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  • The Changing Job Market for the Future Generation

    The Changing Job Market for the Future Generation

    To understand the changing job market, we need to know why it changes. There are four main drivers for change: economics, technology, demographics such as age, culture or gender, and consumer behaviour. Changes in one or more of these areas can greatly affect the job market; so when planning for the future, it’s always better to look at labour market trends rather than today’s hot jobs.

    With the economy being in a constant state of flux, businesses are forced to become more competitive and seek new ways to understand consumer and market trends. Data analysts, market researchers, skilled sales people will be hot opportunities for those with the right skills.

    Many jobs are being replaced with technology, but with this comes new job opportunities. This is why we’re seeing a decline in clerical and repetitive jobs such as retail cashiers and data entry clerks but a rise in technology-related jobs such as engineers, application developers and designers. With new technologies also come emerging careers, such as computer security specialist, global positioning systems technician and electronic commerce specialist.

    The skilled trades present excellent opportunities and there will always be a need for electricians, welders, carpenters, construction workers, and other trades people. Today, we’re facing a shortage in skilled workers which means numerous opportunities and higher salaries.

    The population is getting older, especially in developed countries like the US, Canada and Japan. With this comes an increased demand for health related professions such as doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and personal care-givers.

    Business is business and people will always have to make sound financial decisions. If you’re savvy with finances and have good people skills, a career in financial services may be for you.

    Some careers will experience fluctuations in supply and demand, but there will always be a need. Examples are teachers, doctors, dentists, lawyers, accountants, food and beverage servers, and law enforcement professionals.

    In this ever-changing job market, you may be wondering how you can keep up. Here are five suggestions:

    Learn what is happening in the world and how it’s changing. Listen to the news, research on the internet and talk to people. Then, you can plan how to prepare yourself for the workplace.

    Find mentors or examples. If someone is doing the job you dream of, ask them to mentor you and help you get there. You’d be surprised at how much people love helping others.

    Be willing to be a novice. Look for opportunities to learn something new. Never be afraid to say “I don’t know.” To keep up with this fast paced job market, you have to stay on a learning curve.

    Change your mindset. Don’t get trapped into thinking “my approach always worked – if it’s not broke, don’t fix it!” This type of mentality will keep you in a rut, and you’ll be left behind.

    The job market is changing quickly, but it doesn’t have to be scary. There’s a place for all of us in this world; so use this time to explore new, exciting opportunities!

    ____________

    Giselle Mazurat is a resume writer living in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She also writes technical and business content for government and private companies.

     

    References:

    5 Ways To Keep Up In Today’s Job Market http://www.forbes.com/sites/erikaandersen/2013/09/16/5-ways-to-keep-up-in-todays-job-market/

    Career trends: The essential skills you’ll need for the jobs of the next five years http://www.workopolis.com/content/advice/article/career-trending-where-the-jobs-will-be-through-2020-and-beyond/

    What new occupations and industries are emerging? http://www.tcu.gov.on.ca/eng/labourmarket/ojf/upComingJobs.html

    Why do Jobs Change Over Time? http://www.tcu.gov.on.ca/eng/labourmarket/ojf/changeOverTime.html

  • School to Work

    School to Work

    Whether you plan to go to college or university, or you want to get right into the workplace after high school, there is co-operative education, internship, and apprenticeship programs all designed to aid students in making the transition from school to the workforce.

    Co-operative Education programs are available at the secondary and post-secondary levels. High school co-ops earn you credits toward your high school diploma, and provide you with first-hand experience in a potential career. Skills learned through a co-op also help to build up your resume, which will help you with future schooling or job applications. Check with your guidance counsellor to arrange a co-op program. Usually a teacher must monitor these programs, and provide a study curriculum related to your co-op work placement.

    Post-secondary co-op programs exist through many of Canada’s universities and colleges. These offer an educational experience combining work placements and academic studies. These tend to be complete degree or diploma programs, requiring formal enrollment in the program the same as any other college or university degree. Co-op programs may take longer to complete than a standard degree, since the work placements are interspersed between your class semesters. These programs are a great way to get hands-on experience in your chosen field, which will give you a competitive edge when applying for jobs after graduation.

    Internships operate a bit differently than a co-op. Many internships are posted, and applied for, in the same way regular jobs are: you need to apply with a resume and cover letter, perform an interview, and get hired for the position. Internships are great for students and recent graduates because you have a chance to work at a job to see if it is right for you, without committing to a permanent position, since most internships are only a few months or a year in length. Also, more awareness of un-paid internships is being recognized and in the future, laws may change to benefit the intern more than the corporation they are working at. When you become an intern, make sure you are getting what you deserve and want out of the internship; it needs to benefit the next step in your career path. There are too many grads walking around busting their backs for companies that do not pay them, or don’t pay them enough.

    Lastly, if you plan to go into one of the skilled trades, an apprenticeship is the way to go. Apprenticeships differ from co-ops and internships in that most of your learning takes place as a paid working apprentice, where you learn on the job in order to develop and refine the technical skills specific to that particular trade. Only a small part of an apprenticeship is comprised of class time, usually taking place at a technical school, union training centre, or through online study. You do have to register with your local or provincial apprenticeship office, who will help you track your hours, inform you of grants to help pay for your apprenticeship, and assist you in obtaining your professional certifications.

    While asking your school guidance department, and family or friends, are good places to start your search for a co-op, internship, or apprenticeship, there are also a number of online resources dedicated to helping Canadian students connect with these opportunities.

    Sources:

    Canadian Association for Co-operative Education

    http://www.cafce.ca/

    Public Service Commission of Canada – Post Secondary Co-op and Internship Program

    www.cappa.ca/index.php/en/students/post-secondary-co-op-internship-program

    Careers in Trades

    http://www.careersintrades.ca/

    Government of Canada Services for Youth

    www.youth.gc.ca/eng/topics/career_planning/coop.shtml

     

  • The 5 Year Question…

    The 5 Year Question…

    “Where do you think you’ll be in five years?” We’ve all heard variations of this question, from various people; from friends to teachers, guidance counselors and magazine articles. But what you might not know is that it’s actually a great start to planning and time management – specifically in regards to your career. These thoughts and questions can be useful and productive while you’re planning for your post-secondary education. The 5 year question gets you thinking about what you want to do with your life; how to get there, and the goals that you may have to set in order to move closer (think baby steps) towards your ultimate goal. Getting There… In high school, for instance, you think broadly: what career you want to be in (and other related occupations because it will change), and what level of education you will need to get there. If it’s a science career, you’re going to be taking science classes: but that can be split off into chemistry, physics, or biology. If it’s working with computers, you’re going to want to know the kind of computing classes (programming as compared to graphic design) you need, which can expand into mathematics classes. If it’s history and English that interests you, you’ll be focusing on the humanities. Are you getting the grades that you need in order to get the career that you want? How can you manage your time in order to get the grades you need? How do you really know wat you want to do? There are so many questions to ponder. In this case – getting help early will help you make a decision in the longer run. If you’re in college or university ( or have been accepted into either), you’ve already taken the 1st or 2nd step to deciding what you want to do- but if you aren’t in school yet, don’t fret. People change their career trajectories all the time. I can name ten friends who have added, subtracted or changed career paths completely. In my own case, I went from a three year general History degree to a four year History and Classical Studies honours degree after my first year in school; one that I don’t regret even after writing fifty page thesis papers. This is where your planning for the next 5 years will be useful. Ask yourself: Is this school right for me for what I want to achieve? Is this degree/specialization related to the career that I want to be working in after I graduate? Is this degree/specialization something that employers are looking for? Answering the 5 year question no matter where you are in life is tricky. Being in high school, that question may seem odd and uncertain; that is OK. However, not thinking about it may inflict damage on your future, preventing you from taking opportunities that come your way. Planning and time management will help you figure things out, conquer and divide. When you are in college or university and the same question comes up, you may be more afraid to answer it than anything. College and university can be a place where you can change your mind, and ultimately, change yourself if you feel the urge. It is never too late to experiment, trying different paths (just be aware of your finances!). All in all, this 5 year question can be quite arbitrary in all truth- you never know what is going to happen, but you can always move forward to what you feel is right for you. If you try something for 5 years and it doesn’t work out, pick yourself up and try again while asking the same question: Where will I be 5 years from now?

  • University Vs. College: What is Right for Me?

    University Vs. College: What is Right for Me?

    Deciding to pursue a post-secondary opportunity is one of the most important decisions you will make. If you’ve gotten that far, congratulations on your ambitions! There are a variety of options open to you, including attending a post-secondary educational institution—a university or college.

    However, deciding whether to go to university or college is a big decision within itself. There are two different types of institutions, which means different skills to develop, different classroom environments, and even different types of opportunities once you graduate. Universities and colleges also vary greatly within their own categories: for example, a degree at College X may provide a different kind of experience than at College Y (and of course, both would be greatly different from going to University A or B).

    Here are some typical comparisons between universities and colleges.

    Program length

    University: 4 years or more

    College: 2 years or more ( or in some cases, a 1 year intensive course)

    Universities typically (but not always) offer more lengthy degrees than colleges. This can be important considering the kind of investment you want to make. Can you commit to a 4-year program, or would you be more comfortable taking on a 2-year degree? (Note, however, that all institutions are flexible, and if you have concerns about finishing your degree on time, you should speak to a university/college counselor.)

    Classroom environment

    University: large classes, focus on concepts, theory and critical thinking

    College: smaller classes, focus on hands-on learning and application

    If you’re the kind of person who thrives in a hands-on setting, you may have more difficulty adapting to a university setting. Given that classes are typically larger compared to colleges, universities don’t always offer the same opportunities to interact and apply the theory you are learning. That being said, you should also take into account what you are intending to study: a philosophy program (very theory-based) would probably not be taught as well in a college setting as a technology program (more hands-on).

    Typical post-graduation opportunities

    University: graduate school, professional schools (Law, Medicine, etc.), workforce

    College: workforce, apprenticeship, continuing studies programs

    Colleges often provide you with very practical, hands-on skills because this is reflective of what you will need in the workforce. However, pathways to certain advanced educational opportunities (e.g. law school) will almost always require a university Bachelor’s degree. This isn’t to say, though, that university graduates are unprepared for the workforce, or that college graduates can’t go on to pursue further studies. There are many different post-graduate opportunities available following either type of education.

    What should I choose?

    When making your decision, don’t forget to keep the following in mind as well:

    • Factors specific to the university/college (e.g. does one institution have a better reputation?)
    • Factors specific to the program of study (e.g. will this program be taught better at a certain school?)
    • General educational/career goals (e.g. will a degree from this institution help my career path?)

    If you do your research and consider all the factors, you’re bound to make the decision that is right for you.

     

     

  • Starting Your Own Business in High School

    Starting Your Own Business in High School

    Every year as soon as the weather is nice enough, young businesspeople begin to earn money at lemonade stands around the country while they also learn a bit about what it takes to work with products and customers. Later, in high school, students can learn many of the basics of running a business and possibly begin to earn money to use for university, trips to other countries, or special things that they want to buy.

    Running a lemonade stand is a relatively simple kind of business, with only one product and just a few ingredients. Running other businesses can be much more complicated, however, and they can take up a lot of time and effort. If you are considering starting a business, you should make sure that you want to spend hours every week building up the business, finding customers, and taking care of supplies and anything else that you need.

    Many different options are open for high school students who want to start a business. Lawn care and snow shovelling are good for people who like being outside, and pet sitting is good for anyone who likes animals. Other options include grocery delivery, house cleaning, technical support for computers, and even teaching. Almost any business is possible for people with the time and skills and imagination.

    If you have an idea that you could turn into a business, the first step is write out a business plan of what you want to do and how you intend to do it. This step involves doing research to find out about your possible customers, the costs of your materials or tools, and anything else that you need to know. You will need to decide whether to work with another person or alone and make many more decisions about how to run your new business.

    Even if you end up working alone at your business you can get help in setting it up and getting it established. Some universities and other schools offer summer programs for students to learn how to become entrepreneurs, and information is always available at business centres and schools. Taking courses in business management is a good idea, even if you still have several years to go before you finish high school.

    Knowing the technical and financial aspects of running a business is important, but knowing how to deal with people is also essential. Most business programs include advice on business etiquette and customer relations techniques that can help business owners to deal with customers without driving them away. You can also learn some of these techniques on your own or by talking with established business owners.

    Do you have a business idea that you would like to pursue? Maybe you can already start, even in high school or earlier. You never know what might develop in the future, and even a bad experience can help you learn what you need to know to become a successful business owner.

    Bibliography:

    Alberta Learning Information Service.” Occupational Profile Motorcycle Mechanic.”

    http://occinfo.alis.alberta.ca/occinfopreview/info/browse-occupations/occupation-profile.html?id=71003095.

    Canada One. “Starting a Business in Canada.” http://www.canadaone.com/tools/startingabusiness.html.

    Ordoñez, Silvana. Summer camp teaches high school students to start their own business.”

    http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2011-08-08/business/fl-escape-camp-20110808_1_entrepreneurship-summer-camp-high-school-students-business.

    Services for Youth. “Starting Your Own Business.” http://www.youth.gc.ca/eng/topics/jobs

    http://sbinfocanada.about.com/od/businessideas/a/summerjobbiz.htm /business.shtml.

    Ward, Susan. 10 Best Small Business Ideas for Students.” http://sbinfocanada.about.com/od/businessideas/a/summerjobbiz.htm.

     

  • Getting Ready for Back-to-School

    Getting Ready for Back-to-School

    Tips for making a smooth transition out of summer:

    Summer is a wonderful time: long lazy days filed with sunshine, amusement park rides, and drippy ice cream cones. With all that loveliness, it’s easy to get swept up in the fun and forget that, however unfortunately, every summer comes to an end.

    Back-to-school is just around the corner, and surely, many of you are already excitedly counting down the days (right?) But even if you’re dreading the thought of being back in a classroom and doing (groan) homework, it’s better to be prepared when September rolls around.

    Here are some suggestions for getting organized and on top of things so that you can smooth the transition between summer and the school year. (Hint: your parents can help you with some of these, too.)

    Befriend your bedtime

    Chances are you’ve been sleeping in a lot since the summer started, and it’s great that you’ve been getting some extra rest. But the school day starts bright and early, so make sure you can wake up on time while still getting the sleep you need. During the last two weeks of August, you can gradually adjust your schedule to fit an earlier bedtime—and earlier wake-up. Every couple days, try setting your alarm clock 10 minutes earlier than the last.

    Lunch and learn

    You might need a packed lunch when school starts, and why bore yourself with PB&J every day? Go through some recipe books with your parents and put together a list of lunches that are healthy, easy to make, and delicious. Preparing lunch the night before can be a fun activity if you do it as a family, and with a shortlist handy, you’ll have something to look forward to on every school day.

    Shop savvy

    Back-to-school sales can offer some great bargains, but they can also be chaotic if you don’t have a game plan. Be prepared for your shopping day by looking through your school supplies now and making a clear list of what you need. If there’s anything you can buy early (and that won’t be cheaper around Labour Day), take the time to go shopping before the crowds hit the stores.

    Goals and dreams

    You had a fantastic time all summer, and now it’s time to get back to work. Think about all the things you enjoyed in the last school year, and what you want to try in the coming months. For example, if you didn’t try out for a sports team and regretted it all year, why not give it a shot this time around? By picking a few things to look forward to in the coming school year, by the end of the summer, you’ll be well rested and ready for action.

  • Careers in Environmental Science

    Careers in Environmental Science

    Environmental Science is a multidisciplinary approach to studying how humans, animals, and the environment interact with one another. Most studies in environmental science combine physical, biological, and information sciences, and use both applied and theoretical scientific approaches to study and solve environmental problems such as sustainable resource management, ecology, pollution and recycling, renewable energy, and climate change.

    Many excellent career opportunities exist across Canada for men and women studying the environmental sciences. Most jobs require at minimum a one-to-three year college or technical school program, with some opportunities requiring a university Bachelor’s degree or higher. These are only a few of the broad range of careers included in the field of environmental science, and there is lots of room to specialize in what interests you the most, through your choice of education, and your choice of work experiences.

    Careers at the college level can include:

    Geological/Mineral/Petroleum Technologists and Technicians work primarily for mineral and petroleum mining companies and refineries, and companies involved in metal ore extraction and production. They can also consult for engineering firms, governments, and educational institutions. They complete tasks such as performing geological surveys and analyzing the data or samples, supervise mining and drilling operations, and help develop new technologies that serve the industry.

    Water Treatment, Recycling, and Waste Plant Operators work primarily at municipal, industrial, or institutional water, recycling, and waste treatment plants, to operate the computer control systems that regulate the treatment and disposal of water, garbage, recyclables, and other waste.

    Forest and Fishery Conservation Officers protect Canada’s fish, wildlife, and natural resources by enforcing federal and provincial regulations. This job can include plant and animal growth or population surveys, public awareness education, overseeing licensing for hunting and fishing, and investigating violations.

    Forestry Technologists and Technicians are involved in the research, management, harvest, and conservation of Canada’s forests and woodlands, and can work independently or be employed by the logging industry and government agencies.

    Careers at the University level can include:

    Natural Science Policy Researchers and Consultants engage in research, write reports, and give advice regarding corporate or government policy involving scientific progress in fields such as renewable and non-renewable energy, sustainability and environmental impact, scientific patents, resource management, and recycling programs.

    Inspectors in Environmental Health and Safety monitor and enforce government health and safety regulations for facilities such as industrial establishments, municipal outdoor parks and recreation areas, or water and waste treatment systems, ensuring that sanitation, pollution control, and the handling or storage of hazardous materials is performed safely for people and the environment.

    Meteorologists and Climatologists study Earth’s weather, climate, and atmosphere to offer advice on, and forecast, weather occurrences, air quality, climate change, and other atmospheric phenomenon. They are usually employed by Environment Canada or other government agencies, the military or utility companies.

    If you decide to pursue further education, there are also many opportunities in Canada and internationally, in fields such as environmental law and ethics, environmental economic analysis and development, or working with Environment Canada to develop provincial and national environmental policies and procedures.

    Sources:

    Government of Canada Job Bank – Explore Careers by Occupation

    http://www.jobbank.gc.ca/occupation_search

  • Career Profile: Personal Shopper

    Career Profile: Personal Shopper

    Some people love to shop by themselves or with friends. Others, however, find the process very tiring or boring, or they might be too busy to spend much time on it; these people need a personal shopper.

    Suppose that you go into a store to look for a gift to buy for a friend or relative. Maybe you already knew what you wanted to get, or maybe someone else gave you advice on what to buy. Personal shoppers learn what people want and then try to help them find it, either by telling them where to go or by going out and shopping themselves.

    The first step in personal shopping is normally getting to know the customer’s needs and wishes. An interview with the client is the first step so that the shopper knows what kinds of items to buy or to recommend. Some personal shoppers work through large department stores or other shops, but some set up their own businesses.

    Many personal shoppers work in a specific area such as groceries or garden tools. A common type of personal shopping is in buying groceries for elderly people or others who have trouble walking around or carrying heavy loads. The personal shopper asks the client about allergies, tastes, and anything else that might be important and then goes out to buy the items at the store before taking them back to the client’s home. Sometimes, a personal shopper might take the client along to look at what is available, but not usually.

    In many cases, working as a personal shopper might be a daily or weekly job, but in some cases, it might be something special like shopping for a wedding or family gathering. Personal shoppers need to keep track of their clients and be able to remember what each client wants. An ability to work with money is necessary, and an understanding of different brands, colours, and designs is useful.

    Becoming a personal shopper normally requires experience but no particular education. Most employers are likely to prefer someone who has graduated from high school. Personal shoppers should also be able to keep up with the latest trends by reading about them or getting help from store managers.

    Salaries for personal shoppers can vary widely, depending on where they work. The average salary for people in this career in Canada is about $25,000 per year, but some personal shoppers can earn $100,000 or more. Most people start by working in a store where they learn about the products and working with the public. As they gain experience, they will have the skills they need to become personal shoppers in an established store or in their own businesses.

    Do you enjoy shopping with your friends and family? Do you have a good sense of what people like and what suits them? If so, why not consider becoming a personal shopper?

     

    Bibliography:

    Farfan, Barbara. “Personal Shopper Job Description – Retail Career Job Profile of Personal Shopper.” http://retailindustry.about.com/od/retailjobscareers/p/personalshopper.htm.

    Henricks, Mark. “Starting a Business as a Personal Shopper.” http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/75238.

    Kennedy, Casey. “How to Become a Personal Shopper.” http://www.ehow.com/how_15306_become-personal-shopper.html.

    Wow Jobs.com. “Average Salary of Jobs Matching Your Search: personal shopper Salary in Canada.”

    Wow Jobs.com. “Personal Shopper Salary in Canada.” http://www.wowjobs.ca/salary-personal+shopper.

  • 3 Surefire Tips for Smart Volunteering

    3 Surefire Tips for Smart Volunteering

    These days, if you wish to get your foot in the door of prestigious colleges and universities and high-profile companies, you need more than a remarkably written application letter and a well-rounded personality to seal the deal and get ahead of the competition. You need to make yourself stand out from the rest of the crop. One good way to do that is to include your volunteer experience in your applications, and more often than not, doing so is an effective way to grab the deans’ or prospective employers’ attention.

    However, if you want to volunteer, always remember that it’s about the people or organization you lend a hand to—not about you. So while it’s good to know that volunteering is adding a feather to your cap, don’t forget to have your heart and mind in the right place. Below are tips for smart volunteering.

    Do an extensive research.

    A wide range of volunteer opportunities exist, but to come up with a substantial list, prepare to do an extensive research. Look in your local papers, community or church newsletters, and websites like Volunteer.ca and Cadip.org. Don’t underestimate other sources, however. Your family, friends, and neighbours may also have good recommendations.

    Find a cause that you are passionate about.

    Once you’ve done your research, chances are, you will have a long list of options, and it can be overwhelming to narrow down your choices, but don’t draw names out of a hat! It all boils down to knowing what issues or causes you care about.

    For example, if you are passionate about animal companions, offer to help shelters in your community. If you feel strongly about environmental causes, submit your volunteer applications to the organizations that promote awareness of environmental issues through tree-planting activities, park or beach clean-ups, recycling campaigns, and the like. If you have a soft spot for the senior members in your community, join organizations that provide meals and transportation for the elderly. Volunteering for organizations with beliefs that are in line with your own means you are likely to give your all, and that is the most important thing.

    Plan your schedule.

    You can volunteer for as many organizations as you like, but remember not to overstretch yourself. Volunteering can be an exciting experience, especially when you begin to see the fruits of your efforts, such as forming friendships with the people you help out and receiving words of appreciation from them, but do not overcommit. The last thing you want is to renege on your promise to help out. As such, if organizations are planning for a big event, such as a pet adoption day at the neighbourhood park, double-check your schedule before you specify a volunteer shift. Remember that volunteer heads have a lot on their plate, and if you agree to a date or time that your schedule don’t really allow, the heads would be forced to move schedules around and rethink their plans as well.

    Take note of the three tips above, and you will be on your way to make volunteering a worthwhile learning experience. After all, it’s a chance to give back to your community. That’s a worthy enough reason to do things right. Good luck!

  • Exercise Your Compassionate Nature through Volunteering this Summer

    Exercise Your Compassionate Nature through Volunteering this Summer

    No more pencils, no more books, no more teachers’ dirty looks- You’re free! Summer is great time to let loose and shake off all the lingering anxiety of those dreaded tests, assignments and projects. However, the summer can’t only be about sunshine and lollipops. It can also be a time where you explore different sides of yourself because you have the time and space to do so. With this thought in mind, it is always good to embrace your giving, empathetic and more compassionate side. In order to get the most out of your summer, you can break your time down in to 3 categories: Work, play and volunteering. Volunteering can make you feel great, but the best part is that you are helping others. What happens when you help others in need? The world changes a little bit more for the better- and that is a beautiful thing!

    If you really want to make a difference in people’s lives this summer, you can. All it takes is a positive attitude and a willingness to give up some of your free time. There are volunteering positions that are full time and require travel and accommodations, but there are always part-time positions available, most likely in your own local area. You need to find and narrow down the right position for you. What subject matter do you feel passionate about? You don’t want to “get stuck” into doing volunteering for a cause you don’t even care about. There are many students/people that do volunteering work only because they think/know they have to, in order to fulfill guidelines for school or otherwise- this is the wrong approach. Exercising your compassionate nature through volunteering can increase your level of happiness, but most importantly, the happiness of the people you are helping.

    There are many different types of volunteering positions. They can range from stuffing envelopes for your local community newspaper, to helping out at a retirement home. In helping at a retirement home, you are really impacting the lives of people directly. When you are stuffing envelopes at your local community newspaper, you are more or less taking on a job that some of the staff members couldn’t fit into their schedule- there is a big difference, here. You can choose to do either one of these types of volunteering positions, but to become informed and make a lasting impact, I would choose the retirement home.

    Where you are 10 or 18 years of age, you should always exercise that more empathetic side of yourself; volunteering is one way to do it. Whatever you do this summer, be productive. Accomplish things. The carousel never stops turning and either should you.

    Listed below are some Volunteer options across Canada and Abroad for summer 2015:

    Therapeutic and social programs for elderly people in Vancouver, BC.

    Volunteering Abroad

    Volunteer with First Nations Communities in Alberta!

    Red Leaf Volunteer Programs in Canada

    Care & Rescue for Bears and other Canadian Wildlife

    Your Connection to Canada’s Volunteering Community

    Red Cross Volunteering

    Ontario Volunteering Options and Programs

    YMCA Volunteering- Toronto