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Category: Campus Life

  • The Importance of Academic References

    The Importance of Academic References

    If you are like any other teenager, I am sure you have been told to try to find and maintain strong professional references. These references usually consist of past employers or supervisors from volunteer opportunities. While professional references are very important, you also need to consider academic references.

    What is an academic reference?
    An academic reference is someone that can speak to your knowledge and research abilities in your field of study, usually a professor that has a doctorate degree and is an expert in the field. Some students may be tempted to ask a graduate student that is teaching the course or a teaching assignment for a reference, but because they do not have a PhD in the field they are not considered an appropriate academic reference.

    Who is a good candidate to be your academic reference?
    One of the most important things to consider when you are choosing an academic reference is how well the professor knows you. You want to get a professor that you have worked with closely throughout your time in university. Avoid picking professors you had in a class of 500; They should know you personally. It is best to pick your fourth year project supervisor or a professor from a seminar course that allowed for a lot of discussion and one-on-one contact. You also want to choose a professor from a course you did particularly well on – it is difficult to get a good reference if you received a poor grade.

    Start to cultivate relationships with professors as soon as you start in school. Discover who works in the field you’re most interested in and arrange to meet them prior to your last year of school. Inquire about working for this professor as a teaching or research assistant. You want a professor that knows you and that worked closely with you so that he or she can write a very personal letter. Generic reference letters look bad and do not stand out. You are much better off to get someone that knows you well and can speak to your academic achievements.

    Why is an academic reference valuable?
    Academic references can speak to your mastery of your major and your researching abilities. While most of your professional references can speak to your abilities working in a particular field and within the context of that job, an academic reference can speak to your knowledge of a subject, research abilities, potential, work ethic, oral and written communication skills and overall abilities. Not only are academic references a great asset to have when applying to jobs, they are a requirement when applying to graduate school or any type of professional degree (e.g. Law school or Teacher’s College). Most graduate programs require two to three academic references. These references are an integral part of the application process and can make a big difference in whether or not you are accepted. A glowing reference from an expert in your field can significantly improve your chances of being accepted into competitive programs.

  • Why Choose a School Far Away from Home?

    Why Choose a School Far Away from Home?

    When considering post-secondary options, there are many decisions that dictate which school you settle on. This can range from the programs offered, the cost or the familiarity of the school itself. Yet there is often one question central to every student’s choice: whether to stay at home or go away for school.

    Each options has its pros and cons and are often influenced by the specific school, what they offer and their corresponding communities. But for many students, going to school away from home proves to be a fantastic and self-defining experience.

    Moving away from home is scary. You are thrown into a new room in an unfamiliar city surrounded by strangers. The independence you have always fought for is now imposed upon you and you are expected to not only adapt to your new circumstances but also excel academically and socially. It can be absolutely terrifying at first and you may want to forget the whole thing and go home.

    Soon the room will become your own, you will be able to successfully navigate between your classes and you will have met more new, young, enthusiastic individuals then you will know what to do with. It is completely natural to get homesick sometimes, but new friends, clubs and classes will keep you busy while waiting for the latest update from home.

    By going away for school you finally receive, and accept, your first taste of independence. You are now responsible for forcing yourself up for those 8:30 classes, eating right and simply taking care of yourself while effectively balancing your studies with your social life – both of which are crucial to a healthy student lifestyle.

    Your experience throughout university or college will only further advance these sentiments and allow you to grow as an individual. As you continue through second, third and fourth year you will come upon different challenges and tests, whether mundane or monumental, that will continue to define both yourself and your post-secondary experience. Such experiences may not be unique to those who go away for school but by choosing an independent lifestyle you are now more responsible for your own decisions.

    It can be difficult but it can also be a sensational, unforgettable experience. By going away for school you will become part of a new community of like-minded students, experience a new city and grow as an individual!

  • Love What You Do – Follow Your Natural Instincts!

    Love What You Do – Follow Your Natural Instincts!

    If you’re unsure of where you want to end up career-wise, try sitting down with a pen and paper to brainstorm. Write down all of the things that make you happy and all of the things that you’re passionate about. Think about what inspires you and write down what your hobbies and interests are. If writing doesn’t work for you, take out some magazines and cut out images or words that make you feel good or grab your attention. Doing this will help you to see what you like and what you’re naturally attracted to. By knowing what you like, it will make it easy for you to determine what you don’t like. Seems pretty straight forward, but you would be surprised by the amount of people that don’t take the time to figure out what interests them!

    If you’re someone like this, you may end up going into a work placement knowing you don’t like it and you’ll end up switching jobs a week or a month down the road. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing because trying one job and not liking it may actually lead you to the one you really want to be doing. However, you want to avoid bouncing around from job to job because it doesn’t help you build up your credentials and ultimately takes time away from you growing at what you’d actually love to be doing.

    There can be negativity surrounding the idea of pursuing what you love. Have you ever heard the expression, “love doesn’t pay the bills?” Some people don’t feel it’s possible to actually do what they love, or that if they did the money wouldn’t be worthwhile. In reality it can be quite the opposite. A mentor once told me, “If you love what you’re doing, the money will come. But you need to really love what you’re doing and you need to really believe in it.”

    If you don’t believe you can make a living doing what you love, then you won’t. Attitude is important when it comes to pursuing a passion. Having the right attitude and the right support group can make doing what you love a lot easier. There are many people that earn an income from their passions, but understand that none of them got to where they were just by thinking about it or by staying at a job they hated. They put in a lot of time, blood, sweat and tears. They put themselves out there, learned what they needed, practiced their craft and took risks. Photographers, writers, graphic artists, designers – the list goes on! Find these people that are doing what they love and surround yourself with them. It will help to inspire you to do what YOU love.

    Choosing a career based around things that you enjoy will not only motivate you to continue with it, but will also give you a reason to wake up in the morning. You’ll have something to be excited about and to look forward to. There is nothing worse than waking up dreading your work day and being unhappy and resentful because you aren’t enjoying what you’re doing. In order to love what you do, you need to know what you love first. So write it down, cut out magazine images, try different things and talk to the people who are doing what you want to be doing. The best part about finding a career that makes you love what you do is the fact that you’ll feel like you’ve never worked a day in your life.

  • Acing An Impromptu Interview

    Acing An Impromptu Interview

    You never know who you’re going to run into. You may run into a potential employer at a job fair, a networking event or even while already working. I remember countless times where I was approached by prospective employers and essentially was interviewed on the spot, although in an informal way. I met an editor of a newspaper at an on-campus job fair and he gave me an impromptu interview right there, asking me about my experience in the journalism industry. This led to an interview at his office which turned into a job as a freelance writer. Another time I was working at a liquor store promoting some alcohol brands and giving out samples. One customer came by who I gave a sample to and he asked me a lot of questions about what I do. He was so impressed with my personality and the way that I presented myself that he invited me to an interview that same day at a bar that he owned. I ended up going and was offered a position as a bartender. As you can see, potential employers can be anywhere at any time so it’s important to be prepared for an impromptu interview. There’s no need to worry! Here are some tips to help you ace the impromptu interview:

    Carry Your Resumes with You
    You never know who you’re going to run into, so it’s best if you keep a few resumes on hand with you in your purse or backpack.

    Have Business Cards
    Don’t underestimate the power of the business card! If you do run into an employer and they show interest in potentially considering you for a position, they can take your business card and easily contact you for more of a formal interview at their office. This shows that you are professional. Do remember to take their business card as well so you can follow-up with them after your initial meeting. Many printing companies offer a small run of business cards for rather inexpensive fees.

    Be Confident
    Know how to sell yourself. Give a firm handshake, speak clearly, avoid stuttering and name the key points about your experience and skills that you feel are relevant to the position that you are being considered for. To prepare for an impromptu interview, practice at home by yourself covering what you would say to a potential employer in an informal situation. Think about some main points and maybe even practice with a friend.

    Keep It Short
    In many cases, it is likely that you will meet an employer at an event such as a job fair. In these situations, the employer probably doesn’t have all the time in the world for you at that moment so you’ll want to keep it brief. Talk about your main skills, experiences and accomplishments. Try to focus on key points that are relevant to the position. Most likely, if you are successful in the impromptu interview, the employer will invite you for a more formal interview where you will have the opportunity to talk in-depth about your experience and qualifications.

    Preparation is key in acing the impromptu interview. Follow these simple tips and you can make a great impression on a potential employer and you may even land that dream job!

  • Reasons to Use Kids Help Phone

    Reasons to Use Kids Help Phone

    Kids Help Phone is a free, anonymous resource that is there for you 24/7. Its purpose is to give young people someone to talk to when they feel they have no one who will listen to them. It is important to know that there are people who care and want to help you with any problems you may have. Kids Help Phone has many uses – here are just a few.

    1) You need an objective opinion or want to ask questions anonymously.
    If you need to talk with someone who will listen to what you’re going through, and you don’t trust or want to speak to friends or family, then the Kids Help Phone is a great resource for you. Sometimes you don’t want the people closest to you to know what it is that you are feeling or thinking about. It may be because of a fear of losing their respect or simply of changing the image that they have of you. Whatever your reason, speaking with someone who is trained and knowledgeable on how to handle the information you will share with them is often a good option. When you call the Kids Help Phone you can rest assured that the information will remain confidential, unless it involves information that must be reported to the police (such as reporting a threat to your own or someone else’s life).

    2) You are undergoing a traumatic period in your life and would like support.
    Sometimes we suffer because of life’s circumstances, and in this case it is really important to talk with people about what you are going through. You may not want to talk with friends or family because you feel they may not understand, but with Kids Help Phone you can talk to a person who has been trained in dealing with emotional crises. They will be able to talk to you about relationships, sexuality, drugs and alcohol, eating disorders or anything else that you feel is affecting you.

    3) You want to speak with someone who will listen to you.
    Often in the hussle and bustle of everyday life, there is so much going on that we can feel ignored or that we don’t matter. It can be very hard to find someone who will just listen to what it is that you are going through. The time rarely comes up where you feel it is okay to pour out your soul, and because of this you can be left with some important issues bubbling just under the surface. It is important to “vent” and to talk about your life and what sorts of challenges you are facing.

    4) You need to report an incident.
    If you don’t feel comfortable speaking directly to the police or don’t know what to do after an incident, the people at Kids Help Phone will listen and help you to deal with the situation. This can range from bullying, an incident of physical or sexual abuse or a crime like theft.

    5) You are in a crisis and need to talk to someone as soon as possible.
    If you are feeling that you are in a crisis and are having thoughts of suicide, a counsellor at the Kids Help Phone will be a great person for you to speak with. They can help to “talk out” your problem and ensure that you get the assistance you require. Remember that you are never alone! Suicide is not the answer. Reach out to someone at Kids Help Phone and they will be there for you when you feel no one else is.

  • Youth Mobility Visas

    Youth Mobility Visas

    Common belief is that your life follows a certain path – you graduate high school, go to university and then start your career. However, life isn’t always so black and white. Sometimes you don’t know what you want to do, you aren’t ready to decide or you just need a break from school or your hometown to see what life is like somewhere else. Living in a foreign country is a great way to give you an entirely new outlook on the world around you.

    The Canadian government has programs set up to allow young people to stay in a foreign country for a long period of time. These are called Youth Mobility Visas.

    What can I do with a Youth Mobility Visa?
    As a normal tourist without any special kind of visa, you cannot work or go to school in a foreign country and you can only stay for a short period of time. However, with a Youth Mobility Visa you can stay for a period of a year or two, depending on the country. While you’re there, you can work, study or simply travel around without worrying about your tourist visa expiring.

    Many people take the opportunity to immerse themselves in a new culture or to learn a foreign language. Travel can be a great experience, but actually living in a different country is something else altogether. It will forever change the way you view your own society, culture and place in the world.

    What kind of work can I get abroad?
    People living abroad often get jobs in the tourism industry as café employees or as language teachers. If you speak the local language of the place you’re visiting, then there’s nothing stopping you from getting the same jobs you could get at home.

    Will this help my career?
    Absolutely! Experience living in a foreign country is a great asset for a resume. It shows future employers that you are open-minded, willing to face a challenge and have exceptional communication skills. It also helps you stand out when someone is searching through a stack of resumes.

    How do I get a Youth Mobility Visa?
    It is easier than you might expect. You can get yourself set up in a foreign country before you even leave your home soil. You can obtain your Youth Mobility Visa at the embassy for the country you want to visit. The process is different for every country, but it involves a few basic steps such as signing up for international health insurance, getting a few pictures taken and filling out some forms. Some of the countries that have this program set up with Canada include Germany, Australia and the United Kingdom.

    It can be scary to move overseas and you will surely run into problems. You can get lost, you may miss certain foods from home and you may feel homesick at times. But it’s all worth it! It will teach you not only about a new culture, but will show you a different way to view your own.

  • Forming A Study Group

    Forming A Study Group

    One of the main benefits of a post-secondary education is the environment that it cultivates and the community of like-minded individuals that inhabits it. Whether you are in a lab, a lecture or practicing a skill, you will be surrounded by other students who are actively attempting to understand and learn just like you. So take advantage of it!

    Study groups are among the best ways to benefit from this. Whether your group is meeting daily, weekly or just to cram before an exam, the people you meet and the skills you develop will make you wonder why it has taken you so long to start forming or participating in study groups.

    But don’t limit yourself to simply joining a study group – why not form one? Not only will this give you a chance to experience a leadership position within a relaxed environment, but it will also allow you to create a study group unique to your academic calendar, perhaps filling some niche that may have previously been overlooked. A biology-religion study group, anyone?

    With the advent of social networking, it’s even easier than before! I can’t imagine creating a group before Facebook or Twitter feeds, but with these social tools available to you it’s easy to communicate between members of the group. Study groups are no longer limited to when you can reserve a room in the library. Running group conversations on Facebook can keep the dialogue going between the actual face-to-face study sessions while Twitter feeds can provide live commentary on a specific topic or question. If used effectively, these tools can greatly enhance your education. Social networking has expanded the potential and definition of the traditional post-secondary study group. Best of all, the person who benefits the most? You!

    Study groups allow you to make the most of your post-secondary education and can be central to your social, academic and interpersonal development. These groups can grow into mini-communities within your school’s own student body. As a leader of a study group, your own role and influence will play an even larger part in your school and the overall experience of all those involved.

    So start a study group – what’s the worst that could happen?

  • Career Ideas for Those with English Majors

    Career Ideas for Those with English Majors

    You did just the right thing by going ahead and following your dreams of studying English. Your dreams are just going to get rosier! Gone are the days when a degree in English only managed a few sympathetic nods from job recruiters and while those with majors in physics or business got all of the interviews and job offers.

    Times have changed and so has the job market, which is really a reflection of the changed business scenario. Increased industrialization and greater inter-connectedness have led to English becoming the main language used in many businesses around the world. This has increased demand for English writers, teachers and PR specialists who have a command over the language. In addition, communication specialists who can read, write, and speak the language are highly sought after. Those with English majors suddenly find themselves with more than one job offer and almost countless career avenues stretched out in front of them.

    If you too intend to pursue your love of English Literature and the language, then here are some exciting job openings that await you:

    – Writer or a Journalist: A degree in English is the strongest foundation on which you can build a writing career. You can dabble in fiction writing or apply for a content or copywriting job where you can wield your pen (nowadays, the mouse) to create write-ups for the Web or print media. Your degree can also be a passport into an exciting world of journalism where you can use your knowledge of human nature gained from all those hours spent in studying great literature to pen insightful stories.

    – Scriptwriter for Electronic Media: If you have a flair for the dramatics, then along with your English degree you can break into the scintillating world of television, movies or the radio. This is a career ideally suited to those who have a knack of storytelling and would love nothing better than to delve into the nitty-gritties of the plot or get under the skin of a character and pen lines that will be immortalized on the screen or the air waves.

    – Editor: Individuals who hold a degree in English are cherished as editors in the worlds of publishing and commerce. Their mastery over the written word makes them ideal candidates to proofread and edit other people’s work to make these readable, easily comprehensible and enjoyable.

    – Teacher: An individual with a Bachelor’s degree in English can also take up a teaching job in an elementary or a secondary school. If you really love your area of study and want to impart your knowledge and transmit the love of the subject to children, then no job could be better suited to your aptitude.

    – Business Communication Professional: Your degree will be held in high regard in the worlds of high finance and business where there is an increasing demand for professionals who can communicate effectively and research/interpret information correctly to come up with succinct reports.

    An English degree can indeed help you bag a lucrative job where you can have a great time doing something you love while you also earn a steady and decent paycheque.

  • Do You Really Need a Career Guidance Counsellor?

    Do You Really Need a Career Guidance Counsellor?

    When you think about it, it’s pretty crazy. You’re young, you’re either still in school or freshly graduated, you’ve likely never had more than a part-time job while in school, and yet you’re expected to decide on what you want to do for the rest of your life! Okay, before you hit the panic button, take a deep breath, relax and seek out a career guidance counsellor.

    Even if you have a reasonably good idea about what you want to do, it is worth spending time with a counsellor just to get an objective, non-biased opinion. Talking to friends and family is fine, but they can often give advice or opinions that leave you feeling even more confused than before!

    If you are still in school, it is safe to say that you are probably aware of your school’s guidance counsellor. Most schools have them, whether they’re a permanent staff member or one who comes in once or twice a week. Their job is to help you navigate the confusing and sometimes downright frustrating work of choosing your direction in life. Unless you already know your counsellor reasonably well, which is more likely if they are a permanent staff member, your first couple of sessions may be more of a ‘getting to know you’ meeting. The counsellor is specially trained to ask specific questions to get an idea of the direction you may want to go in and also if your personality is suited to that field. You may think you want to be in the nursing profession, for example, but are you strong enough to deal with the often emotionally draining (not to mention physically demanding) shifts that the job requires? In addition to being asked to complete aptitude, skill and even IQ tests, being open and honest with a counsellor and knowing the right questions to ask will help them understand exactly what areas they need to concentrate on during each session.

    If your assigned school counsellor is not quite the right fit (feeling at ease with any type of counsellor is essential) or if you are out of the school system, it will be necessary to seek out independent help. There are many available sources, but as with any professional service you will need to do some homework first in terms of ensuring the individual, or company they work for, is licensed and reputable. Check all their qualifications and get references that can be verified. Although you will have to pay for an independent service, they will often have additional resources and knowledge that benefits other areas of career guidance. For example, once a clearer idea is established of what you want to do, they can suggest certain training courses or internships that would help you advance in the chosen field. They can also help you compose a great cover letter and resume that will get you noticed and even coach you on acing an interview.

    While you may not end up with a clear cut decision about a lifelong career, by taking full advantage of a career counsellor you will at least be setting off down the right path. The greatest journeys start with a single step!

  • What Does a Project Manager Do?

    What Does a Project Manager Do?

    The field of project management is fast growing and changing the way companies perform certain tasks. There is a high demand for project managers and those who can couple their education with technical skills. It is common for those with a career in technology to stumble into the often relatable field of project management.

    Project managers have a lot of responsibilities. Organizations depend on them to handle the resources of assigned projects. They are responsible for the initial plan of the proposed project and organizing its execution. They also ensure the proper closing of the project. Most project managers work in the field of software development, construction, architecture and industrial plants of substantial size. However, they can also work in any industry that is involved with ongoing projects of a certain scope.

    A project manager has clear roles of established authority and takes on the responsibility of the overall success and completion of projects. They manage cost, time, scope, quality and their assembled team.

    Required Learned Skills of a Project Manager:
    – conflict resolution
    – leadership
    – proficient writing skills
    – excellent oral communication
    – ability to negotiate
    – coaching/mentoring

    Required Personal Skills of a Project Manager:
    – honesty
    – integrity
    – persuasiveness
    – assertiveness
    – self-awareness
    – decisiveness

    Education
    There are different credentials a project manager can obtain. The first and most noteworthy is the PMP which indicates your level of education and proficiency. Another is the CAPM which means certified associate. Some positions only require on the job training, whereas the PMP is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute. Becoming a PMP requires a four year degree and three years of project management experience. There is a requirement of 4500 hours leading and directing projects as well as 35 hours of education. Without these requirements, you would need five years of experience as a project manager, 7500 hours leading projects and 35 hours of education relating to the field. Obtaining the credentials of a PMP means you have in depth knowledge regarding how to direct teams, lead people and provide the deliverable results all within the defined schedule, budget and resources.

    Recertification
    Every three years, a PMP is required to become recertified in their credentials. This means earning 60 professional development units (PDUs). This is not as arduous as it sounds. A PMP can earn PDUs by attending in-house training sessions, certain approved self-learning, attending seminars, workshops and webinars, or by offering volunteer hours to certain Project Management organizations.

    In the past it was not rare for professionals to ‘fall into’ the position of project manager and thus work efficiently in the role based on learned and personal skills. However, the field of project management has changed a lot over the years and it is now recognized as a valuable and necessary position. Many companies are now intentionally looking for PMPs who have the recognized credentials.