Category: Campus Life

Some people would love to make a living by talking. Being a radio and television announcer might sound exactly like that, but it is much more challenging than simple chit chat. You have to work irregular hours in a very competitive industry. You must practice reading and presenting materials to make sure you speak confidently and clearly. It is a career with lots of variety and a way to be involved in the exciting world of media.

Announcers present many different forms of media, including, news, sports, music, and much more. You will have to interact with other announcers and guests. It is often your job to research topics for discussion, and someone like a news anchor will often write the words they say themselves. Your work environment will likely be at a radio or television station. As there are different shows and broadcasts throughout the day and night, you may have to work very irregular hours. You will often have to perform live, and need to be able to think on your feet.

Wages for radio and television announcers can be very different depending on what production you are a part of. Announcers make anywhere from minimum wage to over $40 per hour. The median wage is about $19.75. There is expected to be more competition in the field in the coming years compared to before. From 2015 to 2024, there will be about 2,200 positions and 2,900 people looking for jobs.

A college degree in radio or television arts is not a requirement, but it can help you rise above the competition. These colleges often have in-house stations that let you practice and create a demo tape. That tape of your performances will act as your resume and can be sent to many different employers. Some employers may need you to be a part of a union. You will likely have to pass an audition to get a job.

You will probably start in a small market with low pay. As there are not many people working in these stations, getting promoted to bigger roles is difficult. Instead, you can advance your career by gaining experience and then moving to a station in a larger market. As you build your resume and reputation, you can have greater choice in the positions you want and more employers will be interested in hiring you. This can lead to more pay, more responsibilities, and an even more rewarding career.

The world of media is one of celebrities, big news, and larger than life personalities. If you feel you have an engaging and confident way of speaking, then being a television or radio announcer might be the career for you. Modern technology allows you to gain experience and practice right away by starting a podcast or series of YouTube videos. You can eventually take a related program in college. It can be a challenging career with many ups and downs. It may take years to reach the position you really want. But that dream can happen with a lot of practice, effort, and trial and error. Now stop reading and start talking!

Sources:

CollegeGrad. “Announcers.” https://collegegrad.com/careers/announcers

Job Bank. “Announcers and Other Broadcasters.” https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/report-eng.do?area=9219&lang=eng&noc=5231&ln=n&s=3#report_tabs_container2

What the job is:

• An office working position, but on behalf of a government (municipal government such as the City of Toronto as compared to provincial or federal governments) that involves customer service functions and many different duties relating to municipal roles (garbage collection, parking fees, local taxes and the like).

Pros of this Job:

• You have an ability to understand and know what the customer is looking for quickly so more likely to work independently.
• There is a lot of variety in tasks that keeps the job interesting and provides many learning opportunities.
• The working environment is fairly quiet.

Cons of this Job:

• You are likely to be standing upright or sitting in a chair for long periods of time.
• Overtime can be likely, particularly with more specialized requests.
• There are usually several repetitive tasks, although they vary more as compared to clerk within a courthouse.
• You are dealing directly with the public and may have to deal with conflict from that interaction.
• Clients may expect you to be an expert on everything.

Salary:

• Municipal clerks’ starting wage is $14 per hour and can reach up to $31.
• Part-time or full-time positions are available.
• You can earn a higher salary depending on your hours, level of education, requirements of the role, the size of the city you work for, and the amount of work you do.

Education requirements:

• A very strong knowledge of Word processing programs, specifically email programs, Microsoft Word and Excel. Knowledge of database management is a strong asset.
• You can communicate effectively through telephone, in person or email.
• A strong understanding of office management, records management, and understanding what you can and cannot do when in the position. (Specifically, this means addressing privacy concerns, what you can retrieve in the records and keeping confidentially when talking about the client.)

Tips to get started:

• Look for office-related college programs. It is recommended to find something specifically in records management.
• Most local cities offer student internships during the summer; this could be a leg up. They’re not always offered though, so watch carefully.
• Bilingualism is a strong asset – It doesn’t have to be French and English, it can be English and another language. This will depend on where you work, and the different languages that your clients may speak.
• Knowledge of Freedom of Information requests, record management strategies, content management software expertise, and being sensitive to privacy concerns are recommended for the position, but also depend on your role as a municipal clerk.

Other points of interest:

You may be asked to do many different and various things depending on your role, such as:

• receiving and processing Freedom of Information requests from the public
• helping them understand where the pipes are on their property so they know where not to dig;
• helping them enroll in activities offered by the municipality (swimming classes, as an example);
• helping members of the public get a new recycling bin.

The modern world is filled with data, and technology able to store and organize all of it. This has allowed for advancements across many industries, and it is only possible because of dedicated workers putting that information into systems. Data entry keyers are at the heart of that progress. They are the people taking information and carefully entering it into data entry systems. If you love information, are great with computers, and have a great eye for detail, then this career path is worth looking into.

Data entry clerks enter letters and numbers using different devices and programs such as Microsoft Word. They have to review data to make sure it is accurate, keep logs of the work they have completed, and prepare materials to be printed. Workers typically get to enjoy a comfortable working environment, such as a clean and well-lit office. Although not physically demanding, the repetitive nature of the job can cause eye strain and injuries to hands and wrists. The long hours of sitting at a computer screen can be difficult to handle. To succeed, it is important that you are patient, precise, and able to sit for many hours focusing on a single task.

In Canada, data entry clerks can expect to start out earning minimum wage. The median hourly wage is $17.50, and that can increase to over $26 per hour. There were 46,000 people working in the profession in 2014, with their median age being 40. From 2015 to 2024, it is expected that there may be a challenge in finding work due to there being more people than positions. There will be around 12,100 job seekers, but only about 9,900 positions to be filled. Having a strong education is not a major factor when it comes to increasing changes of getting a job. The basic requirement is graduation of high school, while some employers may expect completion of college or other courses.

Once you secure a position, you can expect your pay to increase during the first five to ten years of employment. Many people have no more than 20 years of experience as data entry clerks. However, the job allows you to move onto many different career paths. It is very common for data entry keyers to become Administrative Assistants, Customer Service Representatives, Office Administrators, Office Clerks, and Accounting Clerks. From there, additional experience can lead to higher-paying positions such as Executive Assistant, Office Manager, Accountant, and Bookkeeper. Depending on the company you work for and the type of data you are handling, there are many opportunities to advance in your career and pursue other jobs.

Data is crucial in the modern world. However, it can only be used if it is stored and organized effectively. Data entry keyers have that very important role. Work in data entry is very ideal for recent graduates seeking experience. There is not a great amount of education required, the job takes place in a comfortable office environment, and it is the perfect way to get used to the data in the field you are interested in. From there, you can gain further experience and education to advance to other office positions. If you love information, are a fast typist, and can handle repetitive work, this career path might be the one for you.

Sources:

Job Bank. “Data Entry Clerks.” https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/report-eng.do?area=9193&lang=eng&noc=1422

PayScale. “Data Entry Clerk Salary.” https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Data_Entry_Clerk/Hourly_Rate

There are many different languages spoken around the world, and even in Canada we have French and English as official languages, plus many First Nations languages that are both written and spoken around the country, such as Oneida, Cree, Algonquin, Mohawk, Inuktitut and Okanagan, to name only a few.  Canada also has a strong immigrant population from many different countries, many of whom are fluent in their native languages but still learning to speak English.

There are also sign language interpreters, who can facilitate communication between speaking and hearing people and people who are mute, Deaf, or Hard of Hearing.

Even though we all speak different languages, it’s important that we are able to communicate with each other for business and for fun activities.  This is where professional translators and interpreters come in. These professionals are individuals who can speak and/or read more than one language fluently, and will work at translating written documents from one language to another, or act as spoken word interpreters to facilitate communication between individuals and groups.

Translators primarily work on written text, while interpreters work with spoken words. It is common for bilingual or multilingual people to perform both types of work.

While it may not seem like it, translators and interpreters are very creative people, as they must translate the language as accurately as possible, while still retaining the meaning, tone, and emotional depth of the original words.

Translators will often be employed by companies, schools or the government to translate written documents into different languages, including reports, legal documents, textbooks, or software.  They are responsible for revising and correcting their own and other translators’ work, as well as training new translators.

Interpreters can be employed in all the same venues, but instead provide services for spoken communication.  They can provide their services using their own voice or electronic equipment, and can perform these tasks either simultaneously while someone is speaking, after someone has finished speaking, or as whispered speech to one or both parties. It is common for interpreters to work during conferences, meetings, court proceedings, and other public events.  Increasingly, sign language interpreters are part of these events to provide ASL services for attendees.

Translators and interpreters are part of a regulated profession in Canada, which means that a license exam or other certification is required to work in this field.  Certification courses and exams are available through the Canadian Translators, Terminologists, and Interpreters Council.  You will also need a college or university degree in translation, linguistics, one or more spoken or written languages, or a related field of study. Sign language interpreters will also require additional testing and certification through an accredited ASL association.

Hourly wages for translators and interpreters start around $15 per hour for entry-level positions, up to around $40 per hour for more experienced positions.  Wages will also vary based on what part of the country you work in.  These wages average out to an annual salary between $30,000 and $65,000.

Sources:

https://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/carrieres-careers/bt_carriere-career_tb-eng.html

https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/report-eng.do?area=9219&lang=eng&noc=5125&action=final&ln=n&s=2

http://www.irb-cisr.gc.ca/Eng/BoaCom/interpret/Pages/index.aspx

https://linguagreca.com/blog/2014/11/certified-translator-in-canada/

https://www.livingin-canada.com/salaries-for-translators-terminologists-and-interpreters.html

http://www.cttic.org/mission.asp

Being an art director means you take the lead to establish the overall visual aesthetics for a film, publication, and media production. For those familiar with the Academy Awards, art direction is a category by itself because it is just as important as the direction for the actors or even the screenplay. Just think of your favourite films and you’ll see that if they had a flawed art direction, those movies might not have work as well like they were intended to.

Art directors are not just employed in the film industry. They also work in various industries and media production such as magazines, newspapers, or commercials. Oftentimes they have the final say on the design concept, and they call upon their team made up of graphic designers and others to implement said concept. While this is the case, art directors still need the same skills as graphic designers, and the difference is that they have to have exceptional management and leadership skills.

Art Directors – What You Need to Know

Art directors’ main responsibility is to delegate tasks and instructions for the design team to come up with a design concept that are in line with their clients’ needs and ensuring that the project is completed according to the allowed timelines and budgets. They are the ones responsible for providing guidance and direction to ensure that the targets are met.

Depending on the industry they are employed at, such as at an advertising agency, they are often asked to join the meetings or brainstorming sessions with the clients so they can note what the latter needs or has in mind. After the initial meetings, they are required to communicate and assign accountabilities to their team, which usually consists of copywriters, graphic designers, artists, photographers, stylists, and others. Once tasks are completed, they are responsible for presenting the designs to the clients and wait for the approval or sign-off.

Salary

According to PayScale.com, an art director can earn an average of $40,796 – $85,720 a year.

Skills

Like with graphic designers, having an incredible sense of design aesthetics is a requirement for art directors, as well as creativity and resourcefulness. However, as an art director is more of a leadership role, it is an advantage to have completed a degree that lets you acquire competencies not just in graphic design but in other areas as well like marketing management, business management, and visual communications.

Additional courses or training in leadership are an asset as well, especially if you want to move up the ladder. Business or marketing savviness can also be extremely beneficial, so you would need to continuously brush up on latest business and marketing trends.

Pros and Cons

A career in art direction can prove to be a truly exciting one as you work with different types of projects according to different requirements all the time. As they oversee the overall artistic style of projects, they have the authority or the final say, and this is a welcome advantage for most.

Being an art director though can be extremely demanding in terms of work schedule when you are trying to beat deadlines as per client requirements. There will be the need to utilize skills in conflict resolution and negotiation as well should there be instances where the client is not satisfied with the delivered product.

SOURCES:

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

https://www.academicinvest.com/arts-careers/fine-arts-careers/how-to-become-an-art-director

The public relations industry has its share of both positive and negative feedback, no doubt about that, but it’s an industry that continues to thrive and evolve. As the common adage goes, good or bad publicity is still publicity, so anything that PR people do that gets attention means they have done their job well.

A good example is the 12-metre rubber duck, originated by Dutch artist Florentjin Hofman in 2013, which made its way to Toronto’s Redpath Waterfront as part of the Canada 150 celebrations. When the news of this giant rubber duck floated initially, many were quick to criticize what it had to do with Canada at all. It turned out that the weekend the rubber duck made its appearance would be Redpath Waterfront’s biggest draw of all time.

Public Relations Agent – What You Need to Know

Public relations agents can be employed across various industries or entities, which can range from political parties to corporations. Actors, artists, musicians, and other personalities may also benefit from employing PR agents to help boost their career or land gigs or jobs.

The main responsibility of PR agents is to help their clients maintain and enhance their image, and this can involve implementing campaigns and programs to create buzz and improve visibility. PR agents can work individually or under the management of a PR manager or PR director. Depending on their clients’ clout or influence, PR agents often work as part of a team which will also include writers, artists, and others. They also help to defuse negative press and feedback, coming up with mediating techniques between the public and media outlets ( the news).

Salary

According to PayScale.com, a PR officer can earn an average of $37,745 to $69,043 per year. In some cases, they can also earn bonuses when their clients experience a boost in their career (such as landing product endorsements, etc.)

Skills

To be successful in this field, PR agents will need to have expert knowledge in the industry where their clients belong. For example, if they are hired as a PR agent for a hockey personality, they have to know the sports like the back of their hand.

To learn the tricks of the trade, so to speak, aspiring PR agents can benefit from completing a bachelor’s degree in public relations, marketing, or any communications-related degree. As it is part of their job, PR agents should have expert communication skills in order to be able to coordinate with clients, stakeholders, media, and the general public regarding their clients. They should have top-notch writing skills to prepare speeches, presentations, press releases, news releases, and any material that is for public consumption.

It always pays to be extremely good in creative thinking to thrive in the public relations industry too.

Pros and Cons

A career as a PR agent can ultimately be rewarding in both professional and financial context.

However, it can be incredibly demanding of one’s time and effort especially when a client runs into a public image issue. In such cases, PR agents are expected to work overtime until the issue is resolved and a positive image has been restored.

SOURCES:

https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Public_Relations_(PR)_Officer/Salary

https://www.forbes.com/sites/cherylsnappconner/2018/02/25/the-new-rules-for-public-relations-success/#1b63cda74d7a

Suppose that you wanted to write a book about your life or something interesting that you know about. If you know how, you could publish your own book and give copies to your friends and family. When you finish school, you could even consider turning those skills into a career.

Knowing how to use a computer is a fairly basic skill these days. People use computers at school and at work to write papers, reports, and other documents. Desktop publishers work with writers, editors, and graphic designers to produce everything from one-page reports to full-length books on various topics. Normally, other people do the writing and choose the graphics for the documents before the desktop publisher works to get them ready for people to read.

Unlike many other jobs, desktop publishing is normally project-based work. Deadlines can make the work very busy at times, and desktop publishers might have to work long hours when a project is nearing the end. At other times, they might have very little to do, especially if they work on their own with private clients. Some desktop publishers can find work with governments or other large organizations, but others work with people wanting to write their life stories or to publish other personal documents.

Becoming a desktop publisher normally involves learning on the job instead of taking any special training. Still, people in this type of work can benefit from taking courses in art, graphics, or computer programs. They need to know about the latest trends in publishing and be able to use publishing software for different types of documents. Publishers should know how to change documents from one format to another, depending on what the client needs.

People in this field spend a lot of time at their computers, but they also need to talk to clients to find out what they want. Attending conferences could also be useful for many desktop publishers, so that they can discuss new ways to do their work. Most of the time, however, people in this job tend to work on their own, even if they work in offices.

Salaries for desktop publishers can vary a lot. People who run their own businesses in this field might have only occasional work and need to find another job to earn enough money to make a living. In general, desktop publishers earn between about $33,000 and close to $60,000 per year. The work is not physically difficult, but it can be tiring mentally.

Almost anyone can become a desktop publisher, but certain characteristics can make it easier. Anyone who is careful about details but also creative is likely to enjoy working as a desktop publisher. Some topics that people write about can be fairly complicated, but good desktop publishers can make even the most obscure topic look interesting by using the right font, pictures, and colours. They can also help to proofread the documents to make sure that they are as accurate as possible.

Desktop publishing is the kind of job that requires both creativity and attention to detail. Does that describe you?

Bibliography:

Careerjet.ca. “Desktop Publishing and Graphic, Ottawa, ON.” https://www.careerjet.ca/jobview/357580cfc5a8edf6e5f5839aadf480b3.html.

Learning Path.org. “Pros and Cons of a Career in Desktop Publishing.” http://learningpath.org/articles/Becoming_a_Publisher_Job_Description_Salary_Information.html.

Payscale Canada. “Desktop Publisher Salary.” https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Desktop_Publisher/Salary.

Truity.com. “Desktop Publisher.” https://www.truity.com/career-profile/desktop-publisher.

It is not a fancy title but being an administrative assistant in an organization is more important than what most people think. Administrative assistants are often the “go to” person, and since they are involved in most aspects – if not all aspects – of a company’s operations, they are the best person to ask if you want to get something done or if you want to get a message across. In some organizations, administrative assistants are called office coordinators or office managers because they are the liaison between management and staff and are the ones ensuring a smooth work flow overall.

Administrative Assistants– What You Need to Know

Administrative assistants are essentially the heart of any organization. Their primary designation involves clerical and administrative duties such as organizing day-to-day schedules, preparing reports and presentations, responding to calls and completing email correspondence, coordinating meetings, making travel arrangements, and others.  However, CEOs, CFOs, directors, department heads, managers, and supervisors all rely on administrative assistances to keep them in check and ensure they fulfill their functions and commitments.

Salary

According to PayScale.com, anadministrative assistantcan earn as much as $29,530 – C$51,521 a year. In some companies, they are entitled to bonuses, profit-sharing, and commission.

Skills

If you are planning to be an administrative assistant, there is a minimum requirement of a high school diploma or equivalent. However, it is an advantage if you have an associate’s degree. Certain educational institutions also provide certificates in administration, and this can be helpful if you are hoping to further your career. Most colleges and universities offer these courses online for the students’ convenience.

To be an efficient administrative assistant, pivotal assets are effective communication skills, excellent time management skills, and outstanding organizational skills. Since the job involves varying duties on a daily basis, administrative assistants are also expected to be efficient in workflow prioritization and multitasking, especially when there are tight deadlines to meet or big sales to close or high-profile projects to complete. Administrative assistants must also have excellent collaborative skills and attention to detail.

Pros and Cons

A great benefit of being an administrative assistant is you are always in the know in an organization and therefore you also have the power to influence the key decision-makers. Since you work with the higher-ups, you have opportunities to share your opinions on certain matters and you gain respect in that aspect.

Perhaps a disadvantage is that since you are often relied upon for tasks, you do have the tendency to be the first one in the office and the last one out. It is a job that comes with high pressure since you are dealing with people from all organizational levels on a daily basis and must ensure that their issues or inquiries are attended to efficiently and timely.

SOURCES:

https://ca.indeed.com/Administrative-Assistant-jobs-in-Toronto,-ON

https://www.randstad.ca/administrative-assistant-jobs/

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

There are numerous jobs that afford you the opportunity to pursue continuous professional development, substantial financial gain or fame, or a well-rounded sense of accomplishment. However, there are only a few that puts you directly on the path of making a great contribution to change the world. Such is the role of a special education teacher. As with all teachers, SPED teachers have the power to mold young students and prepare them for the future ahead.

SPED Teachers – What You Need to Know

SPED teachers primarily work with students with a variety of learning disabilities, developmental delays, or limited mental or physical capabilities and aiding them in learning the subjects in the curriculum and engaging them in activities focusing on building self-esteem and leadership skills. Because of the nature of their job, a big part of the SPED teachers’ tasks is to provide assistance to students not just in terms of their learning capacities, but also in terms of functionality and mobility.

In addition, since students in special education classes have varying capabilities, it is up to the SPED teachers to truly understand the students’ needs and ensure these needs are met so the students can transition into regular classes in the immediate future and eventually realize their full potential when they become adults.

Salary

According to PayScale.com, a SPED teacher can earn as much as $31,028 – $53,641 a year.

Skills

If you are contemplating a career as a SPED teacher, completing a bachelor’s degree in special education is the first step. In this coursework, you will gain valuable insight on child development, educational psychology, and special education policies. After completing this four-year degree, it is also an advantage to do another year to learning speech therapy or getting familiarized with nonverbal learning disabilities. Acquiring certification in Special Education can prove to be extremely fruitful as employers and hiring managers take this to mean commitment to the industry. A degree in Psychology or Sociology can also be fruitful endeavours when going into this field.

As being a SPED teacher requires having to deal with students from preschool to high school, they are expected to have the natural ability to work well with kids and have a nurturing and caring attitude to them. They should have a wealth of knowledge in behavior management strategies, as well as in childhood development and overall psychology of children and adolescents. Because of the challenges involved in the profession, special education teachers must have a lot of patience.

Pros and Cons

Being a SPED teacher means you have the benefit of making a difference in the world. You work with kids and help them achieve their full potential. It is a job that is satisfying and fulfilling emotionally and mentally especially for those with a passion for helping the youth.

A disadvantage is that it is a job that has its varying sets of difficulties tied to it as the kids they will work with on a daily basis are unpredictable. They must be prepared to deal with any type of challenge and persevere and must be excellent when it comes to problem-solving and conflict resolution.

SOURCES:

https://www.alleducationschools.com/special-education/special-education-teacher/

https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Special_Education_Teacher%2C_Preschool%2C_Kindergarten%2C_or_Elementary_School/Salary

If you know of anyone who likes to read, they are probably one of those who are hyperaware of grammar and spelling. Some people automatically refer to them as grammar sticklers. However, anyone should know that one small mistake in spelling or punctuation can change the whole meaning of the sentence. In some cases, it not only results to outright embarrassment, but also loss of costs or profit.

Take for example in 2007 where a car dealership in order to drum up their sales came up with a plan to mail out 50,000 scratch tickets of which one will reveal a $1,000 cash prize. However, the marketing company instead printed all 50,000 scratch tickets revealing a $1,000 cash prize, leaving the dealership with egg on its face. They could only offer the “winners” a $5 Walmart gift card (which lead to $250,000 in loss).

Proofreaders – What You Need to Know

Writers and editors are usually the people who gain accolades for their output, but their work would not be successful without proofreaders checking every letter, every sentence, every paragraph, and every page, ensuring the overall work has its quality and consistency.

Proofreaders can work with a variety of materials depending on the nature of business they are employed with.  These materials can range from manuscripts, news articles, magazine articles, transcripts, advertising or marketing materials like brochures and pamphlets, and even legal or medical documents. There are also proofreaders who mainly work independently and they work with types of materials, including academic documents like dissertations and term papers. Their primary goal is to ensure that these documents are 100 per cent error-free and according to the organization’s guidelines and standards. In cases where documents have visual accompaniments, proofreaders are also required to ensure these come with the accurate captions or descriptions.

Salary

According to PayScale.com, a proofreader can earn as much as $26,488 – $68,148 a year.

Skills

If you are thinking of joining the workforce as a proofreader, completing a degree in English or any related field will get your foot in the door. Acquiring certificates in editing in universities that offer continuing studies education can also be a huge help.

To be a successful proofreader, you need to have an acute sense of grammar and spelling, as well as attention to detail and dedication to accuracy. You also need the skills and knowledge to retain information as every organization has their own specific guidelines with regards with how to proofread a copy or text. In other companies, proofreaders do more than verify grammar and spelling, they are also responsible for checking if language is consistent and the ideas are presented in a cohesive manner. Thus, it’s often the case that proofreaders are voracious readers themselves.

To enhance your proofreading skills, you can get in touch with associations like Editors.ca which constantly offers seminars in proofreading.

Pros and Cons

A great benefit of being a proofreader is you get easy access to written work that are not yet released in public. Although you are bound to confidentiality agreements, of course, you get to enjoy news articles or magazine articles before the world lays eyes on them and so there is a feeling of prestige.

A disadvantage of the job is that you often have to meet tight deadlines. Publications, whether print or digital, all have their timelines and so you have to get the work done efficiently and as timely as possible.

SOURCES:

http://mentalfloss.com/article/49935/10-very-costly-typos

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