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  • Multi-tasking – Challenge or Triumph?

    Multi-tasking – Challenge or Triumph?

    Do you know people who seem so productive that you ever wonder if they ever get to sleep at all? These people go to school on time and never miss a day, have a steady part-time job, are involved in volunteer projects every week, are active in sports activities, and have a full social calendar to boot. Do you ever wonder how they do it?

    Well, having no gaps in one’s daily schedule means productivity levels are off the scale. Multitasking is indeed a skill that is to be admired, but sometimes there is such a thing as taking on too much. As such, below are tips for multitasking so you can avoid a crash and burn.

    Make a things-to-do list.

    It may sound old-fashioned, but it is one trick that will never fail you. If you make a list of your things to do, it will give your mind more clarity and actually make you more prepared and ready to take on the tasks at hand. If you don’t want to write with a pen and paper, then go use your smartphone or tablet. You can even find apps that give alarm sounds when it’s actually time to do the task.

    Prioritize and sacrifice.

    There are times when you want to do it all, but you will come to realize that Time won’t allow you to do it all. During these times, learn to prioritize and sacrifice. For instance, you are expected to turn in a school assignment by end of the week, and you have not done anything yet because you’ve put in extra hours of work in your part-time job. Unfortunately, your friends are inviting you to go at a pool party for the weekend. What to do? In this case, prioritize and sacrifice. You don’t want to end up with a big fat zero for your assignment, so explain to your friends that you will be taking a rain check for the time being.

    Focus.

    There will come a time when one aspect of your life will need more attention than the others. For instance, if your mom will be having surgery on the weekend, and you’re the only family member who can be there for her while she recuperates, take the time to focus on giving her the care she needs. Focusing on this task means you are giving it 100 percent effort.

    Take your time.

    Multitasking does not mean you have the right to do things halfheartedly. If you feel you need more time to complete the school assignment, take more time to do it rather than forcing yourself to speed things up so that you can move on to the next task at hand. Always remember the saying “jack of all trades but master of none.” You certainly don’t want to be a master of none.

    Juggling multiple tasks at the same time may sound easy, but it does take a lot of skill and discipline. Always remember though that you are not a superhuman. Accept your strengths and weaknesses as they are and always do your best in every task that comes your way.

    SOURCES:

    http://lifestyle.allwomenstalk.com/tips-for-better-multitasking

    http://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/Dont-Maximize-Your-Multitasking-Opt

    http://99u.com/articles/7135/layering-multitasking-that-actually-works

  • Too Much Social Media: Tips on How to Avoid Social Media During Exam Time

    Too Much Social Media: Tips on How to Avoid Social Media During Exam Time

    There are dozens of social media sites: Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram, Snapchat, Pinterest and more. In a report issued by the Social Affairs Division of the Library of Parliament, over 80% of Canadian young adults use social media, and numbers from the US are no different, according to the Pew Research Centre.

    You, may be in either the majority or the minority—but during exam weeks, make sure you are in the minority. I’m not suggesting you should delete your social media accounts, but avoiding them as much as possible during exam time may be in your best interest.

    Social media is an unnecessary distraction. Even if you intend to just spend ten minutes on Facebook as a break from studying, don’t! That ten minutes will turn into an hour. It’s so easy to lose track of time when you’re scrolling through posts, liking someone’s baby pictures, responding to people who commented on your picture of your morning latte, etc.

    Given the negative impact social media use may have on your studying productivity, here are some strategies to avoid it:

    1. Uninstall social media apps
    Apps are so convenient. They remember your username and password so all it takes is one tap on a familiar icon and you’re logged on. Eliminate the temptation by uninstalling your frequently used social media apps. You can always reinstall them after exams.

    2. Use website blockers
    Uninstalling apps does not eliminate your access to these sites on browsers. This is where website blockers come in. For example, StayFocused is a Chrome extension that allows you to block specific websites—or set a specific amount of time to access it. Once you have used up your daily time, you will not be able to access the site until the next day. There are similar programs that you can try out.

    3. Ask a friend or family member to change your password
    An alternative strategy is to give a close friend or family member your password, ask them to change it, and tell them to give you the new password after your exams. Make sure this is someone you trust!

    Final exams are coming up. Depending on the course, how well you do on these exams may determine whether you pass or fail the course. If you have difficulty focusing on your studying, eliminate as many distractions as you can. The above strategies will help you eliminate the frequent distraction of social media- your test scores will thank you for it!

    References:

    1. http://www.lop.parl.gc.ca/content/lop/ResearchPublications/2010-05-e.htm
    2. http://www.pewinternet.org/2015/10/08/social-networking-usage-2005-2015/
    3. https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/stayfocusd/laankejkbhbdhmipfmgcngdelahlfoji?hl=en

  • What I Would Tell My Younger Self About University

    What I Would Tell My Younger Self About University

    There are many things I’d like to tell my younger self about what to expect when I got to University. I think the most important thing would be the importance of balance. It’s easy to get caught up in socializing and recreational activities. There’s so much to do and so many new things to experience and sometimes classes can lose their priority. But balance is the key to ensuring you have a fun, well-rounded experience.

    Spending too much time partying or hanging out with friends can not only have a negative impact on your studies, but it can also have a negative impact on your bank account. For most students, university is the first opportunity they’ve had to manage their own finances, live on their own and be independent. Without learning how to balance all aspects of your life, these changes can sometimes become overwhelming. When we become overwhelmed it can be more difficult to complete tasks on time, get to class, eat right and take care of ourselves. All the things we need to do to stay healthy and happy can be pushed to the side, causing us to become easily agitated or depressed.

    It’s equally as important to remember not to focus so much on school you forget to experience the other aspects of university life. Academics are important, but a well-rounded education and a fulfilling university experience are also important. Get involved in clubs, sports teams or volunteer activities. Meet people. Go to a few parties. Hang out at the library. Eat the bad cafeteria food. Get involved in student politics. Try new things.

    Remember, university is a time to discover what interests you. So, take a variety of courses, talk to an advisor about how to best reach your goals. Keep your options open (especially in your first year). Give yourself some time to get settled and to adjust to your new life before you make any major decisions.

    After university it’s time to enter the “real world” so allow yourself to enjoy the process. Have fun. Don’t take things too seriously, but don’t goof off too much either. After all you are preparing for your future. Balance really is the key to success.

     

  • Making the Most Out of E-Learning

    Making the Most Out of E-Learning

    In today’s fast-paced way of living, it is not surprising that a number of educational institutions have modified their learning opportunities as well. Colleges and universities recognize that most students are aiming to be renaissance men and women; they want to ( or have to) make the most out of life by pursuing their respective degrees while they and hold down a part-time job, devote time to family and friends, and indulge in hobbies and sports.

    As such, these students can delve into the world of e-learning where they can study at their own time and generally at their own pace. It does sound more relaxed and less time-consuming, but if you are considering an online class, know that it does require the same amount of devotion and responsibilities as in a classroom setup. The only difference is that you don’t have to worry about the time aspect of the course- you choose what time to do your work (and you don’t have to worry about waiting in traffic!)

    Here then are ways to make the most out of E-learning:

    Know the syllabus by heart.

    It is easy to get lost in an online class if you do not understand the syllabus and what the learning objectives are. As such, make sure to go through the syllabus so that everything is clear from the start. If there is something that confuses you, let the instructor know so clarifications can be made early-on.

    Manage your time.

    Just because the online class is flexible does not mean you can get away with slacking. There are still assignments to be turned in at specific times. For this reason, you will have to discipline yourself to make the deadlines.

    Participate.

    Most online classes have a discussion board where your classmates can share your opinions and ideas. Participate as much as you can. It is certainly a good substitute for classroom interaction. As in a classroom setup, have an open mind and respect your classmates’ views no matter how different it might be from yours- no online attacks.

    Apply focus and discipline.

    One of the most difficult things to do in an online class is to stay focused on the topics or subjects at hand. After all, you are online and it is so easy to go on your social networking accounts or to search for a video on YouTube. Do not click on any unrelated website until you are done with your school tasks.

    Create your space.

    Just because you don’t have a classroom doesn’t mean you don’t need a sacred space for your online class. It is important you have space to fully concentrate and attend to your school tasks. Go to the library if you must.

    Some people choose the online class route simply because they think it is easy. However, online classes are just as challenging as traditional classes. Follow the tips above, and you will be able to have a fulfilling learning experience.

    Sources:

    http://elearninginfographics.com/5-great-study-tips-for-online-students-infographic/

    http://www.growthengineering.co.uk/3-tips-for-elearning-efficiency/

    http://bestonlineuniversities.com/101-elearning-tips-from-the-experts/

  • Are you a Leader or an Assistant?

    Are you a Leader or an Assistant?

    A good leader possesses the ability to motivate a group of people to complete a task or reach a goal. They need to know how to inspire others to work toward a common goal. Leadership is more about action then title. Good leaders have social influence, not just power garnered from holding a specific position.

    John Quincy Adams, the sixth President of the United States once said, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”

    A good assistant is an indispensable and invaluable member of the team. Assistants are not less able or important than their bosses. In fact they are often referred to as their bosses “right hand.” Good assistants provide unconditional support whenever needed.

    Everyone has a different skill set and different aspirations. The best way to decide if you are a leader or an assistant is to ask yourself a few questions and take a look at the skill set that is unique to you. Take a look at the qualities listed below, which do you pose more of? Which would you like to pose more of?

    Leadership Qualities:

    • Ability to delegate
    • Good communicator
    • Motivational
    • Confident
    • Ability to read people
    • Trusts intuition
    • Inspirational
    • Positive attitude/ optimism
    • Accountability
    • Focus/ drive
    • Decisiveness
    • Responsible
    • Honest
    • Integrity

    Assistant Qualities:

    • Follows direction well
    • Organized
    • Teamwork
    • Time management
    • Adaptability
    • Willing to do any job big or small
    • Anticipating the needs of others
    • Ability to prioritize
    • Strong listening skills
    • Interpersonal skills
    • High energy
    • Multi-tasking
    • Self-management
    • Problem solving

    Depending on your skills and personality you may choose to be an assistant or a leader. These skills can be applied to your career choices, sports and extracurricular activities and relationships. Of course, you can still possess integrity and be an assistant, and vice versa.

    Some career choices common for people with strong leadership skills are: politics, coaching, managers (of an office, marketing, sales, construction etc.), lawyer, judge, detective, therapist, social worker, public relations, TV producer, motivational speaker, CEO, or school counselor.

    Some good career choices for those with strong assistant skills are: administration (school, office, medical, legal etc.), dental hygienist, executive assistant, paralegal, teacher’s aide, personal assistant, and research assistant or veterinary assistant.

    Sometimes it may seem like leaders get more glory, while assistants are working behind the scenes making sure all the necessary day to day tasks get done on time and on schedule. But it’s important to remember whatever your strengths and regardless of which category you fall into both leaders and assistants are invaluable members of any team.

  • Career Profile: Doctor of Dental Surgery

    Career Profile: Doctor of Dental Surgery

    Becoming a Doctor of Dental Surgery is no easy task—but it is an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling career. If you are interested in becoming a dentist, you probably enjoy helping people, challenging work, and being your own boss.

    In Canada, this degree, Doctor of Dental Surgery, is awarded to graduates of an accredited school of dentistry, such as the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Dentistry (1). The first step to becoming a dentist is earning admission to a dental school. You need to wow the admissions committee with your cognitive and non-cognitive abilities, including an excellent score on the Dental Aptitude Test. The DAT is run by the Canadian Dental Association (2).

    The specifics of dental school curriculum will vary depending on which school you attend, but at the University of Alberta, dental students do two years of general anatomy and physiology then another two years of study focusing on oral health and science (3). After graduation, the next step is obtaining a license to practice. This is granted by the National Dental Examining Board of Canada (4).

    Once licensed to practice, today’s dentist has a wide scope of skills and responsibilities. You may become involved in:

    1. Health care (5)
    Think back to your last visit to the dentist. You probably got a few tips on how to take better care of your teeth. Dentists are considered primary health care providers, which means they can guide you to better oral and overall health.

    2. Education (5)

    Dentists may also be involved in educating the general public. This can take the form of articles, television and radio interviews, or speaking engagements. Some health professionals are also active on social media.

    3. Teaching and research (5)
    Once a dentist has become well-established, they may be invited to guest-lecture or later, become a professor in a dental school. Affiliation with a dental school provides greater opportunity to conduct oral health research.

    4. Specialize (5)
    There are also opportunities to specialize. DDS graduates may become general practitioners or become specialists in the following areas: dental public health; endodontics; oral and maxillofacial surgery; oral medicine and pathology; oral and maxillofacial radiology; orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics; pediatric dentistry; periodontics; and prosthodontics.

    Dentistry is not just root canals and braces. As you can see, the Doctor of Dental Surgery degree gives you plenty of opportunities beyond general practice. This is a wonderful career path and if you decide to pursue it, you will have a bright future!

    References:

    1. https://www.dentistry.utoronto.ca/admissions/doctor-dental-surgery-dds
    2. https://www.cda-adc.ca/en/becoming/dat/
    3. http://www.dentistry.ualberta.ca/ProgramsAdmissions/Dentistry/DDSOverview.aspx
    4. http://www.ndeb.ca/en/requirements
    5. https://www.cda-adc.ca/en/becoming/becoming/specialties/index.asp

  • Why Your Ideas are Important

    Why Your Ideas are Important

    We all go through periods in which we feel as if we are sapped of creativity. Many refer to these periods as being “blocked”—when good ideas seem nowhere to be found, and you often can’t think of anything worthy of efforts. Yet sometimes, it’s possible to escape these blocks simply by appreciating what you have to offer.

    Your ideas are important. Whether they’re scribbled on the back of a cocktail napkin or hiding somewhere in the bottom of your school bag, they matter. And, even when it feels as if you can’t possibly come up with anything intelligent or interesting, know that you have enough brainpower to work towards your next finding.

    It is rare that we truly appreciate our own creative potential. Every individual has their own unique life experiences, opinions, and perspectives to draw upon, and it is important to remember that we all have something interesting to bring to the table. A story that may seem benign to you may bring others to tears; meanwhile, the struggles of others may hit home with you in a way that you could never have anticipated.

    Moreover, you need to be honest and kind to yourself if you want to make creative progress. Something you come up with may seem weak, but it’s unwise to judge your abilities based on just one thing. Good brainstorming sessions often don’t come easily, and you often have to go through a lot of first drafts (and a lot of abandoned projects) before you hit the jackpot.

    There are a few ways you can maximize the productivity of your brainstorming process by channeling your ideas more effectively:

    • Write everything down—keep a pen on you at all times in case inspiration strikes. Struggling to remember that amazing idea you got while on the subway (but never got the chance to record) can be torturous.
    • Surround yourself by creative triggers, or people, places, or things that get the gears turning.
    • By pitching your ideas to others, you will be able to see how your ideas look from their perspective, as well as appreciate facets that you perhaps would not have otherwise noticed.
    • Create a visual idea board to physically represent and connect concepts. It is especially helpful if you keep this board close by while you’re working.

    Overall, remember that blocks aren’t forever, and that you’re capable of working through them. Stay positive, and keep at it. You’ll be on to the next big thing in no time.

  • Optimize Your Studying with a Whiteboard: College and University Study Tips

    Optimize Your Studying with a Whiteboard: College and University Study Tips

    Have you noticed that study rooms often include a whiteboard? I have studied at many university libraries and all the study rooms I have used included a whiteboard. (Whether working markers and an eraser were available—that’s a different story.) My old method of studying involved writing and rewriting notes, but one day, I ran out of paper. I grudgingly resorted to writing on the whiteboard…

    And I have never looked back. The whiteboard has become an indispensable studying tool and here I discuss how I have optimized my studying by incorporating a whiteboard.

    1. I have space for diagrams and charts.
    Whenever I drew a diagram on a regular-sized piece of paper, I either had to write really small to fit all the information in or write in readable font size- but leave out some information. The same goes for charts. With a whiteboard, I have so much space!

    Recently, I was memorizing the different classes of antibiotics and their mechanisms of action. I drew a giant bacterial cell on the whiteboard and was able to write the antibiotic names where they acted in the cell. For example, if the antibiotic attacks the cell wall, I would write its name just outside the oval cell. The bonus here is that you can take a picture of this diagram and study on the go!

    2. I can test my memory.
    When you are finished studying a lecture, stand in front of a blank whiteboard and write down a summary of the lecture. Start by writing down the different sections of the lecture and then methodically, write down the important points section by section.

    The point of this exercise is to see how much you have remembered: did you forget a section? If you did, you now know that you need to devote more time to. Did you write down everything? Then you are good to go on to the next lecture. It’s true that you can also try this with a piece of paper—but I argue that given the length of university-level lectures, you simply cannot fit all that information onto one piece of paper. The whiteboard gives you much more space.

    3. I have a reason to get up.
    Sitting in one spot for a prolonged period of time can have negative consequences for your health. I used to think that I had no choice but to risk my long-term health in favour of my grades. Now, by using a whiteboard, I can stand up and pace while studying. This is the kind of multi-tasking that I love.

    Studying is a constant struggle for many people. I am always in search of The One: that one strategy that will help me achieve greater productivity, more efficient studying, and better time management skills. What I have found is that a strategy that works for your friend may not work for you—and there is nothing wrong with that! So my disclaimer is that I cannot guarantee this will work for you, but I encourage you to give it a shot.

  • The Most Important Skills to have as an Executive Assistant

    The Most Important Skills to have as an Executive Assistant

    In modern offices, you will be hard-pressed to not find an executive assistant. These individuals play a crucial role in organizations big and small. Ostensibly, an executive assistant supports just one person—but in practice, an exceptional executive assistant adds an extra dose of efficiency and productivity to the entire office.

    The job description for the executive assistant to a vice-president of finance will differ from the job description for the executive assistant to the CEO of a non-profit organization. However, certain skill-sets will always be in demand for this position.

    The most important skills to have or acquire:

    1. Time Management

    An executive assistant manages the day-to-day schedule for the person he or she supports. Therefore, you should be familiar with scheduling software, such as Microsoft Outlook, Google Calendar and PeopleSoft. These programs will also help with forward planning: you will be responsible for keeping an eye on what’s coming up, especially deadlines. Time management also involves being able to prioritize tasks. Your to-do list will no doubt be long; the key to making your list manageable is knowing which tasks are urgent and which ones can be safely put off to another day.

    2. Communication

    You will have contact with many people both inside and outside the organization. It goes without saying that your communications need to be professional. Not only are you representing your boss and your organization, but you need to maintain good working relationships. Another way to maintain professional rapport is to communicate and set appropriate expectations. Know when you need to say, “I’m sorry, event X has to take priority this week. Can I get back to you about event Y next week?” And when you promise to follow up; make sure you do!

    3. Flexibility

    Executive assistants need to be flexible. You may have put together the perfect schedule for your boss—but an emergency happens and now you’re busy coordinating with other busy people to reschedule meetings. Is this a headache? Yes. But if you react with a negative attitude, you are acting unprofessionally. Learning to roll with the punches is a necessary skill-set for executive assistants because life is not always going to follow your schedule.

    Now that you have a better idea of the core competencies of an executive assistant, you can investigate what skills and knowledge you need specific to your boss and your organization. For example, if you are applying to work for a vice-president of finance, you will stand out from the other applicants by having some experience in an accounting or finance environment. Becoming an executive assistant is a challenging and demanding position, but an incredibly rewarding one.

  • Exciting Careers in Computer Science: STEM

    Exciting Careers in Computer Science: STEM

    The following is a list of exciting careers in computer science you may want to consider pursuing after you finish your studies in high school. Despite what observers may think, the computer science industry has many options for new graduates to pursue:

    Computer Science Teacher
    Has your dream always been to teach the next generation of students? Why not combine the best of both worlds and teach your passion? As a computer science teacher your day to day will involve preparing lesson plans for students, demonstrating computer theories to students and interacting with school administrators as well as parents. If you plan to pursue this teaching path, you will need to acquire an additional education degree after completing your bachelor’s program in a related technological field.

    Software Engineer/Programmer
    As a software engineer or programmer, your day to day will involve coding, so it is essential that you have mastered some programming languages during your studies. These languages will allow you to build software designs. Currently, this is one of the most sought after professions as every industry is in need of technological advancement. From healthcare to the gaming and film industries, as a programmer you will have the opportunity to be exposed to any of these industries. Another perk of pursuing this occupation is often times you will be able to work remotely and communicate with your colleagues electronically. So if you’re someone that thrives on your own schedule, this might be the job for you!

    Network/Systems Administrator
    Network or system administrators manage the networks or IT infrastructures of different organizations. The role involves making sure equipment such as servers, desktop work stations and mobile devices are running in the most efficient and secure way possible. While some companies choose to outsource their data network administration to IT service providers, this position is still essential to many industries. As a student interested in pursuing this occupation, you can also look into more business driven coursework like network communications and business systems design.

    Enterprise Architect
    As the name surely explains, being an enterprise architect is no easy task for it involves creating blueprints for data communication within organizations. The design is critical to how the organization responds to IT security threats. They are able to analyze the needs by working with managers and the Chief Technology Officer of the company. Often times this occupation requires a substantial amount of experience after completing a bachelor’s degree–but certainly an exciting career path to look forward to!

    Regardless of which career in computer science you’re interested in, make sure to learn more about them by taking on some internships and co-op positions before university or college, and while in university or college. There is nothing quite like first-hand experience to tell whether a job is the right fit for you. Happy internship hunting!

    Sources:
    http://www.computerscienceonline.org/careers/#CS-Careers-on-the-Rise
    http://www.computerscienceonline.org/careers/#Choosing-a-CS-Specialty-or-Subfield
    http://www.computerscienceonline.org/careers/#The-Importance-of-Soft-Skills