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  • Ontario Colleges Offering Carpentry Programs

    Ontario Colleges Offering Carpentry Programs

    Some people are good at making tables, shelves, and other objects out of woods. Does that describe you? If you want to study carpentry in Ontario, you will have many choices of where to learn your trade.

    Sixteen colleges in Ontario have programs in carpentry, many offering basically the same education. Each program has slight differences that can affect the students’ future career, although any of the colleges can be the right choice for people learning to become carpenters. Most of the programs are about a year long, although some are longer, and some offer apprenticeships.

    Many of the colleges offer general carpentry courses. Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology has a two-year program in construction carpentry, a carpenter apprentice program, and a program for becoming a building construction technician. Cambrian College has a carpenter general and a carpentry apprentice program, and Canadore College has a Building Construction Technician program and a Renovation Techniques program. Conestoga College of Applied Arts and Technology has a general carpenter program, as well as a special program for Women in the Skilled Trades.

    Carpentry courses are also available at other colleges. These schools include Fanshawe College of Applied Arts and Technology, George Brown College, Georgian College, Lambton College of Applied Arts and Technology, Loyalist College, Mohawk College of Applied Arts and Technology, Niagara College, Northern College of Applied Arts and Technology, Sir Sandford Fleming College, and St. Lawrence College. Each one teaches the basics of carpentry but also has a special focus that can fit with what different students need.   

    Carpentry is all about working with wood. People in this trade work with construction and renovation of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Sometimes they work on restoring heritage buildings, which are older buildings that are special for historical or architectural reasons. Specialty woodworking shops are other places where carpenters can find jobs.

    With the different type of work that are available, choosing the right training program is important. For students without much experience in the trade, an apprenticeship program could be an important way of learning the practical skills that they will need for the work. Other students might want to choose a program based on location if they want to be near relatives or at a place where they know some of the instructors.

    The cost and the length of the program can make a difference. Some programs are twenty-four weeks and others are fort-eight weeks or somewhere in between. Although the usefulness of the program is more important than the length, some people might need to start earning money quickly. Other people might prefer to have more time to learn the techniques thoroughly before they graduate.

    Carpentry is a practical trade, and getting experience is very important. In high school, students can already start to learn the techniques for working with wood. Mathematics courses are useful for calculating the materials needed for various projects, and courses that improve students’ reading skills are essential.

    Training as a carpenter can be a good choice for people who enjoy working with their hands and building homes or other structures. Studying at one of these colleges can be a useful way to start.

     

    Bibliography

    Canadian-Universities.net. “Ontario Carpentry Programs and Courses.” https://www.canadian-universities.net/Community-Colleges/Programs/Carpentry-Ontario.html

    College Trades. “Careers: Construction.” https://trades.ontariocolleges.ca/careers/construction/.

    Indeed Career Guide. “How to Become a Carpenter in 6 Steps.” https://ca.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-become-carpenter.

    Ontario Colleges. “Carpentry.” https://www.ontariocolleges.ca/en/programs/professions-and-trades/carpentry.

  • Making a Career Transition in Mid-Life

    Making a Career Transition in Mid-Life

    Choosing a lifelong career can be difficult, especially since situations can change and people can make wrong choices. However, people can change careers, even in mid-life. If they manage the transition well, a career change in mid-life can be an exciting and fulfilling time.

    People often choose a career when they are still quite young. Sometimes, they can find good jobs in that career and to stay in it for years, but not everyone is able to find work in their chosen field, or even any field at all. Precarious employment or losing a job can prompt people to look for work in something new. They might think of the new career as temporary while they wait for a better job market in their chosen field, or they might decide to make a complete break with their first career to concentrate on the new one.

    Even without a job loss, people might decide to make a career change because of circumstances in their lives. They might be injured and unable to continue in a physically demanding job. They might switch to a less time-consuming job to care for elderly parents or for grandchildren. As people age, they might want more leisure to take care of their own health or to finish projects that they started when they were younger.

    Often, a career change in mid-life happens because people have dreams of something they want to do before they are too old to enjoy it. They might want to travel, write a book, or do something else that they have always dreamed of accomplishing. Making money might not be as important to them as it once was, causing them to choose a lower-paid but more fulfilling career.

    Whatever their reasons, people making major career changes in mid-life need to be aware of both the benefits and challenges. At that stage in life, most people have already raised their children and have more freedom to travel or to take jobs with uncertain incomes. People can follow their dreams, even if these dreams do not lead to earning much money.

    Making a transition to a new career can be difficult. Often, it requires learning new skills, which can become harder as people age. Often, employers prefer to hire young people who can expect to stay in the job for many years rather than middle-aged people who might have only ten or fifteen years left before retirement.

    However, people making this kind of transition can help to make the process easier. Experience and knowledge are some of the strengths of people at this stage of their careers. Even if employers prefer the stamina of younger employees, people in mid-life can help convince others of the value of the skills that often come with age.

    The pandemic increased joblessness and made the process of finding work more difficult, but people can still make a transition to a new career, even in mid-life. With persistence and an understanding of the value of their skills, people can find careers that are fulfilling and rewarding, whether the transition comes from a long-held dream or from a change in circumstances. Making a mid-life career transition is a good choice for many people.

     

    Bibliography

    ALIS. “Over 45 and Looking for Work: Making Midlife Career Moves.” https://alis.alberta.ca/tools-and-resources/resources-for-mature-students/look-for-work/over-45-and-looking-for-work-making-midlife-career-moves/.

    Northup, Genevieve. “How To Make a Midlife Career Change (Plus Jobs to Consider).” https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/midlife-career-change

    Weikle, Brandie. “Why Mid-Life Could Be the Best Time to Change Careers.” https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/mid-life-career-change-1.5164941.

    Wharton Online. “How to Successfully Navigate a Midlife Career Change and Avoid a Crisis.” https://online.wharton.upenn.edu/blog/midlife-career-change/.

  • Addressing the State of Food Insecurity on Canadian Post-Secondary Campuses

    Addressing the State of Food Insecurity on Canadian Post-Secondary Campuses

    Many students need to juggle many tasks while studying at post-secondary institutions. Worries about tuition, jobs, and rent are common, that some may not have enough time to consider another important one: food. The stereotype of college/university-aged adults living on instant ramen meals daily is one joked around frequently, but that reality is not far from the truth. Many Canadian post-secondary students struggle with food insecurity, which means they cannot access enough healthy foods on a consistent basis.

    Defining Food Insecurity in Canada

    Food insecurity works on multiple levels. Simply getting enough food to eat is not enough, the quality and consistent access to that food also matters. The Government of Canada defines food insecurity as:

    • The inability to get or eat an acceptable quality and/or quantity of food in “socially acceptable ways”
    • Or the “uncertainty that one will be able to do so”

    The latest report by Statistics Canada from November 2023 showed that food insecurity rose among Canadians in 2022. 18 per cent of Canadian families experienced some sort of food insecurity over the past year. This marked an increase by two per cent compared to 2021’s numbers.

    Food Insecurity Among Post-Secondary Students

    Numbers of food insecurity are even larger among post-secondary students. During these years, many students need to consider many expenses when they may not have a lot of support. While anyone can attend school at any age, those attending post-secondary at younger ages may lack much financial support. A 2021 study by Meal Exchange surveyed 13 post-secondary institutions across Canada, which showed that 41.7 per cent of students faced food insecurity that year. This affected those between ages 30 and 34 the most (72.5 per cent of that demographic), with the 25 to 29 age group behind them at 66.3 per cent.

    When looking at a wider range of institutions, the numbers still apply there. A 2022 study by researchers at the University of British Columbia (UBC) looked at institutions across North America and found that approximately 20 to 50 per cent of post-secondary students face food insecurity. This study wanted to see how best institutions can help students with food hubs: places where students can access food and support.

    Supporting Students

    Many Canadian institutions offer some sort of food security support. This can happen through a dedicated school food bank, through financial support, or other means. One of the common places this happens is through a school’s student union, which might offer their own food initiatives. Though Canadian student unions often operate separately from their respective schools, many still provide much-needed services for their members.

    Some examples of food programs offered by Canadian student unions include:

    Outside of school food banks, other options such as bursaries, grocery gift cards, and community fridges exist. Many schools, like the University of Calgary and York University, list their food supports and resources on their website. Each food initiative offered by institutions varies but they are worth looking into for any student needing help.

  • Happy New Year from JobsPeopleDo!

    Happy New Year from JobsPeopleDo!

    Welcome to 2024! We’re a week into the year and schools are starting up again. I hope you all had a fun and restful holiday season with friends and family, and got a chance to relax and reflect on the past year. It was another year of ups and downs, from economic challenges to the promises of AI technology, and 2024 is sure to be another eventful year. JPD will be here every step of the way to help.

    Check out our latest articles below, and be sure to check out our video interviews with Canadian professionals. Here’s to 2024!

     

    Regards,

    Anthony Teles
    Vice-President, Content

  • Trades Industry Essentials: What You Need to Know About Careers in the Trades

    Trades Industry Essentials: What You Need to Know About Careers in the Trades

    Are you interested in a career in the trades but don’t know where to begin? Have you ever wondered about the difference between an Apprentice and Journeyperson? What about the terms Red Seal Program, Red Seal Endorsement and RSE? If all this seems confusing, read on to learn more and find out how to prepare for your career.

    What is an Apprentice?
    As an Apprentice, you’re trained to become a Journeyperson through a 1 to 4 year apprenticeship, a post-secondary education program that combines on-the-job and technical training. Approximately 80% of your learning is done on the job, so you need to find an employer who is willing to hire you as an apprentice. The other 20% is through a college or technical training institution.

    Your apprenticeship begins when you register with the apprenticeship authority at your province or territory and sign a Memorandum of Understanding with an employer who is also registered with the apprentice authority.
    Typically, you’re paid 60% of the Journeyperson’s wage rate and the rate increases as you progress through the apprenticeship period until you receive your certification. You may also receive Employment Insurance benefits and federal, provincial or territorial grants.

    What is a Journeyperson?
    Once you satisfy all the requirements of the apprenticeship program, you’re eligible to write the Certificate of Qualification exam, and if successful, you become a certified Journeyperson for your province or territory and receive the wages and benefits associated with that trade.

    As a Journeyperson, you can train and mentor a certified Apprentice, monitor their progress and sign off on whether the apprentice is achieving their key competencies on the job.

    What is the Red Seal Program?
    The Red Seal Program is the national standard of excellence for skilled trades. Its goal is to set common standards in training and certifying tradespersons across Canada.

    You must meet the requirements of your province or territory to attempt the Interprovincial Red Seal exam. The examination determines whether apprentices and experienced tradespersons meet the national standard in a Red Seal trade. Typically, the exam contains 100 to 150 multiple-choice questions and can last up to 4 hours.
    After passing the exam with 70% or higher, you receive a Red Seal Endorsement or RSE on your provincial or territorial Certificate of Qualification. The RSE recognizes the professionalism and the knowledge, skills and experience of tradespeople. With this endorsement, you can practise your trade as a Journeyperson anywhere in Canada, where it is designated, without having to attempt further examination.

    How do I Prepare?
    The first step you should take is to finish high school since the market is very competitive. Take courses related to the trade you’re interested in and participate in an entry-level training program if your high school offers one.

    Need to Learn More?
    Research the trade and speak with potential employers to learn about opportunities and find out what they look for when hiring an apprentice. By taking the steps to prepare, you’re on your way to entering an exciting career.
    ____________
    Giselle Mazurat is a resume writer living in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She also writes technical and business content for government and private companies.

    Bibliography:
    Information on the Red Seal Program
    http://www.red-seal.ca/w.2lc.4m.2-eng.html
    Interprovincial Standards
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interprovincial_Standards
    Journeyperson Definition
    http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/81-004-x/def/4153355-eng.htm
    Overview of the Red Seal Examination
    http://www.red-seal.ca/resources/.2x.1ms_.1b.4.5t-eng.html
    Red Seal Designated Trades
    http://www.red-seal.ca/trades/tr.1d.2s_l.3st-eng.html
    Red Seal Endorsement (RSE) Acronym
    http://www.red-seal.ca/about/rs.2_msr-eng.html
    Red Seal Exam Preparation Checklist
    http://www.red-seal.ca/resources/pr.2p-ch.2ckl.3st-eng.html

  • Technology and STEM Careers for Women and Girls: Why Not?

    Technology and STEM Careers for Women and Girls: Why Not?

    Technology and the Past

    The technology industry has always been a huge part of the world. It’s been responsible for the development of the products that we use every single day: phones, laptops/computers, TVs and more. Even back in the day Even centuries ago, technology was necessary and everything we use today existed; it just became more complex  over time.  Everything has branched out from there. Today, technology is a part of nearly everything we do, it’s even played a huge role in the education system. However, in this industry there isn’t a whole lot of gender diversity at all. Only about 25% of those with computing jobs in the tech industry are taken by women. It’s so bizarre to think that today, in 2019, there’s still such a difference in the numbers between men and women in this area. Many women have  avoided taking careers in any of the STEM fields because of issues they face such as sexism.

    It used to be such a taboo for women to have jobs. For example, a lot of women would stay home to raise children instead of enter into the workforce. In North America and in some places around the world, women began to work more, as well as look after children after women’s rights movements in the 1920s, 60s and 80s. It became normal for women to be present in the workforce since certain political and social milestones like obtaining the vote were passed. In 2019, there is still much work to do in order to kill the gender bias associated with STEM jobs. People have to work together to encourage and foster young women into STEM careers and jobs in order to create diversity in scientific research and development- for the benefit of women, men and all people in society.

    Young women in Robotics

    I attend an all-girls high school. One thing that I know my school is  very known for is   a high school  robotics team. I used to think that the whole idea seemed very nerdy and not something that most girls would be interested in. As they always say, never judge a book by its cover. I’m also in the STEM program in my school, so it had been mandatory for me to take the technology course offered.. We only  have one technology course with one teacher for it. I initially hated it, but it  pushed me to participate and learn new things and at the time it seemed scary because I had just started high school. I had to join a club for my STEM requirements and everyone was doing robotics since it had the most meetings. I again, hated it because of my experience in the class but the club itself was  actually really amazing and cool. Being in robotics is a lot of hard work and  you have to design robots and put everything together. You also have to do the coding for the robots to make sure that the robot goes in the right directions. It’s also very hands on, even if you’re not one of the people building the robot, you are always involved in some way.

    Don’t Be Afraid

    If you are a young girl reading this, do what you want with your life. If you want to be an engineer,  it doesn’t matter what other people think. Sure, it may not seem like the ‘girliest’ job in the world to have, but that shouldn’t matter.  Don’t be afraid to be involved, if you get a bit dirty, then what’s the problem? If boys can get hands on with tools like hammers and saws then why can’t the girls? If you’re a girl who’s interested in the robotics field, don’t ever feel embarrassed, it’s good to be different and put yourself out there about the things that interest you!

    https://www.dreamhost.com/blog/state-of-women-in-tech/

  • Specialized Careers in Nursing – Home Care Visiting Nurse

    These days not all nurses work in hospitals, doctors’ offices, and nursing home facilities. Canada’s healthcare system has a growing need for options that help patients remain at home and out of the hospital, and Home Care Visiting Nurses play a critical role.

    Visiting Nurses are nurses who will visit patients in the patient’s home, to provide basic and intermediate level medical care. The tasks a visiting nurse can do will depend on the nurse’s training, but can involve things such as health assessments, pain and symptom management, catheter and ostomy care, administering IV and chemotherapy drugs, diabetes management, wound care, or performing diabetic foot care. Being able to treat patients in-home is crucial to the health care system, as there are many patients who would need to regularly visit the hospital as an outpatient, or spend days, weeks, and months in hospital, leading to longer wait times and fewer available hospital beds.

    Education requirements for Visiting Nurses are the same as any other nursing professional. You will need to complete at least a Bachelor’s degree in nursing through a registered nursing school. In some cases you can start the nursing program in first year; otherwise you may need to take a year or two of general science before applying to the nursing program. Additional schooling or professional growth courses may also be required if you intend to specialize in a specific field of nursing, such as Palliative Care, Paediatrics, Alzheimer’s and Dementia patient care, or wound care. All nurses in Canada must also write a licensing exam and register with their provincial Nurses Association.

    VN’s work independently as a private-hire nurse contracting directly with families and patients, or are employed by one of the many for-profit and not-for-profit home health care agencies that operate across Canada. Working privately, you accept the patients and workload that fits your lifestyle. If you are employed with an agency, you will typically be hired at a specific status (such as a Casual, Part Time, or Full Time), and will be assigned a caseload of clients by the office. Private or agency VNs also do shift work, such as overnight shifts with chronic care patients who require medications and monitoring. Some agencies offer school shift nurses, who will attend to children and young adults on-site at the patient’s school to monitor, assist with medications and symptom management, and most importantly to ensure that these children have the opportunity to attend school and gain an education.

    Wages range from $28 to $40/hour for both Registered Nurses (RNs) and Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs), depending on the province, territory, or city. Whether you have any specializations will also affect wages, as specialty nurses can be in higher demand. Overall earnings can also differ whether you are independent or with an agency; while private nurses can often expect higher wages, employment through an agency often will provide you with a consistent and reliable schedule and hourly earnings, as well as a benefits package.

    SOURCES:
    https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/wages-occupation/993/CA

  • Careers that will Suffer the Consequences of the Climate Crisis

    Careers that will Suffer the Consequences of the Climate Crisis

    Average global temperatures continue to increase. As this crisis worsens, the world will endure ongoing and escalating impacts. One of the many facets of human life to be affected are careers. The world of work will be dramatically altered through the course of this century as the changing climate eliminates and worsens numerous jobs and careers in Canada and around the globe. It will impact fields that you may not have expected.

    A report by the International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that 80 million full-time positions will be lost in the next decade. Reduced productivity and increased heat-stress will especially impact physical jobs that primarily take place outdoors. Construction workers already have to contend with weather delays, and this will only be exasperated by the changing climate. These delays increase overall costs, while rising temperatures not only harms the health of workers, but also makes it difficult to cure concrete. Higher temperatures and heavier rainfall will also make it more challenging for mail carriers to complete their routes and deliver packages. This will impact the speedier expectations customers have for deliveries thanks to fast turnaround times promised by companies such as Amazon, as well as the sending and delivery of products that so many small businesses depend on.

    Elsewhere around the world, increased temperatures will harm workers in hotter countries with textile factories that lack air conditioning. From 2030 to 2050, the World Health Organization estimates that heat stress will result in an additional 38,000 deaths annually worldwide. In nations expected to endure higher temperature increases, this will adversely affect women and agricultural workers. The construction industry in Southeast Asia and West Africa will endure a huge loss of working hours, with 19% of hours expected to be lost globally. Sport, transportation, and tourism are all going to be worsened in geographical areas such as Africa and South Asia, more so than in North America and Europe. It is an undeniable and troubling fact that the carbon emissions carried out by major corporations and our modern way of life is going to have a harsher impact on poorer and developing nations.

    The negative impact is not only on the ground. Pilots will be affected by the changing weather conditions. The U.S. Department of Transportation reported that 53% of flight delays were due to weather in 2015. As the climate changes and global wind speeds are altered, this will result in expensive delays and problems such as more money needed for fuel. Travel will become increasingly challenging just as an unprecedented number of climate refugees will seek escape from those nations set to be hit hardest by the climate crisis, and who will be seeking work in countries such as Canada. Major cities such as Toronto will not only have to contend with this influx of people, but also the added heat caused by numerous buildings and lack of vegetation. This will increase temperatures in the downtown core, making both outdoor construction and indoor office jobs more difficult.

    Every single career is going to see some sort of impact from the climate crisis. Physical and outdoor jobs, as well as ones more likely to be immediately impacted by weather patterns, will suffer the most. Employers and companies must take the appropriate steps to future-proof their businesses. Governments must step in to help the most vulnerable. Employees and workers must be aware of the growing risks and what can be done to ensure safety in an increasingly unsafe work environment. With these challenges comes the opportunity for a more global and unified approach to these problems. There is the potential to radically transform the very nature of work with greater reliance on technology and artificial intelligence, more remote jobs that do not require people to be in one specific location, and strengthened social programs such as universal basic income. But 2030 or 2050 are not the times to take action. That time is now.

    Sources:

    Crandall, Diana. “Jobs That Will Be Most Affected by Global Warming.” Attn:. https://archive.attn.com/stories/3862/jobs-affected-by-global-warming

    Taylor, Lin. “80M jobs could be lost by 2030 due to climate change: UN.” Global News. https://globalnews.ca/news/5449602/climate-change-un-jobs-heat/

    Vander Wier, Marcel. “Major job losses with climate change: report.” HRReporter. https://www.hrreporter.com/focus-areas/wellness-mental-health/major-job-losses-with-climate-change-report/304957

  • 3 Unique Outdoor, Year-Round Trades Careers

    3 Unique Outdoor, Year-Round Trades Careers

    Do you enjoy spending time outdoors, getting lots of fresh air and sunshine? For those who aren’t interested in working indoors all the time, a career in a primarily outdoor trade could be a great fit!

    When deciding to pursue a trades career where you will mostly work outdoors, there are a few things you can ask yourself to figure out if this is the right path for you.

    Do you:

    • Prefer being active, rather than sitting for long period of time?
    • Enjoy being outside in nature during the different seasons?
    • Like to do physical work to stay healthy?
    • Want to experience lots of different environments and activities?

    If your answers to these questions are “Yes,” then you should consider a career in an outdoor trade! There are lots of options, including some that you might not realize are skilled trades careers.

    Arborist

    If you love being around trees, then a career as an arborist might be ideal.  Arborists are tradespeople who are responsible for cultivating, managing, conserving and studying trees and shrubs. They work to improve the health of trees, will assess damage and trim or cut down trees if required, and pursue conservation efforts.

    The job of an arborist can involve using harness systems to climb trees in order to inspect them, operating power tools such as hand saws, chain saws, and drills to trim branches or take samples, and assess trees on public or private property for safety and health.  Arborists can be employed by the government, such as the Ministry of Natural Resources, or by landscaping companies, parks, schools, greenhouses, farms and nature conservatories.

    Most of the arborist’s job takes place outdoors, but there are some indoor tasks including writing reports on assessments, maintaining project records, calling clients to arrange service visits or consulting with clients on the safety and wellbeing of their trees.

    Heavy Equipment Operator

    This is a great trades career as you can choose the industry to match the amount of time you wish to spend working outdoors.  These tradespeople operate the heavy equipment used in many industries, including mining, forestry, construction, oil and gas, and civil infrastructure.  Depending on certifications and training, these heavy equipment operators can operate cranes, bulldozers, backhoes, forklifts, excavators, tractors, skidders, dump trucks, steamrollers and many other large machines.

    Many of these machines are common to more than one industry, which means you can choose whether you want to be outdoors all year, or only part of the year, depending on the seasonal schedule of the work.  Where you live in Canada will also have an effect, as some industries will not operate in the winter in certain parts of the country.

    For example, in Toronto or Vancouver the winters are often mild with limited snow, meaning construction projects are active all year round. In contrast, some mining or forestry operations in the far north parts of Canada will shut down or significantly reduce their activity through the winter.

    Horse Groom

    While there are parts of the country where this would be an uncommon profession, horse grooms are needed wherever horses are kept.  These tradespeople work closely with the horses themselves, maintaining their health, nutrition, grooming, exercise and training.  They will also oversee the care and maintenance of stables, stalls, and riding and grooming equipment.

    This career is ideal for those who both love working with horses, and want to work outside a significant amount of their time.  Grooms are employed by racing tracks, farms, recreational riding stables, and private horse owners.

    Most training in this trade comes through apprenticeships and work experience in a variety of stables or farms, though college or trade school courses in animal handling, animal grooming, and veterinary medicine can be required for specific employers.

    SOURCES:

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arborist

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heavy_equipment_operator

    https://www.jobbank.gc.ca (Job Market Report by Occupation)

    http://www.learnhowtobecome.org/career-resource-center/outdoor-careers/

    http://talentegg.ca/incubator/2016/03/07/10-jobs-didnt-skilled-trades/

  • Look It Up: Careers in Research

    Look It Up: Careers in Research

    In a day and age where anyone can look up anything from their phone at any time, research has become a commonplace activity. But the world is filled with seemingly infinite amounts of information. What is true, and what cannot be trusted? How can you tell? How can said information be utilized? With so much data and so many ideas surrounding us daily, thorough and objective research and analysis is critical.

    There are many different potential fields to consider as a researcher. In the medical world, experiments are conducted to develop treatments and medicines that save lives. Investigation into their effects may involve animals or humans as volunteers. Animals and plants are a major part of the life or biological sciences, in which research is done regarding life cycles and how they are impacted by things such as viruses. Another type of environmental research is in agriculture, and may involve food, animals, and insects. For these jobs, you can expect to be in environments such as hospitals, government agencies, colleges, and universities.

    If you are looking for a different realm of science with your research, you can consider psychology, or stay clear of science altogether through film and television programs. The former looks at the functions of the mind. Jobs in the field can be found in government, health, and educational sectors. On the other hand, film and television can cover a vast array of topics. Research is needed to put together interviews and verify facts for productions such as documentaries. For those more interested in theory, mathematics and the physical sciences involve greater theoretical concepts regarding the world and our universe. There are many opportunities for jobs in industrial, academic, and laboratorial settings.

    Depending on your area of interest, try to make connections with people in that field. Talk to teachers or professors who instruct the subject. For maths and sciences, you can also tutor to gain experience and comfort in the topic. Researchers often require post-graduate education, such as a master’s degree. Be prepared for years of academic study and the possibility of part-time or full-time work to support your education.

    Upon graduating, you can find work as a research assistant at many different organizations, including universities, colleges, laboratories, marketing companies, and more. By building your network early, you can meet the right people to get a research assistant job while studying as an undergraduate student. As you progress in your career, you will go from assisting with data collection and analysis to conducting your own experiments and acquiring grants for your own projects.

    There are a myriad of fields that need researchers. The skill is far more than just Googling on your phone, but rather being able to collect the right data from a large set of information, synthesize it, and draw conclusions that will benefit your industry. By determining what type of research you want to pursue, you can begin meeting people and gaining experience that will help you build your career.

    Resources

    Durr, Julie. Types of Researcher Jobs. eHow. http://www.ehow.com/list_6725310_types-researcher-jobs.html

    How to Become a Research Assistant: Career Path Guide. Academic Invest. http://www.academicinvest.com/arts-careers/philosophy-careers/how-to-become-a-research-assistant