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  • Setting Goals for the New School Year: It All Starts with You!

    Setting Goals for the New School Year: It All Starts with You!

    Jobs People Do | JobsPeopleDo.com

    Every new school year is an awesome opportunity to improve yourself and do better than the last! This can be the year you reach your goals and celebrate the successes of the previous year. But how do you go about setting goals for school? Most students don’t learn this naturally, so here is how you can start:

    Think about the past school year and give yourself a star for each improvement you can think of. Feels good, doesn’t it?

    Want to make this year your best yet? Learn to set SMART goals. What are SMART goals, you ask?
    SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely!

    Here is how you can set some SMART goals:

    1. Ask yourself, “What are things you would like to accomplish in the new school year?”

    2. Think about how you can become a better individual. Improving character is all part of the process. Think about ways you can achieve your goals by being caring, confident, kind and courteous to others. Discuss this with your friends, classmates and family.

    3. Get together with a friend and talk about what personality trait or value is most important to you and set a goal around it. You can start a discussion by asking each other the following questions:
    ○ Who do you admire most, either in your life or fictional, and why?
    ○ How do your traits and values match the person you admire most?
    ○ What traits or values would you like to improve or take action on?
    ○ What actions can be taken to show this trait or value?
    ○ How can I help you achieve this goal?
    ○ Lastly, reverse the roles and have your partner answer the same questions.

    4. If you’re in a class, you can suggest this exercise to a larger group of friends or even to your teacher. Start by listing out different pairs of students. Specifically, you may want to partner with someone that you don’t know as well. Often, what we will find is new skills and knowledge in new people that can expand our insight on goal setting.

    5. If problems are encountered, encourage everyone to participate in solving issues. Join forces with other partners to expand the problem-solving pool. The goal is to get as much help as you need and give as much help as you can.

    6. Towards the end of your SMART goal-setting activity, you can self-evaluate the discussion. What went well? What didn’t go according to plan? What were some challenges? Name some things you would want to improve in the future. Explain your feedback to your partner and have them do the same for you.

    7. To better practice setting SMART goals, switch partners or find another friend to repeat this activity with. You will find that the more you practice, the better you will be at setting SMARTer goals for the new school year.

    References:
    http://www.yourcoach.be/en/coaching-tools/smart-goal-setting.php

  • Changing Responsibilities: The Leap From Elementary School To High School

    Changing Responsibilities: The Leap From Elementary School To High School

    Jobs People Do | JobsPeopleDo.com

    The transition between elementary or middle school to high school is a big one. As you grow older and move into high school-level classes, your responsibilities will change as well. Don’t be nervous, though! High school is not as scary as it seems, and you might find that you meet a lot of new friends and try a whole bunch of new things. It’s one of the most exciting times of your life!

    So what are some of these new responsibilities? For one, most schools don’t tolerate lateness, and some teachers even lock their doors to late students, so it’s very important to get to your classes on time. It might be difficult to find your way around in the first few weeks of high school, but you’ll soon get the hang of it. Be sure to bring a copy of your timetable with you so you know where and when your classes start.

    Secondly, you will be expected to be much more independent than in the earlier grades. Teachers don’t hound students for homework or assignments and often penalize late essays. That’s why you need to keep track of when everything is due. The best way is to get a separate binder for each class (one in every colour) so you don’t get papers mixed up. An agenda, notebook or calendar is also vital in high school. You’ll want to be able to keep track of when tests are, when assignments are due and when the holidays start.

    You will have a locker where you can store your books, binders, sports equipment and any other assortment of pens, paper and articles of clothing. You are responsible for keeping your locker clean – or at least presentable.

    Meet some new people! While not necessarily a responsibility, you’ll find that if you reach out to other students, you might end up making friends you’ll have for years to come. Remember, this is a new experience for everybody in your classes.

    Work hard! Now that you’re in high school, you can’t slack on grades. These marks can affect which classes you take in the following years, and may even limit your options for college or university programs. If you pay attention to your teachers, show up on time, do your homework and hand in your assignments, then you’ll do fine in your classes. Just make sure to keep organized and on top of tests and assignments.

    Going from elementary into high school is a big leap, and with it comes new responsibilities and new freedoms.  If you work hard, show up on time and meet a few new friends, you might even find that you want to go to school in the morning. It’s a big adjustment to make, but soon you’ll be just as comfortable in your new school as you were in your old one.

  • Tips for Making New Friends This School Year if You’re in a Class without Your Old Ones

    Tips for Making New Friends This School Year if You’re in a Class without Your Old Ones

    Jobs People Do | JobsPeopleDo.com

    A highlight of being a student is becoming friends with your fellow students, especially when you’re in the same grade. It makes academic life more fun, interesting, and fulfilling. A huge part of this is getting to spend time with these friends while you are classmates. However, as you know, you usually have no control over where you’ll end up, and there’s always a chance that you won’t be in the same class as them every school year.

    If this is what you’re experiencing and have found yourself in a class without your old friends (or your friends have moved), here are some tips on how to make new ones:

    Introduce Yourself to or Initiate Conversations with Your Classmates

    This can be intimidating, especially if you’re primarily an introvert. Nonetheless, putting yourself out there is one of the most effective ways to make friends. It can also apply to those whom you do know, but don’t know very well. If you’ve never thought of speaking with them before, why not try now? Of course, this approach most likely won’t work out every single time (your conversations with certain classmates grow stale, engaging with them becomes awkward, you just weren’t meant to be friends, etc.), but at least you’ve made the effort to do so.

    One of the most important things involving this strategy is that you refuse to give up easily, even if your first few attempts don’t result in a new friend(s). It’s better to take chances than not try at all.

    Keep In Mind That Friendships Can Form without Much (Or Any!) Effort or Intention

    Many friendships happen when you least expect them. This can occur during situations such as discussions or other collaborative activities in class. Rather than trying as hard as you can to be friends with specific people/those you think you might have a lot in common with, it’s encouraged to keep an open mind about generally making connections with those around you. Surprises happen, and maybe you’ll make a genuine connection with someone who you never thought would be your friend.

    Join Clubs/Extracurriculars Offered at Your School if You’re Having Difficulties Making Friends in Class

    If you’re having difficulties making new friends in your class, but still want to make new friends in general, try joining clubs/extracurriculars offered at school. You’ll arguably increase your likelihood of doing so because people often connect over something they share an interest in or passion for. In these circumstances, you could even make friends with those who aren’t in your grade as well, because said activities usually have varied age ranges.

    Though, like your old friends, you won’t be able to see some of them during class time, this is a good option for creating a more enhanced social life while also possessing the benefit of being able to do something you enjoy.

    Overall, the tips above significantly heighten your chances of making friends. If you adopt these suggestions and remain optimistic along the way, you’re on the right track to having new friends during this school year.

  • Remote Learning for Post-Secondary Students with Disabilities: Is It Helpful? (French version available)

    Remote Learning for Post-Secondary Students with Disabilities: Is It Helpful? (French version available)

    Jobs People Do | JobsPeopleDo.com

    Several years after the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada, different forms of learning provide students with a simultaneous feeling of accessibility and restriction. Some people may prefer online learning, and some may prefer in-person learning, but it is not usually a choice left up to the students.

    For students with disabilities, whose experiences with school may already need pre-existing accommodations, the shifting class environments add to more troubles. However, for some students, the introduction of a remote option can be beneficial.

    This begs the question: what exactly are the pros and cons of remote learning for students with disabilities?

    How Do Students with Disabilities Navigate Remote Learning?

    Students with disabilities experience remote learning differently, and not only in contrast to students without disabilities. Experiences with remote learning depend on the type and severity of disability.

    For example, a person who is only affected by a physical disability will have a different experience with remote learning compared to a person who is only affected by a learning disability. Therefore, the vast spectrum of people and experiences means that the pros and cons will be different for everyone.

    Advantageous Situations of Remote Learning

    For students with physical disabilities or chronic pain, the lack of a commute to school is helpful. For some students they may have to skip or drop classes because the in-person environment might be inaccessible. Additionally, there can be cases where their disabilities prevent them from attending in-person classes consistently. Depending on the course, consistent attendance can be the key to success, but this is not always achievable.

    Attending class through a computer screen means that students with physical disabilities can manage their health on their own terms, without sacrificing their education. Potentially inaccessible buildings and tiring commutes are no longer issues that can stop people from pursuing an education.

    Disadvantageous Situations of Remote Learning

    For students with learning disabilities, remote learning may not be helpful. Many students require a repetitive schedule that stays the same: any changes from their norm can be hard to adapt to. Additionally, remote learning unfortunately means a lack of support. For students that may require more personalized support, one-on-one support is harder to provide in an online environment.

    Some students, those with ADHD for example, may receive accommodations such as the ability to write tests in a separate, quiet room, as distractions interfere with learning. For those who must do schooling at home, a quiet environment is not guaranteed. The option to attend class in person is a good solution for this.

    The Future of Remote Learning

    Remote learning existed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. It existed as an option for post-secondary students, albeit on a smaller scale.

    Many post-secondary institutions around the country have reintroduced in-person classes, with varying conditions. Currently, there is no one form of learning that satisfies everyone, but hopefully, some sort of balance can be found.

     

    Sources:

    “COVID-19: Updates for Canada’s Universities.” University Affairs. https://www.universityaffairs.ca/news/news-article/covid-19-updates-for-canadas-universities/.

    Loeppky, John. “With the Shift to Online Learning, Students with Disabilities Face New Barriers.” Macleans.ca. https://www.macleans.ca/education/with-the-shift-to-online-learning-students-with-disabilities-face-new-barriers/.

    Wotherspoon, Jennifer. “How Can Educators Support Students with LDs While Hybrid Learning?” LD@school: Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario. https://www.ldatschool.ca/ate-hybrid-learning/.

  • Merry Christmas in October: From Celtic Festival to “Queer Christmas” (French version available)

    Merry Christmas in October: From Celtic Festival to “Queer Christmas” (French version available)

    Jobs People Do | JobsPeopleDo.com

    When September comes, students get ready to head back to school. When October comes, everyone gets ready for Halloween. From walking among spirits to seeking candy from neighbours, the day certainly changed over thousands of years.

    For many people, Halloween remains a spooky holiday: children get dressed up in scary costumes, carve pumpkins, and collect candy. For the LGBTQ+ community, Halloween means Christmas comes early as “Queer Christmas”: a time of year when dressing up provides freedom of expression.

    The Origins of Halloween

    Halloween started out with a Celtic connection 2,000 years ago. Celtic people held festivals on Samhain, a period between October 31 and November 1. It marked the end of the harvest season, meaning that people would harvest their crops and hold feasts with their loved ones.

    During this time, they believed that spirits were able to walk among them, as the barrier between the living and the dead weakened for these two days. Since the Celtic people considered Samhain dangerous, dressing up as spirits and fairies, the act of “guising”, helped protect against evil forces.

    Guising combined with another tradition, souling, to create trick-or-treating. Souling involved poor, often young children going door-to-door asking for “soul cakes.” These soul cakes represented the release of trapped souls. Who knew that something so haunting would come in the form of a sweet bun?

    The Origins of Queer Christmas

    As the tradition spread to places like North America, Halloween slowly drifted away from its original Celtic roots. Not all Halloween costumes needed to be scary, and all sorts of candy replaced soul cakes.

    Even before Halloween became widely known as a trick-or-treating day, the LGBTQ+ community also transformed Halloween into their own unique day that celebrated dressing up and being around friends.

    Halloween parties were all the rage among LGBTQ+ communities in New York and San Francisco during the 1960s. As many American states still had laws against cross-dressing (dressing in clothing traditionally associated with other genders), Halloween provided a safe way to express oneself without breaking any laws.

    The Christmas aspect comes from sharing a space with like-minded people. Like Christmas in December, it involves being surrounded by family. The LGBTQ+ community is a family, where they support and relate to their shared experiences.

    Halloween Today

    The tradition of Samhain festivals continues to be celebrated in separate ways by children and adults of the 21st century. For the ghouls and witches out collecting candy, they celebrate dressing up as fellow spirits while sharing delights with their friends.

    For the partygoers, Halloween gatherings remain huge for the adult crowd. Among this crowd lies the LGBTQ+ community, a group who continues to embrace a holiday that allows them to experience their true selves, surrounded by their found families.

    2,000 years changed a lot of aspects about Halloween, but it has never changed the idea of people celebrating an evening together. Happy Halloween, or should I say, Merry Christmas to all!


    Sources: 

    Atkin, Elizabeth. “How Did Trick or Treating Become a Halloween Tradition?” Metro. https://metro.co.uk/2021/10/30/how-trick-or-treating-became-halloween-tradition-15508512/.

    CBC kids team. “Samhain — the Original Halloween!” CBC Kids. https://www.cbc.ca/kids/articles/a-history-of-halloween.

    D., Katherine. “Happy Gay Christmas! A History of Halloween and the LGBTQ+ Community.” Richland Library. https://www.richlandlibrary.com/blog/2021-10-19/happy-gay-christmas-history-halloween-and-lgbtq-community.

    “Halloween.” LGBTQ Foundation. https://www.lgbt.foundation/halloween.

    “How Trick-or-Treating Became a Halloween Tradition.” History. https://www.history.com/news/halloween-trick-or-treating-origins.

    Schmidt, Samantha. “Halloween Is ‘Gay Christmas’ for Many in the LGBTQ Community. This Year, It Has Been Canceled.” Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2020/10/15/halloween-is-gay-christmas-many-lgbtq-community-this-year-it-has-been-canceled/.

  • High School Horror Stories: Surviving the Monstrous Math Class (French version available)

    High School Horror Stories: Surviving the Monstrous Math Class (French version available)

    Jobs People Do | JobsPeopleDo.com

    Like everything else, high school has its ups and downs. However, one thing I’ve noticed about high school is that it has this way of making something feel much worse than it actually is. You’re at an awkward age where everything is changing: your friends, your life, your interests. Nothing is static. Plus, you’re forced to take a bunch of classes that you don’t really like at all. As a result, high school builds the perfect foundation for difficult situations. As a university student, I can now look back on my high school experiences and laugh at them. But at the time, there were many moments where I did not see a way out of my situation. The prime example of this being my math classes.

    As I am writing for a website that produces journal articles, you can make many assumptions about me. One of the first being that I like to write. If you guessed that, then you guessed right! I have liked to write ever since I was in elementary school. That said, when I got to high school, I hoped that there would be more opportunities to exercise my love for writing, but this was not the case. In elementary school, I had been really good at science and even math. As a result, my teacher enrolled me in the STEM (now STEAM) program at my high school. Honestly speaking, this may not have been the best choice for me. I stayed in the program because I thought that’s what I was supposed to do, plus at least I’d be getting a certificate for it, and that would look good, right?

    Getting that certificate was not an easy journey. Let me tell you, elementary school math and high school math are two very different things. As I took grade 9 math, I began to realize how difficult it could be, and I struggled immensely. However, my grade 10 math class felt much worse than the previous year because I already knew that I was not good at it.  On top of that, I was surrounded by other kids who were exceptional at math – they made it look easy. And of course, the cherry on top of math that semester was that it was the second period right after science. As a result, I ended up suffering from massive burnout after just the first half of the day.

    I used to spend hours on my math homework; I was always the kid who had to stay for extra time to work on tests, or go to class during lunch for extra help or get extra homework because I needed to boost my grade. I was one of only three other students who got called on for this. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with any of these. But at the time, it honestly felt humiliating. When I asked my friends for help, they tried their best, but it always took me a long time to even begin to understand what they were saying. And god, what made the fear worse was the thought of the final exam and how I already knew how lost I was going to feel during it. I believe the exam was only worth 15% of my grade, but back then, that number felt unattainable. Even so, I tried my absolute best throughout the semester. I always did the extra work, I went during lunch, I paid very close attention in class, and I got help from wherever I could.

    And then the time finally came for the final. At that point, I came to terms with the fact that it was okay not to be good at everything and that math simply was not my strongest subject. On the inside, I had done some re-evaluating: I knew that I wanted to be a writer. And I also knew that math was definitely not required to be one. So, I kept my head up and I walked into that exam calmly and confidently, knowing that I did everything that I could. I ended up passing the class with a B! It wasn’t as high as any of my friends’ marks, but that didn’t bother me at all. I had set my own standards.

    If you’re reading this, and you’re having a class that you’re struggling with, remember one thing: progress doesn’t always make itself obvious. Just because you do everything right doesn’t mean your mark is immediately going to boost from a C to an A. You must be patient. Even though I powered through the class until the end, it was not easy at all. Math took a lot out of my self-esteem because it wasn’t like the whole class was struggling either; in my mind, that meant that it was my fault that I wasn’t doing very well. The main thing that kept me going was taking a step back and realizing how hard I was trying. Like I said, I did everything I could to get help: did extra work, reached out, and spent extra time in class.

    Remember to consider the class in the broader context of things; in my case, I don’t need math to help me with my current area of study. In your case, you may, so try and find help wherever you can, whether it be through video tutorials or study sessions with friends. Also, keep in mind that everybody’s brain works differently; I am just catered towards the humanities. You may be the opposite; you can be good at math but not the best at English. Who knows, maybe you’re good at both. The point is that you should always put your best foot forward in anything you do. Always try your best!

  • It’s My First Year of Post-Secondary, What Should I Expect? (French version available)

    It’s My First Year of Post-Secondary, What Should I Expect? (French version available)

    Jobs People Do | JobsPeopleDo.com

    The first year of post-secondary can often feel very scary and sometimes overwhelming for many students. Post-secondary is such a large leap from the comfort zone of high school; students often feel as though the pressure and work expectancy can be overbearing. This is why it is important to know what to expect before you enter post-secondary, and have a better understanding of how to prepare yourself for the journey ahead.

    So, what does the first year of post-secondary have in store for you?

    The first —and arguably most critical— expectation for post-secondary is: prepare yourself for a heavy course load. I’m sure it’s no surprise post-secondary is more academically challenging than high school. However, with the course load of each semester being much more condensed than that of a typical high school semester, the workload becomes intensified. This is often a big shock for most students, which is when the sense of being overwhelmed begins to come in.  A full course load in high school is not equivalent to that of a full course load in post-secondary, so be sure to prepare yourself for the next level and only accept as many classes as you can handle.

    Although you’ve probably heard it many times before, the next thing you should expect in post-secondary is to study! While of course studying has always been an important aspect throughout your education, now more than ever, you will need to study and learn the proper techniques on how to do so effectively. Gone are the days of cramming for an exam the night before; say hello to learning proper study techniques in order to reach academic success! (You’ll find proper study techniques are a lot less stressful than cramming, anyway!) One of the most effective study tips is to review your notes from each class every day. That way, when exam season rolls around, you won’t have to re-teach yourself any of the material; you’ll already have all of the knowledge memorized, and a quick refresher should be all you need!

    Despite taking all the right steps for academic success, expect some amount of stress. With new surroundings, unfamiliar professors, and a new level of academic pressure, some stress is going to arise. However, there is no need to fear, just prepare yourself and you’ll get through it! When you feel stress starting to take over, remember to make time for yourself to recharge before you burn yourself out! Exercise is a key aspect of staying physically and mentally healthy in post-secondary. Remember to give yourself breaks while studying, and try to exercise as much as possible! Remember, if you’re ever feeling too overwhelmed, there are resources available to help guide you. Seek your institution’s counselling services if you find your stress levels unmanageable.

    With classes, assignments, exams and any potential out-of-school obligations, expect to be busy in post-secondary! Time management is key to maintaining your stress levels while still reaching academic success. Use a day planner, agenda, or calendar to keep track of important deadlines and exam dates, and plan your days accordingly. Ensure you are always giving yourself an adequate amount of time for studying and assignments, in order to avoid the “cramming the night before stress,” and are always handing in the best representation of your capabilities.

    Expect to meet some awesome new people! While post-secondary might feel slightly intimidating at first, remember you are not alone! There are plenty of other first-year students who feel exactly the same way as you do. Post-secondary institutions offer a variety of clubs, sports teams, and programs that cater to a wide variety of different interests and talents. Get involved in different school activities that interest you; chances are you’ll meet some other great students who share similar interests. Remember, new friends can be found within the classroom, too! While you may feel shy or intimidated at first, remember the students in your class are in the very same position as you. Reaching out to students in your classes helps you break the ice, find new study-buddies, and potential lifelong friends.

    So, while post-secondary will undoubtedly be quite a change from anything you’re used to, remember you’re there for a reason! Just keep in mind what to expect when you walk through those doors, understand how to prepare yourself, and before you know it, you’ll be handling your first year of post-secondary like a pro.

  • Setting Goals to Help Guide Your School Year (French version available)

    Setting Goals to Help Guide Your School Year (French version available)

    Jobs People Do | JobsPeopleDo.com

    With the end of summer and the start of the new school year, it’s back to class schedules and studying.  Whether it’s your first year at university or college, or you’re further along in your degree, the start of a new year is always exciting—but it can also be intimidating.  You may feel like everyone expects you to have your life planned out, while you’re busy facing the constant changes that come with growing up, learning, and experiencing more of the world.

    That being said, setting goals for yourself can be a helpful way to create some structure through the school year and ensure you make the most of your time at school both academically and personally. Having goals also helps you improve yourself and enjoy each day while also working toward your future.

    Short-Term vs Long-Term Goals

    Short-term goals are smaller, focused, and achievable in the span of a few days, weeks, or at most a couple of months.  These help structure your daily tasks and function as stepping-stones to completing larger and longer-term goals.

    Long-term goals are often broader or more complex and are intended to be pursued and achieved over a longer period of time, such as over a semester or the whole school year.

    Short-Term Goals

    Short-term goals can be personal, academic, or professional; in fact, it’s a good idea to have some of each.  The important thing is to choose goals that you’re interested in achieving, and which will make you happy or benefit your education or career development.

    Personal goals for the short term can include things like making a new friend in every class, dedicating time each week to spend with your friends, as well as explore your campus and city, or setting aside time for self-care. You could also join a sports team, take up a new hobby, or join a new club each semester.  Any of these activities will help you experience new things, build new skills, and grow as a person.

    Academic short-term goals are a great way to push yourself during school, to ensure you’re getting the most out of your classes and your education.  These goals can include achieving a specific grade in a course or finding a mentor to support you through your studies.

    Professional short-term goals could be finding a part-time job or internship that supports your education or one of your long-term goals.

    Long-Term Goals

    During your education, long-term goals serve to keep you on track toward the big picture of your future.  Ideally, many of your short-term goals will serve as the steps you take toward achieving these long-term goals.  For example, academic long-term goals can be aiming to enter graduate school after your undergraduate degree is complete, or to graduate with a certain grade or with honours.

    A long-term goal, more on the professional side, could be to target a specific job or field that you want to work in after school.  This would help you structure your education to work toward this goal when choosing courses and summer or part-time jobs.

    Grow Toward Your Future

    Goals for both the short term and the long term will help you plan and focus your efforts, and will give you specific things to work toward in your personal and academic life.  Just remember that there is no one-size-fits-all set of goals you must choose; you’re the only one who can decide what success looks like for your own life, and then you decide which goals will help you get there.

     

    Sources

    Betts, Jennifer. “Actionable Long-Term Goal Examples for College Students.” Your Dictionary. https://examples.yourdictionary.com/actionable-long-term-goal-examples-for-college-students.html.

    Booz, Nicole. “50 Short Term Goals for College.” GenTwenty. https://gentwenty.com/short-term-goals-for-college/.

  • Career Profile: Marine Engine Technician (French version available)

    Career Profile: Marine Engine Technician (French version available)

    Jobs People Do | JobsPeopleDo.com

    Some people like working with engines, taking them apart to see how they work and then putting them back together. These machines come in many different types, including marine engines. Working with these engines can be a rewarding career for people who enjoy mechanical work. If that describes you, why not consider becoming a marine engine technician?

    Engines have many connected parts that help the machine to work properly, but these can also break or wear out. They need people to inspect, service, and repair them. Marine engines might be slightly different from other engines, but they have the same basic structure. Learning to build and repair other engines can help people deal with the types of issues they might face in working with marine engines.

    Normally, marine engine technicians need at least a high school education with courses in topics like mathematics and English. For trade certification, people need a three- or four-year apprenticeship, or five years of work experience with some courses in machine repair or millwright work. In some parts of Canada, official certification is necessary. For that designation, people should be able to work with gasoline and diesel engines, electrical systems, steering systems, and other aspects of engine maintenance.

    Since marine engines are for boats and ships, most of the work in this trade is close to the water on the east and west coasts of the country. Cargo ships and other large boats can provide work for many people in this trade. However, some work might be available near lakes and rivers, where people ride small boats for pleasure. Being willing to work with other types of engines can help provide a steady income, especially in winter when lakes and rivers are frozen and only the large ships can sail.

    Attention to detail is an important quality for marine engine technicians. Making even small mistakes can cause an engine to break down, and technicians need to be careful. Good eyesight with or without glasses and steady hands can help people avoid making errors, and curiosity about machines can make the job interesting. Since machines can change over the years, marine engine technicians should be sure to keep up with the latest developments.

    Like with most trades, people who work as marine engine mechanics can increase their pay and level of responsibility as they develop their skills. Wages usually begin at $24 per hour or $50,000 per year and can rise to $32 per hour or $63,000 per year with experience. People can specialize in a certain type of marine engine or work more generally with whatever is available. Choosing to specialize is easier for mechanics who work with mechanics who can take over other tasks, but it can be possible even for people who work alone.

    The work of a marine engine technician can be tiring and sometimes stressful, especially if a job needs to be finished quickly. Sometimes, clients have tight deadlines, and mechanics have to get the work done before the ship has to leave the harbour. However, it can also be a very good job for people who enjoy working with their hands and solving problems. If this career sounds good, you can already start to prepare for a career as a marine engine mechanic through your schooling or work experience.

     

    Bibliography:

    Boating Industry in Canada. “Careers.” https://boatingindustry.ca/careers.

    Georgian College. “Inspect, service and repair marine engines as a marine mechanic.” https://www.georgiancollege.ca/academics/programs/mechanical-techniques-marine-engine-mechanic/.

    Job Bank. “Marine Engine Mechanic in Canada.” https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/requirements/17112/ca

    Payscale Canada. “Marine Mechanic: Hourly Rate.” https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Marine_Mechanic/Hourly_Rate.

  • Dress Code Red: My Big Interview Is Coming Up! How to Know How to Dress for an Interview or First Impression (French version available)

    Dress Code Red: My Big Interview Is Coming Up! How to Know How to Dress for an Interview or First Impression (French version available)

    Jobs People Do | JobsPeopleDo.com

    By Olivia Condlln-Wilby

    It can be stressful to figure out what to wear to a job interview, especially if you’ve never attended one before. Dressing professionally can help you leave a good first impression and feel more confident as you enter the workforce. You want to show hiring managers that you’re responsible, mature, and ready to adapt to their work environment. Overly casual outfits and distracting accessories can overshadow your accomplishments; you could be remembered as “the candidate with the ripped jeans” rather than for your skills and qualifications.

    As you prepare for your interview, use this article as a guide. Remember, the most important thing is to be confident and comfortable in whatever you wear!

    1. Research the Dress Code

    Different workplaces have different expectations. For example, the cashier at your local grocery store probably dresses more casually than a branch manager at the bank. Before your interview, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the organization’s dress code and prepare to match their preferred style. You may be able to find this information on their website, or you can ask the hiring manager for more information. You can also search for the organization on social media and try to assess the level of formality they expect from employees based on their images and posts.

    As a general rule, business casual attire includes slacks, knee-length skirts, tailored jackets, cardigans, and dress shoes. If you wear make-up, consider a natural look for the interview – for example, use a neutral colour palette that day. Avoid jeans, shorts, sundresses, and athletic wear.

    1. Consider the Little Things

    It’s important to pay attention to the details. Your outfit should be neat and professional from head to toe, as you want to look respectable and prepared. Ask yourself the following questions:

    • Are my clothes clean, ironed, and free of rips or stains?
    • Are my shoes polished and free of marks?
    • Have I groomed my hair and nails?
    • Is my jewelry professional? Have I removed my facial piercings?
    • Are my tattoos covered?

    You want the employer to focus on you – your ideas, abilities, and talents. Try to avoid potential distractions such as flashy jewelry, bold designs, and bright colours.

    1. Respect the Setting

    Even a casual workplace, such as a coffee shop, summer camp, or community centre, will expect you to look professional and put-together for the interview. You might be able to get away with a nice pair of jeans if they’re clean, neutral, and free of rips and tears. But you should still avoid streetwear like hoodies, sandals, athletic shorts, track pants, cropped shirts, or tank tops. When in doubt, assume that business casual is the norm. You should also dress more conservatively for a job interview. Your stomach, shoulders, and back should be covered. Ensure that your clothes fit properly.

    4. Be Comfortable and Confident

    While it’s important to dress professionally, it’s equally essential that you feel good in whatever you’re wearing. Prepare your outfit ahead of time and make sure you feel comfortable walking, sitting, and standing in it. Ensure that you can wear your shoes for long periods of time without feeling pain. If you’re unsure about an element of your outfit, ask a friend or family member for their advice. At the end of the day, employers want to know that you can do the work and be successful. Stay calm and don’t be afraid to smile!

     

    Sources

    Parent, J. (2022). How to Dress for a Job Interview: 3 Tips for Teens. Your Teen for Parents. https://yourteenmag.com/teenager-school/teens-high-school/what-to-wear-to-an-interview-for-teens