities-for-helping-others/article4217858/

    Smith Jacquelyn. “The 25 Most Meaningful Jobs That Pay Well.” http://www.forbes.com/sites/jacquelynsmith/2013/08/07/the-25-most-meaningful-jobs-that-pay-well/#7ceea45b7c21.

    University of Kent. “I Want to Work In …Helping and Teaching Careers.” https://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/helping.htm.

  • Alberta Students: Transitioning Out of the Traditional School System for Persons with Disabilities

    Alberta Students: Transitioning Out of the Traditional School System for Persons with Disabilities

    Most graduating students find themselves facing a variety of challenges as they transition from the traditional school system into post-secondary and/or the workforce. For graduates (and families of those) with a disability, an even greater set challenges may arise during this transition period, causing the future to seem especially scary and uncertain. As an individual with a disability, you understand challenges. However, you also understand these challenges do not define you, and will not prevent you from achieving your goals. Let’s take a closer look at a variety of resources for Alberta students with disabilities, in order to achieve a smoother transition period upon leaving the traditional school system.

    Why choose a path in post-secondary?

    Post-secondary education offers the opportunity for self-growth, career and international opportunities, and the chance to learn and explore individual academic interests and a closer level.

    The Alberta Learning Information Services website outlines three major transition tools into post-secondary for students with disabilities:

    1. Understanding the differences between high school and post-secondary
    2. Career and Education Planning
    3. Information and Resources

    The Alberta Government Transition Guide reveals an in-depth outline of each transition tool listed above, and is jam packed with essential information on how to smoothly transition into the post-secondary world. A PDF version may be found in the link below.

    http://open.alberta.ca/pdf

    Should I speak to my post-secondary institution about my disability?

    Absolutely. If you are a student with a disability, speak to your institutions disability advisor prior to beginning classes. Many post-secondary institutions offer accommodations for persons with disabilities. Upon starting classes, speak to your individual professors in order to ensure the proper arrangements may be put into place.

    Is there funding available for persons with disabilities entering post-secondary?

    The Alberta government offers funding for persons with permanent disabilities that you may eligible for. Before applying for government funding, ensure you eligible and speak with the disability advisor at your post-secondary institution. For more information, and to see if you are eligible to apply, visit the student with disabilities section on the Alberta Learning Information Website. The link to which may be found below.

    http://studentaid.alberta.ca

    For a complete guide on student loans and funding, check out the Alberta Student Loans and Funding Guide 2017, the link to which may be found below.

    https://studentaidalberta

    Will my disability prevent me from being successful in post-secondary?

    Disability does not mean inability. With the proper tools and resources put into place, you have every opportunity to be very successful in post-secondary! Taking these first steps to achieve your academic goals reveals you are already in the right mindset for success. View and array inspirational post-secondary success stories from students with disabilities through the link below.

    https://alis.alberta.ca

    I have now completed my post-secondary training, or I have decided to take a different path and go straight into the workforce. Where can I find the right resources for disabilities in the workforce?

    The Disability Related Employment Supports (DRES) helps Albertans with disabilities discover proper employment training, and rewarding career and job opportunities. For more information on DRES, and for eligibility, check the human services section on the Alberta Learning Information Services website, which may be found through the following link.    

    http://www.humanservices.alberta.ca

    For strategies and practices on responding to challenges, and more information on employment focuses, explore the Government of Alberta Counselor Resource, What Works: Career building strategies for people from diverse groups.  The link to the PDF file may be found below.

    https://alis.alberta.ca/pdf

    For employment opportunities, and more information on disabilities in the workplace navigate through the Government of Alberta resources through the links below:

    http://www.humanservices.alberta.ca

    https://jobs.alberta.ca/disabilities

    http://www.humanservices.alberta.ca/financial

    https://www.alberta.ca/albertasupports

    http://www.humanservices/departmentpremierscouncil

    https://www.canada.ca/services/benefits/disability

    http://www.humanservices.alberta.ca/services