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Category: Featured Articles

  • Co-op Placements: Do or Don’t?

    Co-op Placements: Do or Don’t?

    You’ve heard about how co-op positions can be very useful in determining a future career. Even if it’s not related to what you want to do, you can learn from the experience by cooperating with (and learning from) your fellow co-workers, or confirming that it is a career that you do not want to pursue in the future. But this piece is not about looking at co-op positions in a positive light; but rather, it’s a note of caution: research must be conducted before you choose a position.

    You should take a role that is similar to what you wish to do if you can, but sometimes the position that you get offered through such co-op programs is not exactly related to what you thought you would be doing. A former teacher of mine had looked into acquiring co-op placements for a program of hers, but advised against it after discovering it would not be helpful or useful for her students. This also came up in discussions with classmates when it came to placement – while I loved mine, others didn’t feel the same about theirs. Everybody has different personalities, and some friction between people seems almost inevitable.

    A few notes:

    • The co-op placement is usually regarded as an “office job”. You don’t get paid. Some students are actually ‘background pieces’, where they just learn by watching instead of doing. This doesn’t work particularly well for students who are there to learn. However, this placement can work out well – if you participate and pick up knowledge and skills through one of these placements, you can list it as experience on your resume – which can help you get an entry-level position after graduation.
    • Remember this above all else: you are there to learn. If you’re not learning in your placement, talk to the placement coordinator. It may not be possible to switch placements, but if there are additional problems (stress-filled environment, transportation and costs, not doing much in the work-space); you may have a sympathetic ear who can help to make some alternative arrangements.
    • Travel can be an issue with placements. Most students prefer to stay close to home and school. I didn’t particularly want to travel further than my high school, so I was placed in the library, and as a result, the placement was for only one period at a time. Since travel is a major issue with placements, schools will often make arrangements for placements to be longer; a half-day to a full-day. This may create additional costs: unexpected delays, lunch and additional time that ‘eats’ up in your time for homework, or the loss of your own recreational time. It may not necessarily be an issue if you have access (and can drive) a car.
    • You could wind up with a placement you didn’t like, or a placement where your supervisor didn’t like your work habits. This means that you can get a poor performance review – since this is related to a placement for a grade or a school credit, this review can mean the difference in your school grades.

    Like all things, there are positives and there are negatives. The main thing you have to ask yourself is simply this: will it be worth the experience and knowledge, or would it be worth it to put it off and look elsewhere (say, college or university as compared to high school) for that placement that makes a difference in your future?

  • How to Ace a Video Job Interview

    How to Ace a Video Job Interview

    There is a growing trend in job-hunting that is moving toward conducting interviews through video over the Internet, especially for jobs that may be in another city.  Knowing how to ace a video interview can be a useful skill for students who start their job search before the end of the school year, and are looking for summer jobs or internships back in their hometown, for example.

    Many students these days are very computer literate and accustomed to using technology as part of everyday life.  However, there are still a few points to keep in mind when you get invited to a video job interview, which make this type of interaction unique.

    Treat Online Interviews Exactly the Same as In-Person Interviews

    This means you should plan and prepare the same way for a video interview as you would for any other interview.  Research the company, know how you plan to highlight your skills, perform practice interviews, and have any questions you want to ask noted down nearby.

    Test Your Technology

    The use of video and computer equipment is the key difference between online and in-person interviews: you are relying on your technological set-up for all communication.  Make sure you set up your computer, webcam, software such as Skype or another messaging service, and your internet connection ahead of the interview time – and test every part of it.  The last thing you want is a technical glitch or lost Wi-Fi connection to interrupt your interview.

    Dress and Behave Professionally

    Just because you’re doing your interview from home doesn’t mean you can be casual in your dress or manners.  Remember to dress neatly and professionally (dress shirt, tie, etc.) Even though you can’t give a handshake over the computer, be sure to act professionally throughout the interview. This includes smiling, speaking politely and at a moderate pace, and making eye contact with the interviewer by looking directly at the camera.

    Be Mindful of Your Surroundings

    This is another unique consideration to video interviews.  You are inviting the interviewer into your space, so make sure that anything the interviewer will see in the background of your video feed is tidy and professional.  This means you should ensure that you have cleaned your room, that there is nothing inappropriate in view on walls or shelves, and that you are in a quiet place where background noises will not interfere with your conversation.

    Lastly, Be Yourself!

    Like any other interview, this is the key!  You want to be calm and confident, so that your interviewer gets a good sense of who you are and how you will be as an employee.  Speak conversationally, ask questions, and try to make the best impression you can!

    SOURCES:

    http://www.newswise.com/articles/seven-tips-to-mastering-an-online-job-interview

    https://www.livecareer.com/quintessential/acing-online-video-interview

  • End Your Internship on a High Note

    End Your Internship on a High Note

    Internships are an integral part of the process of becoming a professional in the trades, as well as many other fields of employment.  Not only do internships provide students with valuable experience in their field, they can also lead these students directly into a permanent career.

    However, while internships definitely help students to get hired into their chosen profession, nothing is guaranteed.  This means that it’s vital you do your best to make a great impression during your time with the company, and end your internship on a high note to help give you the best chance at becoming a permanent hire.

    Get to Know Your Co-Workers

    This is important, since these are the people you hope to work with long-term if you are hired on permanently.  Try to introduce yourself to all the members of your team or department, and get to know their function in the company and what tasks they perform as part of their job.  This will show that you’re interested in the job and the company on a long term basis.

    Be Enthusiastic, But Professional

    The key here is to show your supervisors how much you enjoy the work you’re doing, as well as the overall employment experience.  This includes everything from showing a general good attitude and willingness to work, to sitting down with your supervisor and telling them directly that you enjoy the job and would be very happy to have a future permanent position.

    Watch, Learn, and Be Willing to Take On New Tasks

    This basically sums up an internship as a whole, but is still important to mention.  Taking the time to watch and learn when you’re being trained in a new task, and ensuring that you practice to become good at it, will be strong indicators that you will make a great future employee.  The same goes for always offering to learn a new task, help a co-worker, or take on new duties.  These actions show you are dedicated to the job and to becoming a valuable employee.

    Show Your Appreciation and Stay in Touch

    Not all hiring decisions will take place right as your internship is over, and just because your internship term ends without an immediate job offer doesn’t mean you should simply move on.  Maintaining the relationships you formed during your time with the company can put you at the top of the list at the next opportunity for hiring.  Make sure you show your appreciation to your supervisors, and treat them to coffee and a chat at some point during or after your internship as a thank you.  Also make sure you keep in touch with these supervisors and your other co-workers, through email, LinkedIn and other social media, or some other connection.  One of these people could be instrumental in connecting you to or recommending you for a future job opportunity.

    SOURCES:

    http://news.wfu.edu/2016/08/08/end-an-internship-with-a-bang-not-a-whimper-to-land-a-full-time-job/

    https://www.careereducation.columbia.edu/tipsheets/summer-success-tips

  • Projects and Working Well with Others

    Projects and Working Well with Others

    One of the key skills to learn in all levels of education and at work starts at the elementary level. How to work well with others, or more accurately, how to get along with others is one of the most important things you’ll ever learn. All aspects of communication are based on this; it may sound a little strange, but it’s essential because it can help you in so many ways- the more friendly you are, the more co-workers that remember you positively will work with you in the future- especially while working on group projects.

    We all have had group projects at some point – and there’s always someone that you would rather not work with, or others who seem to take the largest share of the work (or the credit) to compensate for a teammate who doesn’t contribute as much.  (The last one is tricky: there are many reasons for less contribution to the project: too much going on project-wise; too little time, as an example.)

    I speak of projects as a general “how to work well with others”, but this is the best demonstration I can think of. You have those who take too much, and those who take too little. Both of these are particularly annoying. This is not always ideal when it comes to a project of a strict guideline and expected result, but can be handy to know.  Therefore, you should work with your strengths: public speaking as compared to research, as an example

    You can talk within the project about splitting the tasks fairly, such as one person doing the research, another doing the presentation in front of the class, and another doing the organization/expanding on the research into the presentation. Of course I am speaking very generally, but it does give you an idea of splitting large tasks into more manageable pieces.

    What of the people whose personalities clash? Compromise is the second key thing here, and can be very useful. Allow the option of doing something that you don’t like to do so that someone else can do something they want.  It helps to get along fluidly, as compared to groups who have no cooperation between members. This leaves an opportunity for people to try an option they didn’t take previously on the next project, or with the same group, and leads to a better understanding of one another.

    Time management was a key frustration for me – everybody has different strengths and schedules. Therefore, flexibility is the final key skill for getting along with others, and deadlines should be flexible where possible. There are always ‘hard’ deadlines, when projects need to be completed by a due date no matter what, and ‘soft’ deadlines, when sections of a project should be completed so the next stage can begin. By allowing a flexible task date, another team member can start their task preparing the verbal presentation while the first person is finishing up the typed presentation. This is only an example, but I think you can figure out the benefits.

    By thinking outside of the box, compromising, and allowing for flexibility, you can learn how to work well with others.  It makes the work go more quickly, and new friends are always welcome.

  • How to Choose the Right University

    How to Choose the Right University

    Fresh out of a high school is a bittersweet place to be. You don’t know what you want to do, or where you want to go, or you should take a year off. And probably most devastating, you and your friends are attending different universities.

    But what university is the best one for you? First and foremost, you should speak to your guidance counselor before leaving high school to figure out the best path for you. Figure out with them where your strong points were in school, your favourite subjects, and if that sparked any interest in a particular field. If you want to take a year off to earn some money or to travel, then do that too. And don’t worry if you don’t wind up doing what you thought you would. A professor once told me that about 50% of university and college students change their major. I was convinced that I was going to be a psychology major and I took one week of classes in York before I knew I hated it.

    Once you have a general idea of what program you want to join, start hunting universities. Take a look at the courses they offer and compare them to that of other universities to see who has the best course timetable for you. Make sure to attend the campus tours whenever you can because you want to get a feel for the atmosphere. You’ll feel right at home in the school you’re supposed to be in, trust me. If you’re looking at something out of the city or even the country, then be sure to pay attention to the costs of living as an international student on top of residence fees and classes.

    Should you be a student who requires any accommodations, be sure to look into those as well. See which school will accommodate you best. See what clubs or sports teams they have there. Never forget that you’re going to be spending very crucial years of your life here and you want to make the most of it.

    It’s important to note that the first university you choose may not be the one that you stick with. Some people are right at home with their first choice and others want to make a move after a couple years or even seven days. There’s no shame in this. If you feel like you belong somewhere else then it’s better to know early then to pay tuition to an institution you never felt a part of to begin with.

    Students often face the crisis of being accepted into more than one school. I know that I was given a scholarship to a school that I didn’t want to go to, but free money sounded really good as a broke high school student. Remember to always go with your instinct. If something doesn’t feel right, be sure to keep looking for the best university for you.

  • Discover Ontario’s History this July

    Discover Ontario’s History this July

    The summer months see Ontario come to life as the province bristles with activity. You may not have classes to attend, but there is always more to learn and always fun ways to go about it. Here are some fun events to check out throughout July that will bring history to life, from the wars Canada faced on its way to becoming a nation, to the houses where people lived out their lives just as you do now. The past is brimming with stories that make it more intriguing than you might expect.

    Heritage Day Canada – To celebrate Canada day on July 1st, consider heading to Sault Ste. Marie for the Heritage Day Canada festivities. You can watch a reenactment of pre-Confederation times, as people dress up to give you a glimpse into life hundreds of years ago. While there, do not forget to check out the Ermatinger Old Stone House. This restored piece of history lets you step back in time to experience domestic and work life during the 1800s.

    Lang Pioneer Village – Do you prefer more action in your history? Then head over to Peterborough’s Lang Pioneer Village on July 3rd. Their Confederation celebration will feature a re-enactment of the Fenian Raid, as part of the 150th anniversary of the 1866 Invasion of Canada. These raids saw Canada embroiled in a battle against Irish Republicans from the United States attempting to convince Britain to withdraw from Ireland. The battles helped strengthen morale amongst Canadians and give them greater faith in their military. It helped develop a critical sense of nationalism at around the time that we became a country.

    Scottish Tea – For those with an appetite for history, check out the Hutchinson House Museum in Peterborough during the afternoons throughout July. Starting July 2nd, tea and snacks will be offered everyday except Monday’s from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. The gorgeous terrace has a period garden. There are also guided tours of the restored stone house for you to get a glimpse of how people lived and relaxed centuries ago.

    Crimes and Criminals Guided Walk

    Maybe peaceful little historical homes are not your cup of tea. If that all sounds a bit dull for you, perhaps you prefer an edge to your history. This is the tour for you. Starting July 1st, Brockville will be hosting guided walk tours around their downtown area. Unlike those tours of quaint 19th century homes, this one examines the criminal past of the area, including the largest bank heist in Canadian history. The tours will take place every Friday at 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

    Ontario is filled with fun events throughout the summer filled with educational opportunities. Before classes start up again in September, make sure to take advantage of as many of them as possible. After all, you can only learn so much from the confines of a classroom.

    Source:

    Festivals & Events Ontario. http://www.festivalsandeventsontario.ca/

  • What is PRIDE Week: Origin and Events for 2016

    What is PRIDE Week: Origin and Events for 2016

    The Pride movement traces its roots back to the U.S. In 1970, marches took place in New York, Boston, Minneapolis, Chicago, San Francisco, and Los Angeles to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the raid that resulted in a riot that took place at a gay bar in Greenwich Village in NYC. In 1971, Ottawa and Vancouver followed suit by holding demonstrations. Toronto was not letting itself stay behind, and by the following year, the city held its first Pride celebration via a picnic at the Toronto Islands. In 1974, organizers figured that one day is not enough and launched a week-long celebration.

    In 1991, the City of Toronto officially proclaimed Pride Week. Later on, it turned into a Pride Month. Last year, the grand Pride parade took place on June 28. This was a monumental event highlighted by Toronto Mayor John Tory himself showing support by participating in the march. This year will be an even bigger one as the Prime Minister himself Justin Trudeau is said to be joining the march on July 3 along Church St. and Bloor St.—the first ever Prime Minister to make the effort.

    Below are the highlights to watch out for during Canada’s Pride celebration:

    Toronto

    Pride Flag Raising Ceremony

    This event will signal the start of the Pride Month and will take place on June 1 at 9am at Queen’s Park. Premier Kathleen Wynne and powerhouse community leaders will help hoist up the Pride colours. Mayor John Tory and City Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam will proclaim the Pride Month celebration a day before—May 31.

    Pride Month Launch Party

    There is no better way to launch a Pride Month than with a party. This will be held on June 2 at the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) at Dundas Street West where renowned Toronto-based Renaissance Man Bruce LaBruce has handpicked four mesmerizing artists to perform their best.

    Gay Day at Wonderland

    Canada’s top amusement park will be the venue for the LGBQT community and their supporters to unite and have fun on June 18 at Jane Street in Vaughan.

    Nuit Rose Light Parade

    Now on its third year, this event is one of the highly anticipated during the Pride Month. This will begin at the Norman Jewison Park on Isabella St. on June 25, from 9pm to 11pm.

    Vancouver

    Pride Legacy Awards

    Individuals who have done so much for the LGBQT community over the years in Vancouver receive their spotlight via an awards show on June 18 at 6pm at the Roundhouse Community Center in Roundhouse Mews.

    Healing Retreat

    Positive Living BC provides a one-day sanctuary for those who are HIV positive via a healing retreat on June 24 at 8am at East Hastings Street.

    Ottawa

    Pride Flag Raising Ceremony

    The country’s capital launches its Pride Month celebration via a Pride flag raising ceremony at the City Hall on August 15 at 8am to 1pm.

    Capital Pride’s Art/Fashion Swap

    Fashion lovers and art enthusiasts can swap their clothing items or art pieces via this event taking place on August 15 from 10pm to 1am.

    SOURCES:

    http://ottawacapitalpride.ca/event/alt-queer-artfashion-swap/

    http://www.vancouverpride.ca/events

    http://www.pridetoronto.com/

    http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/lesbian-gay-bisexual-and-transgender-rights-in-canada/

     

  • Pride in Toronto- What’s Going On?

    Pride in Toronto- What’s Going On?

    Summer comes with a ton of great stuff to do and see in the city of Toronto. One of the best cities in the world not only houses cultural diversity and acceptance but their annual Pride Week is coming up this June 25 – July 3.
    Every year the week provides tons of incredible events to attend and lots of guest speakers and musical guests to ensure that party goers and community supporters get their entertainment fill. This year guests like George Takei and Yalla Bara are set to arrive to deliver speeches and perform.

    For first time goers there are lots of tamer events to attend to ease your way into the week’s energy. An AIDS candlelight vigil will be held in Barbara Hall Park on June 28 at 9:00 p.m. this year. Pride Toronto’s website describes the event as, “Take a solemn moment during your Pride festivities to hold the torch high and remember. The theme this year is Taking Care of Each Other, in recognition of all who have supported and helped each other along over the years.” To celebrate Indigenous culture, Two-Spirit will perform on July 1 at 77 Wellesley Street E with DJ Shub. The Art Fair happening on July 2 in Alexander Parkette is an all ages event showcasing art depicting identities, legal rights, experiences of mental health and wellness, and other social justice initiatives. The week will also have Family Pride days on both July 2 and 3.

    For those who are more interested in the party scene or if you’ve attended before, some of the events you have to look forward to are the Cabana pool party, Drag ON!, and Bear Garden. As added incentive for those who attend this year, Drag ON! offers the chance to be a part of history as the event takes home the title of Largest Drag Stage Performance in the Guinness Book of World Records. The event will take place on July 2 at 2:00 p.m. at the Molson Canadian Stage. Bear Garden (July 2, 2:00 p.m., OLG Central Stage) will feature performers such Vjuan Allure, DJ Blackcat, Nik Red, Kris Steeves, and Aeryn Pfaff.

    These are only some of the events taking place during the week. The month also holds tons of events to attend or things to see such as karaoke at Second City on June 15 for 10:30 p.m. Hit up www.pridetoronto.com to check out all the wonderful events coming to the city this month and for Pride Week.

  • Benefits of Skilled Trade Co-op Programs for Secondary Students

    Benefits of Skilled Trade Co-op Programs for Secondary Students

    Most high schools in Canada offer work experience programs, also known as Co-operative Education or, Co-op.  Students get to spend part of the day in a workplace environment in a career field of their choice.

    These programs are designed to give students the opportunity to apply and develop the skills they have learned in the classroom in a real-life career setting, while learning new skills and gaining valuable work experience.

    Co-op programs are always a great idea, especially if you’re considering a career in the skilled trades.

    Exploring your Options

    To begin with, Co-op offers you a first-hand glimpse into a career or field you might be interested in. During a placement, students are given responsibilities, as well as opportunities to participate in work-based projects.

    It’s a hands-on experience, as well as a surefire way to help you decide if a career is right for you. For example, at a placement in an auto-repair garage, you might learn that you’d be more in sheet-metal working, instead of auto-mechanics.

    The most appealing aspect of all is that you get to work in your chosen field while earning credits toward your high school diploma!

    Life Skills

    The real world experience of a Co-op placement teaches students life skills they will use now and in the future. Some of those skills include:

    Professionalism

    During a work placement, you are treated as an employee. Therefore, you are expected to arrive to your placement on time and dress in a manner that is appropriate for the workplace.

    You are also expected to behave in a matter than shows confidence and respect towards your supervisor(s) and colleagues. Furthermore, you get that same respect back in return when you show a professional attitude.

    Accountability

    As a Co-op student, you are expected to carry out responsibilities like any other employee in the professional workplace.

    A company and/or client will not hire you if they can’t rely on you to fulfill your responsibilities.

    Skilled workers, whether they are self-employed or work for a company, have to be accountable because their livelihood depends on it.

    Multi-tasking:

    While taking Co-op, you learn to juggle school with your work placement, and other commitments (i.e. extra-curricular, part-time job, etc). The ability to multi-task well is not only a skill, it’s a gift.

    Skilled labour industries rely heavily on worker productivity. Co-op students working for instance, on a construction site, in a plant or auto repair shop, learn how to balance and prioritize projects.

    Teamwork

    The skilled trades most often require labourers to work effectively as a team. Think about construction workers on a site, or technicians on a power line.

    Co-op students interested in pursuing a skilled trade get to experience first-hand, the importance of relying on fellow workers to get a job done, while keeping everyone safe.

    Graduation and Beyond

    After graduation, you will likely choose to enroll in a post-secondary program or pursue an apprenticeship. Guess what? That co-op course you took looks great on your application!

    Also, it’s not at all unusual for students to get hired by their Co-op employers; a work placement could eventually turn into a future job.

    Finally, having that Co-op experience also gives students the opportunity to network and build lifelong contacts. These contacts just might lead you to your dream career!

  • Challenges Finding Employment

    Challenges Finding Employment

    So you’ve graduated and have received the education needed to follow the career you’ve always wanted; now what? Finding that first job, of course – but in these tumultuous economic times, getting a job these days is no small feat. But there are always options. Not all will apply to your particular situation, but sometimes just knowing the choices available will help you gain employment at some future time. Below is some advice to consider:

    (If it at first you don’t succeed)Try, try, try again: The traditional method of finding a job means looking at job boards and visiting employment help centres periodically. You may have to stick with your boring retail job until you find something related to your chosen career, even if it’s something that you had never considered before. At the very least, it helps you gain experience and help pay off that rent and student loan. The employment centre staff is there to help you form useful connections, which is always helpful as you move into the job market. In addition, they can help perfect your resume and interview skills, so companies will take a second (or third) look at you and what you offer.

    Consider alternative routes for entering the job market: There seem to be fewer and fewer options for full-time entry-level jobs for graduates and those new to the job field. Consider travelling further than you’d like. Consider part-time or contract positions. They may not pay as well as full-time work, but they do help you gain relative experience those employers are always looking for, and workplace-relative employment contracts and references. By “relative”, I mean simply skills that are relevant to the jobs you’re looking for.  If you want to work in an office, learn Word, Excel, PowerPoint and a variety of computer software programs. There are many other options: computer programming or Web-based skills, language classes, trade-based skills such as carpentry, and volunteer activities. These can all be done on your own time or as a hobby if you find them interesting.

    Return to school: For some majors (generally Arts), there are fewer options available – and by doing your research into the most in-demand careers, you can get a ‘second’ education for something related to your major and frequently in-demand career, so it’s not a total waste of your time, money or educational knowledge. There are a lot of abilities that can be transferred within majors, depending on the school where you’d like to learn. Consider other majors as well – perhaps you’ll find something you were also interested in, but never had the time to consider it as a second major.

    Relocate: The last option, and the most expensive. Certain regional municipalities have more job options than others and can provide more opportunities of a full-time, permanent job, which is (of course) the ideal for anyone trying to pay rent and pay off loans. I’d recommend only doing this after accepting a job offer to limit the disadvantages of relocation. I know several people who have moved provinces and were able to get a full-time job as compared to being a part-time or having a contract job in this province (Ontario).

    There are challenges to finding employment – but that’s no reason to stop looking. Sometimes, you can find it in places you never thought possible- taking a more non-traditional route may lead you to your dream job.