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  • Alternatives to Essay-Based Scholarships

    Alternatives to Essay-Based Scholarships

    Does it ever feel like your life is spent writing essay after essay, filling out application after application? Applying for scholarships can be frustrating and time-consuming, and may not seem worth it when you don’t see results. It’s true that many scholarships require quite a bit of effort—worth it if you have the time and energy to apply, but certainly not everyone’s cup of tea. Luckily, studentawards.com can help you find many alternatives to essay-based scholarships.

    There are tons of opportunities for students to win money for school through contests and draws. These are easy to apply for, and don’t usually have strict eligibility criteria. The downside is that because they require a minimal amount of effort for a big reward, lots of people enter to win. But even if the odds of winning are low, there’s really no downside to applying. It barely takes any time or effort; usually all you have to do is register to be entered into the draw. And someone’s always going to be the lucky winner, so why couldn’t it be you? Studentawards.com enters students into draws for registering with the site, for filling out surveys, and for participating in different contests throughout the year. You can also find other student contests by visiting your mailbox to see your personalized list of awards.

    Another alternative is to look for any awards that you might be eligible for simply by belonging to a certain group. You may have a part-time job with a company that offers scholarships for employees, or you may be eligible for an award through your parents’ jobs. There may be awards for members of your church, your community group, your bank or a club that you or your parents belong to. There’s usually a lot less competition for these awards, because they have quite narrow eligibility criteria. Make sure to apply for these awards when you see them in your studentawards.com mailbox.

    But with all that having been said, essay-based scholarships are still a good option. Given all the great opportunities, you should only apply for an award if you actually have an interest in the subject matter. Your passion or disinterest will be reflected in your writing. All too often students think that they’ll have a chance of winning simply by writing a few sentences without really answering the question. Your odds of winning will be much better if you do your best to answer one scholarship’s questions well than if you apply to ten scholarships without making an effort.

    You’re the best person to decide what kind of award you should apply for. You know your strengths, how much time you have to put into applications, and how much effort you’re willing to make. Whatever kind of awards you decide to apply for, studentawards.com wishes you the best of luck!

  • Are Scholarships Just for Brainiacs?

    Are Scholarships Just for Brainiacs?

    You often hear about all of the scholarships received by the students who are at the top of the class or all-stars on their team. Entrance scholarships, academic excellence scholarships, and Dean’s list/Honour Roll Awards are prevalent in conversations surrounding student awards. What many post-secondary applicants do not know is that there are a numerous awards available for the average student. There are awards that recognize skills and accomplishments beyond athletics and academics. Examples of these include scholarships based on financial need, volunteer work or extra-curricular activities. Just because you do not consider yourself a “brainiac” does not mean there are not grants and scholarships out there for you!

    You should always start your scholarship search with the college or university you plan on attending. The financial aid office or the school’s Awards and Financial Aid website are good places to start looking for internal scholarships. While you are searching for scholarships, consider looking into bursary opportunities as well. Applying for many of these scholarships and bursaries is as simple as filling out an application form and submitting it to your financial aid office (in-person or online). However, some applications require more time and thought. For example, some may ask you to provide references, a writing sample, or a letter explaining why you are a great candidate for this scholarship/bursary. Many students are not willing to put in the extra effort to apply to these scholarships, but if you are willing to put in the time it could greatly pay off.

    In addition to scholarships through your school, be sure to research scholarships within your community and/or through your parents’ or guardians’ workplaces. Many community organizations or clubs in your area may have scholarships that go unadvertised and you did not even know about. For example, 4-H Ontario has a webpage designated to grants and scholarships available for 4-H members and the general public, so check out your local associations’ websites or talk to someone you know within the club. Many workplaces also offer grants or scholarships to children of their employees. Just ask your parent or guardian to check their newsletter or their company’s website to see if there may be scholarships available to assist you with paying for your education. Every little bit helps!

    After you look at your internal school scholarships and community clubs and organizations, consider looking into more general scholarship websites. Some scholarship websites offer a wide variety of general scholarships from private donors looking to make a difference. Websites such as studentawards.com provide many different scholarship opportunities relevant to your interests, program or location. It is important to remember that the more time and effort you are willing to put into the application, the easier it will be for the donor to get to know you as a person – not just an applicant. There is a scholarship somewhere suited to you, even if you are not a brainiac. Talk to your guidance counsellor or financial aid office for more specific information about scholarships.

  • Welcome Back!

    Welcome Back!

    September is upon us once again, and everyone at Jobs People Do would like to extend a warm “Welcome Back!” to all students, teachers and administrators from coast-to-coast! We are thrilled to be here for you this school year, helping to guide you towards your perfect career.

    We are happy to announce the addition of our brand new scholarships section! Jobs People Do has partnered with Student Awards to bring you 10 new and exciting scholarship opportunities each month. No matter your background, experience or desired field of study, there is a scholarship for everyone! Be sure to check out the section and find free money for yourself!

    If you are starting to look at career options, our over 600 videos provide you with information on a variety of fields. We will also be profiling different careers each month, so come back often and find your career path!

    Once again, a hearty welcome back from all of us! Make it your best year yet!

    Remember: be a mentor – someone needs you!

    Jasmin Bollman – Assistant Editor

  • Want to Give? How to Choose the Right Charity

    Want to Give? How to Choose the Right Charity

    There are so many charities in Canada, it is hard to choose which one to give your hard-earned dollar to. Perhaps you want to organize a fundraiser, but you want to know what charity is a “good” charity (as in, they won’t take your money and run!). Using a resource like canadahelps.org, you can locate charities that are not only in line with your values but that are legitimate and transparent.

    Here are some other tips that can help you to narrow down your search:

    Google them
    It’s amazing how much information is on the web. And it’s equally amazing how good Google is at helping you find that information. Search on the name of the nonprofit and/or the nonprofit’s leaders. You’ll see pretty quickly if you should be skeptical of their mission or proud of it.

    Try to forget the horror stories you’ve heard
    Most of us can name a charity that’s been in the news for having an executive embezzle money. But one bad apple doesn’t spoil the bunch. The very fact that it makes a big story shows that the occurrence is quite rare. The overwhelming number of charities are run by good, well-meaning people. So learn from the bad stories but don’t get paranoid and weird about the charity you want to support.

    Do a gut check
    Sometimes we can just sense that something’s off even after you’ve done all the homework. Listen to that nudge. If you can’t make it go away, it may be wise for you to look for another charity.

    Talk to your friends
    This probably should be first. But your friends may have heard of the charity or know people you can check with. And in our social media saturated world, you can cast a much wider net with your questions.

    You’ll also need to decide what kind of giver you want to be. Do you want to give a little bit to a lot of charities? Or do you want to focus on 2 or 3 so you can have a larger impact? Do you want to give to start up charities or well established ones? Do you prefer giving in your country or internationally? Should your faith community get the majority of your generosity?

    It’s totally up to you. It’s your money. You get to decide how you give.

    Don’t be afraid to change your mind. You don’t have to keep giving to a charity year after year. If a charity doesn’t treat you right, it’s ok to move on. That’s why initially giving to a broad range of charities can help. You can quickly learn about how they treat donations and donors. How they treat you can tell you a lot about what they value.

    Whatever you do, please give. Charities have a lot of room for improvement, but they are still more efficient with their money than the government. And giving can be an incredibly rewarding addition to your life.

    With files from Marc A. Pitman, FundraisingCoach.com

  • Forming A Study Group

    Forming A Study Group

    One of the main benefits of a post-secondary education is the environment that it cultivates and the community of like-minded individuals that inhabits it. Whether you are in a lab, a lecture or practicing a skill, you will be surrounded by other students who are actively attempting to understand and learn just like you. So take advantage of it!

    Study groups are among the best ways to benefit from this. Whether your group is meeting daily, weekly or just to cram before an exam, the people you meet and the skills you develop will make you wonder why it has taken you so long to start forming or participating in study groups.

    But don’t limit yourself to simply joining a study group – why not form one? Not only will this give you a chance to experience a leadership position within a relaxed environment, but it will also allow you to create a study group unique to your academic calendar, perhaps filling some niche that may have previously been overlooked. A biology-religion study group, anyone?

    With the advent of social networking, it’s even easier than before! I can’t imagine creating a group before Facebook or Twitter feeds, but with these social tools available to you it’s easy to communicate between members of the group. Study groups are no longer limited to when you can reserve a room in the library. Running group conversations on Facebook can keep the dialogue going between the actual face-to-face study sessions while Twitter feeds can provide live commentary on a specific topic or question. If used effectively, these tools can greatly enhance your education. Social networking has expanded the potential and definition of the traditional post-secondary study group. Best of all, the person who benefits the most? You!

    Study groups allow you to make the most of your post-secondary education and can be central to your social, academic and interpersonal development. These groups can grow into mini-communities within your school’s own student body. As a leader of a study group, your own role and influence will play an even larger part in your school and the overall experience of all those involved.

    So start a study group – what’s the worst that could happen?

  • Career Ideas for Those with English Majors

    Career Ideas for Those with English Majors

    You did just the right thing by going ahead and following your dreams of studying English. Your dreams are just going to get rosier! Gone are the days when a degree in English only managed a few sympathetic nods from job recruiters and while those with majors in physics or business got all of the interviews and job offers.

    Times have changed and so has the job market, which is really a reflection of the changed business scenario. Increased industrialization and greater inter-connectedness have led to English becoming the main language used in many businesses around the world. This has increased demand for English writers, teachers and PR specialists who have a command over the language. In addition, communication specialists who can read, write, and speak the language are highly sought after. Those with English majors suddenly find themselves with more than one job offer and almost countless career avenues stretched out in front of them.

    If you too intend to pursue your love of English Literature and the language, then here are some exciting job openings that await you:

    – Writer or a Journalist: A degree in English is the strongest foundation on which you can build a writing career. You can dabble in fiction writing or apply for a content or copywriting job where you can wield your pen (nowadays, the mouse) to create write-ups for the Web or print media. Your degree can also be a passport into an exciting world of journalism where you can use your knowledge of human nature gained from all those hours spent in studying great literature to pen insightful stories.

    – Scriptwriter for Electronic Media: If you have a flair for the dramatics, then along with your English degree you can break into the scintillating world of television, movies or the radio. This is a career ideally suited to those who have a knack of storytelling and would love nothing better than to delve into the nitty-gritties of the plot or get under the skin of a character and pen lines that will be immortalized on the screen or the air waves.

    – Editor: Individuals who hold a degree in English are cherished as editors in the worlds of publishing and commerce. Their mastery over the written word makes them ideal candidates to proofread and edit other people’s work to make these readable, easily comprehensible and enjoyable.

    – Teacher: An individual with a Bachelor’s degree in English can also take up a teaching job in an elementary or a secondary school. If you really love your area of study and want to impart your knowledge and transmit the love of the subject to children, then no job could be better suited to your aptitude.

    – Business Communication Professional: Your degree will be held in high regard in the worlds of high finance and business where there is an increasing demand for professionals who can communicate effectively and research/interpret information correctly to come up with succinct reports.

    An English degree can indeed help you bag a lucrative job where you can have a great time doing something you love while you also earn a steady and decent paycheque.

  • How Animals Survive the Arctic Tundra

    How Animals Survive the Arctic Tundra

    The Arctic tundra, a snowy biome that is housed within the Arctic Circle, is characterized by freezing temperatures, strong winds and permafrost. Yet, despite being one of harshest environments on earth, many animals call the Arctic home. So how do animals living in the Arctic, a place that has months of continuous light followed by months of continuous darkness, survive in such a harsh habitat?

    Only a limited number of animal species in the Arctic do not migrate or hibernate during the winter months. The ones that do brave the winter have become well adapted to the extreme conditions and are able to survive year round. Some notable adaptations include the following:

    Bigger is Better
    Polar animals seem to be larger in size, have shorter limbs, denser fur and more fat and blubber than their counterparts in more temperate climates; these characteristics help reduce heat loss. It is also important to note that only larger animals, like the muskox, roam the Arctic in winter and huddle in herds to keep warm.

    Dig for Cover
    Smaller animals, such as the collared lemming, go under the snow for warmth, shelter and protection. These smaller animals dig elaborate tunnels under the packed snow and live on the roots of plants during the winter months.

    Fur Better, not Fur Worse
    As the temperature dips, animals replace their summer coats with thicker, longer coats. The snowy owl, for example, is covered in fluffy white feathers from head to toe These feathers are overlapped with more feathers to ensure the owl will remain warm in cold weather. The Arctic fox replaces its brown coat with a heavier white coat that not only keeps it warm, but also provides camouflage. The muskox grows plenty of shaggy, coarse hair that covers everything but its feet.

    Tick Tock
    A research team in Alaska studied the heart rates of two types of Arctic rodents exposed to continuous daylight, nocturnal porcupines and the Arctic ground squirrel. Despite having no time cues, the animals seemed to respond to something that provided them with regularity and allowed them to retain a normal day/night, 24-hour cycle and a biological clock. So what was the one constant factor that kept the animals’ cycle on schedule in Alaska? It was the sun, which moves overhead in a circular motion and, at midnight, is tipped to the north. The animals are aware of the position of the sun in the sky, and the nearness of the sun to the horizon can act as a clue to animals to maintain a 24-hour cycle.

  • High School Community Involvement

    High School Community Involvement

    In Ontario, all high school students attending public, private, independent and catholic schools are expected to complete 40 hours or more of community involvement work. The decision for this was made so that teens could display responsibility and contribute in various roles within their community.

    Acceptable Choices
    There are a number of choices for community involvement. Not-for-profit or charity services are considered appropriate choices. In addition, many local businesses are available for students to become involved with in public or private settings.

    Each school board has a list of acceptable involvement activities. Students under the age of 18 must have their parent’s permission to participate in a community activity. If a student is interested in an activity which is not on the board’s list, he or she must check with the principal to see if it is considered acceptable. The student must have a written note from the principal indicating their approval of this choice.

    The hours may be completed in one setting or the student may choose to gain a number of experiences in a variety of settings. Some school boards encourage students to complete their 40 hours in grades nine and ten. Other boards recommend completing ten hours each year.

    Requirements
    – the community hours are voluntary unpaid hours of work
    – students do not earn a credit when the 40 hours are complete
    – these hours are not part of the regular time spent in class
    – each school board has a specific form which should be filled out by the student and signed by the supervisor of the community hours
    – the form is returned to the high school to be signed by the principal and kept on file
    – the hours must be finished before the student graduates

    Examples of approved settings
    – World Vision’s 30 Hour Famine (for this fundraiser 15 hours are approved for community involvement)
    – helping in an office
    – various capacities at a church (kids’ programs, DVBS, worship team, cleaning, gardening, raking, snow shoveling)
    – assisting at various fundraisers for medical research for cancer, diabetes, heart and stroke etc.
    – supporting a community race/run with set up, take down, water table, giving directions etc.
    – helping the elderly or disabled by doing yard work, tidying, cleaning, computer skills, etc.
    – hospitals
    – offering an after school sports/activities program at an elementary school
    – assist in sports team at your school
    – tutor for a younger student or a peer
    – childcare
    – animal shelter or humane society

    Most communities will benefit from the hours which are volunteered. As a result of working on community hours, a student may discover new interests or perhaps a career path to follow after high school. A student may choose to continue volunteering after their hours are completed because of the role and responsibilities he or she has been given. Check with your own school board’s web site for suggestions on how to get involved!

  • Voluntary Internships and Volunteer Work

    Voluntary Internships and Volunteer Work

    Your graduation day has come and gone. Ideally, finding work in your main area of study is what most hope to achieve. For some recent grads, work is immediately obtained but for many others this is not the case.

    What do you do in the meantime?

    What you spend your time doing or not doing is important. When you are in a job interview, the person interviewing you will want to know what you were doing since the time of your graduation. Telling him or her that you have not been doing anything is not going to make you a very appealing candidate. Instead, if you are able to show that you have been furthering your learning by taking classes, working elsewhere and volunteering, you will be more likely considered for a position because of your initiative.

    The benefits of volunteering for an unpaid internship

    Gaining experience, learning new skills, trying out new roles and responsibilities and making connections (also known as networking) are some of the many benefits you will gain from volunteering your time as an intern. Most businesses, small companies, start-ups, charities, not-for-profits and institutions appreciate individuals who are willing to volunteer their time.

    Gaining experience
    You have the “book smarts” and some practical experience due to your school assignments. Now, as an intern, the real test is putting it into practice in a work setting. Then when you are asked on a job application or during an interview if you have any experience, you will be able to indicate that you do because of your internship.

    Learning new skills
    There is always something to be learned. It may take a couple of weeks or more to learn how your supervisor would like a task to be completed, but once you learn it you are ready to move on to the next set of tasks. In learning new skills, you are gathering more information and experience to add to your resume, portfolio or CV.

    Roles and responsibilities
    Does your volunteer internship require you to be part of a team, work independently or as a leader? Any and all of these roles and the responsibility you have in them are vital. Be certain that you include them on your resume. You may also be given the opportunity to discuss them during an interview.

    Networking
    Networking is connecting with people. Who you know and who they know may just be the way that you obtain a job. When you take the time to meet people, discuss your interests, listen to their interests, give out your name and contact information, and receive similar information from others, you are networking. This can be done in a variety of settings – from a talk that you attend to an informal gathering of people, in a class that you may be taking or a community meeting you may be attending.

    Volunteering for an unpaid internship is a way to keep active and busy while you look into your career choices. The experience you obtain, the new skills you learn, the roles and responsibilities you have, the connections you make and the networking you do can present options that you may not have considered. The link below to an article in the Globe and Mail may assist you as you volunteer and search for work. Good luck and have fun!

    http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/careers/career-advice/how-can-i-get-experience-if-i-cant-get-a-job/article4106068/

  • Back-to-School Guide

    Back-to-School Guide

    The time has come. Stores are shelving paper, pencils and backpacks in prominent places, your parents are eyeing you with a gleam of anticipation in their eyes, and the black X’s on the calendar have all but wiped out August. The back to school rush is something of an ambiguous feeling for most students. You hate for summer to come to an end, yet there is excitement in seeing where the new school year will take you. Regardless of where you weigh in on the bitter or sweet scale, there is no chance of turning back the clock. September is a month of change and moving forward, new beginnings and challenges, and the countdown to next summer.

    10 Tips for Getting Ready

    1. Go to Sleep.
    You need a sizeable chunk of sleep to be mentally and physically prepared for the demands of school. Summer may be one endless party of late nights and midday wake-up calls, but your sleep schedule is about to change drastically. A little preparation goes a long way. Give yourself a week before school starts to regulate your sleep patterns.

    2. Eat Right
    Nutrition matters. Your brain must be nourished with healthy food choices. If you have existed on a diet of carbonated beverages, hotdogs and potato chips it is time to do your body a favour and add some vegetables. Following a healthy meal plan does not mean a strict diet of tofu and Brussels sprouts, it is all about balance.

    3. Reach Out
    If you have been away on vacation, or have kept a low profile then take a minute to touch base with some of your friends before school starts. This keeps the awkward hallway greetings to a minimum and gets you in the spirit of higher education, or at least the spirit of socializing.

    4. Go Surfing
    Check out some new sites on the internet. There are hundreds of websites that offer educational and fun games. National Geographic is science enrichment; Test your geography knowledge with Seterra, a free map game; Learn what innovative people are thinking and doing by watching TED Talks.

    5. Read
    See if you can get an advance copy of the year’s reading list and get an early start. Or pick up any book and shut down the electronics.

    6. Shop
    Find some back to school outfits that make you feel confident and ready to face a new school year. Buy something fun for your locker that emphasizes your personality.

    7. Organize
    Go through your old books, study materials, and papers. Purchase a large calendar and start recording important dates.

    8. Find Space
    Choose a quiet place in your house to turn into a study zone and furnish it with everything you need to be an organized student.

    9. Join a Club
    Research the clubs and organization your school offers and think about ones you may wish to join. Make a list of what you want to accomplish in the year and refer to it often.

    10. Discuss
    Talk to your parents about their expectations of the upcoming year when it comes to grades, curfew, homework schedule, friends, downtime, and employment.

    You may be trading in your swimsuit for a backpack and hitting the books instead of the beach, but a positive attitude goes a long way.