1210212.us16.myftpupload.com Managed WordPress Site

Tag: jobs

  • Finding Your Niche

    Finding Your Niche

    After high school you then have to move onto post-secondary education – and that’s when you no longer have to take courses that make you think, “Why would I ever have to use this in the future?” We have all been there and thought about it. However, when you get to post-secondary, it all becomes very specific. You have to figure out what you are into and what you really wish to study.

    From experience, it is much easier to take a program that you are genuinely interested in rather than pursuing something you know you won’t like. After I changed my courses to something I enjoyed, I absorbed the information so quickly and in such great detail that I was able to retain a lot of information with little effort. When you are genuinely thrilled to learn the information you are provided, it’s a lot easier to stay focused and to achieve the best grades and goals!

    At this point, you need to focus on really finding your niche; your specialty. Find out what you are good at! Some of the lucky students have already figured it all out. My friend wanted to be a veterinarian since she was six years old, for example. If you’re like me, though, you had a lot of different plans and options throughout your life. When I found my niche, I found what I really enjoyed and knew a lot about. For example, if you are a very strong persuader and can effectively communicate your ideas to a wide audience and create outstanding rapport with your peers, you can pursue Public Relations positions.

    Finding your niche is all about exploration, and volunteering helps with taking a chance on many different fields; Extracurriculars and electives will also help with this.

    Always take a chance and find out what you enjoy and pursue your talents!

  • Networking: Your Tool to Success

    Networking: Your Tool to Success

    There is a saying that you will become very familiar with in life as you enter university and eventually into the workforce. The saying goes: it’s not WHAT you know, but WHO you know that matters.

    This may not make sense to you at first glance. I’ll be the first to admit that it didn’t make sense to me at first either. After all, I had spent years trying to learn as much as I could about my specific course of study. I figured that the more knowledge I had under my belt the better my chances were at getting into a great graduate program or getting a job in my desired field. But I soon discovered that this was not the case. Don’t get me wrong, either. Knowledge is important – very important! But so is your network.

    So, what is a network? A network is a person (or group of people) you interact with and exchange information with. Put simply, it consists of anyone you know and have developed a relationship with. Your network can include your family, friends, past and current colleagues, former high school teachers, past and current university professors, past and current bosses (assuming you have a good relationship with them), etc. Your network can even include people you met at the gym, coffee shop or church! The possibilities of who make up your network (and how large your network is) is only limited by the number of people you know. And I bet there are a lot of people you know in your life!

    Not everyone in your network needs to know each other. What’s important, though, is that the people in your network know you and like you. It wouldn’t be a good idea to have someone in your network who speaks poorly about you. This is because a network consists of people who help (not hinder) you in your career. Let’s consider the numerous advantages of having a network. For instance, when trying to find a job, a network can:

    • Provide you with internal job postings leads that may not be advertised to the general public
    • Provide you with contact names (people whom you may not be able to access on your own)
    • Put in a good word for you. Word-of-mouth referrals always have influence!
    • Provide you with advice during your job search process
    • Provide ongoing mentorship throughout your career

    Often, these things are more powerful and influential than WHAT you know. Again, this is not to suggest that knowledge and expertise aren’t important – they are! But when knowledge and expertise are coupled together with a lead on an internal job posting, a word-of-mouth referral and a contact name, your chances of getting that job go up tenfold, compared to another candidate who just has the knowledge and expertise.

    Remember that relationships are important, and this is no different in your personal life than it is in your professional life. So build your network and be part of someone else’s network. The benefits you reap from it are endless, especially since we live in a world where it’s not WHAT you know, but WHO you know that matters!

  • Career Profile: Ship’s Agent

    Career Profile: Ship’s Agent

    Before he heads to the office, the ship agent boards the vessel as it arrives in the port. He walks up a steep gangway with people from the federal government who work for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Transport Canada. As the latter inspects the ship, the agent finds the captain and assists him as he signs various documents that are required before the ship is allowed to enter the port.

    It is the ship agent’s job to coordinate the arrival of all vessels that enter Canadian waters. He is thus a vital link between all the imports and exports that come in and out of the country.

    Once back at the office, the agent performs a variety of duties. When a ship plans to arrive, the agent gathers information about the vessel such as: how many members are on the crew and where they are each from, how much the ship weighs and when it was built, and what kind of cargo it is carrying or picking up. He then sends the information to Canadian Customs and Immigration. When Customs clears the ship, it is free to enter Canadian waters.

    However, a ship cannot enter Canadian ports until the federal public servants have inspected the entire ship and cleared it for loading or unloading its cargo. It is the ship agent’s role to coordinate with members of CFIA and Transport Canada. He also organizes – with the ship’s owners, charterers and stevedores – when and where the ship will be loaded with cargo.

    The agent must also host the captain while he and his crew are anchored in the port. He brings the captain cash for the crew to use while they are anchored and he coordinates with ship chandlers who supply the crew with groceries and other necessary supplies. He also arranges for crew members to be picked up and taken to the airport when they are ready to return home if a new crew is taking over the ship.

    The ship agent links Canadian ports to the rest of the world.

    He coordinates much of the activity that sees that items like steel, sugar and electronics arrive safely in the country’s ports while grain, canola, lentils, yellow peas, barley, wheat, oats and other products are loaded into the vessels and shipped to places all over the world.

  • Trades Make the Grade!

    Trades Make the Grade!

    With so much attention brought to the business and management industries during Canada’s rekindling economic climate, many core fields of work are being overlooked by the students; one of these being the trades.

    The skilled trades are a growing field of work that is in constant need of well-trained workers.

    What exactly is a skilled trade? It can be defined as an expertness of a specific skill, usually attained through years of training and commonly related to construction and repair. The skills that are considered “trades skills” range broadly from carpenter, electrician, automotive technician, plumber, pipe fitter, welder and much more.

    There is a common misconception that the trades are considered “blue collar” jobs done through informal training. In reality there are a plentitude of academic institutions that provide education and preparation in the trades.

    Although it is common to get into the trades through practical training, it doesn’t mean you will be making less money than someone who attended university. Tradespeople are some of the highest paid employees in Canada. Not only is a customer paying for your knowledge about a trade, but they are also paying for expert performance.

    If you enjoy learning new lessons everyday and aren’t afraid to be challenged, a career in the trades might suit you. Trades jobs are considered demanding and will put your mind and body to the test daily. If you enjoy a hands-on work environment, and are interested in how things work, this field may be what you want to look at.

    There is an increasing shortage in the skilled trades. According to careersintrades.ca, 67% of young adults choose university over a college education in the trades because it was encouraged more by friends and family. There were also instances in which a lack of information about the trades swayed students away from the sector.

    So, what exactly are the steps to take to become a tradespeople? The most efficient and reputable manner to becoming certified in the trades is an apprenticeship. This way, you are getting one-on-one experience with a master in the trade who can help you further your knowledge and skills. Many college programs that deal with the trades have their own apprenticeship training programs. So go and check out your local college to see what they offer, or look on Jobs People Do to see what colleges offer certain apprenticeships.

    The best thing to do in your early years of education is to look at high schools that provide introductory training of a trades skill you are interested in. Julian Finbow Westlane graduate, claims that: “Taking the refrigeration course at such a young age was extremely beneficial for the jobs I am interested in.”

    Julian is looking to develop his trade skills in refrigeration, and is planning on either taking a apprenticeship or going to college.
    Become involved and research trade skills you think will peak your interest. It may be beneficial to shaping your career path! So put on that thinking cap (or hardhat for this situation) and immerse yourself in the trades.

  • Are You Supposed to Pick Just One Career When You Grow Up?

    Are You Supposed to Pick Just One Career When You Grow Up?

    This is a common question that students may ask. Are you supposed to pick just one career when you grow up? The answer is no. As you go through elementary school and high school, you will find that you will change your interests all the time. Maybe in school right now, you’re interested in animals and you want to become a Veterinarian. When you start high school, you may find out that you’re really good at writing so maybe you want to become a writer. There’s nothing wrong with that. You will find through experience that you are more interested in other subjects than others and the natural thing to do is to choose a career based on what you’re most interested in doing and what you do the best in, and you only find that out through time and the different courses that you will take.

    Elementary school is great to figure out what you like as you are introduced to a lot of different subjects in school like Art, Math, Science and Gym. In high school, you get to choose some of your courses based on what you like which will help you to figure out what you like and what you don’t like, taking you a step closer to what career path you want to follow. Of course this can change a few times in high school. Even after high school you can change your mind in university or college. You will see that maybe you’re more interested in another program so you can switch to that or maybe specialize in one program as your major and take another course at the same time as your minor. There are a lot of options available to you.

    Even after college or university when you’re starting to work at a job, you will find you will switch careers often. Maybe there are not many jobs available in your chosen field after graduating and you decide to work in another industry. Maybe you started working in your chosen line of work after graduation and you find out that it’s not really what you want to do after all and you decide to pursue another line of work, maybe going back to school in that industry or maybe you happen to get a job in that field. You never know what will happen.

    The most important thing to remember is to keep your options open as anything can change, including your interests and available jobs in that market so you must be able to adapt to these different situations. The best part is, you can gain skills in many different industries that you can you can use in any job. So enjoy and take advantage of all these experiences.

  • Why the Trades?

    Why the Trades?

    With so much attention brought to the business and management industries during Canadaʼs rekindling economic climate, many core fields of work are being overlooked by the students; one of these being the trades.

    The skilled trades are a growing field of work that is in constant need of well-trained workers.

    What exactly is a skilled trade? It can be defined as an expertness of a specific skill, usually attained through years of training and commonly related to construction and repair. The skills that are considered “trades skills” range broadly from carpenter, electrician, automotive technician, plumber, pipe fitter, welder and much more.

    There is a common misconception that the trades are considered “blue collar” jobs done through informal training. In reality there are a plentitude of academic institutions that provide education and preparation in the trades.

    Although it is common to get into the trades through practical training, it doesnʼt mean you will be making less money than someone who attended university. Tradespeople are some of the highest paid employees in Canada.  Not only is a customer paying for your knowledge about a trade, but they are also paying for expert performance.

    If you enjoy learning new lessons everyday and arenʼt afraid to be challenged, a career in the trades might suit you. Trades jobs are considered demanding and will put your mind and body to the test daily. If you enjoy a hands-on work environment, and are interested in how things work, this field may be what you want to look at.

    There is an increasing shortage in the skilled trades. According to careersintrades.ca, 67% of young adults choose university over a college education in the trades because it was encouraged more by friends and family. There were also instances in which a lack of information about the trades swayed students away from the sector.

    So, what exactly are the steps to take to become tradespeople? The most efficient and reputable manner to becoming certified in the trades is an apprenticeship. This way, you are getting one-on-one experience with a master in the trade who can help you further your knowledge and skills. Many college programs that deal with the trades have their own apprenticeship training programs. So go and check out your local college to see what they offer, or look on Jobs People Do to see what colleges offer certain apprenticeships.

    The best thing to do in your early years of education is to look at high schools that provide introductory training of a trades skill you are interested in. Julian Finbow Westlane graduate, claims that:

    “Taking the refrigeration course at such a young age was extremely beneficial for the jobs I am interested in.”

    Julian is looking to develop his trade skills in refrigeration, and is planning on either taking a apprenticeship or going to college.

    Become involved and research trade skills you think will peak your interest. It may be beneficial to shaping your career path! So put on that thinking cap (or hardhat for this situation) and immerse yourself in the trades.

  • Interviewing Without Ego

    Interviewing Without Ego

    You’ve worked on your resume, sent it out, maybe gone to a few job fairs, and lined up a few interviews. You know your stuff, and what you don’t know you can learn. You’re young, eager, and smart – this should be a snap, right? Maybe, but remember…

    It’s not about you
    So, you need money. You’re looking for a job, preferably one that suits who you are, has flexible hours, and great people to work with. Bonus points if it’s fun and pays reasonably well.

    You may want all these things, and you may find some or all of them, but your best chance of actually landing the job is in demonstrating to the interviewer that you’re familiar with the company’s needs.

    Don’t tell the interviewer how great you are, show them.

    It’s about them
    Employers are looking for people to do a job, whether it’s sales, service, or working in an office. They don’t care that you need the money; employers care whether you can do the job, and fit into the culture of their specific work place.

    Do your homework
    Get as much background information as you can. Check the company’s website. Or, if you have friends or family who work for the company, ask them what they do, and what you can expect from your interviewer.

    You’re great, and you know that, but confidence can only take you so far. Simply telling the interviewer that you’re the best person for the job isn’t going to win points. It’s just going to make you look full of yourself.

    Find out about the company you’re interviewing for and what they pride themselves in. You can use this information to tailor your responses to the interviewer’s questions. If service is important to them, let the interviewer know about that summer you helped out at the retirement home. Or if sales is a focus, let them know about the spring you sold the most Girl Scout cookies in your troop.

    Prepare to ask at least three questions about the company and the job you’re applying for. This shows initiative, that you took the time to learn about their needs, and how you can help. Remember – interviews go both ways. If you demonstrate interest in the company, it shows that you really care. And, if you don’t care, why would you want to work there?

    Be polite
    Show up early. The interviewer has set aside time in their day to interview, and they may have a host of other candidates before and after you. If you’re late or squeeze in at the last minute, you could delay others down the line, and it very well may hurt your chances of getting the job.

    Wear clean dress clothes as a sign of respect, even if it’s common to wear jeans and t-shirts while actually on the job.

    Remember to always thank the interviewer for their time. However awkward or amazing the interview was, it’s nice to leave on a positive and respectful note.

    Wait a full week, and if you haven’t heard back, follow up with the interviewer. Call or send an email thanking them again for their time and the opportunity to interview with them.

    Good luck!

  • Don’t Like Your Boss? Be Nice Anyway

    Don’t Like Your Boss? Be Nice Anyway

    The working life can be hard. Poor pay, bad hours, unappealing work and unhelpful co-workers can sometimes seem to follow you from job to job. On top of all that, the presence of a ‘bad-boss’, and whatever that may entail, can make it all the worse. Whether making you work those extra hours on a Friday night or just putting extra pressure on you, the knee-jerk reaction may just be to fire back on all cylinders; to yell, scream or be passive-aggressive to the individual who sometimes seems so comfortable doing the same to you.

    The appropriate response is, however, simpler: be nice.

    It is always important to stand up for yourself but you have to bear in mind that you are this individual’s employee and it is your job to cater to both their needs and the needs of the job, within reason.

    Hopefully instances such as this, where you are forced to deal with an unpleasant work environment, are few and far between, but they do (unfortunately) exist. Many bosses are easy to work with – are even constructive and friendly – but it is important to remember that your boss is your boss, whether amicable or not. They are an authority figure within the confines of your workplace and it is important to do your best to maintain positive relations with them to the best of your ability. Why? A friendly attitude may bring about some better hours in the future but more importantly: the reference.

    The importance of a letter of reference or positive referral from a previous boss cannot be understated when looking for a new job. A glowing letter of recommendation from a past employer may be what it takes to elevate your resume over those of your peers. So be nice to your boss. Do your best to keep a positive attitude during those extra hours at work – what’s there to lose? The worst case scenario is that you’re friendly for no reason. The best case scenario is that you cultivate a good working relationship with your employer, obtain a good referral (or perhaps invitations to come work with them again) and improve the overall working environment of wherever you may find yourself employed.

    So be nice. It can be difficult sometimes, but if you can manage to rise above your negative feelings for your boss or workplace you’ll be enjoying yourself in no time.

  • Why Trades? Labour Shortages in Canada

    Why Trades? Labour Shortages in Canada

    The trades are one of the fastest growing sectors in Canada and, as such, there are projected labour shortages in the coming years. This means there are more jobs than there are people to fill them. For this reason, a career in trades is a great way to ensure you will have employment when you leave school.

    Red Seal Trades:
    Based on the Canadian Occupations Projections for Red Seal trades, there are 24 Red Seal trades with projected labour shortages.

    Construction:
    The national construction labour force is estimated to rise by 100,000 workers between 2012 and 2020. The industry will need to replace 219,000 workers that are expected to retire over the next decade.

    To address expansion and replacement demand requirements, industry will need to recruit an estimated 319,000 new workers to construction.

    Growth in construction will be concentrated in the non-residential sector related mostly to resource projects. Trades required for this type of construction work include: boilermakers, carpenters, construction estimators, construction millwrights and industrial mechanics, crane operators, electricians, gasfitters, ironworkers, plumbers, sheet metal workers, steamfitters and pipefitters, and welders.

    Oil and Gas:
    By 2015, employment in the oil sands sector is projected to increase by 29 per cent over 2011 levels, or approximately 5,850 jobs.

    The pipeline sector will add about 530 jobs over the same period.

    The industry will need to do significant hiring to replace retiring workers and for turnover.

    Mining:
    The mining industry will need 112,000 new workers by 2020.

    Forty per cent of the industry are 50 years old or older. One third of the workforce will be eligible to retire by 2015.

    In Ontario, for example, employers will have significant hiring requirements– almost 16,000 workers over the coming decade will be needed just to replace retiring workers and people who leave the mining workforce in Ontario for other reasons.

    Automotive:
    In the automotive industry, cumulative shortages over the next ten years are projected to range between 43,700 to 77,150 positions.

    Overall, almost one-half (48.1%) of employers reported that the insufficient supply of qualified staff to hire was a significant or very significant issue for their organization.

    Labour shortages were seen as a major problem among employers in the motorcycle repair sector (57.1%) and auto body/collision repair sector (54.3%).

    Tourism:
    By 2030, demand for labour in the tourism sector will grow to 2.1 million jobs, an increase of 33 per cent.

    The growing gap between labour demand and the number of available workers will cause a significant number of jobs to go unfilled over the next 20 years.

    By 2030, shortages in the tourism sector could grow to 228,000 jobs, leaving 10.7 per cent of potential labour demand unfilled.

    If the expected shortages are not mitigated, the sector could forgo $31.4 billion in potential revenues by 2030.

  • A Look at the Trades from Insiders

    A Look at the Trades from Insiders

    With a plethora of career paths available to students once they leave high school, it can sometimes be difficult to determine where you should turn. You can go to university and spend four years gaining a Bachelors degree, you can obtain a diploma through college, or you can decide to study a trade. Increasingly, the latter option is becoming more and more popular with young people. But why?

    According to Line Breton, counsellor with the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, a job in a trade is a stable career path. “Trades will always be needed in any economy,” she told us, “and your certification will always be recognized.”

    While going to school to obtain your certification, you will have the opportunity to work as an apprentice in your chosen field. JobsPeopleDo.com spoke with Bob Benner, owner of Hamill Machine Shop in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Benner has been regularly hiring apprentices for over 14 years and gave us the scoop on why the experience is so valuable.

    “An apprentice has the benefit of watching how the job is done and being able to go back to class with that experience,” said Benner. “They go to school to learn the right way to do things, but then get the practical experience and learn new methods while on the job.”

    Another often-overlooked benefit of a career in the trades is your ability to move up quickly and earn more money.

    “Once you start working, it gives you a chance to prove your worth,” says Benner. “In our shop, you may start at $14 per hour but can move up to as much as $27 per hour. If you work hard and keep your certification up-to-date, there is really nothing holding you back from earning more money. That is a big incentive for many students interested in trades.”

    The trades cover a wide array of different career paths, from mechanics to hairdressers, electricians to carpenters. No matter what path you decide on, both Benner and Breton agree that you need to follow your natural instincts.

    “Spend a semester working in a trade that interests you. It will expose you to both the positive and negative aspects of the job,” says Breton. This will help you to decide if this is the right trade for you.

    “Love what you do,” says Benner. “If you like working in trades, there will always be a place for you if you have your papers.”

    So why not discover the different options available to you in the trades sector? Check out all of the editorials and career profiles that we have for you right here on the JobsPeopleDo.com trades page!