G2G (2011) by jobpostings Magazine

5 Things

f o cu

s on tra des

to learn before leaving Mom and Dad’s

Now w h at ? shiny, New You didn ’t ge t in.

Your Independent Life ity s r e v i Is Un for Me? t Career Centres Will Save Your Life RighHow How over to Save M The B the summoney Time est Part er SchoJobs Wh Stud ol Goverile in B a e n t L o n me n

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Choose a career that values who you are

What are you good at? What are your ambitions? What kind of career is going to contribute to the quality of your life? No matter what your answer, you may be surprised to learn that the insurance industry has a career path that could take you exactly where you want to go.

Insurance affects virtually everything we do in life and in business. And because insurance is all around us, the industry has a wide variety of careers to match your ambitions.

One way to a great career in Canada’s property & casualty insurance industry is through post-secondary education. Insurance and Risk Management programs are offered at BCIT, University of Calgary, Mount Royal, Grant MacEwan, SIAST, Wilfrid Laurier University, Fanshawe, Conestoga, Mohawk and Seneca.

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your shiny, new independent life

index

2 Centennial College 5 University of Waterloo, Stratford Campus 7 Niagara College 9 Humber, School of Social & Community Services 12 Carleton University 14 Algonquin College 29 University of Guelph-Humber IBC Humber, School of Media Studies and Information Technology OBC Humber, The Business School

advertisers

& employers IFC Rogers Wireless 1 Insurance Institute of Canada 9 Hydro One 19 Certified General Accountants 20 Lipton Brisk 23 Ontario Civil Construction Careers Institute 23 SchoolFinder.com 24 Chartered Accountants of Ontario

school

showcase 30 Georgian College, Canadian Automotive Institute

jobpostings.ca | 2011

It's time for you to spread your wings and fly away. It's exciting, but it's also scary. So, we thought, let's assume you're smart and know a bit about the world. But let's also realize that there are things nobody tells you about life on your own,like paying bills, the importance of roommates, and why changing your sheets is really important.

are you ready?

4 8 Super-Important Things to Do During Your First Year

fall2011 10

6 Is University Right for Me?

Trades are getting new found respect. How to turn the skill into a trade, then turn that trade into dollar bills.

13 Career Centres Will Save You 15

8 The College Try

You Didn't Get In. Now What?

Pull your socks up! How to reset and get those grades up for next year.

Think you know what college is

22

cushions for bus fare come Winter Break. How about you read our special Money Section instead?

The Best Part-time Jobs

university, but make sure that you're going for the right reasons.

between your crumb filled couch

The Great Gap Year best decision you ever make.

There's a lot of pressure to attend

not careful, you could be digging

everything. Except your dirty laundry.

How a year off school could be the

21

Yikes! School is expensive. If you're

Saving Money While Savouring The Summer

Career centres can help you with

Like going to class. And yes, attending Frosh Week.

Mad Skillz

Before You Leave A few must-know tricks before you leave mom and dad's.

25

25 Government Loans v. Bank 26 Loans

Six Super Saver Budgeting Tips

26 Image: John Howard/ Lifesize/Thinkstock

school

The Meal Card Trap... and 27 Other Ways to Burn Money on Food

about? Think again.

3

r e p u * 8 sportant im gs to do thin ng your duri ear 1st y giot

by Pa na

a ko a Pa nag

s

Take the time to add all your due dates into your calendar so

Nathan Laurie nlaurie@jobpostings.ca

associate publisher Mark Laurie mlaurie@jobpostings.ca

editor Jason Rhyno jrhyno@jobpostings.ca

you don’t miss any of your assignments. During “crunch time”

graphic designer

you’ll find that you have several assignments, tests and even

Sonya van Heyningen svanheyningen@jobpostings.ca

Getting adjusted to first year of college or university is one of

exams all at once. It’s imperative to plan ahead and begin your

the biggest shocks you’ll face growing up. It doesn’t matter

assignments and studying for your exams well in advance so

web editor

how well you performed and what you did while in high school,

you don’t feel too overwhelmed.

post-secondary is a whole different ball game. You may have

Use the study resources available at your school

Simone Castello scastello@jobpostings.ca

school but guess what? Chances are that the people at your current school and in your program have some pretty amazing accomplishments themselves. You’ll be competing with the crème de la crème from across the country. Conversely, you may not have performed as well as you would have liked in high school — don’t panic. Pursuing a post-secondary education is much different than high school; here, everyone starts with a clean slate.

All schools have a variety of programs in place to ensure your academic success, like peer tutors and writing labs. Find out what’s available at your school and take advantage of the services. Doing so can make a significant difference in your grades.

Visit your career centre Seek out the assistance of the career professionals at your

One big difference between high school and post-secondary

school. They’re a wonderful resource that can assist you to

is the amount of freedom you get. With a few exceptions,

plan and map out your career and educational path.

you’ll probably only have about 20 hours of class per week, attending classes is not mandatory and you’ll be living on your

Eat healthy

own for the first time. So not only won’t you have your parents

In order to fulfill the academic expectations of university and

around to make sure you’re studying, your professors won’t

college, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential. A healthy

even notice, or care, whether you’re attending classes.

body is important not only to perform physical activities, it’s

According to a recent Statistics Canada report, Persistence in Post-Secondary Education in Canada, about 14 percent of first-year students drop out and don’t complete their studies.

So, how can you make sure this isn’t you?

Attend frosh week Not only is frosh week an opportunity for you to meet other first year students, and have lots of fun, you’ll also learn your way around campus. By being familiar with your campus, you’ll know where to go and the proper person to speak to if an issue ever arises.

Go to class Temptation to skip class is strong, especially if you were up late the night before, have a ridiculously early morning class, the weather is beautiful, or if your friends don’t have class and want you to join them at the pub. Make an effort to attend your classes. In addition to learning the material being presented, you’ll also learn about what your professors expectations are for your

contributors Christine Fader, Brandon Miller, Emily Minthorn, Kevin Nelson, Panagiota Panagakos, Eleni Papavasiliou, Amy Soberano, Andrew Williams

national account managers Sarah-Lyn Amaral, Mary Vanderpas

interns Vlad Omazic, Alyssa Ouellette, Andrew Williams

necessary in performing mentally stimulating ones. While pursuing a post-secondary education, your physical stamina is extremely important so as to be able to endure the long hours you’ll be spending studying. Your grades will suffer if you’re not in healthy physical condition as you may not be able to complete course expectations. Which brings us to…

Published by Passion inc.

25 Imperial Street, Suite 100 Toronto, ON M5P 1B9 jobpostings.ca 1-877-900-5627 ext. 221

Exercise Getting adjusted to your new schedule and academic expectations is stressful. Make sure to schedule exercise into your routine at least three times a week. Exercise will not only help you burn calories, it will make you feel better, allowing you to focus better on your studies.

Sleep!

Most post-secondary students stay up late studying, surfing the net, watching TV or socializing. It’s recommended to have 8

jobpostings publishes g2g annually. 60,000 copies are distributed to over 690 high schools in Ontario.

Contents of this publication are protected by copyright and may not be reprinted in whole or part without permission of the publishers.

hours of sleep every night. So make sure you’re well rested for your lectures and exams.

upcoming essay or assignment, what to anticipate on your tests

Although adjusting to life as a post-secondary student isn’t

and exams as well as any possible changes in due dates.

easy, it can be a lot of fun. Some of my most cherished memo-

Get organized and plan ahead

ries are from my years as an undergraduate student. And let

Your professors will provide you with course syllabi that include

while you’re taking the necessary actions to make sure you’re

all assignments and due dates for the duration of the course.

on your game, take time out for yourself and enjoy the ride.

on the cover: © iStockphoto.com/ James Pauls

me tell you, none of them have anything to do with studying. So

2011 | jobpostings.ca

Image: © iStockphoto.com/Beastfromeast

had top grades and were the class valedictorian of your high

4

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So What’s All this Talk of University?

“I know there’s a lot of pressure to go to university,” says Paul Bowman, a career counsellor at Queens

got good marks in high school, therefore you go to university,” comments Bowman. “And many students who don’t know why they’re here drift and bounce around from program to program. And there are many students who probably would have been better off to take some time away before going to university, or perhaps considering other options, such as college programs.” Class sizes can be fairly large the first couple of years, a turn-off for students that want to connect with professors more personally.

Because of this, he asks students to consider college as well, which offers just as many opportunities for a professional career.

University. He stresses that despite this pressure,

Also, the integrity of the Bachelors degree is now

students really need to consider all their options

being questioned, due to larger classes and the

and what they come with before deciding what to

state of the economy. In light of this, many BA hold-

do after high school graduation. Along with college

ers are complementing their degree with college

or trades, university is just one path you can choose

programs, or simply head into a completely different

towards your future. The trick is choosing the path

career from what they’ve studied for. “I’ve seen stu-

that’s right for you, and knowing when to take the

dents who’ve gone into careers in advertising and

initiative along the way.

marketing, but have degrees in political science.”

As Bowman explains, “[Students] really have to

“Certainly for professional programs, the employ-

think about what their learning style is, what their

ment rates are very high,” says Bowman. After all,

career goals and aspirations are, what their inter-

one of the key reasons why people go to university

ests are, and what their aptitudes are.” And choos-

is to put themselves in demand for employment (at

ing a post-secondary institute is just like shopping

least now it is). For those seeking non-professional

for clothes, it’s about finding the right fit and what

programs, like a Bachelors in Arts or History, you

best reflects your personality. That means getting

would want to look at internships to gain that cru-

out there and visiting campuses, talking to students

cial field experience, including summer positions,

and instructors, and learning about the programs

and community involvement. “A degree is one piece

and opportunities the school has available for you.

of the puzzle,” continues Bowman, “but there are

“It’s really important that people do their research

other factors as well.”

and not just rely on the nice, glossy brochures or

Whether or not university is better than college, or

the information that’s on school websites, but to

if it’s the other way around, is irrelevant. It largely

actually come and get a real sense of the campus

depends on what you’re taking, why you’re taking

environment,” explains Bowman.

it, and what you’re doing outside the classroom to

Residence is generally home to students coming

make the most of it. But the advantages that univer-

from abroad to study. However, many local under-

sity offers are the professional programs and theo-

grads choose to live in “rez” or at least near campus

retical practices that will always be important. “ It’s

so they can get that full university experience by im-

not enough to know how to do something; it’s also

mersing themselves in the environment. But whether

important to understand the why and the context.

you live on campus or not, part of this comes with

So the theory gives a broader framework, and also

the vibrant campus life, the frosh weeks, the par-

makes it possible for people to be able to see oppor-

ties, all sorts of things that’ll make this period in your

tunities and possibilities for applications that might

life memorable. At the same time, it’s important to

not otherwise be obvious.” If you want to be an in-

remember why you’re there in the first place, and

tensely brooding doctor like something out of Grey’s

manage to balance these social aspects with things

Anatomy, or a hotshot sophisticated lawyer, you’ll

like studying and rest. As Bowman explains, it’s all

have to go to university. “But aside from the profes-

about maturity. “Plenty of people don’t have diffi-

sional programs,” adds Bowman, “what a good, solid

culty managing [school and a social life], but some

university education does is broaden your horizons,

people really struggle with that because they never

challenge you personally as well as academically,

had to balance those things for themselves before.

and really make you prepared to be a global citizen.”

Note: watching Van Wilder does not count as post-secondary research.

LIGHT ME UP Typography Designed by Paloma Del Rio <palomadelrio@yahoo.es> for Neo2 <www.neo2.es>

6

what they’re told they’re supposed to do; they’ve

So for students who know why they’re here, often they’re self-motivated, and can draw those boundaries and not get carried away with the social and party side of university life.” He suggests that if a student doesn’t think they’re ready to handle this kind

by Andrew Williams

of responsibility, then they should probably take a year off before heading back to school.

Indeed, serious responsibilities are what await you. “[Some students] just come here because that’s 2011 | jobpostings.ca

instinct performance science excellence substance perseverance experience confidence balance proficiency relevance intelligence vibrance infl flu uence Niagara College (NC) welcomes new students each and every year and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re proud to help them achieve their dreams. At NC, student success is at the heart of everything we do, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in all the words we use.

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onwards to 1 college

by Andrew Williams

a goal that they didn’t have before. Once they turn their mind to doing something, they take off like a rocket. We have students right now in masters programs at great universities who started out barely limping over the finish line coming from high school.”

For high school students deciding on where to go, let alone what to do after they graduate, there’s always the option of college after university, vice versa, or even both at the same time. Seneca, for one, offers joint programs with York University. El Saheli says high school students should look closely at

ally know you,” says El Saheli. “So I chose college

ily,” says Laura El Saheli, a second year student

especially for that reason. You get to work with the

enrolled in the Human Resources Strategy Tech-

teacher and with other group members, and that’s

nology program at Seneca College. “We all go

very important to any job.”

to the same classes, we work together, we’re all friends.” That’s just one of the things to consider when thinking about college — the campus life and the unique relationship you’d have with your peers.

And for all you Lisa Simpsons thinking you’re too good for college, think again.

mind, for heaven’s sake. The last thing you want is

about college is that it sends you out to really get

to feel like you’re trapped on a particular path and

your hands dirty. “My field requires hands-on expe-

you can’t move.”

rience and the co-op is mandatory,” says El Saheli,

find very useful at all for anybody, especially in a

“There’s a lot of team work and you have to be

business mainstream.” College can train students

able to work with other people, and apply your

with what’s called “soft skills,” problem solving and

knowledge in different situations and circumstanc-

critical thinking, but also gives you the much sought

es. You can really get that at college.” El Saheli

after practical skills through co-ops and internships.

But some people might get it twisted, thinking college is only for people whose wallets have seen better days. This is certainly not the case. El Saheli

College programs that are particularly popular

makes it clear that some college programs, includ-

among new students include Police Foundations,

ing her own, can be more expensive than the tuition

Business, Community Services, and especially Arts,

for the same program at university. Nonetheless, it’s

such as Design and Animation, according to David

not a question of whether college is catching up to

Agnew, president of Seneca College. “We appeal

university in terms of prestige. As Agnew explains,

to students who want to finish their post-second-

“I think students understand that college is a place

ary education and basically be career ready,” he

where you get a great, sophisticated education,

says. Although a university B.A. is fantastic to have,

comprehensive offerings, and they’re places of op-

Agnew explains that it won’t necessarily appeal

portunity. In the old days, you came to college, got

to an employer, or it may be too general to pre-

a diploma, and that was it. Now you can come to

pare you for a specific kind of job. A good deal of

a college and get a degree, or move from one of

students are attracted to college because of the

our programs to a university program somewhere

graduate certificate programs that implement both

else. There’s so much more movement now of stu-

theory and practicality into their education.

dents between institutions and among institutions

while listening to a professor’s sermon. College offers a smooth transition from high school, as

8

who are 16, 17, there’s no shame in changing your

tory; it’s basically theory application, which I don’t

ture halls where you disappear in a sea of faces

important thing is choosing something that you love

love taking notes at a desk, but the great thing

main stream that you’re studying,” says El Saheli.

Also you mustn’t be disturbed by the idea of lec-

and asking what’s your passion?” he says. The most and picking the right path towards it. “For people

“while with [university] programs co-op isn’t manda-

makes the college experience worthwhile.

ment process is really going back to the students

your curriculum as well. We know how much you

co-op is mandatory, and you’re working in the

knowledge, and hands-on learning that really

to pursue. Agnew agrees. “Part of the whole advise-

Expect some real world experience to be part of

“I really like my program especially because the

explains it’s the practical application of concepts,

what their interests are, and which fields they wish

that just didn’t exist 20 years ago.” Agnew notes that many students go to college without even finishing their university program. They go because they realized university isn’t for them.

you get straight to the tutorials. “[…] you get to

College also offers the perfect environment where

study in smaller classrooms where there’s closer

students can discover their true potential. “We’ll

interaction with teachers and students, rather than

have a student who didn’t do well in high school,

in university where you’re in a lecture hall with a

then just blossom when they come to college,” says

thousand students and the professor doesn’t re-

Agnew. “It’s because they’ve matured or landed on

1 Just because it didn’t work out for Kanye West, doesn’t mean it won’t work out for you.

2011 | jobpostings.ca

Image: © iStockphoto.com/Eric Scafetta

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9

Mad

Turn the skill into a trade.

Turn that trade into dollar bills.

Copyright (C) 2008 pixohammer / http://10000pages.blogspot.com/ Copyright (C) 2009 LAFKON Publishing This document is distributed in the hope that it will be useful, but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document under the terms of any of the following license: the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; either version 3.0 of license or any later version.

A copy of the license is available at http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

The work force is a lot like high school. You have

Plumbing is another important area students

about to graduate, they come back to school to get

the popular careers that get all the attention, and

should look into when considering trades. Andrew

that specific training, and they go off to work,” says

the careers that are often overlooked but hold so

De Sousa is also a graduating student at Central

Stavole. If the employers like how you work and hire

much promise. The skilled trades industry is prac-

Tech who’s studying this skill, and notes the differ-

you, your co-op hours may go to your apprentice-

tically the latter, seeing an incredible demand for

ent facets he can get into. “For the first five years I

ship, and from there you can get paid, putting you

young prospects. Trades range from construction

plan on doing as much learning as I can,” he says.

five steps ahead.

to the hospitality sector, including hair dressing and

“From there, if you have your license, you can go

cooking — nearly anything that requires a certain

into sales or you can work for big supplying compa-

hands-on skill (ping-pong doesn’t count, unfortu-

nies, giving input on better products […] there are

nately). The beautiful thing about these professions

a lot of options.”

is that they’re something you can do on the side or

“It was different because it’s not like building a house where there’s dirt every where,” says Bolychuk about his carpentry placement at Sunnybrook Hospital. “Since it’s a hospital, you had to

But like anything else, learning a trade isn’t all fun

be extremely clean, and everything had to be 100

and games. “The most challenging part [of plumb-

percent germ free. So I got exposed to a whole

ing] would definitely be drawing the plans,” says

different aspect of the building industry, which

De Sousa. “You have a certain amount of toilets,

was extremely neat.” Some people might go on to

Many high schools have programs that teach the

a certain amount of sinks. You have to put into

university and come out broker than they went in.

necessary skills that students can apply to a trade.

consideration how many fixtures you’re using, and

Trades can make you money while you’re studying

The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)

figure out how big the pipes have to be so that ev-

what you love and give you a running start on your

works closely with high schools to provide co-op

erything runs smoothly.” He explains that ensuring

way to a career. As Bolychuk put it, “It’s like play-

placements and a more intimate training experi-

everything adheres to regulations and is up to code

time with a cheque at the end.”

ence for the field. Julian Da Silva Silveira is a grade

is another important aspect to perfect.

as a full-time career, which ever works for you. And high school is the perfect place to slide your way into this industry.

12 student who’s been involved in OYAP while attending Central Technical School in Toronto. He’s been preparing for the electrical trade and emphasizes the importance of such a skill in day to day life. “This program would be great to put on a resume,” he says. “An office job you can’t really apply to every day life. But for trades you can work around your house and save money. Instead of hiring an electrician to come work on something, I could do it myself.”

Carpentry, with its aesthetic elements, has its difficulties also. “Just getting the technique of all the fine detail work takes years of experience to finally get extremely good quality,” says Caleb Bolychuk,

by Andrew Williams

an OYAP student at Central Tech. “When you first start, you’re completely garbage at it. But doing it numerous times, practicing and getting those fine details done, will help you out further on.”

It’s pretty much unanimous that these students aren’t down for your typical Dwight Schrute office job. Many of them would rather get their hands dirty to see what forbidden dangers lie outside the cubicle. De Sousa, who had set up a basic washroom for a class, explains how successfully completing something is one of the most enjoyable things about the trades, while Da Silva Silveira admits he can never get bored of it. The satisfaction of starting Images: Copyright © 2008 pixohammer / http://10000pages.blogspot.com/Copyright © 2009 LAFKON Publishing

something and seeing it finished is a reward in itself.

“I’ve made this, I’ve assembled this right, and it’s just satisfying to see what you completed instead of just a stack of papers,” adds Bolychuk.

According to Lucio Stavole, curriculum leader of construction at Central Tech, one skilled trade isn’t necessarily in higher demand than the other.

Instead, he explains that it largely depends on which stage of a project is being worked on. “One employer might be busy this week, but next week it’ll be very slow,” he says. Among the co-op placements Stovole discussed were construction, automotive, carpentry, hair dressing, and restaurant services. “[The OYAP students] have graduated or are

jobpostings.ca | 2011

11

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r u o y e v a s l l i w life She wore a fancy dress and carried a large bouquet of flowers wrapped in cellophane.

I work in a career centre so while I do see students occasionally wearing suits for interviews, this particular student’s formal attire (not to mention floral sidekick) was markedly different from the standard fare of yoga pants, Uggs and sports jerseys I’m used to.

Information Area/Library

Most career centres have books and computers that allow you to find out more about career options, what to do with your interests (e.g.

“I need to figure out my life,” she said, looking tearful.

books like, “Careers for Talkative

“Okay,” I said, “have a seat and we can chat.” Look-

Types”), how to write resumes and

ing slightly agitated, she asked nervously, “How long

succeed in interviews, directories

do you think this will take? I graduate at 2:00pm and

to help you connect with network-

my parents are waiting down in the car.”

ing and employment opportuni-

During first year, you might not be inclined to think

ties, education and grad school

about, let alone visit, the career centre on your campus. The word “career” seems to conjure up images of 30 year olds in cubicles or corner offices

It’s amazingly easy to end up like the many students who unwittingly land in my office on their graduation PAPERFONT Typography Designed by Ipsum Planet for Neo2 <www.neo2.es>

day, shaking in their stilettos and silk ties about the

Image: Marili Forastieri/Photodisc/Thinkstock

endars from other schools. The comfy couches are a bonus.

ts information session with one education proevensmall

and doesn’t exactly seem to relate to anything in your life, right?

information, and program cal-

rest of their lives. When they leave our conversation, they invariably say, “I wish I had known about this earlier.” They thrust their bouquet of flowers thankfully into my hands and plead with me to spread the word to junior students to START EARLY. So, here I am, on behalf of all those students in beautiful dresses and snazzy suits — both the ones who know exactly where they’re going and the ones who aren’t sure at all. Whichever group you fall in, the career centre can help you, right from first year — even if you’re not ready for the cubicle or corner office just yet.

Whether it’s at a large career fair in an arena or a gram, these are great opportunities for first-year students to find out more about areas of interest, learn about post-grad programs and meet employers in a low-risk, friendly environment. Many career centres will run themed events that tap into students’ interests (e.g. eco-careers) and help you connect with information, alumni and organizations that work in those fields. There’s also usually food and swag!

Advice & support

Through all their programs, but particularly workshops or individual counselling/advising sessions, the career centre helps first-year students find an-

Employment programs

Career centres post part-time, summer, internship/ placement and after-graduate jobs on their website, host employers on campus, collect job applications on behalf of companies, and try to recruit more employers to hire students from your school and program. They might also be able to connect you with

jobpostings.ca | 2011

 How can I work or study overseas?  What are employers looking for that

will give me the “edge” when I look for work?

 I’ve

never had a “real” interview before. Can I practice in a mock interview?

 I

love my program but what are my career options from it?

 Where

can I find work in my preferred field/geographic area?

 What’s  What’s

it like to work in job X?

do the future prospects look like in job Y?

 How

much money does someone in job Z usually make?

swers to these questions and more:

 I

You’re paying a lot for your program, and sweating

thought I’d like my program but I hate it. Now what?

ally have  I know Career centres usuchoos e from: How do to ices serv of the following menu

volunteer opportunities.

“I_need_to_figur e_out_my_ life,”_she_sai d,_looking_ tearful._“Okay,” _I_said,_“have_a seat_&_we_ can_chat.”

exactly what I want to do.

I get from here to there?

 If

I change my program, what are the career implications?

 What

pre-requisites do I need to take now to get into program X in the future?

 Where can I find a part-time, summer, internship or after-graduation job?  Where can I volunteer?  What’s a “good” job for

the summer?

buckets on assignments and exams to boot. Right from first year, career centres help you make your education work for YOU — and they will help you finesse the high school version of yourself into the newly-sophisticated post-secondary you.

So when you’re thinking “I need to figure out my life,” drop by your campus career centre. We’re here to help — no fancy dress or flowers required.

Christine Fader works as a career counsellor at Queen’s University and is co-author of the forthcoming book, “Teen to Tuition.” Visit her website at: www.supportstudentsuccess.ca

by Christine Fader

13

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by Emily Minthorn

Your Shiny, New Independent Life avoid hitting the ground by

spreading

your

This one is for all those superstars striking out solo this September.

wings.

Image: © iStockphoto.com/gremlin

It’s not that we don’t love you, parents’ basement dwellers. There’s a lot to be said for the wisdom of sticking around the nest a bit longer to save money on living expenses while you’re in school. But sometimes, your dream school calls you from across the province —or the country — and staying at home just isn’t an option. So you spread your wings and you fly away. It’s exciting, but also a bit (a lot) scary. jobpostings.ca | 2011

15

»

Luckily for you little birds, a lot of people have done this before. G2G talked to a bunch of them, and took what they said, and wrote

how to share a kitchen and

this piece for you. Because

bathroom with several other

as you have likely already

people, and how to deal

discovered, there’s a lot of

with four dorm roomies’ four

useless advice out there for

different sleep schedules.

newly independent people

You’ll also have a built in

like you. For our part, we’re

brat pack for pub night and

going to assume that you’re

study group. Your roomies

not stupid, that you already

will be your windows into

know the basics of life in the

other departments and

big wide world: look both

faculties, new and exciting

ways before you cross the

avenues of exploration you

street, don’t take candy from

maybe didn’t even know

strangers, use the buddy

about when you first applied

system, eat your vegetables.

to school. Likewise, they’ll be

But then there are the things

looking to you for cool new

no one tells you — until now.

ideas as well. Do you have

Do you know where you’re living yet? Residence life will be step one for many of you — a great way to live on your

amazing taste in music and film, books, whatever? Of course you do! Share stuff with each other.

own with a bit of a safety

Maybe you’ll have just one

net. This beast has its own

roommate. You must be

ins and outs, depending on

nervous; they could turn out

the form it takes.

to be completely awful! But

If you’ll be living the suite life this fall, you’ll learn all kinds of valuable lessons, like

then again, they might be your new best friend. The best way to go about this is to not have too many expectations, and to be willing to re-orient — but not lower —

Image: John Howard/ Lifesize/Thinkstock

your standards of living.

2011 | jobpostings.ca

17 Or are you the kid who likes her space and opted to bunk

and family for cool, unique, and useful cast-offs. Later in the

alone? You know who you are. Single dorms are neat be-

year you’ll definitely want to head to Ikea too, because you’ll

cause no one can see your dirty undies all over the floor. But

still be needing all kinds of stuff! Budget for this last-minute

beware the creep of hermitage. Make friends with that girl

shopping trip. Getting your first apartment is super expensive

across the hall, keep your door open often, and you’ll have

even when you’ve got people to split it with, so learn to maxi-

the best of both residence worlds.

mize your dollar. Learn also to live with a bit less.

Regardless, you rezzies are about to enjoy some pretty sweet

And — this is very important — learn to cook. There is no

perks. For every loud guy down the hall and gross communal

student ghetto meal plan and your budget and pants-size will

bathroom, there is a silver lining: on-campus services out

thank you. Take this last summer at home as an opportunity

the wazoo. You’ve got your cafeteria and pubs and fast food

to pick up some kitchen tips from your family. Get really good

close by, your entire school at your finger-tips, and you can

at cooking a few key dishes and diversify from there. If you

go to class in your pajamas. You’ve got walk-home services,

can learn to make a meal for many, even better. The best

libraries full of free books and movies, campus art galler-

place to make new friends is over a bowl of steaming hot

ies, student theatre, student newspapers, student clubs, you

homemade whatever. Sharing is caring, and the favor will cer-

name it. Take the time to get to know your residence life

tainly be returned (and then some). If nothing else, remember:

coordinator or don — it’s their job to know the stuff you don’t,

the cook never has to wash the dishes!

to point you in the right direction and make your first year as awesome as possible. And even if you’re not really into it, try to attend at least a couple of those organized residence activities. You know the ones: the third-floor potluck, the C-hall movie night. This whole grown-up thing is way better if you’re open to new experiences, new friends, and new ways of looking at things.

One way to really jump into your shiny, new, independent life with both feet (and your whole wallet) is to set up house off campus. Find some new friends to split rent with, and then get to know your landlord. Talk to them, read your lease

Grocery shopping is an art unto itself that you’ll be perfecting long after you’ve got your degree or diploma, but start practicing now. Make friends with the store brands, with coupons and discount stores and day-old bread. See that rack full of overripe vegetables and fruit that’s so cheap it’s almost free?

You can nearly always find enough variety there to make tonight’s meal, and since you’ll be cooking it right away, it doesn’t matter that it has a few spots. Waste not, want not.

Dust once in a while, please. Your lungs will be happier.

Change your sheets at least monthly.

throughly, and attempt to start your life as a renter off on the right foot. Students have a reputation for being terrible tenants; you don’t want to be that guy. You have all summer to get your crap together, so now is the time to arrange for things like your internet provider, hydro, utilities, and other stuff that you’ve probably never had to worry about before.

This next bit is actually really fun. Spend part of your summer hunting down a few awesome garage sale furniture finds, and combing the basements, attics, and garages of your friends

jobpostings.ca | 2011

You’ll also have a built in brat pack for pub night and s t u d y group.

18

»

Don’t dismiss the power of the trip home to

the best place to start is in the Student Services

will probably be weird about it for at least the

recharge your batteries, make some free long-

department. They’ve got workshops for help with

first six months. But you’re extremely mature and

distance calls, pet your pets, and do your laundry.

everything from time management and budgeting

intelligent, right? Smart and savvy enough to avoid

There is no shame in taking a hamper full of dirty

courses, to healthy cooking classes, to addiction

the common pitfalls of binge-drinking and skipping

clothes on the train or bus with you at Thanksgiv-

and substance abuse counselling, to safer-sex

class and playing video games for three days

ing. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with calling

seminars. It doesn’t stop there. Depending on your

straight, no shower, existing on a steady diet of

your mom for a recipe, or with telling yourself

town or city, help may be as close as your nearest

Doritos and pure willpower? No? That’s okay. No

you’re calling for a recipe but what you’re really

community centre or public library. Try the local

one is that good at life right away. But now’s the

doing is calling just to say hi or to ask for advice.

YMCA. Try talking to your neighbors. Google it, but

time to start getting better at it, and that starts with

then also, call home.

making a certain amount of mistakes. And then

And it’s not just your family that wants to see you

learning from them.

succeed at living on your own. Almost every-

Moving out is a huge step, maybe the closest

where you look, there are people who are dying

thing to an actual rite of passage that Canadian

Either way, we’ve got your back. Good luck out

to help you settle in to your new life. At school,

culture has. Bad stuff might happen. Your parents

there, and have fun!

2011 | jobpostings.ca

Images: John Howard/ Lifesize/Thinkstock

There is no shame in taking a hamper full of dirty clothes on the train or bus with you at Thanksgiving.

Show the way to an exciting future

For high school students today, the future

is unlimited – unpredictable Even as it brims with opportunities, it promises to keep shifting and reinventing itself. That’s why it’s a great time general accountant (CGA). Visit seeyourway.org

ÂŽ â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Unilever Canada Inc. Used under license.

After completing four intense

what to study, not really sure

so a year working abroad

she laughs. “It’ll depend on

years of high school with fly-

about what career outcome

makes financial sense — and

who I meet up north. At this

ing colors, Alexa Garrison

they’re interested in. They’re

there are tons of resources,

point I’m not even 20. I’m

assumed that continuing her

the people who would ben-

online and off, to help gap-

lucky because all my options

education, as an environ-

efit most from a gap year.”

pers find a position working

are still open.”

mental science undergrad, would be the obvious next step in her life. “There was never any question of whether or not I’d go,” she says of starting university. “I never even considered taking time off after I graduated.” That is until she found herself locked in her dorm room, buried under a pile of overdue assignments for a crop of classes she wasn’t even interested in. “Basically I woke up at midterms and realized that I didn’t even know why I was there. It was incredibly lame.”

mental science student anymore; after those brutal midterms, she dropped out of her program, joining a full one third of Canadian students who leave school after their first year. “It sucks to be part of that drop-out statistic, but it would suck worse to waste more money on a second year of a program I wasn’t into,” she explains over the

how a year off of school could be the best decision you ever make

phone from her par-

to guidance offices across

ents’ place. She’s get-

Canada. Here, as in the Unit-

ting ready to travel to

ed States, most students go

northern Ontario on

straight from high school to

a three-month stint

their first year of post-second-

tree planting this sum-

ary. But in much of Europe it’s

mer, and while she still wants

or

overseas.

Even if you’ve already been

normal for students to take a

to go to school, “I just need

Then again, you could get

accepted to a post-second-

hiatus from school, called a

some time off to figure out

a job or internship close to

ary program, universities are

gap year. Now the idea’s gain-

what I actually want to do.”

home and test-drive a ca-

more than willing to work

reer you’re really interested

around your gap year — and

in risk-free. The positions you

some even have bridging

can land right out of high

programs that involve a year

school might not pay that

abroad

well — or at all — but since

school. Successful students

you’re still living a rent-free

who request a deferral for

existence, they won’t have to.

the purposes of a gap year

and research is showing that a breather between school and school is good for you in more ways than one.

A gap year is exactly what many students need to find clarity,

agrees

Bowman.

“Most people who take a gap year do return to school. It’s

volunteering

“I wouldn’t hesitate to rec-

a fear from parents, but as

ommend that a student take

from all the data I’ve seen,

a gap year — especially if

it’s not a credible fear. All the

In any scenario, a gap year

there’s

evidence suggests that peo-

is only worth taking if you

ple will come back to school.”

spend it doing something

uncertainty

about

what they want to study,” says Paul Bowman, manager of Career and Education and a career counsellor at Queen’s University. “We certainly see plenty of students who are motivated and have a clear direction who haven’t taken a gap year, but we also see a lot of students who aren’t really sure why they’re here. They’re basically just Image: MM Productions/ Lifesize/Thinkstock

Alexa isn’t an environ-

Alexa’s story is a familiar one

ing popularity here at home,

putting in time. Typically, those are the students who have come straight out of high school, not really sure

Keep in mind that a gap year is very different from the ‘victory lap’ that’s become common since the elimination of grade thirteen from Ontario high schools. “Staying in your same high school and being around the same people is not likely going to lead to the sort of growth and change that a year in a dif-

productive:

gaining

work

experience and self-knowledge, for example, rather than gaining levels on your night-elf warlock. “If you do take a gap year, make some plans,” advises Bowman. “Get out the door, meet people, get involved, try new things, learn, network. Get out of your comfort zone.”

ferent environment, around

Alexa plans to use the mon-

different people, doing dif-

ey she earns tree planting to

ferent things is likely to give

go do some humanitarian

you,” warns Bowman.

work overseas, “probably in

So what exactly should you do with your gap year? Travel is cool, but it’s expensive, jobpostings.ca | 2011

21

Rwanda. But who knows!”

before

resuming

always present the Registrar’s office with a game plan, says Bowman. “Universities support students doing that, because they know that student’s likely to have a better academic outcome. There is growing evidence that a gap year does correlate with increased motivation for students.” With that increased motivation comes greater focus and, Bowman believes, a more fulfilling career. Which is kind of the point of this whole thing anyway, right?

by Emily Minthorn

After months of anticipation, the dreaded letter arrives and you didn’t make the cut. Although it may feel like the end of the world, it really isn’t. Before you go into panic mode, speak to an academic advisor at the institution you applied to. Figure out why you were denied; was it due to a low GPA? Maybe it was an incomplete or late application?

Keep in mind advisors are there to get you in, not to hold you back. Most students are too bummed out to even try, but the truth is, talking to an advisor after being denied can increase your chances of getting in; if not for this semester, than the next one. Applicants are often rejected because there weren’t enough seats left. Typically, when this happens it usually means you will be added to a waitlist and if a student drops out, you are next in line. This happens more often than people think, so don’t rule it out.

You

get in. Now what?

by Eleni Papavasiliou

Meeting with an advisor

Go to college first then transfer to university

Come prepared. If you want the advisor to work hard for you, this

If you didn’t get into your first choice, consider going to a lo-

is the absolute best thing you can do. Your goal is to demonstrate

cal college first. Colleges are a great way to start your post-

your interest and commitment to furthering your education. Bring

secondary education. Many boast smaller classrooms, less ex-

copies of your transcripts, student number, and a resume. Every-

pensive tuition fees, an easier commute, and you’ll save money

one knows most people apply to more than one institution, so

living at home than living in campus dorms. Many colleges act

if this school is your first choice, make a point out of saying so.

as feeders to universities so most of their courses will transfer

Most importantly, show enthusiasm during your meeting.

for credit. However, it’s your responsibility to verify its transfer-

Repeating a course

ability so check before you take any course. Taking this route

If you don’t get through by way of the wait-list, an academic ad-

the university’s entrance requirements before you apply.

visor can develop an action plan with you to get in for the next semester by determining which courses you need to increase

Consider schools in other provinces

your grade point average. Maybe you didn’t do so well in Math

According to Statistics Canada, Quebec has the lowest tuition

12, and that C- is holding you back. Most colleges and universi-

fees across the country. Following in second and third place is

ties have programs in place to allow you to redo the course on

Newfoundland / Labrador and Manitoba, respectively. This is a

campus. Make sure you know how your institution of choice cal-

great opportunity to see what Canada has to offer, meet new

culates your GPA with repeated courses as some schools will

people and venture out on your own.

use the higher grade while others take an average of the two.

Take a year off

Get help with your homework

also means making sure your grades are in order, so confirm

Next to buying a house or a car, a post-secondary education

When repeating a course, getting a better grade after one at-

will be one the largest investments you will ever make in your

tempt is preferred. Having to redo a course more than once can

life, so don’t take it lightly. Take the time off to work, save mon-

be expensive, time consuming and may be a sign the program

ey and research all the possibilities. Booking an appointment

is not right for you. Make the second shot worthwhile by hiring a

with a career advisor can be beneficial too. Selecting a career

tutor or taking advantage of the institutions’ free resources for

which suits your personality before you commit to a program

extra help. Most schools have learning centres to provide assis-

will save you time and money in the long run.

tance, and chances are the extra effort you put in will pay off. To find a tutor, ask the advisor if they have a list, go to the Student Union, or scan notice boards on campus for advertisements.

22

2011 | jobpostings.ca

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25

by the dime

by Amy Soberano

1

As the school year crawls to a close, and the sunshine outside your classroom window is all but dragging you out the door, the countdown to that

barista, working as a camp counsellor, or doing odd

along the way — you’ll be saving your dollars and

jobs around your neighborhood. Now that you don’t

the environment too. There will always be someone

have to spend five days a week in school, you’re

who seems freer with his or her cash than you are,

free to work either part-time or full-time, depending

and there can be tons of pressure to spend. Get

on your goals. Not only will your job provide you

creative. There are plenty of inexpensive ways to

with a paycheque, but it can also be a place to

socialize, especially in the summer. Instead of go-

meet new friends, learn outside the classroom, and

ing out to eat, spread a blanket in a nearby park

explore life beyond your old routine.

or backyard and suggest a potluck picnic. Not only

final bell can grow as rowdy as the last seconds of

Once the money starts coming in, it can be tempt-

an overtime sports game. But while you might be

ing to let it all slide right back out. Set a firm rule:

on the edge of your seat waiting for the summer,

before you pay others from your hard-earned cash,

you may also be clutching its armrests a little tightly

pay yourself first. If you don’t have one already, set

at the thought of budgeting your money. July and

up a savings account and commit to depositing a

August are your months off, and after a long school

fixed percentage of every paycheque. Many banks

year of homework and exams, the summer de-

have discounted plans available for students, and

serves to feel like a vacation. At the same time, lib-

over time you’ll even make a little extra on interest!

eration from your desk can quickly become a huge

With this system in place, you can worry less about

drain on the wallet, often before you even realize

saving money for a rainy day and more about en-

where your dollars have disappeared to. But here’s

joying yourself in the sun.

the good news: if you play it right, “play” being the

There’s a whole new world out there to explore in

key word, the summer months can just as quickly become a tremendous opportunity to earn, without robbing you of the holiday you deserve.

the summer but, without a magic carpet, transportation can get pricey. Put the old adage into practice and make your journey into the destination —

is this a great way to cut down on costs, but it can make for an awesome afternoon! Or, if you’re feeling entrepreneurial, team up with a friend for some summer cleaning and host a garage sale in your neighborhood. Whatever you choose, make sure to find a healthy balance between work and play that’s right for you. Don’t forget — summer can be a time to earn, but you’ve also earned your summer.

The Best Part-Time Jobs

by Amy Soberano

2

Whether you’re saving for tuition, helping out at

don’t waste money on gas, parking, or public transit.

home, or just need some extra pocket cash, putting

Walk instead. Slow down, maybe even literally to

money aside and developing an awareness of your

smell the flowers, and enjoy areas of your home-

spending habits are important practices to adopt

town you may never have passed through on foot.

early. Of course, the first step to saving is earning an

For longer trips, ride your bike. If you don’t have one,

income. There are plenty of great and flexible sum-

it may be worth the investment.

mer jobs available for students, such as lifeguarding

With all this exercise on a beautiful day, you could

of part-time jobs that maximize your income while

get thirsty. Bring a reusable water bottle and refill it

minimizing your time spent “in the office.”

at a community pool, serving at a restaurant or as a

jobpostings.ca | 2011

As most high school students in the workforce can attest to, finding that perfect balance between school, a job, and a social life can be a tricky juggling act to maintain. To help you avoid dropping the ball in any one of these areas, we’ve compiled a list

Image: Hemera/Thinkstock

Saving Money while Savouring the Summer

loan is to supply count t en ud st a of e os rp “The pu so don’t only what is truly needed, on extra money for beer.”

3

Order up!

Other great ways to make some extra cash while

Believe it or not, there are many ways to earn money

walking. If you love caring for kids or for animals, this

Government Student Loans vs.

Bank Loans

without paying the price in the classroom or with

could be the kind of job that doesn’t even feel like

your group of friends. The food industry, for exam-

work. Like tutoring, these positions pay well by the

by Eleni Papavasiliou

ple, is ripe with opportunities for teens looking for

hour, have the potential for meaningful one-on-one

Being handed a chunk of money may seem great

part-time work. Serving is often the most fruitful op-

interactions (including canine companions), and al-

at first, but before you sign on the dotted line,

tion for filling your pockets with cash, especially at

low you to virtually create your own hours. The flip-

do your homework. Government loans vary sig-

higher end restaurants where a good work ethic and

side to this flexibility is that unless you’ve got regular

nificantly from bank loans and confusing the two

positive demeanor can translate to great tips by the

clients, consistency can be an issue. Depending on

can have serious consequences. When borrowing

end of the night. However, in most cases you’ll have

your financial situation and your clientele, this type

money from the government, it comes from two

to climb your way up the food chain before land-

of work could either be an ideal source for pocket

different sources: the federal government and the

ing a sweet serving gig. Working as a barista in a

money, or simply not guarantee enough hours.

provincial government. The federal component is

café, bussing tables at a restaurant, or trying your hand at a fast food joint are all great ways to gain experience in the industry, build your resume, and hone your customer service skills while still making a decent paycheque.

Totally tutor If you’re earning straight As in any of your subjects,

still in school are babysitting, pet sitting, and dog

An important thing to remember is that you’ll not only be making money but creating experiences that will help you to grow both personally and professionally. Don’t sweat it if you don’t know exactly what you want to be when you grow up just yet. For now, building your resume, making connections and trying new things are all really great places to start.

administered by the National Student Loans Service Centre, and lends up to 60 percent of required financing. The remaining 40 percent comes from your provincial government.

How to apply Speak to a financial aid officer at your college or university first. They provide guidance through the

you may find stepping over to the other side of the

Whatever you choose, here’s some advice: although

process and can answer any questions about fill-

classroom and working as a tutor to be extremely

it can be tempting to cash your grades in for more

ing out the complicated forms. Since government

rewarding — and not just financially. Put up flyers

time at work, it may not be your greatest investment

loans are based on what is often referred to as

in your school or around your neighborhood. If you

in the long run. More power to you for chipping away

“demonstrated financial need,” it’s possible not all

have younger siblings or friends at other schools, ask

by the hour at that ominous university or college tu-

of your expenses will be covered. When calculat-

them to spread your name around — word of mouth

ition, but if that’s the route you want to go, another

ing your loan, other sources of financing are fac-

is huge for this type of work. Although you might earn

strategy to consider is the application to commu-

tored in, including personal savings or money from

more per hour if you go at it on your own, applying

nity leadership or academic scholarships. If you play

a Registered Education Savings Plan. The purpose

to work for a tutoring service could ensure a steadier

your cards right, boosting your marks could actually

of a student loan is to supply only what is truly

income, especially if you’re uncomfortable or strug-

lead to that very financial boost you’ve been striving

needed, so don’t count on extra money for beer.

gling with self-promotion.

for. Of course, being realistic about your options and

A good way to ensure you receive the maximum

responsibilities is a must, but working for money at

amount is to get rid of your car too. Taking into

the expense of your grades may often lead to only a

consideration the cost of gas, insurance and main-

If you’re looking for something more stable, retail

short-term payout. As always, it’s about finding that

tenance, lenders see a vehicle as an unnecessary

could be the option for you. While your hourly wage

balance that’s right for you.

expense and will deduct it from your application.

Reap the rewards of retail will likely start out at the minimum or close to it, the

Ditching your wheels is financially responsible —

predictability of a set schedule might actually pro-

and good for the environment, too.

vide just that type of freedom you need to feel on track. Of course, putting in your time will not only earn you a steady paycheque, but it could also lead to a promotion or a raise.

To apply for a bank loan, speak to a financial representative at your bank; financial aid officers at your school cannot help you.

2011 | jobpostings.ca

27

by the dime What’s a Guarantor and why do I need one?

What if I don’t find a job after I graduate?

students get student loans, and here’s the scary

When applying for a loan, applicants typically have

The government is more flexible if you run into

Campbell. “When a student sets their budget, they

to qualify for it by proving they earn enough income

trouble after completing you studies. They offer

have to figure out their fixed costs: rent, tuition,

to cover day to day expenses and make loan pay-

repayment assistance, meaning they will make

books, the cost of food and transport.”

ments on top of them. Good credit history is also

payments on your behalf. Banks are stricter and

required to show a pattern of making payments

may not be able to offer other arrangements.

2. Get a job!

on time. Full-time students however, are given a

Keep in mind late or missing payments will affect

break with government loans. To qualify for both

your credit history negatively. A blemish on your

federal and provincial loans, proof of enrollment in

record will create barriers for getting credit when

a full-time program is enough. British Columbia is

you want to buy a house or car in the future. Don’t

the only exception; a guarantor has to sign if you

forget that once a loan is signed for, the responsi-

are under the age of 19. By signing, the guarantor

bility of paying it off rests on your shoulders.

agrees to repay the loan if you can’t. When apply-

part: they get it in chunks in September and January. They’ve got to learn to spread that out,” says

If your budget is in the red, working part-time might help you get on track. While working a couple shifts a week on top of going to school full-time might not sound so appealing, there could be benefits. “It really sets you up for what life can be like,” agrees Campbell. “If you learn to balance your life in that way, that’s a great skill!”

3. No charge

ing for a bank loan, being the age of majority in your province is mandatory to apply, and it’s likely

These days, it seems like credit card companies

a guarantor will be needed since most new stu-

dole out cards as if they were candy. If you can

dents don’t have enough credit history to qualify

avoid this classic trap, it’ll help you in the long

on their own. On the contrary, bank loans are approved based on a combination of three factors: your personal credit history, the credit history of the guarantor, and the type of program you are enrolled in. Students enrolled in medical school or certain Master degree programs are considered a lower risk from a lender’s perspective, because they are more likely to find work upon graduation and pay back their loans on time. As a result, loans from banks are more accessible to them.

What is interest?

Budgeting Tips

by Kevin Nelson

4

When I first left home for university, I had no idea the cost of things, and I spent accordingly. With student loan in hand, I bought whatever I laid eyes on: fast food, beer, music. In the process, I accumulated a gargantuan amount of debt that I’m only

run. “We see far too many young people ruin their credit rating before they’re 25,” says Campbell. “If you’re tempted to get one, and feel that it’s necessary, stick to one card with a limit of no more than $1000.” Another option might be to get a preloaded credit card for emergencies. At least then you know when the party’s over.

4. Keep ‘em separated If your money arrives in lump sums, try to keep

now in a position to be paying off.

your “expenses funds” in an account separate

Debt is the last thing you want to have hanging

from your “fun funds.” This makes it easier to moni-

Interest is the cost of borrowing money, which

over your head after years of hard work in post-

tor your expenses and ensures you won’t come up

means loans are not free. When a lender issues a

secondary. Together with Laurie Campbell, ex-

short on rent day.

loan, an interest rate is charged. Interest is a per-

ecutive director of Credit Canada, a not for profit

centage of the original loan amount (also known as

charity that’s helped people deal with debt for

5. Campus living: on or off?

the principal, in financial lingo), and is applied over

over 40 years through financial literacy and money

the course of the repayment period. With govern-

management education, we’ve compiled some in-

ment loans, full-time students are given an interest

dispensable tips to help you get the most bang for

free grace period for six months after leaving school.

your buck during your first year away.

Most bank loans on the other hand, require you to

1. Take stock

start making interest payments as soon as you draw money, whether you are still in school or not.

This is an article unto itself, but simply put there are pros and cons to each. “It’s going to be cheaper living off-campus if you can live with roommates and you’re careful with your money,” says Campbell. “However, there’s a bit of a safety factor to living on campus: tuition fees and meal plans are

Simply put, figure out where you’re getting money

usually paid in advance and you don’t have any

from and where that money will be going. “Some

transportation issues.”

by the dime Everyone has a horror story or two about buying textbooks. In my second year I bought a $200 history text for an elective that I couldn’t sell back

ping meals for the rest of the week. Not a good

would be ‘I want twenty cheeseburgers made like

idea if you have exams and assignments due for

Big Macs’.” It was a habit he developed out of lazi-

which you’ll need all your mental agility to answer

ness, he admits.

those multi-layered, stress-inducing questions.

During his first year at the University of Guelph as

dzon recommends students “…open cookbooks,

year. This taught me a valuable lesson: only buy

a political science major, Thom Weresch, like many

read recipes on the internet, have people over, start

the books that you absolutely need. I saved myself

students living in residence, was given a meal card.

learning different techniques in terms of cooking,

$500 one year because I used the books set aside in

“I ate it all in the first month,” he says, laughing.

talk to your foodie friends,” and, she says, talk to a

the reserve section of the school library. Of course,

“Having that card doesn’t make you appreciative;

dietitian, which every campus has on staff.

this isn’t ideal for everyone. Often, buying books

it’s like a Visa. You’re just swiping... you don’t think

brand new isn’t the best way to go. Scour the school

about it until you try to order a poutine and they

bulletin boards for used books, or even try online.

say ‘Sorry, you have thirty cents on your card.’”

7. Food for thought

Do a little food court reconnaissance before you

pasta, and gravy in this can. Mother Hubbard’s

get a greasy meal card trigger finger, recommends

cupboard. And all of a sudden this muse came to

Shauna Lindzon, a registered dietitian in Toronto.

me and said ‘Why don’t you put them together?’

“Go through the cafeteria, ask to see the meal

So I cooked the pasta, put in the gravy and ate

plan, check the prices.” This way you now what you

pasta and gravy.”

Even as a student with a meal plan, I still managed to eat out 2 or 3 times a week. “Ordering late-night food, eating fast food multiple times a week can really add up,” cautions Campbell. “Think ahead and make sure you have groceries at home. If your fridge is empty, you’re going to go out and grab something.”

Hopefully these nuggets of knowledge have given you a little insight into making that first year on your own a little easier on the wallet.

can afford daily, which will extend the life of your meal card.

The Meal Card Trap

by Jason Rhyno

5

Lindzon isn’t a fan of The Thom Weresch Diet. “You can put canned lentils in tomato sauce and you ney beans off, put it in the tomato sauce, and have

too much money on the wrong kind of food. “Grab

that with pasta. That would be a more balanced

some fresh fruit for a snack and put it your bag,”

choice than just the pasta with the gravy.” If your

suggests Lindzon, which will help top up your gut

budget is really tight, Lindzon says that above all

throughout the day. “Grab a few nuts, grab a yo-

else, eat breakfast.

“Start by eating a healthy, balanced breakfast that

Weresch’s dietary habits changed when he moved

is high in fibre, with a healthy protein and fat added

off campus during his second year and was forced

into the equation. That boosts your metabolic rate,

to fend for himself, minus a meal card. “You start

gets your metabolism going, gets your brain think-

looking for the cheapest things ever. Like looking

ing and gets your energy rolling.” Then snack every

for ketchup; instead of buying Heinz, you buy PC

few hours. “I always say, if you have time to go to

or the No Name brand.” It’s actually a good trick as

the bathroom, you have time to have a snack.”

When you’re short on dough, eating can be like

“Instead of going to a supermarket where we

nachos and chicken wings – can have you skip-

ber I was so broke … the only thing I had left was

have the benefits of the protein. So rinse the kid-

Save your money and your health.

der a $17 pizza for movie night, or dropping $30 on

graduated, but his budget was still tight. “I remem-

15, is a clear indicator that you may be spending

paying for name brands can add serious dollars to

walking a tightrope. Any one slip – deciding to or-

Weresch only started cooking at home after he

Sudden weight gain, as in the dreaded Freshman

gurt container and stop the feeling of starvation.”

28

In order to help tap into your inner Jamie Oliver, Lin-

because they weren’t teaching it the following

your food bill. However, Weresch says he and his roommates were eating out more often than not.

~ end ~

could pool our money, we would order pizza. On Sundays at McDonalds it was cheeseburger day, and you could get those made like Big Macs, so it

2011 | jobpostings.ca

Image: © Getty Images/Jupiterimages/liquidlibrary/Thinkstock

6. Buy the book?

«

Jeremy Wyant, 24 – Internet Web Specialist at PFAFF. Canadian Automotive Institute (CAI) graduate, 2009

When did you first start thinking about a career in the automotive industry?

I was focused on business in high school and I knew I wanted to get into marketing. My business teacher took us to the 2004 Georgian College Auto Show, where I found out all about the CAI. I spoke to some students there, and ended up falling in love with the college.

So, clearly the college left an impact on you. What program did you end up choosing?

I chose Georgian because I wanted to get into the automotive industry and it’s the only school in all of Canada that offers the program. So it’s unique.

I did the three-year diploma in automotive marketing, along with the oneyear degree completion right after.

Looking back, what was the best aspect of the program for you?

I loved every day in the program! The co-op consultants are fantastic. They got me involved with a lot of different volunteer and leadership experiences outside of school. I learned to network with different people as well. This was definitely a huge part of my positive experience in the program at Georgian.

How big were your classes?

The largest class I had was probably 35 to 40 students. It’s pretty great because your teacher learns your name within the first week, so it’s fantastic.

That’s a good thing! Can you tell us a little bit about your co-op experiences?

You have to do three co-op placements throughout the program, and they alternate semesters. By the end of the diploma, you’ve done a full 12 months.

My first was with a financing company, and I did my second one with a marketing agency that represents Ford Canada at the auto shows. My last one was done at the school itself.

Your second co-op at the marketing agency sounds interesting. What was that experience like?

A Speedy Path Towards a Secure Career!

Georgian College graduate credits career success to his experiences at the Canadian Automotive Institute.

This was an amazing opportunity. I got to travel across Canada to do auto shows for four months. My expenses were paid and I received an hourly, too.

I also made lots of contacts through networking. The teachers are really helpful. If they see you’re working within the industry, they want to help. If I had tests when I was on the road, they made the effort to have me come in on weekends or do them online so I didn’t miss opportunities to work and make connections.

What was the biggest misconception you had about the industry before you began the program?

A lot of people think of the automotive industry and assume it’s huge. But when you get into the program, you find it’s one of the smallest industries around, where everybody knows each other. This can help you a lot if you do a great job at your co-op or at an auto show.

What’s it like being an alumnus now?

There’s a lot of perks to being in the alumni. You get invited to different alumni/social nights. And then everyone gets together for the Georgian College Auto Show. I’d say probably 30 to 40 percent of the people I work with have taken the program. It was great when I started at PFAFF, because as soon as you say you’re from CAI, it’s a sense of familiarity.

Any final thoughts?

The automotive industry isn’t just sales and manufacturing. There’s a lot more sectors you can branch into. And while you’re in school, get involved as much as you can. It will improve your overall experience and networking options.

Sponsored by Georgian College

ow n K o t Thingasving Mom Le nd Dad’s Before a

5

Bills, bills, bills.

And other things that suck.

The worst part of growing up is the part where people start asking you for money.

Not people you know, of course, but creditors. You will have cell phone payments,

It is finally time. You’ve gotten your accep-

cable bills, and meal plans.

And let’s not forget the fact that you can’t walk ten steps

tance letters, decided on a school, and made

on a university campus with-

the decision to leave the nest. But before you

credit card. It will seem like

fly the coop, there are some things that every co-ed needs to know. Here are a handful of them.

You don’t have to study a map of each building like you’re planning an escape

the less of a shock it will be when you’re left alone in a

very overwhelming. There is

your life. What you have to

but it will allow you to track

remember is that everybody

you have a consistent supply of finely bleached socks and nicely

your purchases and pay

is in the same boat. Making

starched shirts. Well, that’s about to change. Learn how to do

attention to the due dates

new friends can be daunting,

laundry now and save yourself the embarrassment of having to

on your bills. Your parents

but you aren’t the only one

wander around your residence laundry room asking for help.

might be paying that tuition

trying to find their footing.

weekend visit. Sorry, mom.

you are when you arrive,

when everything is new and

Living with your parents, you may not think about the fact that

Pay special attention to

school. The more prepared

ning of your first semester,

alone for the first time in

fore bringing home a month’s worth of laundry during a long

bookstore the first week of

sick, especially at the begin-

overspend here and there,

yourself with the main layout.

inevitably take over the

You are bound to get home-

Your underwear won’t clean itself.

finally get around to it. Also, warn your mom in advance be-

avoid the line-ups that will

Forget the Fergie song, big girls (and boys) do cry.

pull away and you are left

do a tour and familiarize

online so that you can

overboard.

doesn’t mean that you won’t

laundry basket, but at least you’ll know what to do once you

If possible, buy your books

once in a while, but don’t go

or two when your parents

fore your arrival. If possible,

in between classes.

trunk. Indulge yourself every

develop a realistic budget. It

use your last pair of good underwear before confronting the

when you have a short break

leads to a lot of junk in the

no shame in shedding a tear

familiar with the campus be-

might be useful for studying

A little junk in the tummy

your expected expenses and

If you’re like most students, you will probably wait until you

food or common areas that

you’re five grand in debt.

dreaded “Freshman 15.”

Create a spreadsheet with

route, but you should be

things like where to find good

a good idea until you realize

if you want to avoid the

check (if you’re lucky), but the day-to-day stuff will be on your shoulders. And if it’s not, it should be, because establishing good credit is essential for future things like buying a car, renting an apartment, or getting a loan.

Lay off the late night pizza.

Before you move out, you should prepare a bag of reminders of home that you want to bring to school.

This might mean buying an address book for important phone numbers or taking a couple of photos of you and your best friends. Or it might mean packing that quilt your grandma knitted

You are not going to like this.

for you but you have always

Remember when you were

hated. Pack your favourite

young and your parents

poster from your bedroom

forced you to eat your

wall, a high school trophy, or

vegetables? They weren’t

anything else that will make

torturing you, but following

your new space seem more

good nutritional guidelines.

familiar. Just try and avoid

But who wants to listen to

packing your little brother

parents, right?

and you’re all set.

residence room the size of

College or university often

a shoebox. Not having to

shakes up the good food

worry about buying books

patterns that exist at mom

or finding buildings leaves

and dad’s house. No one

more time for making friends

is going to cook you a bal-

and attending frosh events.

anced dinner and serve it to

by Brandon Miller Image: Martin Poole/ Lifesize/Thinkstock

Do your research. Yes, more studying.

out being offered your own

to make the right decisions

you in the dining hall. You decide when and what you want to eat, and it’s crucial

32

2011 | jobpostings.ca

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