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  • Career Profile: Fashion Buyer

    Career Profile: Fashion Buyer

    You might have heard of the term “buyer” referenced on TV or in movies. He or she is usually fashionable dressed and always in a rush to find the next big thing clothing designers have to offer. Admittedly, in this case, fiction is not that far off from the truth. Fashion buyers are usually employed by clothing retailers, both big and small, to stock their shelves with products that are most likely to keep the customers walking through the front door. Though the term isn’t exclusively used with the fashion industry, the fashion buyer is the most popular incarnation of the job.

    Where does a buyer work and who do they work with?
    Oftentimes, a buyer will find him or herself attending runway shows, wholesale markets and special showcases put on by designers to present new products lines. Buyers are expected to take notes and keep a look out for the next trend destined to hit the market. Every buyer’s ultimate goal is to have the retailer they work for be one of the first retailers on the market to promote the next trend in time to scoop up the majority of the sales.

    Along with designers, buyers work closely with sales department representatives and clothing suppliers to ensure the products stocked are marketed in the best way and that they are no discrepancies with the products received. The majority of a buyer’s job involves negotiating the terms of a stock order with the supplier.

    Specializing
    Depending on the size of retailer, which varies from large department chain to privately owned boutique, there may be individual buyers responsible for specific products – like women’s shoes or men’s pants. Larger retailers will also have multiple levels of seniority determined by experience and responsibility given. Securing a position as an assistant buyer, for example, will allow new graduates and those who have been around for less time in the industry to gain experience and exposure under the wing of a senior employee.

    Certification
    Colleges focused on fashion education will offer certification for students interested in buying and merchandising. Some community colleges will also offer similar programs, but for those seeking opportunities right out of school, attending a program known for its fashion centric education might be a better option – particularly for networking and gaining contacts.

  • Following (and Loving!) Your Path

    Following (and Loving!) Your Path

    Education, much like a career, means different things to different people. In school we each have unique study habits, subject preferences and academic goals while maintaining different ideals regarding our own career paths.

    Some prefer the humanities while others lean toward the sciences. Some are interested in the computer sciences while others advocate the visual arts. Everyone has his or her own interests and that is important. As a student, it is your responsibility to pursue and practice something that you are passionate about or follow an academic path that will allow you to best achieve the career objectives you have set out for yourself.

    This can, however, be difficult. Many of us do not have a clear idea of what we want to pursue or do with our lives, let alone what classes we want to take. As such, our education becomes something of a trial and error until we manage to find a particular subject, skill or topic that we can be confident in pursuing.

    Joining clubs, choosing classes or attending lectures based on what you are passionate about or feel naturally drawn to will prove to be your means to this end. You can’t go wrong by pursuing your interests! University and college is a place for self-discovery, personal development and academic growth. It helps you to figure out who you want to be and what you want to study.

    Try not to stress too much. The decisions you make are important, but if you follow your passions and try to keep your options open you won’t stray too far. Over the course of your degree you’ll be spending countless hours in the library, lab and lectures so you might as well enjoy what you study.
    Always choose your classes carefully, but if you navigate your options successfully you will end up do what you love. Keep your options open, listen to your heart and you will soon be on YOUR path to the perfect career for you!

  • Can I Change My Major?

    Can I Change My Major?

    If this is your first year in university or college, you will have now made it through your first semester. At this point, you may be questioning if you made the right decision in regards to the major you selected. It can be a confusing time and you may find yourself asking endless questions; the chief of which will be if you can change your major.

    The answer? Of course you can change your major. University is a time of change as you discover and/or reaffirm what you are interested in, what you want to study and the career path you would like to pursue following your education. Many go in looking to study politics to find themselves in the midst of a history degree by their third year, while some change faculties completely and move from an English major in their first year to a biology major in their second.

    Sometimes it can be difficult and, in some instances, it may set you back and force you take a few extra credits. But it is a common occurrence in post-secondary education and you are not alone! That being said, you have to be careful when switching majors or minors as it’s a big decision.

    Unless you are in a specialized program, students generally don’t have to declare their major until second year. So take advantage of your time! Many will tell you to take a variety of courses in your first year and they’re completely right. Take courses that you think may lead into your major, but don’t be afraid to take some random courses also. Roman history? Sociology? Applied chemistry? Who knows, you may just find your new passion!

    Keep in mind that at some universities you will have to complete some first year pre-requisites to continue your studies in a particular field of study. So don’t forget to sign up for those first year art history seminars if that’s a subject you may want to pursue as a major, minor or just for fun.

    Hopefully by your second year you’ll have a better idea of the direction you want to take your education. Though the option to switch majors is always available later in your post-secondary career, the later you wait the more backtracking you’ll have to do to catch up to your fellow students. Many who switch later potentially face losing those extra credits usually reserved for niche electives, have to take extra summer courses or, in some cases, may even have to tack an additional year or two onto their degree.

    It can be more work, but sometimes that’s what it takes. This is your post-secondary education, which will hopefully shape your own outlook and your future career path. If you feel like you need to make a change – go for it! Sometimes it means a few extra classes, but if it is what you want, it’ll be worth it.

  • Try Courses That Seem Interesting To You

    Try Courses That Seem Interesting To You

    With a new semester almost upon us, it may be time for you to choose specific classes that can help you get where you want to go. Choosing a major is one of the hardest parts of applying to university. Whatever you decide to study, try some courses that seem interesting to you whether they’re in your major or not. If you’re drawn towards philosophy and you don’t know why, try out a class anyway. See what it is and whether you see a place for yourself in it.

    Remember – university is basically the start of your career, even though it can be difficult to decide so early in life what you want to do. That’s why it’s designed to let you experiment with electives. It could be that you’ve always wanted to take a sculpture class, or it could be that, while registering for your classes, film history to 1940 somehow just jumps out at you. Try it. Find out why. You might find a new passion!

    Plenty of people end up switching their majors part of the way through university. Someone might start in biology only to realize, after taking a photography class, that they have a great passion for cameras.

    Lots of people also like to try out a minor. Just because you’re a biology major, it doesn’t mean you have to take all science courses. You can have a minor in theatre if that’s what interests you. Who knows – maybe some day your interests will intersect in a spectacular theatrical production explaining the process of digestion!

    The work involved in doing well at university is more than a full-time job. When it comes time to read 50 pages from the textbook every week or write that final essay, it will be painful to do if you’re not interested in the material. You’ll learn plenty of fascinating stuff in pretty much any class, but if the subject interests you, you can have a lot of fun while you’re at it.

    University is also the time when most people start taking charge of their own lives. Many people move out for the first time and start paying rent or working at part-time jobs. In the end, you’re the only one responsible for whether you succeed or fail. Keep in mind that taking responsibility for yourself means more than meeting deadlines and paying rent. You have to start putting your life in motion, which means learning about what interests you, what you’re good at and where you can go with it.

    A career isn’t the only thing that defines you. The famous author Vladimir Nabokov studied butterflies and made up chess problems in his spare time. A successful salesman may be part of an amateur radio club or a hockey team. It’s good to know what you want out of life and to have a career plan, but don’t forget about all those things that make you who you are.

    In the end, following your interests is the practical thing to do. Even for a doctor, there are so many specializations that you are able to go in any direction you want. What area you choose to focus on is going to be the thing that helps you to stand out and helps to define your life. In the meantime, it will make your education a lot more fun.

  • Why Companies Hire Recent Graduates

    Why Companies Hire Recent Graduates

    There are many reasons to hire a university or college graduate. Employers often seek out recent grads because they are fresh and up-to-date on the most recent information available in a chosen field. Depending on the field of work, this is more or less important. In business and medicine, this is hugely important because business practices are constantly evolving and medical discoveries are always happening. The difference between a well informed employee and a poorly informed employee is enormous. There is no doubt that someone who is educated will serve a company better than someone who is less educated. Someone who is educated will contribute to the company by offering fresh ideas and by being aware of the most recent information. People who have not graduated from college or university may cost the organization in the long run by requiring more training and by making more mistakes.

    People with a university or college degree are also often hard working and determined to succeed. Finishing a university or college degree requires a lot of tenacity and some serious work ethic. This is a huge asset to any organization that is looking for its employees to be able to tolerate stress and be able to produce results. Recent grads are ready and able to learn, they are like sponges and are really keen to gain work experience. If an employer is determining between someone with several years of experience and a recent grad, they will often decide that someone who is fresh and keen to learn would be a huge asset to the team.

    On the other hand, an important thing to consider is that not every company will hire recent grads because they are looking for people with experience. To ensure that you have the best chance of success, you will need to have a great resume and build up your jobs skills and volunteer experience. Remember that you will be competing against people with years of experience, which can sometimes prove to be very tough.

    The best bet is to seek out organizations that are specifically looking to hire recent grads. The government often hires recent grads, and companies that are on the front edge of technology will also be looking for them. If you are in high school, it is not a bad idea to take a look at which companies may be accessible to you after you graduate from your university or college program. Look at what requirements they expect and, if you want to work there, start finding ways to fulfill those requirements; This is especially important if you are undertaking a difficult program for which competition for jobs is fierce. You will put yourself ahead of the game by being informed on what is currently expected of grads. Remember that planning is your best bet, and don’t assume that because you are a grad you will get hired right away. Just be well prepared and willing to learn!

  • Prepping For A New Semester

    Prepping For A New Semester

    The beginning of a new semester can be a nerve-racking time for students, particularly those that are entering college or university for the first time. If you are concerned about starting college/university, don’t be! Many of your peers are having the same feeling. This article will provide five steps you can take to get prepared for a new semester of school and help guide you through your first week of school.

    Create a Budget
    Unlike high school, there are many costs associated with going to college/university. Creating your own budget will help you effectively manage your money and take account of the costs associated with your program. Your budget should account for tuition fees, books, food, housing (if you are away from home) and utilities, transportation/travel, cell phone, personal expenses, recreation, clothing and entertainment. A well-planned budget will ensure you have enough money for the year. If you are concerned you will not have enough money for the year, consider looking into getting a part-time job on campus.

    Create a Weekly Schedule
    Time is structured much differently in college/university. Most students have five courses that consist of two to three hour lectures and a tutorial or lab. Class times vary and you may have night classes or days without class. Since most new students struggle managing their time, it is best to create a weekly schedule. Your schedule outlines the time you need to read for each course, complete assignments, study for exams and relax. Most professors suggest that you spend 2 hours for every one hour of class you have per course.

    Set Deadlines
    As soon as you get your course schedule and course outline, take note assignment deadlines and exam dates. Some of these dates may conflict with each other, or you may have deadlines that are very close together. The best solution is to set your own deadlines. Make sure you give yourself a couple of days before assignments are actually due. This allows you to look over your assignment, make changes where necessary, and have extra time if you struggled with anything.

    Meet a ‘buddy’ in each class
    Most people that are starting at a college or university do not know any other students. Make sure you talk to the people sitting beside you during the first few weeks of class. These relationships can be particularly useful for forming study groups or catching up on notes if you had to miss class.

    Make a point of meeting your TA/Professor
    On the first day of class, the course instructor will usually tell you whether you have a teaching assistant (TA). If you do, make a point of introducing yourself to your TA and set up an appointment to discuss the assignments. Your TA will be marking your assignments and exams: ask them questions. If you are writing a term paper, ask your TA to review your thesis, check your preliminary bibliography or look over a one-page outline. TA’s can provide feedback and ensure you are on the right track. If the course does not have a TA, try to establish this type of relationship with the professor.

    Good luck on your new semester!

  • A College Students’ Guide to Smart Foods

    A College Students’ Guide to Smart Foods

    With Halloween fast approaching, it is more tempting than ever to indulge in candy and sweets – especially when they all go on sale November 1 so stores can make room for Christmas stock! So how can you avoid these temptations and ensure you keep up your energy with healthy foods?

    I once had a math teacher who would tell us about his college days – the mistakes he made, his strange professors, and, what stood out the most, his diet. He consumed Pop Tarts and Coke every day for a whole year! Though it is a fast and delicious choice, you would not be doing yourself any favours. College is a whole new world for everyone. If you are dedicated, you will have little time and energy to make healthy meals like the ones we’d get at home. Here are a few quick and easy tips to boost your energy levels and stay healthy as a busy college student.

    1. Morning Banana: Holy benefits, Batman! Bananas are packed with nutrients and vitamins everyone can use. They are a natural mood booster, protect your eyesight (due to the combination of vitamin C and carotenoids), aid your digestion and keep your bones healthy. Smoker? Bananas can help! Bananas contain vitamins B6 and B12 as well as potassium and magnesium which help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal. In the stressful life of a college student, our body’s potassium levels will drop as the stress goes up. Bananas are a great, natural way to re-balance your potassium levels. It’s Bananas!

    2. Nut case: With monounsaturated fat, vitamin E, folic acid, magnesium, copper, protein and fiber, nuts are rich in antioxidant phytochemicals. Nuts are generally high in protein and therefore a great snack for hungry, on-the-go college students. Try almonds, walnuts and pecans (avoid the ones drenched in sugars and salt!). Choosing a cereal containing nuts is also a great way to bust hunger.

    3. Hello Blueberry! Blueberries improve memory, motor skills and reverse age-related declines in balance and coordination. Add a few brainberries, I mean blueberries, to your daily diet to keep your mind sharp and clear all year!

    4. Hot Cocoa! A study from Cornell University showed that two tablespoons of pure cocoa powder has almost two times the antioxidant power of red wine, 2-3 times the power of green tea and 4-5 times the power of black tea. The antioxidants in hot cocoa protect brain cells from “oxidative stress” that can lead to Alzheimer’s disease and other disorders. So warm up a cup of cocoa, snuggle up and STUDY!

    Stay away from greasy junk foods that drain your energy and ultimately do you no good. Try making your own meals or packing healthy snacks. If you find yourself eating in a cafeteria, try to choose something like a salad or wrap with veggies. Pizza, burritos and hot dogs are not your friends. Good luck and stay smart!

  • The Importance of Academic References

    The Importance of Academic References

    If you are like any other teenager, I am sure you have been told to try to find and maintain strong professional references. These references usually consist of past employers or supervisors from volunteer opportunities. While professional references are very important, you also need to consider academic references.

    What is an academic reference?
    An academic reference is someone that can speak to your knowledge and research abilities in your field of study, usually a professor that has a doctorate degree and is an expert in the field. Some students may be tempted to ask a graduate student that is teaching the course or a teaching assignment for a reference, but because they do not have a PhD in the field they are not considered an appropriate academic reference.

    Who is a good candidate to be your academic reference?
    One of the most important things to consider when you are choosing an academic reference is how well the professor knows you. You want to get a professor that you have worked with closely throughout your time in university. Avoid picking professors you had in a class of 500; They should know you personally. It is best to pick your fourth year project supervisor or a professor from a seminar course that allowed for a lot of discussion and one-on-one contact. You also want to choose a professor from a course you did particularly well on – it is difficult to get a good reference if you received a poor grade.

    Start to cultivate relationships with professors as soon as you start in school. Discover who works in the field you’re most interested in and arrange to meet them prior to your last year of school. Inquire about working for this professor as a teaching or research assistant. You want a professor that knows you and that worked closely with you so that he or she can write a very personal letter. Generic reference letters look bad and do not stand out. You are much better off to get someone that knows you well and can speak to your academic achievements.

    Why is an academic reference valuable?
    Academic references can speak to your mastery of your major and your researching abilities. While most of your professional references can speak to your abilities working in a particular field and within the context of that job, an academic reference can speak to your knowledge of a subject, research abilities, potential, work ethic, oral and written communication skills and overall abilities. Not only are academic references a great asset to have when applying to jobs, they are a requirement when applying to graduate school or any type of professional degree (e.g. Law school or Teacher’s College). Most graduate programs require two to three academic references. These references are an integral part of the application process and can make a big difference in whether or not you are accepted. A glowing reference from an expert in your field can significantly improve your chances of being accepted into competitive programs.

  • Why Choose a School Far Away from Home?

    Why Choose a School Far Away from Home?

    When considering post-secondary options, there are many decisions that dictate which school you settle on. This can range from the programs offered, the cost or the familiarity of the school itself. Yet there is often one question central to every student’s choice: whether to stay at home or go away for school.

    Each options has its pros and cons and are often influenced by the specific school, what they offer and their corresponding communities. But for many students, going to school away from home proves to be a fantastic and self-defining experience.

    Moving away from home is scary. You are thrown into a new room in an unfamiliar city surrounded by strangers. The independence you have always fought for is now imposed upon you and you are expected to not only adapt to your new circumstances but also excel academically and socially. It can be absolutely terrifying at first and you may want to forget the whole thing and go home.

    Soon the room will become your own, you will be able to successfully navigate between your classes and you will have met more new, young, enthusiastic individuals then you will know what to do with. It is completely natural to get homesick sometimes, but new friends, clubs and classes will keep you busy while waiting for the latest update from home.

    By going away for school you finally receive, and accept, your first taste of independence. You are now responsible for forcing yourself up for those 8:30 classes, eating right and simply taking care of yourself while effectively balancing your studies with your social life – both of which are crucial to a healthy student lifestyle.

    Your experience throughout university or college will only further advance these sentiments and allow you to grow as an individual. As you continue through second, third and fourth year you will come upon different challenges and tests, whether mundane or monumental, that will continue to define both yourself and your post-secondary experience. Such experiences may not be unique to those who go away for school but by choosing an independent lifestyle you are now more responsible for your own decisions.

    It can be difficult but it can also be a sensational, unforgettable experience. By going away for school you will become part of a new community of like-minded students, experience a new city and grow as an individual!

  • Forming A Study Group

    Forming A Study Group

    One of the main benefits of a post-secondary education is the environment that it cultivates and the community of like-minded individuals that inhabits it. Whether you are in a lab, a lecture or practicing a skill, you will be surrounded by other students who are actively attempting to understand and learn just like you. So take advantage of it!

    Study groups are among the best ways to benefit from this. Whether your group is meeting daily, weekly or just to cram before an exam, the people you meet and the skills you develop will make you wonder why it has taken you so long to start forming or participating in study groups.

    But don’t limit yourself to simply joining a study group – why not form one? Not only will this give you a chance to experience a leadership position within a relaxed environment, but it will also allow you to create a study group unique to your academic calendar, perhaps filling some niche that may have previously been overlooked. A biology-religion study group, anyone?

    With the advent of social networking, it’s even easier than before! I can’t imagine creating a group before Facebook or Twitter feeds, but with these social tools available to you it’s easy to communicate between members of the group. Study groups are no longer limited to when you can reserve a room in the library. Running group conversations on Facebook can keep the dialogue going between the actual face-to-face study sessions while Twitter feeds can provide live commentary on a specific topic or question. If used effectively, these tools can greatly enhance your education. Social networking has expanded the potential and definition of the traditional post-secondary study group. Best of all, the person who benefits the most? You!

    Study groups allow you to make the most of your post-secondary education and can be central to your social, academic and interpersonal development. These groups can grow into mini-communities within your school’s own student body. As a leader of a study group, your own role and influence will play an even larger part in your school and the overall experience of all those involved.

    So start a study group – what’s the worst that could happen?