1210212.us16.myftpupload.com Managed WordPress Site

Author: Anthony Teles

  • The Risky & Rewarding World of Financial Advisors: A STEM Career

    The Risky & Rewarding World of Financial Advisors: A STEM Career

    People work hard to earn and save their money, and figuring out the best way to manage the latter is no easy task. This career option may intrigue you if you are comfortable with the responsibility of managing clients’ life savings and want to reap the rewards of helping them live the life they want to lead.

    Financial advisors can earn a myriad of credentials. These include Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), and more. Furthermore, a licence or designation is not required in Canada for someone to simply apply the label of “financial advisor” to themselves. This perception of an endless array of designations can cause their value to be tarnished. Some of these titles can be attained in a matter of weeks, while others require years of study. Ultimately, a financial advisor needs to be able to build an esteemed reputation and feelings of trust with their clients.

    Communication skills are a must. Be prepared to meet with clients in person in order to help them figure out their goals. In addition to having an in-depth knowledge of investments and financials, you must also be able to clearly and effectively relay this information to clients who are not experts in the field. It is vital that they fully understand the risks involved in different types of investments, from bonds to stocks and beyond. These clients may be looking to retire or fund their children’s education. You are challenged with the task of building a portfolio of investments with the right amount of risk to ensure these plans come to fruition.

    You may choose to specialize in certain areas, including retirement and risk management. This can help you make the best decisions for your client. You will have to monitor these investments, prepare reports that can be easily understood by your client, and meet with them at least once a year in order to provide updates and respond to queries.

    Although financial advisors usually work in an office setting, approximately one quarter of people in the field are self-employed. This allows for greater flexibility and opportunities, but also presents challenges in securing clients. In addition to visiting clients during evenings and weekends, you will likely be going to conferences and teaching classes to boost your reputation. Nearly one quarter of financial advisors work in excess of 50 hours per week.

    According to PayScale, financial advisors in Canada earned an average salary of $47 885 annually in 2016. The national salary range was $34 731 to $65 422, with commissions as high as $45 615. It was noted that financial advisors typically have less than 20 years of experience in the field.

    From helping clients plan the road ahead, to aiding their offspring in preparing for their own lives, financial advisors carry a great burden of responsibility. With this responsibility also comes the opportunity to have a massive impact on people’s lives. You are building the foundation for their future.

    Sources:

    Banerjee, Preet. ‘Financial advisers’: What exactly do they do? http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/personal-finance/not-all-financial-advisers-are-created-equal/article14028573/

    Myers, Cynthia. The Starting Salary of a Certified Financial Planner. http://work.chron.com/starting-salary-certified-financial-planner-1121.html

    PayScale. Financial Advisor Salary. www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Financial_Advisor/Salary

    Sokanu. What is a Financial Advisor? https://www.sokanu.com/careers/financial-advisor/

  • STEM Career Profile : Film and Video Editor

    STEM Career Profile : Film and Video Editor

    The position of film and video editor–which is usually a freelance position–is the technical side of a creative field. This career requires you to be precise and systematic; you would be responsible for putting together raw recorded materials into a completed product for broadcast or purchase. Usually the material you will use is a compilation of dialogue, camera footage, sound effects, special effects and graphics. Typically, freelance editors work on short-term contracts specifically for post-production studios, corporate employers and television companies.

    Canada has a fast growing film and television industry, specifically in Toronto and Vancouver. There is so much production, so many jobs, and so much opportunity for creative satisfaction and financial gain. The typical varieties of productions that employ film and video editors are television programs, feature films, music videos, corporate training videos and commercials. This–like any creative employment field–is highly competitive; the trick to success is lots and LOTS of work. Get yourself into internships and build up your portfolio like it is the most important thing in your possession. Many editors need to also provide voice-over and commentary writing, suggest and select music, experiment with style techniques and different graphic elements, and being 100% concerned with the quality of editing and audio and video engineering. Degrees are not entirely necessary, but showing commitment and determination is incredibly important. Work experience and a website profile are a must-have. Use LinkedIn every day and make your portfolio available to the cyber world.

    Film and video editors get to read scripts and meet with directors in order to understand the vision intended for the film. Furthermore they must always have a sense of how the shooting is going by visiting sets, and they look for the best combination of performance, photography, continuity and timing. According to Payscale, the median average salary of a video editor is around $40,000 a year, and a high salary would be around $77,000. Of course, depending on what company you work for and how large the project is, these salaries can be lower or even higher.  This is not a job for those who want to be lax. But all the work leads to all the money…so start working on those editing skills!

  • STEM Careers Profile: Industrial Psychologist

    STEM Careers Profile: Industrial Psychologist

    Humans are fascinating creatures that spend most of their time in the workplace trying to make a living. Are you curious about why and how people act the way they do? Maybe psychology is the right field for you. There are many different types of psychology, but industrial psychology is one of the most continuously profitable fields. Industrial and organizational psychology is the scientific study of human behaviour, specifically in the workplace. So, let us learn a bit a more about this exciting STEM career (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math).

    These types of psychologists use research and evaluation methods to apply the best work methods in a company in order to make things run smoothly. Each company and organization has its issues, and often these issues involve communication, conflict resolution, processes, professional competence and effective management. The job of an industrial psychologist is to increase the productivity of employees, develop screening procedures for new applicants, and getting to the roots of workplace problems. Really, anything that has to do with performance in the workplace is the concern of an industrial psychologist. But the great thing about psychology jobs is that you do not have to stay in one place; they can work in colleges and universities and function as trainers, coaches and consultants. Industrial psychologists often work in an organization’s human resources department. But sometimes they can act as an independent consultant and get called into an organization in order to solve a specific problem. This job requires a minimum of a Master’s degree, but typically a Doctorate is preferred by hiring companies.

    While the most important thing when choosing a career is to choose something that both makes you happy and keeps you challenged and interested, psychology jobs also have a strong financial draw. According to PayScale Canada as of 2011, the average salary of a psychologist is $44, 510, and the highest salary may reach $148, 188 per year. Workplace psychology jobs also offer a fair amount security and comfort. If you like people and solving problems, this may be the field for you.

  • STEM Career Profile: Environmental Engineer

    STEM Career Profile: Environmental Engineer

    Do you like researching, testing and then finding solutions to things? Do you care about lakes, forests, air pollution and just the environment in general? These things could make you a great career and, truthfully, a lot of money! A STEM career (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) in the field of environmental engineering is extremely rewarding and perfect for the person who wants to continuously be challenged in meaningful ways.

    As an environmental engineer you may deal with issues surrounding public health, recycling, waste disposal as well as issues related to water and air pollution control. This is a career for the science lover and the problem solver. Not only will you need to create solutions to environmental problems, but also work with existing solutions to make them even better. This means that you have your entire career to get better. Not only does your job make the world look better, but it keeps people healthier. As an environmental engineer you will analyze specific data, design municipal water supplies, prevent environmental catastrophes by designing regulations, perform quality checks, and correct and control malfunctioning equipment and research.

    Most environmental engineers work in architectural management or scientific and technical consulting firms; but there are also places for environmental engineers in state government or federal and local government offices. So what kind of education do you need? As a minimal, you will need a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in either environmental engineering, civil or chemical engineering. It does not hurt to get a Master’s degree for maximum salary potential, but not always necessary. The most important thing is to get yourself in to internships or cooperative engineering programs. Rack up that credit and experience- for once you do, the possibilities are endless and your wages will climb. A typical salary for an environmental engineer is between $57,000 and $95,00. This career promises to be satisfying on a personal, political and environmental level- go for it!

  • Dealing with Mental Health Issues and Your Next Career Move

    Dealing with Mental Health Issues and Your Next Career Move

    For so long you have focused on passing and/or excelling in your classes. Perhaps you dealt with mental health issues in college, but you comforted yourself by saying that school was a means to an end; anxiety and sadness comes with the pressures and prices of university. So now you are on your own without a job in the field of your choice, and you are depressed. This is normal–of course–but not everyone deals with it in the same way. School is the tip of the iceberg as far as anxiety goes; once graduation is over, you will face hard times. Whether you are dealing with mental health issues with or without the help of medication, here are some tips to help you with the difficult post-grad growing pains:

    Value YOU.

    It is imperative to value what you think and feel. Accept that you feel weak in the moment and make steps to become stronger. While doing this, also accept that failure is a necessary means to further personal growth and knowledge. In order to be strong, healthy and cheerful to both yourself and others you need to accept that you are a work in progress. The idea that being well needs to happen immediately is damaging and unattainable. Be aware of your human limitations and your self-worth will rise. Value your reactions and emotions and be at peace with those mental processes. But also, evaluate and articulate your strength; when you feel strong, reward yourself.

    Get help.

    Talking with someone is ALWAYS a good idea. Now that you are not in university you may feel that counselling is not a possibility due to finances. But the truth is that every community has free therapy options and mental health hotlines that are very helpful. As soon as you start to feel too trapped in your head, pick up the phone and make an appointment. For those with prescriptions, it is imperative that you see someone on a regular basis in order to stay on top of your medications and their effects.

    Normalize the stress you feel and plan, plan, plan!

    Do not let stress overrun you. The ultimate secret is to be organized. BE THE MOST ORGANIZED. Do not put more on your plate then you know you can handle (a common side-effect of those with major highs and major lows) and make a habit of writing everything down. Document your thoughts, your plans, important dates, goals and locations. Seeing everything in a physical format helps people to realistically understand what they can and cannot handle as well as visualize an attainable future. Also, while this may seem like a chaotic time, you will still look back on this time as one that shaped who you became.  You can also keep track of your progress by writing diary entries or poems.

    Do not compare yourself to others.

    Of course this can be nearly impossible with Facebook and everyone around you entering different phases of their lives at different times. A sure-fire way to tear your spirit down is to put yourself up against others. Learn from the strengths of others, but fight jealousy and insecurity at all costs. In the end your life is what you make it and it is only you that can change and make things better.

  • Career Advice for Up and Coming Journalists

    Career Advice for Up and Coming Journalists

    Ah, the journalist. One of the only career paths people assume you’re going down when they find out that you’re an English major. Or, heaven forbid, if you’re studying writing. Journalism is tricky. If you’re familiar with John Oliver (or just basic updates on print media) then you know the industry is suffering-not just with job and budget cuts but also with this faux-journalism that the millennials seem to have gravitated towards. The age of “listicles” and cute puppy gifs are in lieu of legitimate news stories that matter to the masses. It’s because of these hiccups and miscommunications in the industry that people don’t seem to be taking journalism seriously anymore. Or, if you’re like me, they find out that you’re on a school paper and immediately assume that you’re working on ways to expand your social media presence. Everything needs to be an Instagram post. When it comes to succeeding in the journalism field, at least at this level, there are a few things you should know:

    From my experience, you can’t be afraid of investigating or being negative. A student paper can live under the assumption that you’ll promote every club or praise every performance. That’s not how this works. And it’s okay to upset people so long as you’re justified and not unnecessarily cruel (and have the facts and research to back up your statements). But, I can’t stress it enough: part of being a serious journalist is stepping on the toes of those who are used to having their shoes shined. You have a job to do. It’s okay to get your hands dirty and ask the tough questions.

    Remain true to the craft. In the digital age, things have taken a serious turn for the worse with some outlets focusing solely on gossip or the colour of Kim Kardashian’s bikini. But to be a serious journalist is to remain true to the practice. In the face of complaints and arguments, it’s important to stick to your guns and hold your integrity close. Everyone assumes that young journalists don’t take the craft seriously or that they can bend the rules more easily because, hey, we’re kids; prove them wrong.

    One of the biggest and final pieces of advice I can offer is to not be ashamed of working for a smaller publication. These campus papers can serve as an amazing foundation for us to build a future on. Just because others may not take us seriously doesn’t mean we have to follow suit- hold that newspaper up with pride!

  • Keeping Fit for People Who Are Not Athletic

    Keeping Fit for People Who Are Not Athletic

    Getting enough exercise and keeping fit can be difficult, even for people who enjoy it. For people who are not athletic or who dislike sports, it can be even harder. However, even the least athletic people can keep fit by finding creative ways of getting their bodies moving.

    Keeping fit is a very important part of living a healthy life. Exercise can strengthen the muscles, prevent certain diseases, and help in many other ways to keep the body healthy. It can also help the mind as people learn to concentrate on what they are doing and to ignore distractions. Have you ever gone for a walk when you were feeling sick? Did you feel better afterwards? Many benefits can come from trying to keep fit.

    Even though keeping fit can be very beneficial, many people still have trouble with it. For some, it might be the amount of time that they have to spend on exercise when they have a lot of work to do. For others, it might be the effort that it takes to get outside or go to the gym to get some exercise.

    Keeping fit takes time and effort, but it can be worth the trouble. People who are fit generally get sick less often with illnesses like colds or the flu. They have more energy and can usually keep on going longer than people who don’t take the time to exercise. Exercising increases immune system strength which helps fight sickness and disease.

    Even if you think that you have too little time to keep fit, you can still try to get some exercise. Taking the stairs instead of an elevator or escalator, for example, is an easy way of getting your legs and heart working. Walking or riding a bicycle to go meet your friends is better for your health than going by car, and dancing or gardening can also help.

    Sometimes, people who dislike team sports can have trouble keeping fit. Do you find it hard to play on a team? The competitiveness, the pressure, and the difficulty of dealing with other players can make team sports hard for some people. However, finding an individual sport like cycling or swimming is a good option. Depending on what you prefer, you can do these activities alone or in small groups.

    The first step is to find out about any health problems or other limitations you might have. If you have more trouble than most people do with the cold, for example, you might not want to try running in the winter. If you tend to be clumsy, lifting weights might not be a good idea until you build up your strength, and if you are afraid of heights, you should probably avoid rock climbing. Knowing what kinds of exercises are best for you will help you to stick to your plans.

    Whatever you decide to do, it is important to be consistent and to try to exercise regularly. Even if you are not athletic, it can help you to keep fit.

    Bibliography:

    American Heart Association. “Get Non-Athletes to be Physically Active.”

    http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/HealthyLiving/HealthyKids/HowtoMakeaHealthyHome/Get-Non-Athletes-to-be-Physically-Active_UCM_303814_Article.jsp#.V6ZH2TWwiSo

    Gromisch, Maryann. “Best Exercises for Non-Athletes.” http://www.empowher.com/fitness/content/best-exercises-non-athletes-0.

    Healthy Children.org. “How Teens Can Stay Fit.” https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/teen/fitness/Pages/How-Teens-Can-Stay-Fit.aspx.

    Kids Health.org. “Fitness for Kids Who Don’t Like Sports.” http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/hate-sports.html.

  • STEM Career Profile: Climate Change Analyst

    STEM Career Profile: Climate Change Analyst

    The world’s climate has become a major topic of discussion in recent years. As temperatures change and the impacts are felt, it has become a deeply divisive and problematic issue. Yet it is not all doom and gloom. There are many people working hard to better understand this phenomenon and how humans can best respond to it. If you find yourself drawn to the subject, you might want to consider becoming a climate change analyst.

    This field requires a strong understanding of both science and policy. On one hand, you may focus more on the former, in which you would be collecting data and analyzing it. On the other hand, you may be drawn more to the political side of the matter, and in that case you would be creating policies related to Earth’s climate. Be prepared to analyze everything from the atmosphere and the oceans, to the ice up north and the greenhouse gases in metropolitan areas, and beyond. If this complicated data intrigues you, the scientific approach may be for you. If you would rather focus on implementing those results, the world of policy making may be your calling.

    Climate change analysts spend much of their time at a computer to analyze data and prepare their research. Yet you may also be out and about analyzing the rising sea levels or measuring the use of fossil fuels. Further work and analysis may be required in a lab.

    In order to do all of that, you will need at minimum a bachelor’s degree. Many in the field pursue master’s degrees or a Ph.D. in order to find better jobs. For your studies, consider subjects such as geology, geochemistry, physics, geophysics, and meteorology. Jobs in the field typically do not require certification, but it can be helpful to join professional groups to help your career. One example is the Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society. You can expect to make an average salary of $47 000 per year in Canada as a specialist in climate change. With experience and post-graduate education, that can increase to an average range of $68 000 to $72 000 annually.

    Your research and findings can help Canadians find ways to reduce their impact on the environment. Perhaps your research will lead to methods of reducing or eventually eliminating the use of fossil fuels. It could lead to discoveries in renewable energy that would allow for greater use of solar power or other safer energy sources. Your reports are part of a collaborative effort that can make its way to the Minister of the Environment. This can lead to monumental changes in laws and policies that affect everyone.

    The climate has become one of the major issues of the 21st century. It may be an urgent issue, but it is far from a hopeless cause. More and more action is being taken to ensure a positive future for humanity. This means there are more and more job opportunities for those aspiring to be climate change analysts.

    Sources

    Eco Canada. Climate Change Specialist. http://www.eco.ca/career-profiles/climate-change-specialist/

    Sokanu. What does a Climate Change Analyst do? https://www.sokanu.com/careers/climate-change-analyst/

  • Cons of too much TV and Video Games

    Cons of too much TV and Video Games

    Honestly, nothing sounds better than coming home from a hard day at school and plopping down in front of the television. To get lost in the world of video games or to watch your favourite show or movie has the potential to erase any stress from the mountain of homework staring you in the face. But, among all those bright lights and cartoon anvils, you may not be aware of the damage you’re doing to yourself.

    First, let’s start with the fun stuff. Video games and television aren’t all bad. They have lots of positive effects on those who engage such as “the opportunity to practice problem solving and logic skills. They increase fine motor and coordination skills and foster an interest in information technology,” according to developmental psychologist Douglas Gentile. However, before you rub it in your parents’ face that video games are actually good for you, you need to know the cons as well.

    Video games and television has the potential to, among other things, take time away from playing and engaging with friends, allow children to become accustomed to the violent plots involved in some games, and cause children to perform poorer in school. In fact, according to raisesmartkid.com, “a study by Argosy University’s Minnesota School on Professional Psychology found that video game addicts argue a lot with their teachers, fight a lot with their friends, and score lower grades than others who play video games less often. Other studies show that many game players routinely skip their homework to play games, and many students admitted that their video game habits are often responsible for poor school grades.”

    According to the same site, video games have also been linked to some pretty nasty and quite frightening side effects such as “obesity, video-induced seizures, and postural, muscular and skeletal disorders, such as tendonitis, nerve compression, and carpal tunnel syndrome.” Keep in mind that these may be the most extreme cases of video game and television exposure, but these are still very real problems that need to be dealt with. There’s a reason so many video games come with warnings for flashing lights and imagery.

    Now, I know that these studies make it sound like television and video games are evil, but they’re not. The important thing to remember is that you need to make time for other things. You can’t sit down in front of the television when you come home and zonk out for hours at a time. There is just as much to be gained from hanging out with friends as there is from an episode of your favourite TV show; everything in moderation.

  • Community Colleges in Manitoba

    Community Colleges in Manitoba

    Suppose that you wanted to become a doctor or an engineer in Manitoba. You would need to go to university to get your official training and qualifications. If you wanted to become a library technician or a business administrator, however, you could consider choosing a community college instead of university. In many parts of Canada, including Manitoba, community colleges are good options for people who want to combine academics with practical learning.

    Getting an academic education can be good for many things, such as learning to think and to solve problems, learning to read and write, and developing leadership skills. However, people eventually have to learn the skills that they need on the job, and community colleges can be very good for that.

    Except in a few cases like medicine and engineering, university programs generally focus on larger ideas and philosophies rather than day-to-day tasks that people use in most jobs. A Bachelor of Arts from a university, for example, can teach people to research and write, but not how to dig a well or to design an engine. The programs are usually at least three or four years long, after which students might need additional training before they are ready for many jobs.

    Although community colleges also offer bachelor’s degrees, the focus tends to be mainly on job-related areas like agriculture or nursing. Programs are generally quite short, and they focus on special skills that many employers want, such as technical writing or nursing. The range of knowledge that community college students learn is smaller, but they usually gain practical experience as part of their programs, and they graduate ready to go to work.

    Winnipeg’s community colleges follow this pattern of mixing academics with practical education. The biggest and probably the best known of this type of educational institution is Red River College, which has two campuses in Winnipeg, one downtown and one near the airport. Programs include everything from technical writing and library technician work to aircraft maintenance. Students can attend the school full time or pursue the Continuing Education option.

    Winnipeg also has several smaller colleges of the same type, including Assiniboine Community College, which also has campuses in Brandon, Dauphin, and Russell. Some of the other community colleges in the province include Keewatin Community College in The Pas and University College of the North in Thompson. Some programs also allow for distance education, so that students can get their diplomas through online studies at home rather than going to classes together in one place. Community colleges can be good choices when they offer programs that give the students what they need.

    Bibliography:

    A 2 Z Colleges.com. “Community Colleges and Technical Colleges in Manitoba (MB), Canada.” http://www.a2zcolleges.com/Comm/canada/manitoba.htm.

    Red River Community College. “About RRC.” http://www.rrc.ca/index.php?pid=46.

    Schools in Canada. “Community Colleges in Canada.” http://www.schoolsincanada.com/Community-Colleges-In-Canada.cfm

    Settlement.org. What is the difference between college and university in Canada?  http://settlement.org/ontario/education/colleges-universities-and-institutes/what-is-post-secondary-education/what-is-the-difference-between-college-and-university-in-canada/.