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Author: Anthony Teles

  • Happy Holidays from JobsPeopleDo!

    Happy Holidays from JobsPeopleDo!

    For some, the pandemic has made time come to a crawl, while for others it has made it sprint. Either way, we’ve made it to the final days of 2021. I hope your December gives you a chance to slow down, catch your breath, and take a chance to reflect on the past two years.

    With the nature of school and work looking more and more like it will be permanently changed, it is more important than ever to be aware of remote options and how to prepare for them. Check out examples of remote work opportunities you can do while in school, as well as advice on balancing your virtual education with remote work.

    As the pandemic stretches from months to years, this issue takes a look at our mental health. This includes how COVID has impacted those with social anxiety, as well as a look into what panic attacks are and how to cope with them. Of course, a lot more is happening in our world outside of COVID. In this issue, we take a deep dive into the recent UN climate change conference, and offer tips on avoiding overspending now that the holiday season is in full swing.

    From the shifting nature of work, to the climate crisis, to new COVID variants, there is a lot to consider as you work on your education and career goals. JobsPeopleDo will continue to help navigate you through all of those and more in 2022. For now, take some time to relax. Happy Holidays everyone!

    Regards,
    Anthony Teles
    Vice-President, Content & Social Media

  • Profiling a Career in Social Work

    Profiling a Career in Social Work

    By Olivia Condlln-Wilby

    As high school students move forward in their academic careers, it’s essential to consider the many options that lay ahead. The field of social work offers a wide variety of educational and work opportunities – as well as a bright professional future.

    Roles and Responsibilities

    Social workers support individuals, families, groups, and communities in the form of counselling, advocacy, policy development, and research. They may work in private practice or within an agency (e.g., hospitals, school boards, mental health clinics, etc.). Social workers address social issues like poverty and racism. They also promote social justice and protect human rights.

    Their work may include the following responsibilities:

    • Interviewing clients to assess their strengths, goals, and challenges
    • Identifying helpful social services and creating action plans based on client goals
    • Advocating for community resources, programs, and/or interventions

    Social workers may specialize in specific areas of practice, such as child welfare, family counselling, substance use treatment, or criminal justice.

    What are the Benefits of Social Work?

    Social work encompasses a wide variety of professional opportunities. You may work in healthcare, education, politics, criminal justice, or another field entirely. In addition, your job may involve research, counselling, advocacy, or many other essential tasks. The point is that a social work career gives you the room you need to experiment and find the perfect career fit.

    A social work career also allows you to make a real difference in the world. You will improve the lives of vulnerable people and give a voice to marginalized groups. Social workers work with individuals, groups, and communities to make the world a better place.

    What are the Drawbacks of Social Work?

    Social work can be stressful. You will observe difficult situations – for example, child abuse, homelessness, and food insecurity. Furthermore, you will be responsible for making decisions that seriously impact the lives of others. Some social workers find it challenging to handle that pressure.

    The work environment can also be a source of stress. Social workers often have to work long or irregular hours – including nights and weekends. Workdays can be 12 hours or longer. A social work career is best suited to someone who is committed to social justice and doesn’t mind putting in a significant amount of time.

    How Much Can I Make as a Social Worker?

    In Ontario, social workers earn roughly $37 per hour on average (approximately $20/hour on the low end and $46/hour on the high end).

    Across Canada, social workers earn approximately $58,000 per year on average. At the beginning of your career, you could earn roughly $40,000 annually. With more experience, you can expect up to $81,000 per year. Social workers with graduate-level education will likely earn more than those with only an undergraduate degree.

    Education and Experience

    Social workers must complete a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) to enter the field. A typical BSW takes four years to complete and includes both theoretical and practical training. After you’ve earned this degree, you may choose to pursue a Master’s of Social Work (MSW) or doctoral degree. It is possible to obtain an MSW in a single year if you have already earned a BSW from an accredited institution.

    You may also be required to register with a local regulating body, such as the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. Each province has a unique set of expectations for professional social workers.

    Advancement and Other Career Opportunities

    A social worker may advance to director-level positions in agencies and non-profit organizations. They may also move on to positions in policy-making, program management, public research, or community organizing. Social workers can also operate private practices, which enable them to work for themselves.

    A social work degree may also be useful in other career paths:

    • Teacher or guidance counsellor
    • Nurse practitioner
    • Lawyer or mediator
    • Policy consultant or government aide

    Employment Challenges

    Social workers may experience high levels of stress and burnout. In addition, insufficient funding for social programs may impact an agency’s ability to hire new employees. Many agencies are looking for social workers with at least some previous experience, which may be an obstacle to entry-level candidates.

    Career Prospects

    As of 2020, social workers are among the top 20 most in-demand employees in Canada. This demand is highest in Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Saskatchewan. Across the country, over 25,000 new positions are expected to open up in the next decade.

     

    References:

    Campus Explorer. (n.d.). Child, Family and School Social Workers Overview. https://www.campusexplorer.com/careers/8707A0D1/child-family-and-school-social-workers/

    Canadian Association of Social Workers. (2005). Guidelines for Ethical Practice. https://www.casw-acts.ca/files/attachements/casw_guidelines_for_ethical_practice.pdf

    Canadian Association of Social Workers. (n.d.). How Do I Become a Social Worker? https://www.casw-acts.ca/en/what-social-work/how-do-i-become-social-worker

    Government of Canada. (2021, October 5th). Social Worker in Canada. Canadian Job Bank. https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/summary-occupation/23025/ca

    Government of Canada. (2021, October 5th). Social Worker Near Toronto, ON. Canadian Job Bank. https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/summary-occupation/23025/22437

    Indeed. (2021, November 3rd). Social Worker Salary in Ontario. https://ca.indeed.com/career/social-worker/salaries/Ontario

    Robynn. (2020, June 20th). Immigrate to Canada as a Social Worker. CanadianVisa. https://canadianvisa.org/blog/jobs/immigrate-to-canada-as-a-social-worker

    Yeshiva University. (2018, February 22nd). The Top 6 Benefits of Becoming a Social Worker. https://online.yu.edu/wurzweiler/blog/6-benefits-of-being-a-social-worker

  • How 1.5 Years of COVID Changed Me as a Person

    How 1.5 Years of COVID Changed Me as a Person

    By Erin Rebello

    I can still remember that Thursday afternoon when the province of Ontario announced that they would be shutting down elementary and secondary schools for two weeks due to preventative measures surrounding COVID-19. Back then, I was excited about an extended March Break and was already planning all the video games I would play and movies I would watch. Now, 1.5 years later, as we begin opening up the world again, a lot has changed. It’s almost as though I look back on that far-gone March afternoon through a long tunnel with a great deal of distance between who I was then and who I am now. From navigating virtual learning, to cancelling many of my plans, to changing my individual education and career goals, the COVID-19 pandemic has taught me a lot about myself, and who I am as a person.

    The Good:

    Over the past 1.5 years, there were many positive aspects of the pandemic that brought rays of joy into my life. For starters, with online learning and the switch to virtual, I got to stay home with my family and spend more time with them. Rather than spending all day at school, I was able to study in the comfort of my own home with the rest of my family. Speaking of school, I also cut out my entire commute to school, saving me about 2 hours every single day, which is time I didn’t even realize I was losing!

    Another positive of the past year of isolation was my exploration of personal interests. In the quietness of quarantine, I had the opportunity to develop my art skills, experimenting with various mediums including watercolors, pastels, textile mediums, and even digital art. With all restaurants, movie theatres, and malls closed, my family turned to nature for entertainment. We hiked and biked on local trails, and took road trips to remote hiking sites to really get outside. From these experiences, I found that I absolutely loved the great outdoors, causing me to more deeply consider earth sciences and environmental sciences as a field of interest.

    The Bad:

    Although there were many positives to the pandemic, it would be unfair to define it only by the high points. As a global society, millions of individuals have died, and hundreds of millions more grieved as they grappled with the loss of loved ones. Although I was very fortunate to only know a couple of people who passed away, this pandemic has truly been a somber event.

    On a more personal scale, one big aspect of the pandemic that severely impacted me was the switch to virtual learning. Although I already had issues with time management and focusing in class, virtual school and the quadmester system really exacerbated the issue. I found myself losing focus and struggling to keep up with online lectures, resulting in higher stress levels, and a significantly worse mental state in comparison to pre-pandemic. On the brighter side, I’ve finally begun speaking with professionals to get to the root of the problem and resolve any issues.

    The… Different:

    There were parts of the past year-and-a-half that are easy to classify as either positive or negative, but there were also some that weren’t so black and white. For example, over the course of quarantine, I found myself drifting away from some people and drifting closer to others. Although it was unfortunate that I didn’t see some of my schoolmates very often anymore, I didn’t really feel bad, because there were other people I enjoyed spending more of my time with. Although this is a bittersweet awakening that most people notice during the switch from high school to university, the pandemic and social isolation expedited these epiphanies.

    The main takeaway I have from this pandemic is that I am a completely different person from who I was at the start – and that’s completely okay! I experienced some major transition periods during the quarantine, and there were some experiences that I missed out on, but in the end, I feel that I came out as a new and better version of myself. However longer this pandemic lasts, I’m truly excited to see the person I become.

  • Showing Respect in a World of Disagreements

    Showing Respect in a World of Disagreements

    As you go from elementary to high school, and then one step further to university, you meet more and more people from diverse backgrounds. Your frame of reference starts small, within the confines of your own family, and slowly grows until you are face to face with a myriad of cultures, religions, beliefs, and ideas. It is an overwhelming leap. There can be an inherent discomfort when talking to someone whose ideas about the world and spirituality are in opposition to yours. How do we contend with that? How do we genuinely respect one another even when we strongly believe others are wrong?

    It is important to be able to differentiate showing respect from agreeing with someone. We are constantly told to “agree to disagree,” but genuinely believing it and experiencing it day-to-day is not easy. It takes effort and education to effectively imagine things from someone else’s viewpoint. Take full advantage of the varied courses in the secondary and post-secondary worlds. Classes in world religions and the history of specific regions shed light on the rich backgrounds and complexities of other cultures. Many of us have a tendency to view our way of life as the norm. Being bombarded with constant examples of how that simply is not the case will help shatter that delusion. It will provide you a deeper understand of other ways of life.

    It is just as important, if not more so, to respect another person’s identity without fixating on it. Your fellow classmates and those in your neighbourhood are all people with dreams, aspirations, frustrations, and problems much like your own. Religion is a prime example of an instigator. Someone may have a religious or non-religious belief that severely clashes with your worldview, but it is not the only identity for that person or even yourself. We are all immensely complex humans with a series of identities that are an intricate mixture of biology, environment, and experience. Consider the different identities you may adhere to, and how a number of them likely match up with someone with different spiritual beliefs.

    As you traverse high school and post-secondary schooling, there will be many extra-curricular events, clubs, and organizations for you to explore. Consider spending time with attendees of events that go against your own ideas, or even attending one of those events yourself. Remember that you can abstain from support of these events or groups while still respecting them. You can have a healthy conversation with people about it, and share your disagreements without escalating into an argument. When you deride others for what they think, or try to deter them from those activities, that is when you have crossed the line to disrespect.

    This is not something that necessarily gets easier over time. We all have a tendency to stay with people and in places that reinforce our own ideas and beliefs. The human mind is extremely prone to short-sightedness. Modern technology and globalization have given us the opportunity to escape that trap. It takes consistent effort to talk to those you disagree with and to expose yourself to new and antagonizing ideas. You will not only gain a true sense of how to respect others, but will gain a better sense of yourself. It is through this exploration that you will discover your true values, beliefs, and worldview.

    Sources:

    Deardorff, Darla K. and Orla Quinlan. “How universities can teach their students to respect different cultures.” The Conversation. http://theconversation.com/how-universities-can-teach-their-students-to-respect-different-cultures-56857

    Fleming, Jasmine. “How I Learned to Respect Others’ Beliefs.” Odyssey. https://www.theodysseyonline.com/how-i-learned-respect-others-beliefs

  • Literally Save the Planet: An Environmental Lawyer Career Profile

    Literally Save the Planet: An Environmental Lawyer Career Profile

    The world needs us to give a darn. The climate crisis, ecological collapse, and political inertia have brought the planet to a precipice. We need to overhaul a toxic system. This can be done collectively through various means, from voting for progressive game changers to reconsidering our lifestyles. Environmental law is an exciting field of law that is setting new precedents with one groundbreaking case after another. Becoming an environmental lawyer is a powerful way to make a difference in a world that desperately needs it.

    In this particular world of law, you act as both an advisor and legal advocate for environmental and natural issues. You prepare and are involved in cases against corporations and individuals that are neglecting or harming the environment in different ways. This means assisting investigators, providing legal advocacy to different agencies in need of help, partaking in lobbying for environmental causes, and presenting your cases in trials. You must be ready to work in legal and government offices, as well as out in the field alongside clients, conducting research, and appearing at hearings.

    The work gives you the satisfaction of making a critical difference in one of the great challenges of our time. You get to work alongside a variety of people and help those in need. In order to do all of this, you must have strong communication and critical thinking skills. You must also be prepared to take on the long hours, as well as the emotional toll of legal cases and challenging other parties equipped with their own team of skilled lawyers. This is a career path of high rewards but also high stress.

    As environmental law is a highly specialized field, it can be difficult to determine accurate numbers for salaries. Lawyers who are at the beginning of their career can expect to make around $60,000 to $75,000 annually. Once you have gained a number of years of experience, this can increase to an overage of $172,000 per year. Many jobs in the environmental field are in the salary range of $50,000 to $90,000, with the vast majority being full-time. Quite a few opportunities can be found in major cities such as Toronto, Ontario and Vancouver, British Columbia.

    The path to becoming an environmental lawyer starts with your undergraduate program. It is recommended to focus on areas of study such as environmental studies or sciences, as well as business or commerce. From there, you must complete a three-year Bachelor of Laws degree through law school. Admittance depends on your academic record and Law School Admission Test score. Furthermore, depending on the province you live in, you may have to work one year as a student-at-law before becoming a licensed law practitioner. It is a more arduous path than many other careers, and therefore requires passion, perseverance, and persistence. It is a path that can lead to the way to groundbreaking legal cases and being the head of your own law firm. You could also transition into other environmental or governmental roles.

    The planet is dying. It needs our action. There are steps you can take right away, such as lifestyle choices and supporting progressive politicians. You can also direct your career goals towards fields such as environmental law. It takes a tremendous effort, but can come with great rewards. This career choice gives you the chance to make a colossal difference by challenging corporate destruction and shifting laws and practices into a greener direction. Becoming an environmental lawyer means not only a brighter future for you, but for future generations as well.

     

    Sources:

    Academic Invest. “How to Become an Environmental Lawyer.” https://www.academicinvest.com/science-careers/environmental-science-careers/how-to-become-an-environmental-lawyer

    Eco Canada. “Environmental Lawyer.” https://www.eco.ca/career-profiles/environmental-lawyer/

    Indeed. “Environmental Lawyer Jobs.” https://ca.indeed.com/Environmental-Lawyer-jobs

  • Dealing with Anxiety

    Dealing with Anxiety

    Feeling tense or overwhelmed is normal, especially for a student juggling a variety of responsibilities. However, if you constantly experience intense stress, fear of failure, and feelings of inadequacy, the problem may be deeper than you expect.

    Anxiety is not something to be taken lightly: it is an important mental health issue that affects many individuals, and can have a virtually crippling effect on their lives. Students can be particularly susceptible to anxiety, given the often overwhelming post-secondary environment and other factors like economic pressures, family issues, or the challenge of finding a career.

    If you experience constant anxiety, or if someone you know has trouble with anxiety, it is important to solve the problem before it gets worse. Anxiety can manifest itself through constant worrying, a severe lack of self-confidence, and panic attacks (bursts of fear and other troubling emotions), among other symptoms. Many individuals experience these things without being clinically diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, but if these symptoms become prevalent, know that there are ways to seek help.

    Whether you feel personally affected or know someone who is, here are some tips for dealing with anxiety.

    Be kind to yourself. Individuals with anxiety often beat themselves up for making small mistakes that seem trivial in hindsight. It may be difficult, but don’t be afraid of failure. There will always be something to worry about or something you can improve upon. The most important thing is that you did your best, and that you will learn from your mistakes in the future.

    Take it one day at a time. Anxiety doesn’t appear out of the blue—oftentimes it is the product of long periods of intense stress, pressure, and hyperactivity. That being said, you cannot expect an anxiety issue to go away overnight, nor should you be disappointed or blame yourself when it takes you a while to recover. Take the process day by day, and be reflective about your own progress.

    Find someone you trust. This can be a friend, family member, or virtually anyone who you can speak to in confidence. If you feel comfortable talking to them, and feel like they will support you, open up to them. If this individual gives you their permission, they can be a fantastic resource. Ask them to try and calm you down or seek the appropriate help or medical attention should you ever require it.

    Know your options. University and college campuses should have mental health support services on campus, whether in the form of online counseling, one-on-one sessions, or group therapy. If these services do not prove adequate, speak to a doctor to find out the best ways you can deal with your mental health.

    For more information and support, see your guidance counselor, find a mental health center on campus, or seek out professional medical counseling.

  • Money and Your Career: Weighing What Makes You Happy

    Money and Your Career: Weighing What Makes You Happy

    The cost of living is getting higher and higher and it may seem safer to be practical rather than idealistic. As such, practicality can play a part when deciding on pursuing a certain career path or taking on a part-time job or agreeing to an internship program.

    How many times have you heard of people turning down a job because it does not relate to their major or to their degree? Or how many times have you heard of people who are prepared to take on a stressful job because there are not a lot of options? On the contrary, how many times have you heard of people agreeing to a non-paying internship that sounds fun and interesting?

    Psychological studies suggest that money can’t buy happiness, but when paying the bills and building a financially stable life is the priority, one can’t really chase idealism and do away with practicality. Or can you? If you are at that point when you are having second thoughts about pursuing a degree or a job that is seen as impractical or temporary, here are some things to remember:

    Know your strengths and believe in them.

    It is human instinct to compare ourselves to others from time to time. You might have a friend who does so well in his job at an investment firm that he’s been able to pay off his entire student loan in just a few years; or you might know someone who succeeds in a film production company and has traveled the world for some shoots. The latter’s job does not guarantee financial stability, but it does sound a lot more interesting than the former. Who would not be happy getting to travel the world for free, right?

    However, it is no use dreaming of being involved in either of the fields above if you do not have the skills and strengths to work in an investment firm or a film production company. Knowing your strengths and believing in them and knowing exactly how to use them is your first step to finding true happiness when it comes to establishing your career.

    Look at the whole package.

    When people are in the transition, they are always quick to look at the short-term benefits, not the long-term benefits. For instance, if you feel your current major would not be able to land you a financially satisfying career, can your alternate choice give you the emotional satisfaction of what you are getting now?

    This is the same case with people who are switching from one job to another. They always look at the salary offer and do not pay much attention to the compensation package in its entirety. Maybe the job does not offer as much money as their previous one did but does offer a lot more when it comes to dental insurance, optical insurance, company events, flexible hours, and vacation days. In fact, a 2016 study from University of British Columbia revealed that a large percentage of respondents preferred having more free time than money.

    Put inspiration first before fancy calling cards.

    It is always tempting to go for a career that makes you the popular one in business conferences and networking events. The company supplies you with a posh car, fancy calling cards, cell phones that have yet to hit the market or laptops that are not for general consumption. However, what do you do with these extravagant tools if you do not have inspiration or passion for the work you do? They will be meaningless. As such, do not ever be blinded by the lavish things that come with your job. Instead, focus on what really drives you to work every day—your real passion and inspiration to be the best in that field.

    Still think money can buy happiness when it comes to career choices? You might have the highest-earning job in the world but if that is the only reason for you to come to work, you are pursing the wrong career.

     

    SOURCES:

    Beall, Abigail. “It’s official, you really can’t buy happiness: People who choose time over money are more satisfied with life.” Daily Mail. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3634891/It-s-official-really-t-buy-happiness-People-crave-time-money-satisfied-life.html

    Cincotta, Greg. “10 Tips For Finding a Job That Will Make You Happy.” Entrepreneur. https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/278215

    Whillans, Ashley V., Aaron. C Weidman, and Elizabeth W. “Valuing Time Over Money Is Associated With Greater Happiness.” SAGE Journals. http://spp.sagepub.com/content/early/2016/01/04/1948550615623842

  • Killing the Stigma of the Trades

    Killing the Stigma of the Trades

    There is an unfortunate stigma surrounding the trades and it’s been present for several years now. Branded as a career path meant for those who failed to do well in school, many students diverge from trades jobs in order to find a career deemed more rewarding or “professional.”

    Despite the negativity surrounding the trades, there are plenty of available jobs that not only come with a hefty paycheque but also the reward of knowing that you’ve contributed to the construction of a building, ensured the quality and delivery of everyday products and building the furniture that shows up in everyone’s homes.

    The stigma associated with the trades lives around the rumour that people don’t need to be educated or experienced for these careers. But, the reality of the situation is that these jobs require degrees, hands-on experiences, and a dedication to the work in order to be successful. Being a hands-on worker doesn’t make a worker any less experienced than someone who entered into the workforce as a teacher or a business executive. A lot of trades positions require physical work, which may not speak to everyone but at the very least squashes the theory that trades workers don’t earn their money.

    Don’t believe me? In 2014, Trent Soholt, executive director of the NSCSC told Maclean that he was trying to encourage high school and elementary students to get more involved with the trades. He gave some background information into what you learn as an apprentice, “Students can test electrical circuits, lay a brick wall, cut and fit pipes, use a welding simulator, mix and finish concrete and draft plans in a trailer made to look like one that might be on a real job site.” He added that many students leave his institution with a feeling of surprise at the fact that so much education and dedication went into trades careers.

    For example, you need quite a bit of education. First, you’ll need to complete your GED. Once you earn your high school diploma, you need to complete an electrician apprenticeship, which takes about five years. 9,000 hours are required before you complete your apprenticeship and those involved are usually paid around $15-20/hr. You also need a good understanding of math and mechanical abilities. You also need to understand how to read technical drawings and building plans.

    Women are also becoming more involved in the trades thereby welcoming in more students and allowing for the stigma around trades to finally dispel given that it’s no longer a boy’s club. Due to a lack of skilled tradespeople (retirement and competition are usually to blame), the trades industry is going through a bit of a recession. But by opening the door for women to get involved, the industry is pitching trades as a first choice for young women.

    It doesn’t take much to look into the trades careers and understand just how much dedication and education is required in order to make a difference.

     

    Sources:

    Best Accredited Colleges. “Electrician: Education Requirements and Career Profile.” https://bestaccreditedcolleges.org/articles/electrician-educational-requirements-and-career-profile.html

    Bouw, Brenda. “I want to be an electrician. What will my salary be?” The Globe and Mail. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/careers/career-advice/life-at-work/i-want-to-be-an-electrician-what-will-my-salary-be/article20640423/

    Buck, Genna. “The tricks-and the stigma-of the trades.” Macleans. http://www.macleans.ca/education/college/jobs-report-the-tricks-of-the-trades/

    ECAO. “Become an Electrician.” https://ecao.org/electrician.asp

  • Six Tips For Getting A Scholarship

    Six Tips For Getting A Scholarship

    A lot of college students end up with nothing but debt even before they graduate. The option of a scholarship has always been a number two priority when it comes to college students. Most think that they can just pay off their student loans after they graduate and get a job, but many find it too overwhelming. With a scholarship, not only will you study for free but some scholarship plans will even give you money just to stay in school or even provide you with an “allowance”.

    Here are a few tips to help you get a scholarship and avoid debt in college.

    Look for one as soon as possible
    Start looking for a scholarship even if you haven’t graduated yet. Start during your junior year of high school and take advantage of having less competition. This way, you can still renew your efforts and take additional opportunities.

    Look for scholarships elsewhere
    Don’t just limit yourself to online sources. Check with religious organizations, local clubs, your school guidance counselor and employers. Local scholarships are less competitive compared to the national ones and you can find corporations and businesses that award free education to their loyal customers.

    Don’t become intimidated just because you’re not on the top
    So your grades aren’t really made for the honour roll, but many scholarships don’t measure or base their decisions on your grades. Many scholarships would prefer someone who shows volunteerism and leadership.

    Search all year round
    You can find scholarships that are only available for a limited season. For example, some major department stores actually give out scholarships during the holidays as a prize. Treat it like getting a part-time job. You can get different opportunities throughout the whole year.

    Be honest
    Never exaggerate your memberships, skills, qualifications or grades. Better focus on a scholarship that you know you’re eligible for.

    Avoid scams
    There are scholarship scams out there that promise you a full scholarship if you give them a certain amount of money. If someone emails you and asks you if you’re interested in a “discounted” tuition fee, it’s best to avoid these emails so you don’t get into a debt collection lawsuit. These scammers are only after your money and they’ll make a run for it after you give your credit card number to them.

  • 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 for 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 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 very 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 two 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.

    If I can do it, you can do it.