Author: Gale Blaylock

  • JobsPeopleDo.com is expanding again!

    JobsPeopleDo.com is expanding again!

    We aspire to be that place for high school and pre post secondary students, a place to find out the information you need in order to prepare for and make career and post secondary choices ( in an easy-to-read, entertaining fashion).

    Our articles have been written by students and recent grads. There are 15 articles in total and they touch on everyday experiences in high school or first year of college or university. Articles are short and limited to 550 (ish) words. If you would like to write an article for us, or would like a topic discussed, let us know!

    Coming Soon! ….. A list of programs and what kinds of jobs you can get with that degree!

    In development… Our video data base is constantly expanding until completion. We have completed the first 3 categories under job videos. These videos are complete with schools offering correlating courses.  Remember, this will be the largest data base of its kind in Canada.

    Everything you need to make informed education and career choices is within JobsPeopleDo.com.

    Have the greatest day!

    Be a mentor, someone needs you!

  • Why Study Philosophy?

    Why Study Philosophy?

    Many people, students and teachers, put-down philosophy as a degree that isn’t “practical” in the real world, that you need an education that trains you for a specific career. But is this true? The philosophy major does not provide specific training for a field but it does provide the necessary basis for graduate school and for future studies. In todays world where everyone has a BA graduate schooling is becoming a necessity for current graduates. Philosophy is a discipline that has marketable qualities and proven success in the business world and in applications to graduate schools.

    Graduate Schools

    Philosophy trains students for graduate studies arguably better than many other disciplines. They outperformmost other majors on the GMAT and GRE as well as outperforming business majors on the GMAT. As far as post-graduate schooling philosophy majors are open to medical, law, business and journalism schools. Philosophy majors regularly get accepted to these schools and as far as law is concerned philosophy is the best training because of its logic component.

    Writing Ability

    Philosophy majors are always expected to write papers. This contributes to philosophy majors generally having exceptional writing abilities. This skill is very marketable to all disciplines and employers are always interested in an applicant‘s ability to write.

    Thinking Critically

    Philosophy is literally translated, the degree of knowledge. Thinking critically is a major component of studying philosophy. Evaluating the validity of arguments is essential to success in philosophy and a philosophy graduate has spent years evaluating arguments.

    Business

    Adam Smith the founder of capitalism was not an economist or businessman, but a philosopher. Many of the fundamental problems in philosophy are common to the problems faced by businessmen on a day-to-day basis. Also, as I have mentioned philosophy majors are trained in critical thinking and writing. This is essential to anyone pursuing business.

    Teaching

    Philosophy provides training in critical thinking, writing and the history of thought (and much more). These qualities are essential for a teacher to transmit to students. I have found through experience that my favorite high-school teachers are philosophy majors.

    Law

    During a philosophy major a logic component is necessary. This logic component directly translates to law. Also, the practice of meticulously reading texts to discern an argument is a major part of philosophy and also a major part of practicing law.

    Research Yourself!

    But, as always do your own research, talk to philosophy grads ask them about job opportunities they have encountered and how they got them. I am intending a philosophy major and I would like to pursue a career in business. My philosophy major will prepare me for an MBA and provide me with many skills that I can market to potential employers. Philosophy, although not stressed in high school, is a very important discipline. Take an introductory level course, approach philosophy with an open mind and although it can be very intimidating even at a first year level keep in mind the advantage a philosophy background can give you.

  • World population grows to 7 billion

    World population grows to 7 billion

    Written by David Crary

    Halloween this year brings with it a new spectre. As of Oct. 31 there will be 7 billion people sharing Earth’s land and resources, the UN Population Fund says.

    According to demographers, the world’s population didn’t reach 1 billion until 1804, and it took 123 years to hit the 2 billion mark in 1927. Then the pace accelerated – 3 billion in 1959, 4 billion in 1974, 5 billion in 1987, 6 billion in 1998.

    Looking ahead, the UN projects that the world population will reach 8 billion by 2025, 10 billion by 2083. But the numbers could be much higher or lower, depending on such factors as access to birth control, infant mortality rates and average life expectancy – which has risen from 48 years in 1950 to 69 years today.

    “Overall, this is not a cause for alarm – the world has absorbed big gains since 1950,” said John Bongaarts, of the Population Council, a New York-based research organization. But he cautioned that strains are intensifying: rising energy and food prices, environmental stresses, more than 900-million people undernourished.

    “For the rich, it’s totally manageable,” Mr. Bongaarts said. “It’s the poor, everywhere, who will be hurt the most.”

    The executive director of the UN Population Fund, former Nigerian health minister Babatunde Osotimehin, describes the 7-billion milestone as a call to action – especially in the realm of enabling adolescent girls to stay in school and empowering women to control the number of children they have.

    “It’s an opportunity to bring the issues of population, women’s rights and family planning back to centre stage,” he said. “There are 215 million women worldwide who need family planning and don’t get it. If we can change that, and these women can take charge of their lives, we’ll have a better world.”

    But as Mr. Osotimehin noted, population-related challenges vary dramatically around the world.

    In Western Europe, Japan and Russia, it will be an ironic milestone amid worries about low birth rates and aging populations. In China and India, the two most populous nations, it’s an occasion to reassess policies that have already slowed once-rapid growth. In sub-Saharan Africa, the demographic news is mostly sobering as the region staggers under the double burden of the world’s highest birth rates and deepest poverty.

  • Not Your “Typical” Welder: Women in the Trades

    Not Your “Typical” Welder: Women in the Trades

    Let’s be honest how many of us girls grew up dreaming of being a mechanic or a welder? The answer is probably not many, and if you did you probably didn’t tell anybody because of the possibility of them thinking you were weird. When I was little I first wanted to be a marine biologist, I loved animals and wanted to work with them very badly. Then my life goal changed from a stunt car driver, to a photographer, to a mechanic and finally a welder.

    One of the things I was most excited about going to high school was that I was now able to take the auto mechanics and construction classes. I took them all through high school and loved every minute of it. I learned, fixed and made things that a lot of people didn’t, how many of you can honestly say you are comfortable with changing a flat tire on your own? I can say with all honesty I am and that’s because of my awesome auto teacher. My technology teachers not only gave me the skills and knowledge about their trades but also the courage to love the trades. To not be scared of trying something totally out of my comfort zone and to not care about what people think.

    I got the smart remarks in class “Girls can’t do that” and the classic “Don’t break a nail!” Taking those courses gave me the courage to pick something not many girls pick for a college program, Welding Technician. I knew two things that I wanted for sure out of what I picked for a program, I wanted to be able to get a job and I wanted to make money. I know those are not the best driving reasons for someone to pick a program, but they were honest. I had originally wanted to be a mechanic because of how much I loved my auto class but I soon realized there were a lot of mechanics and not a lot of jobs. So I had cut up an exhaust pipe about two times in auto with an old oxy-acetylene torch and I knew welding was an in demand job, so I decided on being a welder. The only knowledge I had on welding was what I learned from those two experiences using the torch, so not a whole lot.

    I remember showing up for my first welding class and them telling me that I would need safety boots, safety glasses and a welding helmet for tomorrow. The first thing I thought to myself is, “What have I done?! I have gotten myself into something I can’t handle, I know nothing about welding this is a horrible idea”. Then it got worse after I got all my equipment and they asked me to actually weld something, I don’t think I have ever sweated that much for a school assignment and it wasn’t from the heat of my torch. But with practice, some really great teachers and perseverance I got the hang of it and now I am actually a good welder. I am able to weld in shielded metal arc welding in flat, horizontal and vertical positions. I can use gas metal arc and flux core arc welding machines and I am learning tungsten arc welding at the moment.

    For those of you out there wondering what kind of woman I am, I would say I am not your typical looking welder, but then again isn’t that what we are trying to change? The notion of what the “typical” welder looks like? So this is what the typical welder looks like, a petite 19 year old woman, who stands at five feet and 2 inches, has a boyfriend and loves to go shopping just as much as anyone. The moral of the story is look at trades when you are deciding on college programs, any trade, believe me it’s a rewarding experience, that is challenging but if I can do it, you can do it.

  • C.O.W.S.  !

    C.O.W.S. !

    Today’s world is filled with fast and convenient foods which fit in to our busy lifestyles. How many of you have given any thought to how the foods you eat make you feel and their affect our long-term health or appearance?

    At age15, my parents bought a convenience store and suddenly I had access to all of this junk food.

    I was in heaven for a while. Until my pants started getting tight and I felt terrible.

    I made the connection between what I ate and how I felt and looked. Small changes I made way back in high school paved the way for a healthy life.

    Together, let’s explore what today’s experts are saying we should eat to live a long and healthy life. The earlier in life we start, the better. In ‘The PH Miracle’ written by Dr. Robert O. Young and Shelley Redford Young, they talk about an acronym we should all remember COWS.

    C is for chlorophyll.

    “Vegetables are your new best friends,” especially the green ones. Chlorophyll helps the blood cells deliver oxygen, reduces the binding of carcinogens to DNA in our organs and help to neutralize dietary acids in the blood and tissues. They are nutrient dense and rich in antioxidants.

    O is for Oils.

    Know the good from the bad. Saturated fats found primarily in animal protein, partially hydrogenated oils found in processed foods are to be avoided. Good fats contain essential fatty acids. EFAs strengthen immune cells, lubricate joints, insulate the body against heat loss, provide energy, protect us from heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure. It improves asthma, PMS, allergies, skin conditions, some behavioral disorders and brain function. Good sources of oils include fish, seeds, avocados, olives and flax.

    W is for Water.

    In the earliest stages, dehydration can lead to muddled thinking, short-term memory problems, trouble with math and expressing yourself verbally, difficulty focusing on a printed page, cold hands or feet, anxiety, irritability, depression, sugar cravings and cramps too. Water neutralizes acids and literally washes them (and all toxins) out of the body via urine and sweat and the bowels. When you don’t get enough water you will feel tired and weak. About two liters of water a day is generally recommended.

    S is for Salt.

    Salt is as essential as water or air. You cannot consume too much natural, unrefined salt. Processed foods are laden with the bad salts. The salt test: mix a teaspoon of the salt you use in a glass of water and let it sit overnight. If the water is clear in the morning, it’s a natural salt. If you can see salt in the bottom of the glass it’s processed salt. Salt that does not dissolve in a glass of water will not dissolve in your body and will collect in your body organs and tissues. This can lead to heart disease, arthritis, hardening of the arteries and calcium deposits in joints.

    Following COWS is an easy first step to a healthy life.

  • Trick of the Trade

    Trick of the Trade

    With so much attention brought to the business and management industries during Canadaʼs rekindling economic climate, many core fields of work are being overlooked by the students; one of these being the trades.

    The skilled trades are a growing field of work that is in constant need of well-trained workers.

    What exactly is a skilled trade? It can be defined as an expertness of a specific skill, usually attained through years of training and commonly related to construction and repair. The skills that are considered “trades skills” range broadly from carpenter, electrician, automotive technician, plumber, pipe fitter, welder and much more.

    There is a common misconception that the trades are considered “blue collar” jobs done through informal training. In reality there are a plentitude of academic institutions that provide education and preparation in the trades.

    Although it is common to get into the trades through practical training, it doesnʼt mean you will be making less money than someone who attended university. Tradespeople are some of the highest paid employees in Canada.  Not only is a customer paying for your knowledge about a trade, but they are also paying for expert performance.

    If you enjoy learning new lessons everyday and arenʼt afraid to be challenged, a career in the trades might suit you. Trades jobs are considered demanding and will put your mind and body to the test daily. If you enjoy a hands-on work environment, and are interested in how things work, this field may be what you want to look at.

    There is an increasing shortage in the skilled trades. According to careersintrades.ca, 67% of young adults choose university over a college education in the trades because it was encouraged more by friends and family. There were also instances in which a lack of information about the trades swayed students away from the sector.

    So, what exactly are the steps to take to become a tradespeople? The most efficient and reputable manner to becoming certified in the trades is an apprenticeship. This way, you are getting one-on-one experience with a master in the trade who can help you further your knowledge and skills. Many college programs that deal with the trades have their own apprenticeship training programs. So go and check out your local college to see what they offer, or look on Jobs People Do to see what colleges offer certain apprenticeships.

    The best thing to do in your early years of education is to look at high schools that provide introductory training of a trades skill you are interested in. Julian Finbow Westlane graduate, claims that:

    “Taking the refrigeration course at such a young age was extremely beneficial for the jobs I am interested in.”

    Julian is looking to develop his trade skills in refrigeration, and is planning on either taking a apprenticeship or going to college.

    Become involved and research trade skills you think will peak your interest. It may be beneficial to shaping your career path! So put on that thinking cap (or hardhat for this situation) and immerse yourself in the trades.

  • Ontario’s new mobile OSAP app

    Ontario’s new mobile OSAP app

    Checking the status of an OSAP application is as easy as posting on Facebook or Twitter.

    Ontario’s new mobile OSAP app is the first interactive app of its kind for the government. It will allow busy students to get up-to-date information and check their application status on their smart phone. Students applying for OSAP will now know when and how much they can expect to receive from OSAP — anywhere, anytime.

    Going mobile is just one of the recent OSAP improvements that is making life easier for Ontario students. This year, applications will be made available months earlier and students have access to a brand-new OSAP website. The changes will help students understand what financial aid is available sooner so they can plan better and focus more on their studies.

    With more financial aid options than ever before, the province is making college and university easier to access for students. This is an important part of the McGuinty government’s Open Ontario to help every student succeed and build a knowledge based economy for the future.

    http://news.ontario.ca/tcu/en/2011/01/new-osap-app-gives-students-information-on-the-go.html

  • Latest News !

    JobsPeopleDo.com is pleased to announce their new alignment with Distribution Access. Distribution Access has been providing schools, libraries, businesses, community organizations and life-long learners with award-winning multi-platform productions on a wide variety of subjects.

    The Access Learning service, www.accesslearning.com has added a Careers section on their educational streaming site, in addition to their existing 40,000 video learning segments supporting all K-12 subjects.

    JobsPeopleDo.com is expanding their video section to include below each video, the schools offering correlating courses. This expansion will be the largest data base of its kind in Canada. We will be uploading this additional content for each category weekly, to completion.

    Deciding what to do with your future can be a daunting task. Check out the 540 career videos to see what jobs people do, then check the profile for approx. pay scale.

    What’s in your future ?

     

  • Study As You Play

    Study As You Play

    Well here we are again, getting back into the school routine. Early nights, early mornings, lots of studying, and a whole different mindset. Some of us like the busy schedules filled with endless studying, but others like myself would rather be doing many other things then studying for hours a day. If you’re into sports, video games, or your favorite TV shows and movies and would much rather be spending your time with them, let me help you study as you play.

    I’m a sucker for video games-I’m addicted. Studying was nonexistent in my middle school and early high school years, just video games. I would come home from school, grab some food and sit down for hours mashing through games. It’s what I loved to do, and at that point studying never crossed my mind. However, as the years went on and my marks started to fall, I realized I needed to change. The conventional way of sitting at a desk with my head stuck in a book wasn’t going to work for me.  I couldn’t focus, or remember important dates and names that way. So I gave up and went back to my games, and that’s where it hit me.

    I was playing a game called Rockband (an interactive music game) and found myself saying important history dates to the rhythm of the songs I was playing. Usually I count the notes in my head, but this time I used dates, places and names. This may sound crazy, but it worked. What I started doing was looking over a section of my notes, and replayed it over and over in my head as I played games. I wasn’t able to focus on the work by just sitting there and reading it, but I was able to focus on the material while doing something else.

    This doesn’t just work for video games, this works for TV and movies as well. In English we always had to read books and know all about each characters personality traits. Lets be honest, some of the books we’ve had to read were just terrible. So what I did, was connected the book characters to TV show or movie characters. This will help you remember who each character is, what they do, and their personality.

    These are just my examples, what helped me through the long and important studying process. The main point of this is to tell you that studying doesn’t have to be dreadful. Try to connect or combine it with things you love to do. If you do that, you’re going to be more positive about studying. Make studying apart of your daily schedule, but do it your own way. Every bit of studying will help you, and I can guarantee you’ll see a difference in your school performance. What you have to study, and how much you have to study will only increase, so start making up a routine now-one that works for you. Lets take this into our own hands, and study as we play.

  • Teenage Makeup 101

    Teenage Makeup 101

    It wasn’t until I was 14 that my father would even allow the sight of lip gloss on me, and only on special occasions. As I started to flirt with makeup throughout high school, I learned just how tricky these magic wands of beauty could be. Raccoon eyes to smudged lips, I could have saved myself a lot of embarrassment learning these tricks sooner;

    Softer is better – Your best intentions for recreating that bold and glittery Kesha look-a-like can leave a smudged, clumpy mess that even lunch period isn’t look enough fix. Trying too hard with your makeup is a lot like trying too hard with a guy. A disastrous mess that everyone can see. Instead, try for a softer, natural look. Think Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez. Freshen yourself with a little eye shadow, a shade of colour to your lips and maybe some mascara to highlight the look.

    Tailor to your features, not your cloths– You might think sparkly blue eye shadow would be the perfect thing to accent that new blue sweater, but going too matchy matchy will only age you- all the way back to the 90s. Instead try warm browns for blue eyes, mellow greens or gold for brown eyes and topes or lavender for green eyes. Lipsticks and stains should only be one or two shades darker than your natural lip colour. Otherwise things can get a bit…. dramatic. Case and point, that great-aunt of yours.

    Keep it Clean– Nothing, not even that 1200 word essay in history can spoil the week faster than full pimple break out. You may think caking foundation on will make those unsightly pimples disappear, in reality they will be setting up shop. Invest in a good facial soap, baby wipes too if you have little siblings, and clean off your makeup every day after school. And never, ever, EVER go to bed wearing makeup; a stained pillow will be the least of your worries.

    It’s ok to ask for help – Learning all this at once is a long and bumpy road, why not cash in on others’ experiences? Older sisters, friends and even class mates may have a gold mine of experience to spark up your look. Don’t be afraid to ask around. Once you get your artistic flare rocking, they might be asking for tips from you!