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  • Learning Disabilities and Work

    Learning Disabilities and Work

    We most often think of learning disabilities that impact a student in school, however, LDs are lifelong and don’t magically disappear once a student has graduated and entered the workforce. The National Center for Learning Disabilities lists five areas where people with LDs may experience difficulties:

    Inefficiency – this could be working at a slower pace than coworkers, having organizational challenges or needing additional time to complete tasks

    High error rate – this could be errors resulting from poor reading or math skills or could be because someone takes longer to process information and react to situations.

    Problems with sequencing – this could cause problems with completing tasks requiring multiple steps or following directions

    Time management – this could be poor planning, tardiness or having problems with meeting deadlines

    Social skills – this could be problems with interactions between coworkers, customers or vendors or in verbalizing the impact of a LD to the employer to receive needed accommodations/modifications

    The Americans with Disabilities Act protects people with LDs, but only if the person has requested protection, identified their LD, and provided documentation to his or her employer and with needed specific accommodations included. In addition, a person must be able to complete the job, with modifications. Any company employing more than 15 employees is required to provide reasonable accommodations to those with disabilities that interfere with the ability to complete the job.

    Accommodations/modifications should be specific to the individual needs of the employee, therefore, there is no single list of acceptable accommodations. A person requesting protection under the Americans with Disabilities Act will benefit from understanding the job description and duties and knowing what accommodations/modifications will help him or her perform the job duties.

    The following list of examples is to provide ideas only. Please adapt to your specific situation:

    • Written instruction cards, laminated to help with performing multi-step job duties
    • Adjusting the font or background color on the computer screen to help people with dyslexia
    • Receiving company communications in written form, such as via email or memos. Written communication can be provided either before a company meeting to provide the person time to process information or after the meeting to allow the person to have a written copy of what was discussed.
    • Use of spell-check software or having a coworker edit written work.
    • Use of assistive technology, such as software that translates the spoken word into the written word
    • Using a tape recorder during company meetings or when given instruction.

    Again, these are ideas to help people with learning disabilities think about what may help them perform their job duties. By thinking about how you learn, how you work and problems you have had in the past, you will be able to determine what accommodations or modifications you may need in your job.

  • Learning Disabilities and Work

    Learning Disabilities and Work

    We most often think of learning disabilities that impact a student in school, however, LDs are lifelong and don’t magically disappear once a student has graduated and entered the workforce. The National Center for Learning Disabilities lists five areas where people with LDs may experience difficulties:

    Inefficiency – this could be working at a slower pace than coworkers, having organizational challenges or needing additional time to complete tasks

    High error rate – this could be errors resulting from poor reading or math skills or could be because someone takes longer to process information and react to situations.

    Problems with sequencing – this could cause problems with completing tasks requiring multiple steps or following directions

    Time management – this could be poor planning, tardiness or having problems with meeting deadlines

    Social skills – this could be problems with interactions between coworkers, customers or vendors or in verbalizing the impact of a LD to the employer to receive needed accommodations/modifications

    The following list of examples is to provide ideas only. Please adapt to your specific situation:

    • Written instruction cards, laminated to help with performing multi-step job duties
    • Adjusting the font or background color on the computer screen to help people with dyslexia
    • Receiving company communications in written form, such as via email or memos. Written communication can be provided either before a company meeting to provide the person time to process information or after the meeting to allow the person to have a written copy of what was discussed.
    • Use of spell-check software or having a coworker edit written work.
    • Use of assistive technology, such as software that translates the spoken word into the written word
    • Using a tape recorder during company meetings or when given instruction.

    Again, these are ideas to help people with learning disabilities think about what may help them perform their job duties. By thinking about how you learn, how you work and problems you have had in the past, you will be able to determine what accommodations or modifications you may need in your job.

  • When It Comes to Choosing Your Career, Just Follow Your Heart

    When It Comes to Choosing Your Career, Just Follow Your Heart

    If you’re in high school, you are probably facing the pressure of choosing a career path that you would like to pursue, especially if you’re in your final year. You are at a point where you have to pick a major or program that you want to take in University or College, so it is important to make the right choices now.

    But what if you have you no idea what you want be? How do you make such an important lifelong decision? It seems like a lot of stress choosing your career path at such a young age. But it doesn’t have to be that difficult.  It’s a lot easier than you think.  Just follow your heart – the answer is there.

    Sure, maybe your parents have other ideas for you. Maybe they want you to be a doctor or lawyer. But what is it that makes you happy? What is your dream? What do you see yourself doing for the rest of your life? These are all important questions to ask yourself because, at the end of the day, it’s your life and you want to do what’s best for you.

    Start off by thinking of the courses you excel at in school. Maybe you excel more in the arts. Maybe you enjoy music or writing. Maybe you love working with numbers and excel in math. Narrowing down your strengths will help you make a better decision. Also spend time thinking about your hobbies. Do you enjoy sports? Painting? Maybe you can turn your hobby into a career. These are all indicators that you can’t ignore.

    Start off by making a list of your strengths. Then write down your dreams and goals. Seeing your thoughts on paper will allow you to think more clearly and is a great reference point. It would also help to sit down with your guidance counsellor in school to help figure out what you want to do. They are there to help you, so take advantage of it.

    Now you might have a better idea as to what career path you want to pursue. Why not get first-hand experience in it through volunteering or interning? Maybe do some job shadowing in the industry that you’re interested in. Your guidance office at school can assist you with your options.

    Chances are, you will most likely be successful in a career that you are passionate about. Sure, job prospects and opportunities in your chosen career path are important to consider, but following your heart should be given equal consideration as well. Doing something that makes you happy will make a world of a difference for you. You’ll find out that the answer is with you all along.

  • Networking to Land a Career

    Networking to Land a Career

    When people get together to meet and talk, they sometimes learn a lot about each other. At family gatherings, people might find out about what their cousins or aunts and uncles are doing and how their lives are going. At parties, friends might find out more about each other and about the other people they know. What happens when job seekers and businesspeople get together? Through a process called networking, people can connect with each other in ways that can benefit them and lead to success.

    What does the word “network” mean to you? If you work with computers, you probably know that networks in this area are all about connections. The same is true in business and job searching, except that this kind of networking involves people instead of machines. When people need something, they can connect with someone who has what they want. A person who needs a job, for example, can connect with someone who is looking for employees. Someone who has something to sell can connect with someone who wants to buy it. For some people, these kinds of connections can make the difference between success and failure.

    Networking can take many different forms. Sometimes, it can be as simple as just talking to friends and family members about a product or a job need. It could involve talking to people on the street and passing out business cards. Often, however, employment agencies and business centres have more formal networking events when people can get together to meet each other.

    Suppose that you have a business of selling greeting cards. You might take some of your cards to a networking event to show to other people so that they can see exactly what they can but from you. What if you are a high school student and are unsure of what direction to take after you finish your studies? By networking at a job fair, you might be able to find out what career suits you and be able to choose the right educational path for what you want to do. Networking can help you achieve your goals.

    Usually, networking involves meeting people face to face and talking with them, which might be very difficult for some people. How can people network with others if they find it difficult to talk to strangers and to explain themselves? Some of the basic networking techniques can help for people who are not natural talkers. Preparation is very important for anyone who wants to build up a network of contacts. Having a business card to hand out, even if it includes only a name and e-mail address, can be a good way to be remembered.

    Gathering information and forming relationships are important parts of finding a good job. Following up on those contacts is as important as the first meeting, and a large part of networking happens after the actual event. When networking is done well, it can help lead people to success in their chosen fields of work.

  • I Want to Be a Music Teacher

    I Want to Be a Music Teacher

    Listening to music can be fun, but learning to play an instrument can be even better. Have you been taking music lessons? Some people can learn to play an instrument on their own, just by practicing their skills. Most people, however, need to learn from an expert. Music teachers help students learn the theory and techniques of playing music.

    Becoming a music teacher begins with knowing music. If you choose to become a piano teacher, you should know how to play the piano, and if you decide to become a clarinet teacher, you should be able to play your instrument. However, playing well is not enough. You also need to know about music theory, music history, and possibly even about composing (writing) music. How much you need to know depends on the age of your students and the level of music they want to learn. Students who want to reach a professional level of musical ability will need a teacher with a high level of skill in the instrument.

    Besides professional skills, music teachers need to know how to work with students, some of whom might not be interested in what they are learning. Some music teachers work in schools, where they teach regular classes to groups of students, but others teach students one or two at a time, either in their own homes or in the students’ houses. Flexibility in choosing a location depends on the size of the instrument and the needs of the teacher and students. A flute, for example, is much easier to carry than a piano.

    Another important skill is the ability to make arrangements for events like music recitals. In school, students do assignments and take tests to show what they have learned. How can anyone test a student’s musical ability? One way is through recitals, when students play music in front of an audience. As a music teacher, you might have to help students choose and practice the pieces they want to play. You might also need to make other arrangements for events like these, such as renting a room and finding chairs where people can sit. Even if you get help for tasks like these, you will have to learn the organizational skills to make sure that everything gets done.

    If you love music and enjoy sharing your skills with others, the job of music teacher might be a good choice for you.

  • Career Profile: Psychiatrist

    Career Profile: Psychiatrist

    Do you consider yourself a good listener? Do your friends usually come to you when there’s something troubling them? Do you really enjoy helping people and making a difference in their lives? If you’ve answered yes to most of these questions, then you might want to consider a career as a psychiatrist!

    A psychiatrist is a type of doctor that deals with people suffering from mental and emotional disorders. They are responsible for diagnosing and treating patients who suffer from a wide variety of problems. Some of these problems include schizophrenia, paranoia, hallucinations, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. When diagnosing these disorders, psychiatrists can utilize their medical background to consider biological factors. Some psychological disorders are associated with chemical imbalances in the brain. Medical backgrounds give psychiatrists the authorization to prescribe drugs to their patients. If necessary, psychiatrists can recommend hospitalization for certain patients as well.

    Psychiatrists spend a great deal of time with their patients, attempting to find the source of their issues. During therapy sessions, they try to get their patients to understand their problems by talking about their thoughts, experiences and feelings. Often psychiatrists will find that many of their patients’ problems stem from unresolved grief issues. In such a case, they could direct their patient to a grief counselor or address the issue during some therapy sessions. Psychiatrists also help people to gain control of harmful behaviors and bad habits. Depending on the issue at hand, psychiatrists may schedule therapy sessions for a patient once a week or once a month if the problem is less severe. The length of psychiatric evaluations varies from patient to patient. Regular sessions may be as long as one hour while follow-up visits may be as short as 20 minutes. These sessions may occur individually but group sessions are not uncommon. Psychiatrists are responsible for tracking their patients’ progress by keeping detailed reports of their sessions. After years of experience psychiatrists can choose to specialize in specific fields such as forensic psychiatry or child psychiatry. They may also go into private practices or partnerships which would usually result in a significant increase in their salary.

    There are many other factors that determine the salary of a psychiatrist. Their experience, place of work and specialization can have a major impact on the amount of money they receive annually. In 2004, the average salary for psychiatrists was $180,000 a year. The salaries for psychiatrists escalate rapidly as they gain more experience in the field. Eventually, they can earn up to $300,000 a year.

    It’s important to take note of the physical, emotional and mental disadvantages to working in the field. Psychiatrists work long hours and can be called at moment’s notice to evaluate a patient. This can become physically draining, especially if you’re constantly being called away at odd hours of the night. Also, the stress of dealing with troubled individuals who suffer from a wide variety of problems can be emotionally taxing. It is difficult to not become emotionally attached to patients and to remain unbiased when listening to their thoughts and feelings.

    Although it takes a great deal of schooling and training to become a psychiatrist, the job can be incredibly rewarding. Having a career that allows you to help people on a daily basis can be incredibly worthwhile.

  • Put Your English to Work – Write for Money

    Put Your English to Work – Write for Money

    As a student it can be difficult to find work. Whether you are in high school, university, taking a year off or somewhere else altogether, finding a job can sometimes be difficult, let alone one that allows you to practice (and show off) the skills that you have been developing as a student.

    What about writing part-time? With the recent explosion of digital media, countless writing jobs have begun to appear as professional blogs, magazines, news agencies and webpages are craving more and more content to satisfy their growing traffic and audiences.

    Blogging, whether for personal or professional purposes, can be a good way to get your foot in the door. You can write about a specific topic, whether it be music, fashion or
    movies and start building a following and portfolio to help get those paying jobs in the future. Do you have audio-visual skills? Even better! Make a photo-blog; you can look at it as a chance to showcase your skills and prowess as a writer or photographer.

    With a bit of searching and maybe a little luck you’ll be able to find work with professional blogs that will pay for you to write on a variety of topics, often of your choice. Or maybe you want to give freelancing a try? There are a number of websites dedicated to aggregating freelance opportunities for young professionals. Ever want to write product descriptions for a furniture website? Now might be your chance.

    Regardless, writing part-time provides you with the opportunity to build your portfolio, network with other writing professionals and showcase your different skills, all the while making some spare cash on the side. It will also give you the opportunity to work with and write on topics that you never would have thought possible. Comparing different kinds of peppers? Check.

    It isn’t always the most prosperous work, but the experience and flexibility will prove to be invaluable. With a little patience you’ll slowly start to find yourself getting those higher profile and better paying positions that look oh-so-good on a resume or portfolio. It is hard enough finding work that puts your skills to work and accommodates a busy schedule, but give writing a try. The ability to choose – or at least shape – your own topics and your own hours will ensure a fun, constructive and unique work experience.

    So try writing part-time. You’ll enjoy it!

  • The Importance of a Good Reference

    The Importance of a Good Reference

    When you apply for a job, a volunteer position, scholarship or even graduate program, you are often asked to provide reference(s).  A reference is a person who knows you well and who can vouch for who you are. They can be your high school teacher, college or university professor, former boss or even former colleague.

    Ideally, you want to choose a reference that likes you and will speak highly of you, whether personally or professionally. You want that person to highlight your strengths and not your weaknesses. You want them to convince the person requesting the reference that you are in fact who you say you are –  and more! A good reference can make the difference between you getting a position or not. It can even be more influential than a transcript, resume or cover letter put together. This is why it is so important that you choose a reference who not only knows you well, but who speaks well of you and can increase your chances of being chosen for a particular job, volunteer position, scholarship or graduate program.

    It is a good idea to ask the person whether they can provide a reference for you before putting them down as your reference. This way, your reference is not caught off guard when someone calls them asking about you. It is also a good idea to give your reference a heads up that someone may contact them to ask them about you. This way your reference is prepared and knows what to say when that email or phone call comes in.

    Sometimes references are also required to provide letters of recommendation, as is the case for graduate school and scholarship programs. In these instances, you should ask your reference well ahead of time if they would be willing to write a letter of recommendation for you. Beware that often times these letters of recommendations are required to be sent directly from your reference to the school or scholarship program. This is done to ensure that the letter has not been tampered with or altered by you in any way. In situations like these, it is imperative that you pick a good reference that you trust will put in a good word for you, because you might not be able to see what they wrote about you.

    Remember, references are not supposed to lie about your credentials or who you are. Rather, they are meant to support and enhance the person you have claimed to be. If you have chosen good references that know you well, like you, and can verify the kind of person you are, then you are already on the right track for success.

  • First Jobs That Don’t Come With Fries

    First Jobs That Don’t Come With Fries

    One of the first milestones you’ll hit after puberty and before graduation will be your first job. Nothing says adulthood like going to work (even if it’s part-time). Noreen Rasbach, writing for The Globe and Mail, found that 65 per cent of high school students have a part time job.

    Think you’re ready for the leap? Hesitate about a job that requires you to ask, “do you want fries with that?” Gotajob.com puts it nicely: “It is a common misconception among teens that the only jobs available to them are in fast food restaurants or grocery stores. Those types of positions are often most visible, and they are great jobs, but they are not the only options.” Here are some other places to apply.

    1. Lifeguard/ Swimming Instructor

    Typically thought of as a summer job, you can still do this year round at community centres and branches at the YMCA. If you’re a strong swimmer and have completed the necessary courses as well as your First Aid/CPR, you could be teaching the doggie paddle to toddlers in no time.

    2. Tour Guide

    If you’re bilingual, consider a job where you take members of the public around a gallery, museum or part of your city. This is the perfect job for a detailed oriented person with a knack for remembering factoids.

    3. Tutor

    Did you ace biology last year? Have you been taking piano since 3? Advertise yourself as a private tutor. Private tutoring companies will charge parents an arm and a leg for their own certified tutors. Prove your stuff to interested parents (show them report cards, ask a teacher for reference, play Mozart’s Sonatas).

    4. Pet-Sitter

    Know of a family going on holidays or just taking off for the weekend? Offer to walk Fido and feed Fluffy while they’re away.

    5. Retail

    It may be a bit harder to get a retail job with no experience, but try and aim for a seasonal position either in the summer or during Christmas. I’ve worked for 5 years at a toy store from lowly sales clerk all the way up to assistant manager. Every year I’ve seen the staff double from July-August and again from November-December.

    Whatever job you land, make sure you make time for the most important thing: school. In a 2007 Statistics Canada report, working teens are averaging 7.1 hours a week. Ask yourself if you could realistically juggle a part time job on top of school, homework and extracurricular activities. Simona Siad from The Star interviewed 16 year old Tulin Akdemir, who warns, “You have to have a part-time job to make money, then you have to keep your grades up and then all your extra things. It’s really hard.”

    Any of the jobs mentioned above are temporary and short-termed. Ease yourself into the working world with a few of these so you can get a sample of what you really like and what you would like to avoid. Even if you disagree; there’s no rush to growing up!

  • The Part-Time Job Experience

    The Part-Time Job Experience

    When looking for a part-time job, you don’t have to settle for just anything. There are many jobs that are tailored specifically for students that will also help you to reach your long-term career goals or just get you the experience you need to move up the corporate ladder. With the spring season fast approaching, many retailers are looking for part-time help immediately to assist them with the rush of customers.

    Retail is the most common type of part-time job for students. This includes clothing stores, convenience stores, grocery stores and most other jobs where you are required to work hands-on with the public. With so many different types of retail opportunities to choose from, you can select something in an area that is of interest to you. Like fashion? Apply clothing stores in the local mall, who generally require more people on evenings and weekends when you are likely to have some free time. If you like beauty, you can apply to work at a make-up counter in a department store. If you like sports, you can apply at many fitness-related retailers or even to be an usher at a local sports arena.

    If you enjoy being outdoors, a plethora of part-time jobs are available to you. You can deliver newspapers/flyers a few mornings a week or be a dog-walker. You can also shovel walkways or clear driveways during the wintertime. Many people are too busy to do this during the Christmas holidays, or they will be out of town on vacations. You can advertise your services in this regard on free community message boards such as Kijiji and Craigslist.

    Another important option to not overlook is the food industry. This includes restaurants and cafes as well as fast food. Most restaurant workers will need to obtain their “Food Safe” or “Smart Serve” certificates to prove they can handle food and kitchen tools in a sanitary manner. This course is generally only one day in length and will give you access to many different jobs that others without the certificate would not be able to get. Another advantage of working in the food industry is that your wage is often supplemented by tips.

    Retail jobs, while they may seem boring, will provide you with a solid foundation in the business world. You will learn how to use cash registers (many companies have their own computerized systems), handle cash and credit card transactions, do paperwork and bank deposits and practice loss prevention strategies. Most importantly, they will give you hands-on experience in customer service – this is perhaps one of the first things you will be asked about in subsequent jobs interviews. Being able to work with the public in a friendly and helpful manner will get you far in your chosen career.