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Tag: summer

  • Career Profile: Sales Representative

    Career Profile: Sales Representative

    Suppose that you wanted to buy something like a chocolate bar or even a computer. You would probably just go to a store, look at the different types that are available, and then buy one. What about something that isn’t available in stores like a database for library computers? You would need the help of a sales representative.

    We all live in a capitalist based society.Salespeople work in many different fields, such as medical supplies, library programs, and insurance. Some of them might even work with not-for-profit organizations as fundraisers for different projects. Much of the work involves meeting with people or calling them on the telephone to encourage them to buy a specific product or to donate to a project. This work can involve a lot of travel, but some sales representatives might find that they can do their work through e-mail or other electronic means.

    Sales representatives have to be friendly and excel at working with people. It is also useful for a Sales Rep to know how a business is run. Many people in this field study to get a degree in business management or administration, and later they learn about the specific requirements of their jobs. Being flexible and ready to learn can help sales representatives succeed in their work.

    An important characteristic that sales representatives require is self-discipline. Most of the time, people in these jobs work alone or in pairs, visiting various offices or other locations. They need to be able to organize their time well and get from one place to another without being late for appointments.

    Normally, sales representatives work only in certain areas of a city or province. A sales representative might work in parts of Toronto or Vancouver, where there are many people, or in all of northern Manitoba, where the population is low. Some representatives have to travel far away from home for their work, but others can go home every night.

    Trade shows are an important part of a sales representative’s work. These shows happen at convention centres, hotels, and many other places where customers are likely to go. Sales representatives might also spend a lot of time answering their customers’ questions about the product and dealing with any problems that they discover.

    Sales representatives should know their products well and be able to keep up with any new developments that come. Demonstrating the product to customers is an important part of the job, but that requires knowledge. Imagine that you worked for a company that produces vacuum cleaners. You would have to know how the machine works before you could show it to customers.

    Salaries for sales representatives can vary from company to company. The average salary is about $56,000 per year, but earnings can vary between about $33,000 and $86,000. There is also the added factor of commission sales. Commission earnings are usually based on each individual sale. If you are a Real Estate Sales Representative, you may earn thousands more dollars a year, besides the basic salary with your company.

    Working as a sales representative can be very busy and high pressure, but it can be a rewarding career for anyone who likes being with people and working with various products. If that describes you, a career as a sales representative might be a good thing to consider.

    Bibliography:

    Glass Door.com. “Sales Representative Salaries in Canada.” http://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/canada-sales-representative-salary-SRCH_IL.0,6_IN3_KO7,27.htm.

    Halvorsen, Rob. “Sales Representative Job Description.”

    http://www.salescareersonline.com/articles/article_09082006.html.

    Payscale.com. “Outside Sales Representative Salary (Canada).” http://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Outside_Sales_Representative/Salary.

    Richardson, Melvin. “Sales Rep Job Description.” http://www.ehow.com/facts_5192766_sales-rep-job-description.html.

    Root, George N. “Sales Rep Requirements.” http://www.ehow.com/list_6686272_sales-rep-requirements.html.

    Simply Hired.com. “Sales Representative- Entry Level- Training and Growth Opportunities Available.” http://www.simplyhired.com/job-post/58669.41725

     

  • Summer; and What to Do with It…

    Summer; and What to Do with It…

    Summer. For some students this means vacation, relaxation, hot weather and no school. This is what summer is all about. Unfortunately, with this comes summer learning loss.[1] This is the loss of basic math and literacy skills created by the two month summer break students receive. It is important that students stay involved mentally and physically throughout the summer. With all of the beautiful weather, students have many opportunities to work, volunteer and study, thus keeping their minds active.

    Summer holds many employment opportunities; outdoor jobs such as landscaping and public parks patrol, to indoor jobs such as lifeguarding and clerical work. Ontario Parks offer seasonal jobs to students. Students can expect to network and meet new people, developing new skills for the future. They can also earn professional certifications such as a CPR and WHIMIS training.[2] Deafblind Ontario is another interesting and helpful organization that hires students. This organization is devoted to assisting individuals who are hard of hearing and visually impaired. Aside from working, students can also volunteer both for experience and to accrue the required community services hours needed for a high school diploma. A fun way to volunteer is to help coach organized sports.[4] The YMCA of Canada also offers many volunteer opportunities. Students can greatly expand their knowledge of a chosen field by volunteering and potentially gain full-time employment upon graduation.

    While summer vacation can be relaxing, students tend to forget what they learned in the previous school year. It is important that students continue their studies and keep their mind and body both mentally and physically active. Playing sports is great way to stay fit. Reading is also an excellent way to stay informed and mentally alert. It is essential that students continue their academic and personal growth over the summer.  By working and volunteering, students can meet new people, develop and improve their skills and discover new things about themselves. So, my advice is to make the most of your summer by mixing together work, play and volunteer; you cannot loose!

    [1] http://www.canada.com/life/curb+summer+learning+loss/1731823/story.html

    [2] http://www.ontarioparks.com/careers

    [3] http://www.deafblindontario.com/summer-students

    [4] www.peelschools.org/students/40hours/volunteerjobboard/Documents/Dixie%20Soccer%20Club.pdf

  • The Long Dog Days of Summer

    The Long Dog Days of Summer

    By now you are fully ensconced in your summer routine. Whether you’re working your first summer job or taking these two months off to hang out with your family, you’re probably not even thinking about heading back to school in September. Or, more accurately, you’re trying to not think about having to go back in four short weeks. While the prospect of summer ending can be daunting, think of the start of school as a chance for a fresh start. You can refresh your outlook and set the tone for the entire year. Create a list of goals that you would like to accomplish this year, whether that be getting higher grades or joining more extracurricular activities.

    If you’re making the transition from high school to post-secondary this year, you might be wondering just what exactly you should be expecting. Here at JobsPeopleDo.com, we have plenty of info on what you should be preparing for as you start this next phase of your life. This includes what to take with you to the dorm, how you can manage your new schedule (and freedom) and, of course, how to manage your money. We’re always on the look out for new scholarships for you – take a look through our archives and on our Scholarships page to find all the information you need to get the best possible start at college and university.

    While the summer is always a little quieter around these parts, we are working on some great new additions to the site for you come September. Keep checking this space for more updates!

    Enjoy the rest of your summer and we’ll see you back here on September 1 to help get you through the first day jitters.

    Jasmin Bollman
    Content Editor

  • Summer of Fun

    Summer of Fun

    Summer is officially here, and whether you’re starting your first summer job or you’re spending July and August kicking back with your family, JobsPeopleDo.com has got you covered. We’ll be updating all summer long with articles to get you prepared for the new school year in September, giving you advice on how to deal with entering college or university for the first time and providing you with the latest and greatest in scholarships.

    We’ve got some exciting projects in the works that you will see very soon, but in the meantime you can browse through our archives and find career profiles on everything from hairdressers to train engineers. Want to learn more about what it takes to be a veterinarian or a journalist? What about a carpenter or even a singer? JobsPeopleDo.com has information on virtually every job, including fun videos. Check them out this summer and get inspired on your own career path.

    No matter what you do this summer, keep it fun! Working at your first summer job gives you a great opportunity to learn a lot about yourself and what you like (as well as meeting new friends). Try keeping a journal or testing out  a new sport or hobby that you’ve been interested in but haven’t had the time to learn about. Make this summer yours!

    Have a great July and we’ll see you right back here in August to get you ready for your next school year.

    Jasmin Bollman
    Content Editor

    Don’t forget – be a mentor. Someone needs you!

  • 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.

  • Getting Your Volunteer Hours the Old-Fashioned Way

    Getting Your Volunteer Hours the Old-Fashioned Way

    In order to graduate high school, students must complete 40 hours of volunteer work. Rather than dragging it out over the course of an entire high school career, why not get them all done at once? And for that matter, even learn something while you are at it? If you’re interested thus far, you should look into volunteering with your local history museum.

    You will often find that any city’s museum would welcome student volunteers, especially those who have a vested interest in history or plans to continue historical studies into university.

    Maja Bannerman, Public Programmer for the Niagara Falls History Museum said that the museum accepts volunteers aged 10 to 80. Bannerman commented that their graveyard tour program in specific attracts many student volunteers, “a lot of the high school students are doing their hours and getting beyond what they need,” she added.

    The graveyard tour has students dress up in period clothing and imitate those buried in the Lundy’s Lane Battle of 1814 graveyard. These students put on three shows per night, every Friday and Saturday for the last three weeks in October. Beyond the official shows, there are numerous dress rehearsals and technical rehearsals throughout September in preparation for the show. Though it is a large time commitment, you could easily complete your volunteer hours by the end of October, and you’d have some great stories to tell from the experience.

    Though the Graveyard Tour is only one program at one museum, it is a fine example of an unconventional way to complete your volunteer hours quickly. Beyond getting your required volunteering done, there is enormous opportunity to learn something new about the place you live.

    However, your involvement does not have to stop there. By volunteering to the best of your abilities, you can show yourself to be a very useful asset to the museum. If you are particularly talented, it is possible to turn your volunteer position into a future job or career.

    “There have been students in the past who have attained paid positions here,” Bannerman said. Making such connections through volunteering can lead to a job, a career, or even just an excellent reference for your resume. It is very important to begin making connections like this while you are still in high school, as they will carry you through your college or university years and into the real world.

  • Stay Productive this Summer!

    Stay Productive this Summer!

    As soon as school is over, it’s very tempting to launch straight into “summer mode.” The school year is highly structured – you need to be in class at a certain time each day, which means you have to go to bed and get up at a certain time. When summer starts, that’s all out the window. Suddenly you have lots of free time and you’re going to want to use some of this time to recharge and relax. But taking a little bit of time each day (or even each week) can help to keep you in the habit of being productive and get you ahead not only in school but in life.

    Start Small
    As soon as summer vacation starts, set aside a little bit of time each day to do something productive. This can vary from person to person – it might involve going through your school notebooks and reviewing the ones you think will be useful in the next year, or it might mean spending some time learning Spanish online if that’s something you’ve always meant to do. Setting aside even 30 minutes each day will help you to establish some kind of routine. This will make it much easier to stay in the habit of getting work done.

    Stay Current
    Reading the newspaper, listening to the radio, reading blogs and staying up on current events is a great habit to get into. Knowing what’s going on in the world from a young age will serve you very well by the time you’re finished high school. If your family subscribes to a newspaper, that’s a great way to start. Otherwise, the library carries more newspapers than you could hope to read, and every major newspaper has an online publication and even a Twitter feed.

    Work or Volunteer
    This is especially useful if you think you’ve chosen your future career. For example, if you know that you’d like to go into medicine, you might want to look for volunteer opportunities at local hospitals or clinics. If you want to work in architecture, you could look for a job handling reception for an architectural office. The Ontario government also has a great resource for students looking for job, co-op, or internship opportunities: http://www.gojobs.gov.on.ca/JumpStart.asp

    Here’s wishing you a happy and productive summer 2013!

  • Happy Graduation & Summer from JobsPeopleDo.com!

    Happy Graduation & Summer from JobsPeopleDo.com!

    For those of you in Grade 12, June is the month you have been waiting your entire life for – you will be graduating from high school. This is a momentous occasion, and one that you worked extremely hard to achieve. Be proud of what you have accomplished and enjoy all of the activities and festivities that come with graduation.

    If it’s not your graduation year, that means June brings a different reason for celebration – summer vacation! There are so many things you can do this summer to bring you closer to your goals, whether it’s getting your first summer job, volunteering or just focusing on being the best version of yourself you can possibly be. Take these summer months to relax, recharge and set your goals for the next school year.

    This month, JobsPeopleDo.com brings you great editorial pieces about what you can do with your summer, whether you are moving on to post-secondary education or not. Don’t forget that it’s never too late to apply for scholarships if you need them for September, so check out our list of ten new and interesting ones that you apply for this month.

    From all of us at JobsPeopleDo.com, we wish you a happy, safe and productive summer!

    Jasmin Bollman, Assistant Editor
    Don’t forget – be a mentor, someone needs you!