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Author: Meghan Brown

  • Pros and Cons of Studying Abroad

    Pros and Cons of Studying Abroad

    Many students are encouraged to go to university or college after high school.  Often this involves moving to a different city to attend their chosen school – but most of the time, they are still in their own province, or possibly elsewhere in Canada.

    But there’s another option students should consider, which is studying abroad in a different country.  There are plenty of excellent universities and colleges around the world, many of which boast world-renowned expertise in specific research, academics, or student experiences.

    So, when you’re deciding where to attend your post-secondary education, why not aim big and consider becoming an international student?

    You can pursue your entire degree abroad, or you can apply to a Canadian university that offers its students study-abroad opportunities and do part of your degree in Canada and part of it in another country.

    Studying abroad for all or part of your degree isn’t a decision to take lightly, and there are plenty of factors to consider, from the overall costs to the individual student experience.

    It’s important to do your research and determine what international school or program you want to pursue, and understand both the pros and cons of studying abroad.

    Pros

    Affordability: Depending on the school and program, studying abroad can be less expensive than studying in Canada.  This can come both in the form of lower tuition costs, and/or differences in the cost of living for things like rent and food.  Scholarships and grants exist for international study as well, which can cover all or part of the cost.

    New Culture, New Experiences: The world is full of amazing people and places, and studying abroad gives you the chance to immerse yourself in another culture.  You’ll have the chance to make connections with other students and local residents, learn or become fluent in a new language, and experience different customs, food, entertainment, and much more.

    Personal Growth:  Studying abroad, whether for a semester or several years, will help you discover yourself, build your confidence and independence, and help you understand your place in the world.

    Cons

    Costs May Be Higher: Some international schools are more expensive than a Canadian school, especially those that are particularly prestigious or which have unique, famous, or in-depth specialty programs.  While financial aid is available, such as scholarships and grants, the application and consideration process is highly competitive and you may not receive enough to cover all your costs.

    Culture Shock and Homesickness: “There’s no place like home” isn’t just a line from a movie.  Even if you prepare yourself, you can still experience a lot of culture shock and homesickness while studying abroad.  While international study programs will have both academic and social support for students, the fact remains that you will be far away from home without the ability to visit family or return somewhere familiar for long periods of time – a whole semester, if not a whole year.

    Coming Home Can Be Hard:  Studying abroad will change you – in wonderful ways – and you will return home a different person than when you left, which can make it difficult to adjust to being back.  Your old routines might feel strange, and depending on how long you’re abroad, familiar locations might have changed.

    There are other considerations, but these are a place to start.  Be sure to do lots of research into programs, costs, and requirements, in order to determine which country and program will be the best fit for you to study abroad.

     

    Sources

    https://www.ciee.org/go-abroad/college-study-abroad/blog/what-are-advantages-and-disadvantages-studying-abroad

    https://www.collegeraptor.com/find-colleges/articles/tips-tools-advice/pros-cons-studying-abroad/

    https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/what-and-where-study/studying-overseas/what-you-need-know-about-studying-abroad

    https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/what-and-where-study/studying-abroad-consider-your-options

  • How the pandemic changed me.

    How the pandemic changed me.

    Content Warning: Domestic Violence and Mental Health

     

    Looking back on the last four years, I realize how much about me and my life has changed because of the pandemic.

    When the world shut down, I was in the tenth grade. I was just beginning to understand who I wanted to be. Also, I was in a brand-new relationship.

    The pandemic was an extremely isolating experience. During a time of my life where I was meant to be out with friends, in high school, and working, I was stuck in my home. Within two months I felt completely hopeless. As someone who struggled with anxiety prior to the pandemic, my anxiety skyrocketed with this new world. I turned to my doctor, and I was lucky enough to be put on anxiety medications. Those medications made an enormous difference. The hopelessness diminished, and I felt more human again. Then things picked up with my relationship.

    Unfortunately, what I thought was going to be a healthy relationship turned into a domestic violence situation. For the year and a half of a shut-down world, I lived with a man who abused me. And this was not an uncommon occurrence. Time Magazine notes that “growing evidence shows the pandemic has made intimate partner violence more common – and often more severe.” The isolation of the pandemic turned dangerous and stressful. Not only was I struggling severely mentally, I was pushed into a situation where I was physically unsafe. With these things combined, I was not capable of leaving my house. I was trapped by my mind and a person. I couldn’t go to work, and I was attending school online to avoid being outside; 2020-2022 were undoubtedly the worst years of my life.

    The good news is none of those things lasted forever. Once the world started to reopen and things became accessible, my relationship ended. I was free from isolation and could make choices for myself again. At first, I had to work through all the torment and try to understand exactly what happened to me. This process was long. I only felt better and safer a year after the relationship ended.

    Presently, I am amazed at my progress. I am now surrounded by friends and family who love me wholeheartedly and gently. I am working part time and am a full-time college student. I’ve started therapy. And finally, I feel ready to get off my anxiety medication. The pandemic was a terrible time for me, and everyone else. However, looking back on it now, I think I learned and grew so much. I learned that love is not supposed to hurt. I learned it is okay to take a break and seek help. And I learned I am a strong and capable person.

    If you had told me three years ago, I would attend college, be working, and have a social life I would have laughed in your face. These concepts all seemed so out of reach for me. And now that I have them, I feel like I can do anything. I implore you to look at your own experiences and appreciate how much you have grown. Be proud that you are not who you once were. You are capable, strong, and so wonderful. You are worthy of great love, excellent support, and a life you are proud of.

     

    References

    https://time.com/5928539/domestic-violence-covid-19/

  • Acts of kindness — from small ones to jobs and careers

    Acts of kindness — from small ones to jobs and careers

    In a world where hate and negativity is normalized, it is important to try to spread kindness everywhere we go. Kindness is a stepping stone to making the world a better place. It does not have to be a complicated thing – most acts of kindness are simple and small.

    First, if kindness is not your forte, start as small as possible. Acts of kindness do not have to be gigantic gestures. If you see someone struggling, offer to help. You can help someone move boxes, put groceries in their car, or carry something heavy for them. If you’re like me, physical labour for others does not seem like an appealing idea. Instead, you can smile at people as they pass you or compliment them.

    An easy way to bring a smile to someone’s face is to compliment them on their outfit or hair. It is important to phrase your compliments in the right way though, so that there isn’t an uncomfortable interaction. Keep it simple by saying “I love your _____.” Then if they seem receptive, expand a bit by saying you like the colour or pattern and that it suits them. These acts don’t cost any money or time, they are simple ways to brighten someone’s day.

    If you feel like doing a “bigger” act of kindness, money does come into play. Something I enjoy doing is buying flowers for a stranger. Some days I’ll purchase a bouquet from my local grocery store and give the whole bouquet to someone who seems down and out. Or I cut open the bouquet and hand out one flower to people who pass by me. Also, you can offer to pay for someone’s groceries or food. I’m sure we’ve all been in a pay-it-forward situation at a Tim Hortons line up. Paying for the person’s meal behind you is always a lovely surprise.

    Acts of kindness do not have to only be done to strangers. Everyone in your life deserves to be treated with kindness. Offer friends and families a helping hand, or a shoulder to cry on when they need it. Acts of kindness are also really rewarding for those who do them. Spreading positivity ultimately results in you being more positive and feeling more joy in your life.

    Certain jobs are reliant on acts of kindness. So if you find you are really enjoying spreading kindness, check out some of these professions. Any job where you are actively working with people are great options to continue kindness. Some examples are nurses, childcare workers, and teachers. You may also be interested in being a veterinarian, a social worker, a therapist, or a guidance counsellor.

    In conclusion, kindness is a simple thing that can be done in many ways. We can spread kindness to loved ones or strangers. However, it is important to remember that one act of kindness is not better than another. You do not have to spend money or resources to be kind.

  • Coping with the mental health impacts of the death of a friend or family member

    Coping with the mental health impacts of the death of a friend or family member

    Seven months ago, I lost my grandmother. She was my last grandparent, and so the loss hit me very hard. I have quite a large family, but she was definitely the glue that held us together. Losing a loved one is a troublesome thing to work through. Despite it seeming like the grief will be impossible to work through, there are small things you can do to make it easier.

    I suffer from anxiety, and a panic disorder, so big changes disrupt my mental stability. Losing my grandmother was a drastic change in my life, and therefore, disrupted my mental state. My first piece of advice is to not go through your grief alone. Grief is something everyone will go through, and it is important to find support in others to not feel so isolated. If you are dealing with the death of a family member, look to your other family members for support. They are experiencing the same sort of loss as you are, so it may be nice to discuss your feelings with them.

    Another thing to keep in mind is to not be afraid of your feelings. During a time of bereavement, sometimes it’s comforting to avoid emotions all together and numb out these negative feelings. When you do this, your body holds on to your stress and the negative feelings will present themselves in physical symptoms. By allowing yourself to feel whatever you need to, there’s a release of tension. Expressing emotions is very freeing. Let yourself be free.

    Third, know that the grief will lessen. I can’t say the feeling fully goes away; however, it will become more manageable. Eventually, the heaviness of grief will leave your shoulders and a small part of it will rest in your heart. Grief sticking with you isn’t a bad thing. It allows you to remember your loved one and keep them with you. As author Jamie Anderson said, “Grief I’ve learned, is really just love. It’s all the love you wanted to give, but cannot.” It is never a bad thing to love.

    If you are finding your grief is far too much for you to bear, therapy is always an option. There are many different therapy types, and each individual therapist has their own style. You can find one who specializes in bereavement counseling, so you can specifically discuss the loss of your loved one. Another option is to find bereavement groups. Some groups are specifically for widows or parents who have lost their child. In these groups, you will find people going through a very similar situation as you. Finding people who can relate to your situation is very comforting.

    Overall, the most important thing is to remember you are never alone when dealing with loss. There is someone who is experiencing, or who has experienced your situation. They may have good advice on what to do. Never be afraid to reach out to someone if you need help.

  • Hello from Across the Pond!

    Hello from Across the Pond!

    Hello readers! I’m writing to you from across the pond in London. My partner and I ended up on an unexpected European adventure after some issues with open tickets we had with the airline. Long story short, we’re on an impromptu adventure. It’s been splendid, and a much-needed reminder for this risk-averse lad to take more leaps.

    As spring gets underway, we’re back with more insights from our fantastic team of writers. While I work remotely, Meghan brings you great advice on traveling abroad to study. Back in Canada, Sarah takes a look at spring snowstorms and how they’re actually a sign of the climate change, not an argument against it. Too busy focused on your school year? Check out Tiffany’s advice on setting goals to make the most of the year. Looking ahead? Avreet’s got you covered with tips for your LinkedIn profile.

    We have more articles featured below. Stay tuned mid-month for more interviews and articles. Until then, this train gets off at the next stop, so I better get going!

    Regards,
    Anthony Teles, Vice-President

  • Advice for recent grads who feel lost after graduating

    Advice for recent grads who feel lost after graduating

    By Avreet Jagdev

    Whether it’s from high school or post-secondary, graduating school is a huge milestone to be proud of. A lot of work leads up to the big day, but the aftermath can feel daunting and confusing. Especially for those who have recently graduated and are unsure of what to do next, graduating can be an isolating and stressful time.

    However, it doesn’t have to be! And although feelings of being lost or confused are completely normal and valid, it is important to not let them hold you back. Here are some pieces of advice to help you navigate these feelings and decide where to go next.

    1. Remind yourself that this is normal

    Although it might seem like other graduates have their lives together, chances are that most of them are in the same boat as you. Remind yourself of how far you’ve come in your educational journey, and that it’s okay to feel lost or confused about how to move forward.

    1. Take some time off

    This can look different for different people, since not everyone has the ability to completely take a break from work or other commitments. However, before rushing to find a job or apply to more schools, consider taking some time off to rejuvenate. Remember that rest is productive, and it is important to take care of yourself and your health.

    1. Rekindle old hobbies, or find a new one you’ll love

    Although the open-endedness that comes with graduating can seem daunting, it’s also a great opportunity to try new hobbies, or pick old ones back up again. Whether you’ve been meaning to get a gym membership, learn how to crochet, or get back to your long-lost love for reading, now is a great time to do so!

    1. Consider all of your options

    Once you graduate, it can be easy to box yourself up into very specific options, such as finding full-time employment in the field you studied, or considering more schooling.  However, it is important to remember that there are many more options available to you. For example, you might look into volunteering, starting an initiative in your community you’ve always wanted to, taking some time off to travel, or visiting family that lives far away.

    1. Utilize your resources

    Being a fresh grad can definitely feel lonely and isolating, but chances are that you have some useful resources available to you, so take advantage of them! Look into the institution you graduated from, to see if they offer career development programming or job boards for recent grads. You can also look for resources at your local public library, and even on websites such as LinkedIn or Indeed!

    1. Prioritize your mental and physical well-being

    Unfortunately, stress, burnout, and anxiety are all too common among students, and something you might’ve experienced yourself. To ensure that these don’t continue into your post-grad life, make sure that you prioritize your mental and physical health. This means getting fresh air, taking breaks when needed, and eating healthy. Remember that you have your whole life ahead of you, and that you don’t need to feel pressured to figure out everything right away.

  • Work-from-Home Volunteer Opportunities

    Work-from-Home Volunteer Opportunities

    Mahatma Gandhi, regarded as one of the 20th century’s greatest political and spiritual leaders who was the pioneer of the national movement against the British rule of India, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

    Oftentimes we find ourselves too preoccupied with our own lives unaware that unfortunate circumstances can befall our fellowmen and we can step up and lend a hand. Before the pandemic, it was easy to find volunteer opportunities where one can truly have a hands-on experience, like a community meal program or a clean-up.

    However, because of COVID, a lot of restrictions have limited those opportunities. While the world goes back to the new normal, it’s a good time to look into volunteer opportunities that could provide you the flexibility of doing it from your home in your own time, especially if you’re a full-time student or part-time student/part-time employee. Let’s look at some of these:

    Tax Preparation Specialist

    If you’re one with a knack for numbers, this is the ideal opportunity for you as we’re well into tax season! The Government of Canada offers the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) that allows you to prepare tax returns or provide support to those who are unable to do their taxes on their own. A number of organizations host tax clinics, and because of the pandemic, most of them launched virtual tax clinics that allowed support via videoconference or phone. You wouldn’t need to be a professional tax returns specialist to volunteer (but of course knowledge about tax returns helps). Volunteers are provided with web-based training on how to do taxes, use tax software, and ascertain duties.

    Transcriber

    With more and more institutions going digital these days, it’s becoming increasingly necessary for them to ensure their collection of historical archives or artefacts are more accessible and easily searchable by database. Historical museums or libraries often have limited budget for the resources to do these tasks and thus require help. If you have a skill for deciphering a person’s handwriting or a good ear to put audio files into text, then this volunteer opportunity is for you – and all can be done as long as you have a computer. Each institution will have a standard on how they prefer the text to appear, and they will usually provide training for you.

    Social Media Specialists

    If you are drawn to scrolling through social media pages and always flooded with ideas on how to promote products or services better, then this opportunity is for you! Startup companies and non–profits organizations can benefit from the skills of a volunteer social media specialist to help them build a strong social media presence. As long as you’re armed with all the tricks of the trade for establishing a buzz for a product or service, you’ll shine in this opportunity!

    Customer Support

    If you have the propensity to help people, then a volunteer position in the customer support industry is for you, and you can do it right at home! The volunteer openings in this field can vary from customer lead building for new companies or donor retention for not-for-profit companies. You need to determine your own skillsets to pinpoint which ones best match what you have to offer.

    Online Teacher 

    An online teaching volunteer opportunity is the ideal choice if you’re one who prefers to impart knowledge. You can choose from a variety of subjects to teach, but in Canada, one of the most common opportunities is to teach English as a Second Language to Canadian newcomers or anyone outside the country who is passionate about learning English. The teaching level can vary as it depends on the learning levels of the students.

    Volunteer opportunities you can do from home is a great way to help others without having to travel. So which of these options seem like the most suitable for you? Good luck and we hope you find the perfect volunteer position for yourself!

     

    Sources

    https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/community-volunteer-income-tax-program/lend-a-hand-individuals/roles-responsibilities.html

    https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/Transcribing_Historic_Documents_(National_Institute)

  • The Job Market in 2023: A Look into What Is in Demand

    The Job Market in 2023: A Look into What Is in Demand

    Despite the constant dread about a recession hitting Canada soon, the Canadian labour market is actually on the upswing. According to a Labour Force Survey in January 2023, the employment rate rose by 0.8 per cent in the beginning of 2023, and the country has been able to hold the unemployment rate down at a steady rate of 5.0 per cent.

    The provinces which enjoyed a healthy increase were Ontario, Quebec, and Alberta. Furthermore, industries that showed growth were wholesale and retail trade, health care, social assistance, and educational services.

    In any case, Canada has a lot of things to look forward to in terms of the job market. Here’s a quick look at the most in-demand jobs for the year 2023:

    Web Developers

    In the early days of e-commerce, website designers were in high demand. However, as technology became more advanced, it has become a must for companies not to drown their website visitors with information, but rather to engage them. This is where a web developer comes in as not only can they build websites but they can make them more engaging by making them more interactive. They can develop applications or programs and thus are needed in any industry –– whether large or small corporations, for-profit or not-for-profit, and even government! A web developer is a job that might not have even existed earlier in the lives of some job seekers. If you’re one who has a penchant for program languages and coding, then a career in web development can be for you.

    Customer Service Specialists

    Because of our need for convenience and promptness these days, it has been necessary for all companies, no matter how big or small they are, to have a department dedicated to address clients’ or customers’ needs as quickly as they possibly can. We call on someone for assistance whether it’s to ask for a refund for a misplaced order, or to validate a transaction that’s been blocked by a credit card company, or to correct the address on a food order. Without customer service, we’ll all be at a lost, so thank goodness for customer service specialists.

    Warehouse Workers

    Thanks to the pandemic, many customers have now turned to online shopping for their shopping needs, not only for clothes and electronics, but even for basic needs like food and groceries. In fact, even in a post-pandemic world, the number of consumers who rely on online food and grocery shopping rose to 49 per cent according to research firm eMarketer. This translates into a constant and ever-growing need for warehouse workers to fulfill those e-commerce purchases and ensure that they are delivered to the appropriate recipients.

    Financial Advisors

    With the emphasis on financial literacy and the plethora of investment opportunities available these days, it’s only fitting that one of the most in demand jobs are professionals who have plenty of knowledge in this area, so one can reap the benefits of their investments under a minimum amount of risks. Financial advisors work with private individuals or institutional clients (from banks, insurance companies, or mutual fund organizations) to determine their financial needs, devise a financial plan, establish short-term and long-term financial goals, and suggest investment options, such as stocks and bonds. If you have an aptitude for number crunching, this career is for you.

    Registered Nurses

    Pre-pandemic and post-pandemic, we all owe a lot to health care workers like registered nurses who work hard to keep us and our loved ones healthy and safe. It’s an understatement to say that the pandemic took a heavy toll on them, but it only proves how they play an important role in keeping everyone in good health.


    Sources

    https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/230210/dq230210a-eng.htm

    https://www.ctvnews.ca/business/these-are-the-top-15-trending-jobs-in-canada-for-2023-1.6227368

    https://www.cpacanada.ca/en/news/pivot-magazine/online-grocery-shopping

  • Building a Digital Marketing Career: What You Need to Know about Its Offerings and Challenges

    Building a Digital Marketing Career: What You Need to Know about Its Offerings and Challenges

    Time and again, it’s been said that marketing is the true engine of business success. However, most companies often acquire a myopic view of how to efficiently market by turning their focus solely on marketing success stories. Sometimes, it helps to turn one’s focus on those that didn’t quite make it. This way, you gain a clear understanding of avoiding those mistakes. In addition, in some cases, the same company may have its fair share of both success and failed marketing strategies.

    Take for example, Dove. In 2004, Dove was a trailblazer when it comes to placing diversity and inclusion front and centre in their marketing campaigns by launching Dove’s Real Beauty campaign. This campaign featured everyday women instead of models and did not utilize professional makeup or retouching or any photography filters, as well as made sure the models were also more diverse and inclusive than other marketing campaigns at the time.

    However, Dove did make a misstep which it now learned from. Back in 2017, committed to the Real Beauty campaign, the company released packaging of its products, from shampoos to conditioners to body wash and skincare line, that depicted female bodies in different shapes. This did not sit well with not just marketing experts but with women as well whom the company were supposed to champion. Dove had no choice but to do damage control, and thankfully, it managed to surmount the adversity.

    This is just an example that marketing success is dependent on the four Ps of marketing: Product, Price, Promotion, and Place.

    And these days where the Internet rules, it’s high time that companies embrace digital marketing because web site ads and having a strong social media presence have loads of benefits. Digital marketing strategies are instantaneous, offer a more precise reach than any other platform, and are easily measurable. If this is something that interests you, a career in digital marketing may be in the horizon.

    What Is a Digital Marketer?

    The most apt definition of a digital marketer perhaps is the one from the Digital Marketing Institute: In general terms, a digital marketer is responsible for using a variety of digital channels to generate leads and build brand awareness. Digital channels include company websites, social media networks such as Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram, search engines like Google and Bing, email marketing, mobile apps like TikTok and WhatsApp, online display ads, and blogs.

    A digital marketing specialist often works with a marketing team to plan, set up, launch, and optimize campaigns across various paid channels. They should also have knowledge on measuring the success (or lack thereof) of launched campaigns to see if they are meeting their target goals.

    Digital marketing professionals are equipped with a degree or diploma in Business, Commerce, or Marketing. Search engine marketing/pay-per-click (SEM/PPC) experience is often an asset, as well as extensive knowledge of  HTML, SEO, Facebook Ads and Google Analytics (including Google Tag Manager).

    According to Payscale.com, a digital marketing specialist can earn a salary of $52,000 to $72,000, while those in management level can earn a salary of $68,000 to $91,000.

    Challenges in Digital Marketing

    With the heavy focus on social media marketing, it’s more difficult now for digital marketing teams to make campaigns using the basics (SEO, website, and blogs) work. While influencer marketing does offer its advantages, SEO-optimized content ensures that websites rank high on Google searches, therefore boosting its visibility.

    Another challenge is the constant changes in technology and applications. For example, before TikTok, there was SnapChat and Vine. So being adept at utilizing the new apps will ensure they don’t get left behind.

    There you have it, a brief look on how to launch a career in digital marketing. Remember, for digital marketing success, a multifaceted insight on how to execute effective marketing campaigns will help achieve your targeted results.

     

    Sources 

    https://www.entrepreneur.com/growing-a-business/avoid-these-5-pitfalls-in-your-digital-marketing/444665

    https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Digital_Marketing_Manager/Salary

    https://digitalmarketinginstitute.com/blog/what-does-a-digital-marketer-do

    https://www.indigo9digital.com/blog/dovemarketingstrategy

    https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/marketing-fails

  • Happy First Day of Spring!

    Happy First Day of Spring!

    It may not feel like it, with March Break at an end and snow still on the ground for much of the country, but we’ve made it to spring! Warmer weather is just around the corner. We here at JPD hope you had a great March Break and are fully rested for the road ahead.

    Check out our latest video interviews! We have the new ones featured below. Susan Huebert spoke with library technician Marilyn Cameron, who tells us about the education needed to take on the library world. Erin Rebello has an in-depth discussion with Dr. Jennifer Bryan that takes a look at Canada’s healthcare system and the impacts of the pandemic.

    Also be sure check out the latest articles for March. Rochelle has tips on balancing your budget in this time of crazy inflation, and takes a look at the complex history of St. Patrick’s Day. Looking ahead, Sarah’s got your summer covered with short-term work programs offered by the government.

     

    Regards,
    Anthony Teles, Vice-President