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Category: College Bound

  • Benefits and Drawbacks of Ontario’s Co-op Programs

    Benefits and Drawbacks of Ontario’s Co-op Programs

    Traditional forms of education can be good, but sometimes students need a different style of learning. Ontario’s co-op programs can be a good choice for students who know the benefits and drawbacks of this option.

    Co-op programs are good ways of learning important skills while preparing for paid employment. In some ways, co-op programs are like apprenticeships. Students take courses but then have the chance to gain practical experience, including learning how to apply for co-op programs or gaining interview skills that could help make the process of getting work easier.

    Learning through a co-op program can be a good choice, but students should be aware of the benefits and drawbacks. Co-op programs can be very competitive, and it can be difficult to get a spot. For people who get in, the work can be quite demanding. Even students who get into the program might not be able to find extra work so that they can get the experience they need. Sometimes, the volunteer work included in the program can also cause stress.

    Despite these possible disadvantages, many students find co-op programs useful. Many of these programs have a break every four months. Students get experience in the interview process and learn how to communicate with employers, other employees, and customers. Knowing how to deal with issues at work can help people find and keep good jobs after they finish the program.

    The main idea behind a co-op program is to show what a career in a certain field is like. Students learn how to apply for jobs, including creating resumes geared towards the type of job the student wants. A resume for a teaching position, for example, would be different from a resume for a job as an electrician. Through a co-op program, students get practical experience in the skills that they will need for the future.

    Ontario has various co-op programs in different fields. Co-op programs should be at an academic institution that the provincial government has authorized to offer diplomas and degrees. Work experience must be part of the program, and the university or college must allow students to be paid for the work. The students in these programs should also have full-time status, even if they are not taking full time courses.

    Co-op programs can be very useful for students who are able to balance work and studies. Being well organized is important since instructors generally expect students to keep track of their assignments and to hand them in when they are due. Getting to class or work on time is also important.

    Students who want to enroll in a co-op program should first decide if the program fits with their goals. For many people, one of the main benefits is the chance to get practical experience before they try to find a regular job. This way, they can discover the areas where they still need to learn more and then focus on improving in those areas. Connections that people make with potential employers through co-op programs can also be very helpful for the future.

    Co-op programs are not for everyone, but they can be a good choice. If you consider the benefits and drawbacks of these programs, you might decide that this style of education is right for you.

     

    Bibliography

    Campbell, Tess. “Everything You Need to Know About Co-op Programs as an International Student.” https://www.studyincanada.com/Discover/Article/1/5577/Everything-You-Need-to-Know-About-Co-op-Programs-as-an-International-Student.

    Government of Canada. “Post-Secondary/Internship Programs.” https://www.canada.ca/en/public-service-commission/jobs/services/recruitment/students/coop-internship.html.

    LaValle, Javier. “What Is a Co-op Program in Canada?”  https://www.thrivve.ca/blog/what-is-a-co-op-program-in-canada.

    University of Waterloo. “Advantages and Challenges of the Co-op System of Study.” https://uwaterloo.ca/psychology/current-undergraduate-students/experiential-learning/psychology-co-op/advantages-and-challenges-co-op-system-study.

  • The Concerning Trend B.C. of Apprenticeship Completion Rates: Future Improvements

    The Concerning Trend B.C. of Apprenticeship Completion Rates: Future Improvements

    For those looking for work in the trades, they benefit from proper certification. Individuals need to complete a trades apprenticeship, where they gain on-the-job experience under an employer. While certification offers advantages such as more job opportunities, larger wages, greater job security, and greater career advancement, not every apprentice completes their program. A Statistics Canada dataset reveals that B.C. apprentice certification rates have struggled to reach over 50 per cent in the last decade.

    Besides 2023, whose numbers are yet to be released, these rates have fluctuated between 44 to 51 per cent from 2013 to 2022. B.C. only recently started to require certification in some trades under its new Skilled Trades Certification. Until 2023, B.C. was the only province to allow non-certified individuals to work in trades.

    Explaining Apprentice Certification

    Apprenticeships combine job experience with classroom training. These programs range from one to five-years and most last four years. At the end of their apprenticeship, apprentices take an exam for their Certification of Qualification (CoQ) or Interprovincial Red Seal.

    All apprentices need to take the CoQ exam, which is needed to take a Red Seal exam. CoQs certify B.C. tradespeople to work within the province. There are 54 trades classified as Red Seal, which certify individuals to work across Canada.

    Job Outlooks for Apprentices in B.C.

    A survey conducted by BC student outcomes in 2022 said that 98 per cent of apprenticeship students were employed full-time. In the previous year, 99 per cent of apprenticeship students were working full-time. In both years, most of those respondents enrolled in electrician programs compared to other trades.

    Construction is another field that sees great promise. Apprenticeship certification saw a country-wide drop during the pandemic but a few “construction-related trades” saw stable and slightly increased certification between 2020 to 2021. Statistics Canada credits this stability to construction’s designation as essential during the pandemic, meaning many restrictions did not impact the field as significantly. B.C. sees value in the construction sector as well. WorkBC’s Labour Market Outlook for 2022-2032 forecasted approximately 72,700 construction job openings, the third-highest within major industries.

    Factors of Low Certification

    Despite the positive employment rates and outlooks, this fails to explain the low certification rates. The B.C. Chamber of Commerce in 2021 looked at ways to improve these apprenticeship completion rates. They recommended that the province should reintroduce mandatory certification, which is now in progress. Among the Chamber’s findings, they outlined circumstances around these low numbers:

    • Program registrations and certifications have increased, but these rises applied to a “small number of trades and a subset of newly established subtrades” that do not grant workers the same benefits as Red Seal trades, which require country-wide certifications.
    • The rates implied the lack of mandatory certification decreased motivation for apprenticeship completion.
    • C. faced the largest decline in Real Seal certification when comparing 2001-2004 rates with 2011-2014.
    • C. tradespeople suffered four times the amount on injuries on the job compared to those in Ontario. This implies that the BC system did not ensure the same amount of workplace safety.

    With more mandatory B.C. certification increasing its reach this year, this implementation will help push certification within the province. Though the past trend indicated low numbers, more mandatory certification seeks to equip tradespeople with the necessary training and expertise expected within the B.C. labour force. There is a future in the trades.

  • Ontario Colleges Offering Carpentry Programs

    Ontario Colleges Offering Carpentry Programs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

     

    Bibliography

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

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

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

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

  • Emerging Green Trades in BC: The Career of the Future

    Emerging Green Trades in BC: The Career of the Future

    If you listen to people talking about the state of the world, you know that the environment is often an important concern for them. In British Columbia, as in many other parts of Canada, jobs that are “green,” or not harmful to the environment, are careers of the future.

    For many years, people used resources like water and minerals without much thought about what they were doing to the environment. Now, however, becoming involved in green jobs can help preserve the environment for the future.

    British Columbia has various options for working in a green trade. The first involves locally grown food. Although this work involves farmers more than tradespeople, every farmer needs machines such as tractors, as well as electricity to light barns and greenhouses. Water pipes and hoses are also necessary. Working in many different trades can help support agricultural work for locally grown food.

    Green building and design is a second area where the green trades are growing. Sustainable materials and better construction methods are key parts of this work. For example, some builders might look for ways to use sunlight or wind power instead of traditional electricity and heating fuels.

    Green transportation is one of British Columbia’s major projects. Electric vehicles have been in the province for at least ten years, and the first electric airplane in BC flew in 2019. Tradespeople who can work with electric vehicles are likely to have good job prospects for many years.

    Sustainability services and education are also important. Although tradespeople might not be directly involved in this work, they can provide the information that educators and others need. They need to be organized and clear about what people need to know so that others can give the public the right information. Tradespeople might even have a chance to help directly with some of the services and facts that people need.

    Land and water management and environmental consulting can also be part of a tradesperson’s job. Other people are likely to do most of the work, but tradespeople can help support the initiatives with suggestions to help preserve the environment. Finding better ways of digging wells, for example, could help preserve the environment.

    People in the trades can get involved in materials management and recycling. Repairing and upgrading old machines so that they run efficiently can help keep usable machines from being thrown out and help to make people aware of the possibilities of reusing even the most worn-out objects.

    The area where tradespeople can have perhaps the biggest impact is in clean technology, alternative energy, and green building products. Working together with scientists and engineers, tradespeople can identify areas that require better resources and make suggestions for areas to develop, such as environmentally friendly building materials or glues. They can set up wind turbines or other forms of clean energy production where possible and help to support clean technology in whatever they do.

    In the future, green trades are likely to become increasingly important. For anyone getting into one of these fields, being aware of the options is very important. If you want to work in British Columbia, you can already start to consider how you can get involved.

     

    Bibliography

    Natural Resources Canada. “Green Jobs in Natural Resources.” https://natural-resources.canada.ca/climate-change/canadas-green-future/green-jobs/87.

    Province of British Columbia. “BC’s Green Transportation Innovations.” https://www.britishcolumbia.ca/news-stories/bcs-green-transportation-innovations/.

    Skilled Immigrant Info Centre. “Fastest Growing Industries: Green Economy.” https://www.vpl.ca/sites/default/files/Fastest_Growing_Industries_Green_Economy.pdf.

    Work BC. “Green Economy.” https://www.workbc.ca/research-labour-market/bcs-economy/green-economy.

  • Upskilling: Online Courses vs Traditional Education

    Upskilling: Online Courses vs Traditional Education

    The modern workforce is always changing, and at an ever-faster rate.  New technologies, new processes, and new ideas are changing what our work entails, and what jobs are available.  New jobs are coming into existence that need workers to have new skills and knowledge—and if you want these jobs, you have to develop these in-demand skills.

    Maybe your job is changing and to succeed you’ll need to learn something new.  Or maybe you want to get promoted, or to one day change careers into a different field, but need some new skills in order to get there.

    What is Upskilling?

    You will naturally accumulate knowledge and experience while working in your chosen career, but upskilling differs in that it involved a more deliberate pursuit of new or improved skills.  This is accomplished through taking internal or external training courses, participating in mentorship programs, completing certifications, and more.  Upskilling can focus on improving the technical skills needed for your job, or improving your soft skills such as communication, leadership, and problem solving.

    There are lots of personal benefits to upskilling, including increasing your competitiveness in the job market, achieving a promotion or new position, or simply for the joy of self-improvement.  The more skills you have, the more valuable you are to your workplace, and the more successful you’ll be in your career.

    Once you determine which skills you want to build on, you need to find out the best way to gain this knowledge.  Luckily, there are plenty of education options for people looking to upskill, available both as online courses and via traditional educational classroom settings.  Depending on the skills you’re pursuing, and the way you learn best, will determine whether online courses or traditional courses will be the best option for you.  Availability will also play a factor, as some skills are better taught hands-on in a classroom while others are perfectly suitable for remote learning, and vice versa.

    Online Education and Training

    Online education (also called remote learning) offers a number of benefits, but may not be suitable for every student.  Most online courses offer flexible schedules and on-demand access to materials, which makes it easy for you to study around your other work or family obligations.  However, this also means that students are responsible for managing their own time and study schedule, ensuring they watch recordings, read materials, and complete assignments with minimal supervision or reminders.

    Signing on for an online course also requires you to have access to the appropriate computer hardware or other digital devices – typically a tablet or laptop/desktop computer.  If you don’t own these, you’ll need to ensure you can borrow one or have access through a library or school.  Often if your online course is offered through a college or university, you will be able to use campus computer labs – but having to physically go to campus rather defeats the purpose of taking an online course.

    Another benefit of online education is that you can take courses offered from anywhere.  Many colleges and universities offer online courses either alone or as part of a program.  There are also plenty of open options such as EdX, Coursera, MasterClass, and more.

    Traditional Education and Training

    The other option for upskilling is through more traditional classroom-based learning, where you attend a class physically to learn from a teacher and work directly with your peers.  For skills that are best learned with hands-on experience, an in-person course will likely serve you best.  These courses also ensure you have direct access to the teacher or trainer to ask any questions you have, engage in discussion, and get them to show you how to do something if you’re having trouble.

    Many people learn best in a traditional education environment because they prefer having scheduled class times, structured schedules for readings and assignments, and face-to-face interactions.  Attending courses in person at a trade school, college, or university also means you have access to the campus resources such as study groups, academic counsellors, libraries, labs, and other facilities.

    Upskill To Your Heart’s Content

    Regardless of whether you learn best online or in a classroom, there are plenty of upskilling courses available.  If your company offers training courses, take them whenever possible.  If you are pursuing some upskilling on your own initiative, do your research to find out what is available through colleges, universities, trade schools, or online educational platforms, and choose the learning style that works for you.

  • What is Gender Identity?

    What is Gender Identity?

    Some people identify with the gender they were assigned at birth and others don’t. If someone does not identify with their assigned gender that is perfectly okay. Gender identity is how one feels about oneself and which gender one identifies with. It is common to hear that there are only two genders, but this is, and has been changing over time. We learn new things about ourselves and through research every day. It is important to consider and respect someone who may identify differently than you or others.

    What is Gender Dysmorphia?

    Gender dysmorphia is a term that is used to describe when one does not feel happy and/or comfortable in their body and feels as if their physical appearance does not match their gender identity. One may be diagnosed with this in order to medically transition to their desired gender.

    How Does Gender Identity Develop?

    Gender identity can be developed at any age and at any pace. Some may develop gender identity earlier on, and others may realize it later on in their lives. Here is what is commonly expected at each age range:

    • 2 – 3 years old
    • Children become aware of the physical difference between girls and boys.
    • They can identify themselves as a “girl” or a “boy”, even if it does not match their assigned gender at birth.
    • 4 – 5 years old
    • They become more aware of gender stereotypes. For example, they may think that the colour pink is only for girls and the colour blue is only for boys.
    • Some children may go to stages in which they will strongly express their gender identity.
    • 6 – 7 years old
    • They may feel confident that others see them as the gender they identify and was born into.
    • Those who identify as a gender they were not assigned at birth may feel social anxiety because they want to be the same as those around them but may not feel the same.
    • 8 years old and older
    • Most will continue to identify with the same gender that they were assigned at birth.
    • They will become more aware of their gender identity.
    • Some will question their gender identity.
    • As puberty begins, some will realize that they do not identify as the same gender that they were assigned at birth.

    Not all of these can happen during one’s life or may happen at different times, but these are common at each age range.

    How Can One Express Their Gender Identity?

    Gender expression and gender identity are two completely different things! How one chooses to express themselves does not always relate to how they identify. It is important to not assume their gender identity based on how they express themselves.

    In some cases, one can express their gender identity by:

    • Their clothing
    • Their hairstyle
    • Their choice of games and sports
    • Their preferred name or nickname

    Commonly Heard Gender Identity Terms

    Cisgender: A term used for someone who identifies with the gender that they have been

    assigned at birth.

    Gender Fluid: A term used for someone whose gender identity changes over time.

    Gender Neutral: A term used for someone who does not identify as a male, female, or any other

    gender.

    Genderqueer: A term used to describe someone who does not identify as male or female, is

    between or beyond genders, or may identify as more than one gender.

    Non-Binary: A term used for someone who does not identify as male or female.

    Transgender: A term used to describe those whose gender identity is not the gender that was

    assigned at birth.

    Things to Remember

    • Everyone, no matter what their gender identity or gender expression is, is equal.
    • There are more than two genders.
    • NEVER assume someone’s gender identity and pronouns.
    • It is okay to be confused about one’s gender identity.
    • Respect everyone’s gender identity.
    • Revealing one’s gender identity may be difficult already, do not make it much harder for one to feel comfortable expressing their gender.

    Resources:

    http://teentalk.ca/learn-about/gender-identity/

    https://www.caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/gender-identity

    https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/sexual-orientation-gender/gender-gender-identity

    https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/sexual-orientation-gender/trans-and-gender-nonconforming-identities

    https://www.itspronouncedmetrosexual.com/2013/01/a-comprehensive-list-of-lgbtq-term-definitions/

  • A Closer Look at a Career as a Mental Health Counsellor

    A Closer Look at a Career as a Mental Health Counsellor

    Mental health issues are prevalent in Canada but are sadly overlooked. According to the latest findings by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), 53% of Canadians consider mental conditions such as depression and anxiety as epidemic in the same vein as addiction and ahead of more common physical illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Now, the CMHA is calling for the Canadian government to come up with legislation that prioritizes mental health as much as physical health and provide access to basic mental health services and supports via the existing universal health care system.

    At present, the CMHA says that over 1.6 M Canadians claim that their mental health needs are not met. With this alarming number into focus, there is certainly a need for more mental health professionals, including mental health counsellors. If this is an idea that you have come across, you can read on for more information about this profession.

    Mental Health Counsellor – What You Need to Know

    To start off with, a mental health counsellor’s job mandate is primarily to treat clients with mental issues. At times, the job description may also include diagnosing the client’s mental health illness. However, there is a misconception that mental health counsellors are always either psychiatrists or psychologists, which is not necessarily the case. Still, mental health counsellors need to obtain the necessary license and certification, like psychiatrists or psychologists. It should be emphasized though that the psychiatric or psychology disciplines require a higher level of practitioner’s training, as well as a lengthier clinical experience compared to that of mental health counselling.

    Mental health counsellors are usually employed in clinical or hospital environments where they assist clients in working through psychological challenges or conditions. The support they provide can encompass curative counselling or approaches, and the counselling sessions can either be one on one or within groups.

    While there are mental health counsellors who can provide general mental health support, typically they are segregated into various areas of practice or specializations. For example, some work in addiction centres to help those who deal with addiction issues, while some work in juvenile detention centres to provide support to underage delinquents.

    Salary

    According to PayScale.com, a mental health counsellor can earn between $35,159 up to $72,809 per year with potential for bonus.

    Skills

    To kick off a career as a mental health counsellor, it’s a requirement to at least have an undergraduate degree in psychology, sociology, or any related field, as well as completion of certifications for mental health counselling.  A master’s level is a plus.

    To be highly effective in this profession, one must obtain a solid field experience in working with clients and be knowledgeable in a variety of therapeutic methodologies, including cognitive behavioural therapy and solution-focused therapy. Apart from these, it’s important to have the abilities to build trust-based relationships with clients while fostering open and welcoming environments, as well as be effective in diffusing tension and mitigating uncontrollable behavior while still remaining committed to the client’s health and safety.

    Pros and Cons

    A career as a mental health counsellor is an important one given the sign of the times. There is real value in helping clients deal with their mental challenges while at the same time contributing to minimize the stigma associated with mental illness.

    The challenge is dealing with clients who may turn in unpredictable behavior. Mental health counsellors must always know how to maintain calmness and diplomacy in crisis situations.

    SOURCES:

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

    https://www.counsellortraining.com/how-to-become-a-counsellor-or-psychotherapist.php

    https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/over-half-of-canadians-consider-anxiety-and-depression-epidemic-693458241.html

  • Business School Bound?

    Business School Bound?

    Due to their exceptional transformative business ideas that make the world a better place, today’s business leaders manage to grab headlines just as much as politicians or celebrities. For example, Amazon.com founder Jeff Bezos, who recently hit a net worth of $100 billion, made the news recently for his philanthropic pledge of $2 billion to curtail homelessness and promote early childhood education for low-income children, while maintaining a strong hold on the business market with his company.

    In any case, it can’t be denied that the most powerful people these days are the ones who made it big with their small business ideas (Bezos, for example, launched Amazon.com in his garage in 1994). Business executives can encompass various high-level positions at companies and organizations, including chief executive, financial and operating officers, executive VP, and executive directors, which are some of today’s most coveted positions in a wide variety of companies and organizations.

    If you’re eyeing a business-focused career path, it will be an advantage to have a foundation through a business degree at a top-rated business school:

    Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto

    Toronto, Ontario

    It’s no wonder why the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management is one of the highest rated schools in the country as it’s virtually a one-stop shop for aspiring business developers and executives. The institution offers everything from an undergraduate degree (Rotman Commerce) to full-time MBA programs. In addition, they offer a Global Executive MBA package that will prepare future business men and women to conquer the global market. Among the notable alumni are Bank of Montreal CEO William A. Downe and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce CEO and President Victor Dodig.

    Stephen Jr. Smith school of Business (formerly Queen’s School of Business), Queen’s University

    Kingston, Ontario

    The Smith School of Business in Queen’s University is also one of the top-ranking business schools in Canada. It also offers an undergraduate program, which is the Bachelor of Commerce, a four-year program which provides learners an in-depth knowledge and understanding of business strategies and concepts. After this, they can work towards a Certificate in Business or a full-time MBA. Noteworthy alumni include former president and CEO of Royal Bank of Canada Gordon Nixon.

    HEC Montréal

    Montreal, Quebec

    This institution offering internationally recognized management education programs is ideal for aspiring business executives who are fluent in French, both in written and oral communication, although they also offer MBA programs in the English language. HEC Montreal is well-known for their one-of-a-kind Worldly Mindset module, wherein students learn about management under unfamiliar circumstances or setting (last year, the students went to Argentina). Thierry Vandal, CEO of Hydro-Quebec, is among HEC Montreal’s prestigious alumni.

    Sauder School of Business, University of British Columbia

    Vancouver, British Columbia

    Based in Vancouver, BC, this school offers an innovative and all-encompassing suite of business programs, from an undergraduate degree of Commerce to full-time MBA, that equip its learners with an in-depth understanding of global business perspectives and the international marketplace. It’s particularly lauded for its mandatory Global Immersion Experience where students consult on business issues of local businesses and acquire first-hand knowledge of the cultural implications of business choices. Among its top alumni is Robert H. Lee, chairman and founder of Prospero, a highly acclaimed real estate firm based in Vancouver, BC.

    Alberta School of Business, University of Alberta

    Edmonton, Alberta

    The Alberta School of Business has maintained a long track record of continuous accreditation, one of the longest in Canada. It’s perhaps one of the few institutions that offer a diverse suite of specializations, including international business, public policy and management, natural resources, energy and the environment, sustainability, finance, and innovation and entrepreneurship. A business education founded on this institution can certainly help one launch a successful business career, just ask Richard Haskayne, president of Hudson Bay Oil and Gas. He kicked off his illustrious career with a Bachelor of Commerce degree with the university.

    SOURCES:

    https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/rob-magazine/article-considering-an-mba-or-executive-mba-heres-a-guide-to-canadas-best/

    https://www.topmba.com/mba-programs/top-10-mba-programs-canada

    https://www.canadianbusiness.com/lists-and-rankings/best-mba-programs/2016-reputation-ranking/

    https://www.macleans.ca/economy/canadas-top-25-best-jobs-2018/

  • Mental Health Heroes: A Career Profile of Mental Health Counselors

    Mental Health Heroes: A Career Profile of Mental Health Counselors

    We do a lot to stay healthy. From exercise to eating right, there is plenty of research you can do on how to keep your body in good condition. But for a long time, the health of our brains was often ignored. With the advent of mental health awareness and campaigns to address depression, anxiety, and beyond, that is changing. Yet mental health has always been a major issue. Every day, mental health counselors are helping those who are struggling. These individuals are trained to discuss a variety of topics and help their patients through a myriad of problems. It is extremely challenging, but often life-saving work.

    Mental health counselors are part of the healthcare industry. They are working with patients suffering from depression, substance abuse, family difficulties, and more. Counseling comes in different forms, and may include helping patients with their way of thinking, and can occur in one-on-one sessions or in groups. Counselors may specialize in a certain area, such as young adults or families. It is the ideal profession for someone who is compassionate, patient, and a good listener. It is extremely rewarding to turn patients’ lives around, but it is far from easy to listen to people who are struggling on a regular basis. Counselors must be able to cope with that challenge.

    In Canada, mental health counselors make an average annual salary of about $53,000. This can range from around $35,000 for those at the entry-level, and go up to about $73,000 for those who have been working for more than 10 years. Entry-level counselors are trained to provide services based on certain ethical guidelines and help those who are mostly functional in their lives but experiencing mild symptoms. Counselors with more experience often work with those who are struggling to a greater degree in both symptoms and functioning.

    Counselors must be certified and typically require master’s-level education in the fields of counseling or human psychology in order to pursue work in the field. A degree certificate or transcript is required in order to apply for membership in an accredited body such as the Canadian Counseling and Psychotherapy Association.

    Many counselors move on to other roles after 10 to 20 years of experience. These positions vary widely, but can result in more focused work and greater pay. Counselors can focus on addictions as an addiction counselor, on younger people as a child and youth worker, or on crises as a crisis counselor. Career advisors and case managers are likely to make higher salaries. Mental health encompasses many different areas of life, and therefore opens up many opportunities for people who dedicate their lives to helping others.

    Mental health is far from an easy subject to talk about. Even with all the steps forward society has taken in removing the stigma of mental illness, it is still hard for many people to discuss the issue in earnest. This is why mental health counselors are critical. These individuals are specifically trained to help those who are suffering and guide them in taking the necessary steps to improve their lives. It is emotionally challenging work, but work that can make an enormous difference. Mental health counselors are the silent heroes walking among us, helping countless people suffering in silence to find stability and happiness in their lives.

    Sources:

    Canadian Counseling and Psychotherapy Association. “Certification.” https://www.ccpa-accp.ca/membership/certification/

    Kelowna College of Professional Counselling. “How to become a Counsellor or Psychotherapist in Canada?” https://www.counsellortraining.com/how-to-become-a-counsellor-or-psychotherapist.php

    PayScale. “Mental Health Counselor Salary.” https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Mental_Health_Counselor/Salary

  • Career Profile: Urban and Regional Planners

    Career Profile: Urban and Regional Planners

    Roads, cities, and towns may seem like they grow organically from existing infrastructure, but in fact every new addition to a urban or rural landscape is planned out carefully.  This is the job of Urban and Regional Planners, who are experts in designing and planning new additions to residential, commercial, and rural areas.

    Urban planners typically focus on cities and towns, while regional planners will focus on a wider area that can include residential towns, but can also be comprised of rural or undeveloped land.  In both cases, planners are responsible for mapping out the best way to use available land and resources to expand a city or town, taking into account natural and environmental factors, existing infrastructure, individual needs of a community, roads and highways, and water sources.

    Urban and regional planners are responsible for a variety of tasks, including collecting and analyzing data on a city or region (such as demographics, economy, population, political representation or cultural representation), developing land use and community plans, process applications for land development permits, or supervise new and ongoing development projects.  Some planners will also specialize, such as focussing on environmental planning for parks, nature preserves, campgrounds, and waterfronts, or infrastructure projects such as transit and transportation, water and sewer systems, or schools.

    The most common workplace for urban planners will be in an office environment, but it is likely that you will be required to travel locally, such as around your city or nearby rural areas, in order to examine and oversee project sites, perform surveys, and ensure the project runs smoothly.  You will also have to be skilled in using computers, and specific software such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), computer aided design (CAD) or computer aided engineering (CAE) programs, Building Information Management (BIM) software, and project management platforms.

    To become an urban planner, you will need at minimum a bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning, geography, engineering, architecture, or a related discipline.  Depending on the company and job responsibilities, you may also need a Master’s degree in one of these fields, especially if you want to advance through managerial positions or into the executive and consulting spheres.

    In most of Canada, you will likely need to be a registered member of the Canadian Institute of Planners, and some provinces may also require registration with a regulatory body, such as the Ontario Professional Planners Institute.

    The salary range for urban planners starts at around $43,000 for entry-level positions, with a salary of up to $90,000 per year possible after gaining experience.  This will also depend on the job, as smaller companies may not have salaries as high as, for example, the government or consulting sector.

    Sources:

    https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/urban-and-regional-planning

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

    https://www.ryerson.ca/calendar/2018-2019/programs/community/planning/

    https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/wages-occupation/22460/22437