G2G (2012) by jobpostings Magazine by jobpostings Magazine

future. Yo education. ur choice.

How to say NO to your folks Time to use your career centre Studying in the U.S. Save your money for September You didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get in. Now what?

Fall into the gap

How taking a year off works for your benefit

FALL 2012

2012 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

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Bringing learning to life.

Over 250 programs at CentennialCollege.ca See where experience takes you.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

002

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Centennial College University of Waterloo − Stratford Campus Chartered Accountants of Ontario University of Waterloo − Stratford Campus

19 22 29 IBC OBC

University of Guelph-Humber Automotive Business School of Canada St. Lawrence College Humber School of Media Studies and Information Technology Humber, The Business School

advertisers&employers IFC 03 14 18 26

BMO Capital Markets Rogers Wireless Career Connections Bank of Montreal College Pro

schoolshowcase 30

Niagara College

BRANDEDCONTENT 18

BMO Capital Markets: Ten Reasons why young women should be interested in finance

JOBPOSTINGS.CA | 2012

Your future. your education. your choice.

You have your plans. Your parents might have different ones. It’s hard to say “no” to the people we love, but you’ve got to do it if you’re trapped in a future you don’t want. Take charge of your career by learning how to talk to your family effectively.

CONTENTFALL2012 06 Studying in the U.S.

Itching for some time south of the border? Find out the why and how of studying at an American university.

09 Your first-year checklist

For better or worse, there’s a lot more to university than studying. Follow this advice to guide you through the process.

10 Handy skills & dollar bills A shortage in talent across Canada has added a greater demand and more benefits for students studying the skilled trades.

13 Use your career centre

You want to get a job? So do the people at your career centre! Give them a visit before you graduate.

20 You didn’t get in. Now what? Don’t worry. You’re not finished yet. We’ll show you

how to pick yourself up and give post-secondary another go.

21 College Considerations

Colleges nationwide offer practical skills and the theory you need to excel in your field. Take a look at what college can offer you.

23 Fall into the gap

Don’t know what you want to do yet? Don’t worry! Taking a year off can get you the perspective you need.

28 Breaking down your budget Money makes the world go ‘round. Here’s how to keep your world spinning happily.

32 The paper chase

There’s a difference between government loans and bank loans. Find out what fits your needs before making a commitment.

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Download speeds like you’ve never seen before. WIRELESS LTE We were first to launch the lightning-like speeds of LTE in Canada – the fastest wireless network technology on the planet. With LTE you can download a song or a photo in under a second.1 So buckle up; the fastest-ever mobile internet speeds are now here.

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Rogers LTE network available in select Canadian cities. Visit www.rogers.com/coverage for details. 1 Times specified are approximations only and will vary depending on size and quality of content. Copyright © 2012 Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc. All Rights Reserved. ©2012 Rogers Communications.

EDITORS NOTE | MASTHEAD

EDITOR’SNOTE David Tal

YourfutureYoureducation

Yourchoice Here’s some backstory about yours truly. After graduating from high school, I had no clue what I wanted to do. I took a year off, did a bunch of part-time gigs, then came across a newspaper ad that caught my eye. “Become an EXTRA on movie sets!” it said. I figured, why not? I spent the next year or two working as an extra on film and television sets, then (through some networking) found work as an assistant video editor for a year, and then as a lighting technician for a year. The 12 to 16 hour days were rough, but the money, the people, and the job, were amazing. I thought I’d found my calling. But alas, three years in and the bottom fell out of the film industry. A few months later, I found myself heading to university — still as clueless about what I wanted to do going in as I was when I graduated from high school. In the end, I graduated with an honours in human resource management.

‘An HR degree?’ you say. ‘How the hell are you a magazine editor then?’

Funny you should ask! You see, I’ve always had a bit of a penchant for writing. I started to take it seriously after my grade 12 creative writing class; became hardcore while I wrote my first novel between the ages of 18 to 22; got burnt out after my two book deals fell through; got back on the wagon reluctantly by writing for my university newspaper; got my groove back completely by founding the Arbitrage Magazine in my senior year; used my school newspaper and magazine experience to land a government PR job following graduation; and finally used all that experience to get my current gig: editor of Jobpostings Magazine and G2G. Whew, that was a mouthful. So there you have it. When it comes to figuring out what you want to do, think about what interests or hobbies

you naturally gravitate to. You know, the stuff you study or practice even when you’re not paid to do so. For me, it was writing, and it opened many wonderful doors for my career. But what if that passion you want to pursue isn’t supported by your parents? This sticky issue is the subject of our feature article, which deals with how to say no to your family and loved ones when the time comes to choose your career. I know from personal experience how difficult it is to go against the wishes of those who you’ve looked up to and have nurtured you throughout your whole life. But in the end, one has to decide between living your life for yourself or for someone else. We’ll give you the practical tools you’ll need to not only defend your career decisions from disapproving parents, but also from your own self-doubts. Growing up is about trusting your gut. So whether you take a year off to travel or work, or go straight into college or university, make sure the decision is the right one for your future.

publisher Nathan Laurie nlaurie@jobpostings.ca

associate publisher Mark Laurie mlaurie@jobpostings.ca

editor david tal dtal@jobpostings.ca @DavidTalWrites

graphic designer anthony capano acapano@jobpostings.ca

web editor Mark TEO mteo@jobpostings.ca

contributors

Maya Hamovitch, Panagiota Panagakos, Andrew Williams, Christine Fader, Christopher Lawson, Eleni Papavasiliou, Emily Minthorn, Kevin Nelson.

national account managers Sarah-Lyn Amaral, Mary Vanderpas SHANNON TRACEY

interns

Amir Ahmad, Chantelle Rodrigo

Read on, friends.

on the cover

Images: © iStock.com

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

10 JOBPOSTINGS.CA | 2012

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.

MAKI NG THE FUTUR E IN STRAT FOR D

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STUDYING IN THE U.S.

Studying in the U.S.

Why an American education might

be the right decision for you By: Maya Hamovitch Maybe you want the world’s best school for your subject. Maybe you want to experience life in a different part of the world. Maybe you want to put a national border between yourself and your parents. Whatever the reason, students from around the world (including Canada) are attending American schools. Every year, more than 723,000 international students from more than 200 countries around the world pursue a higher education in the U.S. Of these international students, five percent come from Canada. With the many universities and colleges south of the border, the choices can seem overwhelming. But there are many reasons to consider studying in America.

[Quality of education] America has some of the best universities in the world. Of the top 25 universities listed in The Times World University Rankings for 2011-12, 18 are American. In addition to the Ivy League, dozens of U.S. schools appear on the list of the world’s top 400 schools and are widely known for their high quality education.

[Career benefits] Studying in the U.S. can provide you with a new and different perspective that may be valued in the Canadian market. Jane Rendely, a Canadian career and educational counselor, says, “When a person comes back to Canada and they have been trained in the United States, there is a caché that comes with that … there is an edge.” At the same time she cau-

JOBPOSTINGS.CA | 2012

Images: © iStock.com

STUDYING IN THE U.S.

tions that “It depends on the school … not all American universities share such cutting edge training and hold such a high reputation.”

[professional network] Many U.S. programs have established affiliations with employers, enabling you to develop contacts in the field. Professors may belong to international research teams and as their student, you may also be able to connect with experts in your field of study. Alexander Castilla, the director of Ivy Educational Systems, says: “there are several career benefits, such as participating within social and professional networks that students use for the rest of their lives. This exchange of ideas, knowledge practices, and other forms of social capital will continue to be intrinsic to understanding and facilitating human development.”

[How do I do it?] So you’ve made your decision. Goodbye metric system. Farewell Tim Horton’s. So long winter. You’re studying in America. But how? Start by doing your research. Which schools do you want to go to? What are the program requirements? And — most importantly — when are the due dates for applications? Check out the university’s admission statistics, application process, and what items you’ll need to complete to gain acceptance there. Find out if there is a separate admissions process for international students. Once you get a sense of the forms you’ll have to fill out, the items you’ll need to attach, and how and when to send them in, there are a few other things you’ll definitely have to do.

[Do your tests] To apply for schooling in America, you have to write the SATs. This is a part of the culture in American high school. The SAT tests reasoning, language, and math. Each of these sections is marked out of 800, culminating in a total mark out of 2400. The higher your mark, the more likely you’ll get accepted by the university of your choice. Check the admissions page of the university’s website. They’ll usually say what the average admission is for SATs scores and grades. MIT, for instance, usually admits students with scores somewhere around 2100 out of 2400. That said, since Canadian universities only look at your high school grades, you’ll have to go out of your way to study for the test and find a centre in your province. You don’t have to go to America to take the SATs. There are a variety of websites to find test centres

in Canada. Depending on how confident you are, you can also find a tutor or weekend class that teaches SAT testing.

an ones: they will know what courses you’re enrolled in by the grade 12, but they make most of their decisions based on your grade 11 marks.

Depending on the university you want, you may also have to take SAT subject tests. Subject tests cover everything from microbiology to Mandarin. Look at the admission requirements for your program, and find out what other SAT tests, if any, you need to write.

Many universities in America require entrance essays — especially for schools with higher reputations. These essays usually ask you to write about some aspect of yourself or an event in your life. For these essays, write honestly. Show yourself as a person. You’re not just applying for classes, you’re applying to an institution with certain values. The admissions office will use your essay to help them decide if you match those values. Also (and this goes without saying), get a proofreader to check your grammar before you send your essay off. Finally, polish off your application by joining clubs while you’re still in high school, listing any student organizations you’re a part of.

Prepare for the SATs as best you can and write them early in your high school career. Don’t worry about doing bad the first time: as long as you can afford the $75 test fee, you can retake the SATs as many times as you want. Most American students write the test in the eleventh grade, and then try again for a higher mark in their final year.

when a person comes back to Canada and they have been trained in the United States, there is a caché that comes with that … there’s an edge. Stella Lee, a grade twelve student, is applying to biology at UNC Chapel Hill and UCLA, advises doing some preparation for the tests. “I took a course through the Princeton Review. I found the private tutoring classes they offer are a lot better than the classroom ones. I would probably advise students to start studying early and concentrate on the math and reading sections. Also, for the writing section, pick a couple significant historical events or famous books that you can talk about in any essay.”

[Look good on your application] No, don’t include a glamorous headshot of your smiling self in the application package. Instead, make your credentials sparkle. You can do this by getting good grades (especially in AP, or advanced placement, courses), writing an awesome entrance essay, and being involved in extracurriculars. There are 647 high schools in Canada that offer AP courses. If your high school has them, try to take some. AP courses, are undergraduatelevel courses taught in high school. AP courses conclude with an exam that determines a score from one to five. A four or five on your AP will show the admissions board of your intended universities that you mean business. Try to take AP courses in the eleventh grade. American universities look at grades just like most Canadi-

[Find some money] Many American graduate programs have their own internal scholarships, some of which you may qualify for. You can also look for funding sources on scholarship sites such as International Financial Aid (www.iefa.org), EducationUSA (educationusa.state.gov), and ScholarshipExperts.com. These sites house databases containing scholarships and grants for several levels and fields of study. Going to university in the U.S. takes planning and persistence to make your way through what seems like an overwhelming process. But the possibilities for a life enriching experience and a fulfilling future may just lie south of the border. Good luck!

Deciding where to apply: Location: Identify your needs and wishes, and spend some time touring the campus and local community. Reputation: Ensure the program you’re considering is accredited. Ask graduates about their experiences. Look at websites to see where graduates have become employed. Cost: Consider tuition and living expenses. Find out about scholarships and graduate assistantships that are available. Program and degree: Look into the teaching philosophy, opportunities to work with established experts, internships, and global fieldwork. Are joint degrees offered? Application requirements: Do you meet the admission requirements? Research and write Statements of Purpose or other application documents. Prepare for and write any required tests.

2012 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

THE CA HIGH SCHOOL CHALLENGE - MAY 22, 2013 WHAT’S BETTER THAN EARNING FAME AND FORTUNE? WINNING IT! 1ST PLACE: $1,500 2ND PLACE: $1,000 3RD PLACE: $500 COIN 2012 WINNERS

STEP 1: MARCH 1, 2013 – DEADLINE TO REGISTER FOR THE HIGH SCHOOL AMBASSADOR PROGRAM STEP 2: MARCH 8, 2013 – DEADLINE TO SUBMIT THE AGREEMENT AND RELEASE FORM STEP 3: MARCH 22, 2013 – LAST DAY TO REGISTER FOR COIN STEP 4: MAY 22, 2013 – THE BIG DAY! COIN IS A 75 SENIOR-LEVEL, MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTION COMPETITION. STUDY UP, GIVE IT YOUR BEST SHOT AND YOU COULD WIN SOME SERIOUS ¢OIN.

CHECK OUT “EVENTS AND CONTESTS” AT:

www.guidetorulingtheworld.ca/COIN WHAT’S THIS CRAZY LOOKING BLACK BOX ? It’s called a QR Code and it tells your Smartphone what web page to visit.

YOUR FIRST-YEAR CHECK LIST

Your first-year checklist By: Panagiota Panagakos

It’s not just about what you study. Follow this advice to rock your university experience.

Adjusting to your first year of post-secondary is one of the biggest shocks you’ll ever face. You may have had top grades. You may have spoken as valedictorian. But after high school, you’ll be competing with the crème de la crème from across the country. On the other hand, for those of you who may not have performed as well as you would have liked in high school — don’t panic. Here, everyone starts with a clean slate. One big difference between high school and post-secondary is the amount of freedom you get. With a few exceptions, you’ll probably only have about 20 hours of class per week. Attending classes is not mandatory, and you’ll be living on your own for the first time (if you live on rez).There’s still a danger though: according to a recent Statistics Canada report, 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 firstyear students, and have lots of fun, you’ll also learn your way around your 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.

Visit your career centre Seek out the assistance of the career professionals at your school. They’re an awesome resource that can assist you to plan and map out your career and educational path.

Go to class

Exercise

The temptation to skip class is strong, especially if you were up late the night before, have a ridiculously early class, the weather is beautiful, or if your friends who don’t have class want you to join them at the pub. But make an effort to attend your classes. In addition to learning the material, you’ll also learn about what your professors expect for your upcoming essays and assignments, what to look out for on your tests and exams, and changes in due dates.

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.

Get organized and plan ahead Every professor will provide you with a course syllabus that include all the course assignments and due dates. Take the time to add all your due dates into your calendar so you don’t miss any of your assignments. During crunch time you’ll find that you have several assignments, tests, and exams all in the same week. That’s why it’s important to plan ahead and begin your assignments and studying early so you don’t feel overwhelmed.

Use the study resources available at your school All schools have a variety of programs to ensure your academic success, like peer tutors and writing labs. Find out what’s available at your school and take advantage of

Images: © thinkstock.com / © istock.com

the services. Doing so can make a significant difference in your grades.

Eat healthy It’s important to avoid dying from starvation or scurvy. With all your studying and assignments, it’s easy to forget to eat (and eat well). A healthy body is important not only to perform physical activities, but mentally stimulating ones too. Your grades will suffer if you’re not in healthy physical condition.

Sleep! Most post-secondary students stay up late studying, surfing the net, watching TV, or socializing. It’s recommended to have eight hours of sleep every night. So make sure you’re rested for your lectures and exams. Although adjusting to life as a postsecondary student isn’t easy, it can be a lot of fun. Some of my happiest memories are from my years as an undergrad. And let me tell you, none of them have anything to do with studying. So while you’re taking the necessary actions to make sure you’re on your game, take time out for yourself and enjoy the ride.

2012 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

HANDY SKILLS AND DOLLAR BILLS

By: Andrew Williams

Find overlooked opportunities in the trades that could be a perfect fit for you. The workforce is a lot like high school. You have the popular careers that get all the attention, and the careers that are often overlooked but hold so much promise. The skilled trades industry is practically the latter, and it’s seeing an incredible demand for young talent. Trades range from construction to the hospitality sector. They include hair dressing, masonry, and cooking — nearly anything that requires a hands-on skill. The beautiful thing about these professions is that they are something you can do on the side, or

JOBPOSTINGS.CA | 2012

as a full-time career, whichever works for you. And high school is the perfect place to enter this sector. Many high schools have programs that teach skills students can apply to a trade. For example, the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) works closely with high schools to provide co-op placements and a more intimate training experience for the field. Julian Da Silva Silveira is a grade 12 student who’s been involved in OYAP while attending Central Technical School in To-

2012 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

HANDY SKILLS AND DOLLAR BILLS

ronto. He’s been preparing for the electrical trade. “This program would be great to put on a résumé,” he says. “An office job you can’t really apply to everyday life. But for trades you can work around your house and save money. Instead of hiring an electrician to come work on something, I can do it myself.”

to see what you completed instead of just a stack of papers.”

Plumbing is another area students should look into when considering trades. Andrew De Sousa, a plumbing student at Central Tech, notes the different facets he can get into. “For the first five years I plan on doing as much learning as I can,” he says. “From there, if you have your license, you can go onto sales or you can work for big supplying companies, giving input on better products … there are a lot of options.”

According to Lucio Stavole, curriculum leader of construction at Central Tech, one skilled trade isn’t necessarily in higher demand than the other. Instead it depends on which stage a project is 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 about to graduate. They come back to school to get that specific training, and they go off to work,” says Stavole. If the employers like how you work and hire you, your co-op hours may go to your apprenticeship.

Most students would rather get their hands dirty outside a cubicle. The satisfaction of starting something and seeing it finished is a reward in itself. “I’ve made this,” says Caleb Bolychuk, an OYAP carpentry student at Central Tech. “I’ve assembled this right, and it’s just satisfying

Some people might go on to university and come out more broke than they went in. Trades can make you money while you study what you love and give you a running start on your way to a career. As Bolychuk put it, “It’s like playtime with a cheque at the end.”

2012 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

M AKI NG T HE FUT UR E IN STRAT FOR D

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CAREER CENTRES SAVE LIVES

Time to use your career centre Don’t wait until graduation to find out what your career should be By: Christine Fader She wore a fancy dress and carried a bouquet of flowers wrapped in cellophane. I work in a career centre. 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. “I need to figure out my life,” she said, looking tearful. “Okay,” I said. “Have a seat and we can chat.” Looking slightly agitated, she asked nervously, “How long do you think this will take? I graduate at 2:00 p.m. and my parents are waiting down in the car.” During your first year, you might not be inclined to think about (let alone visit) the career centre on your campus. The word “career” seems to conjure up images of 30-year-olds in cubicles and it doesn’t exactly relate to anything in your life, right? It’s amazingly easy to end up like the many students who unwittingly land in my office on their graduation day, decked out in their stilettos and silk ties, shaking about the 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. Career centres usually have the following services to choose from:

Advice and support. Through all their programs, but particularly workshops or individual counselling sessions, the career centre helps first-year students find answers to these questions & more.

¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨

I thought I’d like my program but I hate it. Now what? I know exactly what I want to do. How do I get from here to there? If I change my program, what are the career implications? What can I do with a degree/diploma/certificate in X field? 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? How can I work or study overseas? What are employers looking for that will give me the “edge” when I look for work? I want my résumé to really stand out from the crowd. Can you help? 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 it like to work in job X? What do future prospects look like in job Y? How much money does job Z usually make?

Images: © ISTOCK.COM

Employment programs: Career centres post (local, national, and international) part-time, summer, internship/placement, and after-graduate jobs on their website. They also 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 volunteer opportunities. 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. books like, “Careers for Talkative Types”), how to write résumés and succeed in interviews, directories to help you connect with networking and employment opportunities, education/grad school information, and program calendars from other schools. The comfy couches are a bonus. Events: Whether it’s at a large career fair in an arena or a small information session with one education program, 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 free food and swag! In the end, you’re paying a lot for your program and sweating 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 book, Teen to Tuition. Visit her website at: www.supportstudentsuccess.ca

2012 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

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 Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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. Your interests and your experience may add up to a great job in insurance. Visit our Web site to find out more. www.career-connections.info

SAYING NO TO PARENTS

future. Yo education. ur choice. seventy-thousand hours. No, that’s not the time it takes to beat Skyrim on Xbox, nor is it a movie sequel in which James Franco loses another limb.

According to Gillian Watters, director of programs at KEYS Job Centre in Kingston, Ont., 70,000 hours is about how long you’ll spend at your workplace over a lifetime. Okay, you’d rather play Xbox for 70,000 hours, but that’s not the way it works. It’s time to really get down to it and consider your career options. Envisioning your dream job probably isn’t hard. If you don’t already have a passion, you likely have at least an idea of the direction your career could

take. And if you need ideas, no doubt your parents have an opinion they want to share with you. Maybe a very forceful opinion. Maybe an opinion that completely cancels out your opinion. Maybe this opinion is holding your tuition, food, rent, and bills at gunpoint too. Suddenly, that decision about your future workplace isn’t so easy. Yet it’s one that thousands of students face with every application season. Do you follow your dreams or do you follow the dreams of the people who’ve been your role models your entire life? “No one should make their career decisions to please anyone but themselves,” says Watters. “We should accept advice from those who know us best,

You love your parents, but they can’t live your life for you By: Christopher Lawson

but all the important life decisions have to be ours to make. A career path has to be related to our passions, our values, and our interests or else we’ll end up miserable for most of those 70,000 hours.” That’s a hard to argue. “Following your dreams” doesn’t sound like such a simple idea when you realize it means taking responsibility for yourself and understanding that those 70,000 hours are going to suck if they’re tailored to fit someone else’s goals. The only way to live without regret is to tackle things head on. So we’ve put together this list of ways people can begin their own career path. Read them to learn how to win your parents’ approval — and how to live without it.

2012 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

SAYING NO TO PARENTS

3Ask for forgiveness, not permission Let’s say your PowerPoint and Excel wizardry fails to persuade your nay-saying parents. Do you make pouty faces all the way to the orthodontists’ college? No! This is your future on the line! You slap your acceptance letter from the Floral Arrangement Department at Backwater College on the table, look your parents in the eyes, and utter, “This is where I want to go.”

1Degrees Are Paper Thin What does it really take to be a doctor, lawyer, or corporate accountant in Canada? Unless you are one, you probably don’t have a clue. But this doesn’t stop naive parents and unqualified know-it-alls from insisting that you really ought to try it out. This sort of blind enthusiasm is a symptom of an outdated yet widely believed myth that taking a specialized post-secondary program will automatically land you a job in that field. “One of the groups I work with a lot are new Canadians in the accounting program,” says Catherine Stace, a career advisor at McGill University in Montreal. “I ask them why they’re in accounting, and they say they were told that it’s the best place to get a job. But the reality is that accounting firms won’t hire them if they don’t have the skills they’re looking for.” With so many applicants all holding the same degree, employers are going to hire the keeners who hold the top marks, show the most ambition, and communicate the best — the kind of people who’d probably be taking the program regardless of job opportunities available after graduation.

2Plan Your Attack Before you sit down with your parents and explain that, yes, you really do intend to study artisanal basket weaving, do your homework. Research the competing schools that offer programs in your area of interest. Compare tuition, housing costs, and travel expenses. Talk to people who have graduated from these programs. Draft a schedule outlining important dates, like application deadlines. Draw up a budget. Make it look pretty. Make it look like you’ve been obsessing over this for months. It’s a lot of work up front, but it pays off when your parents notice how dedicated you are. Once they see how logical and organized your approach is to just selecting your desired path, they’ll have less enthusiasm for shooting you down. You’re proving that you’ve given your choice some serious thought, and subtly asking your parents to do the same.

JOBPOSTINGS.CA | 2012

Apply to the program you want with or without your parents’ knowledge. You don’t have to commit if you are accepted. Part of being an adult is being confident enough in yourself to make your own decisions. You don’t have to check in with mom and dad before every step you take. That also means you shouldn’t hide it from them either. In fact, you want them to see that you’re taking charge of your life, and that they can either help you get where you’re determined to go, or they can be just one more obstacle to overcome on your way there.

SAYING NO TO PARENTS

4No Slacking So you’ve done the research, got accepted into your dream program, and even convinced your parents to help pay your bills while you hone your African nose flute skills. Nicely done! But guess what? You better jam that flute so far up your nose that you could snorkel while you backstroke. What exactly does that mean? It means you have absolutely no excuse to slack. Post-secondary life demands a degree of self-discipline that many high school students have a hard time adjusting to. The urge to skip class is difficult to resist when no one’s making sure you show up. Remember that while this might be the program of your dreams, it doesn’t mean you can sleep through it. You’re the one that fought hard to get where you are, so you owe it to yourself — and to the people you want to prove wrong — to squeeze out every last drop of education you can.

5USE IT! So you’ve done the research, got accepted into your dream program, and even convinced your parents to … withdraw all financial support? Parents who use this tactic think they’re just giving you some toughlove. They fail to realize that this jerk maneuver forces you into one of two options: A) Cave in to their demands and forever resent them, or B) Turn outrage into the fuel you need to make your dream happen. “I find the harder I work, the more satisfaction I get out of the outcome,” says Emily Balfour, a first-year Sheridan College media arts student. When Balfour dropped out of criminology at Carleton University to take the even more expensive diploma program at Sheridan, her parents withdrew their financial support and only agreed to give her a fraction of it back if she maintains an 80 percent or higher grade average. “I knew this was coming and I use it as a great motivator.”

6GET HELP Sometimes, the problem isn’t with your argument. “I knew I couldn’t handle it,” says J, a former engineering student at Western University in London, who took the program at his parents’ insistence. “I talked to my mother, and she told me to cut the crap. She was always comparing me to her friends’ sons who were graduating and becoming some big shot doctor or dentist, and asking me why can’t I be like them. I was so depressed I wanted to kill myself. My mom even caught me cutting myself once.” J eventually dropped out and is now in a program he enjoys, but the time, money, and emotional health he gave up trying to please his parents are going to be hard to recover. Seek outside help from career counselors, teachers, or anyone you trust before a toxic relationship with your parents takes a similar toll on you. When you consider the 70,000 hours you’ll be investing, the decision to go after your dream job is really a decision to go after your dream life. The hard part isn’t figuring out whether you should listen to your parents or listen to your gut. The hard part is digging up the courage to make that choice so that even if you don’t convince your parents that you’re doing the right thing, you’ve still convinced yourself.

2012 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

10 reasons why young women should be interested in finance If you thought a career in finance was stagnant cubicle work—and the stuff of clock-punching drones—think again. For instance, consider the world of capital markets: A fast-paced, youthful work environment driven by brains, charm, passion and yes, even adrenaline. What’s even better? It’s also a workplace that is welcoming to young women. So, we asked some of the experts at BMO Capital Markets, a team that offers everything from merger and acquisition advisory services to corporate lending, to explain why their jobs are so exciting—and why you should consider a career in the financial markets. By Mark Teo

1. Make money. Real money

Have you ever seen HBO’s Girls?—that show about the miseries of wandering between bad relationships, even worse internships, and the nastiest jobs ever? If you want to avoid that lifestyle—and don’t want to borrow tons of money from your parents— and are driven towards financial independence, pursuing finance can offer you an awesome, lucrative alternative. What does that mean? Whether you’re into a massive book collection or a massive shoe collection, your career can fund your passions. “I’m very practical and pragmatic—and my family’s not from the corporate world. I wasn’t focused on business initially,” offers Jenny Li, an Associate in BMO’s Loan Products group. “But then, in school, I had one prof tell us, ‘If you have student loans to pay, and you want more of a guarantee of a job when you get out of school, go into finance and accounting and you’ll learn practical skills.”

2. You’ll never be bored again

Because, contrary to popular belief, jobs in finance don’t entail being a desk jockey. In fact, it can be downright riveting (which is the reason that Harrison Ford stars in all those financial thriller movies). For example, on BMO’s trading floor, rather than yawning in cubicles, employees experience on-the-fly decision making, thrilling twists and turns and opendoor collaboration with team members. “The trading floor is a very different place to work,” says Carleigh Publow, Associate with BMO’s Trading Products Rotational Program. “You see your work pay off right away. It’s also very challenging—which makes it very rewarding.”

3. You’ll be part of a high-performing team

If you’re an athlete, you get it. The things you love about team sports—the competitive spirit, the rush of adrenaline, the camaraderie with your teammates, and the desire to work towards a common goal—can be found in the finance world. “You have to work as a team,” adds Publow. “You’re sitting with over 300 people, and there are no walls. You work with everyone.” New employees are literally elbow to elbow with seasoned professionals; learning from them every day.

JOBPOSTINGS.CA | 2012

4. You’ll satiate your desire for information 8. You can be Yourself If your friends are constantly wrenching you away from Twitter, Facebook and your RSS feed—y’know, if you’re an information junkie—you’ll find plenty to like working in capital markets.

“The type of work you do will be different every day, because the markets are dynamic and ever-changing,” says Joanne Hing, BMO’s Director of Financial Products, Sales and Trading. “The days go by very quickly, and you love to come in each morning to find out what’s changed and what’s going on out there in the global markets. You get a thirst for information on what’s happening in this world.” And people in this business are among the first to know about it.

5. Are you an A-type? You’ll fit right in

If you’re known for your spontaneity, your chattiness and your ability to command an audience, then congrats! You’re an A-type. “Outspoken and strong people do well in capital markets, because you need to make decisions very quickly,” says Li. “You need to be confident, and deal with a lot of money as part of transaction deals. We’re competing against other banks while looking out for the interests of our clients.”

6. you're a Myth-buster? They need you too

“There are different roles in capital markets— and it’s a myth that everyone here has to be extroverted,” counters Hing. “I consider myself to be an introvert, even though I’m in sales. People think that being an A-type is necessary because it’s such a candid environment on the trading floor —people here are blunt - but I got used to it. There are so many different positions in capital markets, and it’s a matter of finding a position that fits your skill set.”

7. It’s not just for the guys Zahra Ladhani, BMO’s Vice President of Foreign Exchange, Sales and Trading, says women can bring a completely different dimension to their teams. “We have different strengths,” she adds. “We’re detail oriented and our multi-tasking skills are off the charts. We have a good group of women here, and we all hang out together—we’re a great team.”

Do you think that everyone in finance is a clone? Not so. Companies that employ a greater variety of people are more profitable and in finance, money talks. “Diversity isn’t only about gender and ethnicity,” says Roslyn MacLean, BMO’s Program Manager of Mentoring and Diversity. “It encompasses every bit of ourselves that we bring to work each day. Lifestyle needs are becoming more integrated with the workplace, and our young employees are leading that charge.”

9. learn the tools to run your own business A few facts about our generation: According to a University of North Carolina study, 70 per cent of Millenials say we’re hoping to switch jobs. Most of us prioritize meaningful work over high salaries. 37 per cent of us don’t trust big business. 70 per cent of us, meanwhile, consider ourselves optimistic about our future. What does this mean? As a generation, we want to control our own destinies. And the first step to realizing your potential could be working in the financial world. “[When I was in school], I focused on investment management and the capital markets,” says Nhat Tien Can, a graduate of York University’s finance program. “I’ve always wanted to open a cafe myself, and the knowledge I’ve learned is a great tool. I’ve learned how to manage my own financial situation: How to invest, how to save tax, how to research the market and economy. It helps to know the timing of [when] to open a business.” BMO’s Emily Schmidt, a Managing Director in Financial Products agrees. The knowledge you can gain from a financial career can be rewarding—even outside your job. “Financial literacy is a huge pillar,” she adds. “It’s critical, both personally and professionally.”

10. You’re never alone

A career in a results-driven business like capital markets, can be daunting—especially for workers with limited experience. Some companies, however, provide plenty of support to their employees. Take the BMO Capital Markets Mentorship Program for example, which pairs up its young workers with experienced professionals, who offer support, guidance and advice—and the tools to succeed within their industry. “The mentorship program is sought after,” adds MacLean. “And participating in it means someone will be looking out for you.”

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Degree + Diploma Earn a degree and diploma in four years of full-time study.

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YOU DIDN’T GET IN. NOW WHAT?

Don’t call it quits yet — you can still get the education you want The letter arrives: you didn’t make the cut. It may feel like the end of the world, but it really isn’t. Speak to an academic advisor at the institution you applied to. Figure out why you were denied. Was it a low GPA? Maybe an incomplete or late application? Most students are too bummed to even try, but talking to an advisor can increase your chances of getting in — if not for this semester, then the next one. Applicants are often rejected because there weren’t enough seats left. Typically, when this happens you can be added to a waitlist: if a student drops out, you’re next in line. This happens more often than people think. don’t rule it out. By: Eleni Papavasiliou

Meeting with an advisor If you want the advisor to work hard for you, come prepared. Demonstrate your interest and commitment to your education. Bring copies of your transcripts, student number, and a résumé. Most people apply to more than one institution, so if this school is your first choice, make a point out of saying so.

Repeating a course An academic advisor can develop a plan with you to increase your grade point average. Maybe you didn’t do so well in Math 12, and that C- is holding you back. Most colleges and universities let you redo the course on campus. Make sure you know how your institution of choice calculates your GPA with repeated courses, as some schools will use the higher grade while others take an average of the two.

Get help with your homework When repeating a course, getting a better grade after the first attempt is preferred. Having to redo a course more than once can be expensive, time consuming, and may be a sign the program is not right for you. Make the second shot worthwhile by hiring a tutor or taking advantage of the institution’s free resources for extra help. Most schools have learning centres to provide assistance 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. JOBPOSTINGS.CA | 2012

YOU DIDN’T GET IN...

now

what Go to college first then transfer to university Colleges are a great way to start your post-secondary education. Many boast smaller classrooms, less expensive tuition fees, and an easier commute. Plus, you’ll save money living at home instead of campus dorms. Many colleges act as feeders to universities, so most of their courses will transfer for credit. However, it’s your responsibility to verify its transferability, so check before you take any course. Taking this route also means making sure your grades are in order, so confirm the university’s entrance requirements before you apply.

Consider schools in other provinces According to Statistics Canada, Quebec has the lowest tuition fees across the country. Following in second and third place is Newfoundland and Labrador, and Manitoba, respectively. This is a great opportunity to see what Canada has to offer, meet new people, and venture out on your own.

Take a year off A post-secondary education will be one the largest investments you’ll ever make, so don’t take it lightly. Take time off to work, save money, and research all your possibilities. Booking an appointment with a career advisor can be beneficial too. Selecting a career which suits your personality before you commit to a program will save you time and money in the long run.

COLLEGE CONSIDERATIONS

College offers a different type of education, and is often more specialized than university. But is it right for you? By: Andrew Williams “My class has become like a family,” says Laura El Saheli, a second-year student enrolled in the human resources strategy technology program at Seneca College. “We all go 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. “I really like my program, especially since you’re working in the main stream that you’re studying,” says El Saheli. “There’s a lot of teamwork. You have to be able to work with other people and apply your knowledge in different situations and circumstances. You can really get that at college.” El Saheli explains it’s the practical application of concepts, knowledge, and handson learning that makes the college experience worthwhile. College programs that are popular among new students include police foundations, business, community services, and specialty arts such as design and animation, according to David Agnew, president of Seneca College. “We appeal to students who want to finish their postsecondary education and basically be career ready,” says Agnew. Although a university BA is fantastic to have, Agnew explains that it won’t necessarily appeal to an employer, or it may be too general to prepare you for a specific kind of job. Also, you won’t disappear in a sea of faces while listening to a professor’s sermon in a lecture hall. College offers a smooth transition from high school, as you get straight to the tutorials. “You get to study in smaller classrooms where there’s closer interaction with teachers and students, rather than in university where you’re in a lecture hall with a thousand students and the professor doesn’t really know you,” says El Saheli. “So I chose college especially for that

reason. You get to work with the teacher and with other group members, and that’s very important to any job.” Expect some real-world experience to be part of your curriculum as well. But the great thing about college is that it sends you out to get your hands dirty. “My field requires hands-on experience and the co-op is mandatory,” says El Saheli, “while with [university] programs co-op isn’t mandatory, it’s basically theory application, which I don’t find very useful at all for anybody, especially in a business stream.” College also offers the perfect environment where students can discover their true potential. “We’ll have a student who didn’t do too well in high school, then just blossom when they come to college,” says Agnew. “It’s because they’ve matured or landed on a goal 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, university after college, 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 their interests, and which fields they wish to pursue. Agnew agrees. “Part of the whole advisement process is really going back to the students and asking ‘What’s your passion?’” he says. The most important thing is choosing something that you love and picking the right path towards it. “For people who are 16, 17, there’s no shame in changing your mind, for heaven’s sake. The last thing you want is to feel like you’re trapped on a particular path and you can’t move. But that’s the whole point today, is that you can move.”

You get to study in smaller classrooms where there Is closer interaction with teachers and students

In 2009-2012

701,622 Canadians

were enrolled in a college

*Each cupcake represents 100,000 students | According to Statistics Canada

2012 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

Find out more about your school at

au tomotive b u sine sssch o o l .c a

ARE YOU DRIVEN? Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just make cars your passion. Make them your career. JOBPOSTINGS.CA | 2012

FOR THE DRIVEN. POWERED BY

GAP YEARS

fall into

Why taking a year off of school After completing four intense years of high school with flying colours, Alexa Garrison assumed that continuing her education, as an environmental 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 during midterms and realized I didn’t even know why I was there. It was incredibly lame.”

By: Emily Minthorn

is gaining popularity in North America

2012 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

GAP YEARS

I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend that a student take a gap year, especially if there’s uncertainty about what they want to study.

JOBPOSTINGS.CA | 2012

2012 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

GAP YEARS

lexa’s story is a familiar one to guidance offices across Canada. Here, as in the United States, most students go straight from high school to their first year of post-secondary. But in much of Europe it’s normal for students to take a hiatus from school, called a gap year. Now the idea is gaining popularity here at home, and research is showing that a breather between school is good for you in more ways than one. “I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend that a student take a gap year, especially if there’s 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 putting in time.” Alexa isn’t an environmental science student anymore. After those brutal midterms, she dropped out of her program, joining the 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.” Alexa’s now getting ready to travel to northern Ontario on a threemonth, tree planting stint this

summer. “I just need some time off to figure out what I actually want to do.” Alexa plans to use the money she earns tree planting to go do some humanitarian work overseas. 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 a fear from parents, but as from all the data I’ve seen, it’s not a credible fear. All the evidence suggests that people will come back to school.” Keep in mind that a gap year is very different from the ‘victory lap’ that’s become common since the elimination of grade 13 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 different environment, around different people, doing different things is likely to give you,” says Bowman. So what exactly should you do with your gap year? Travel is cool, but it’s expensive, so a year working abroad makes financial sense — and there are tons of resources, online and off, to help gappers find a position working or volunteering overseas. Then again, you could get a job or internship close to home and test-drive a career you’re really interested in risk-free. The positions you can land right out of

high school might not pay that well — or at all — but if you’re still living with your folks, they won’t have to. In any scenario, a gap year is only worth taking if you spend it doing something 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,” says Bowman. “Get out the door, meet people, get involved, try new things, learn, network. Get out of your comfort zone.” Even if you’ve already been accepted to a post-secondary program, universities are willing to work around your gap year. Some even have bridging programs that involve a year abroad before resuming school. Successful students who request a deferral for a gap year always present the registrar’s office with a game plan, says Bowman. “Universities support students doing that, because they know that student’s are likely to have a better academic outcome. There’s 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?

MILLIONS OF PEOPLE LIKE THIS Gap years are catching on. There’s an entire niche of guidebooks for gap years from financial advice for students to guidebooks for parents. Lonely Planet even has a gap year travel guide.

2012 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

Sculpting tomorrow's leaders We'll be honest: most summer jobs suck. Whether you're bussing tables at a restaurant or folding clothes at the mall, you're in it for one reason— getting that cold, hard cash. I mean, when you're mopping floors at 1 a.m. at your local fast-food chain, waiting to punch out, are you ever thinking, "What kind of skills am I learning here?" Heck no. But summer jobs don't need to suck. Getting involved with College Pro, for example, will get you the money you need—to pay off bills, school, or just have fun—while developing skills that'll last a lifetime. Like what, you ask? Leadership skills. Communications skills. And the tools you'll need to run your own business. To add, it's been around since the Bee Gees were the biggest band in the world—in other words, since 1971. They paint over 25,000 houses yearly, and have franchises all across North America. But painting isn't the point: They develop leaders and entrepreneurs, who apply the lessons learned with College Pro to all aspects of their careers. It isn't only about getting your hands dirty, either—it teaches real-world skills that its former franchisees and painters carry for a lifetime. It's the skills they don't teach in school. If it sounds rad, it's because it is. Don't believe us, though. We asked Lesley-Anne Strachan, a College Pro franchise manager based in Aurora, Ont., to give us the dirt on spending your summer with College Pro. Read on.

JOBPOSTINGS.CA | 2012

G2G magazine: You started out as a painter. Can you tell us more about the role? Lesley-Anne Strachan: For sure. I started working as a painter four years ago, and I enjoyed the experience so much, I decided to come back and work as a franchise manager. As a painter, you're doing residential work—you're painting houses and you're responsible for your job site. You ensure that things run smoothly and on time. So, what's it actually like being a painter for the summer? Well, we usually start work at 8:30 a.m. We get to a job site, determine what needs to be done, assemble supplies, and get to work. The starting pay for painters is minimum wage—$10.50 an hour, for us—but the best part about working here is the piecework pay system. We charge our customers per project, so if you're really good, you can get a 30-hour job done in 25 hours and get paid the same amount. I like to work hard, and it rewards you if you're highly motivated and have a great work ethic. So, hard workers are who we look for. Doing exterior work can also be a laborious job—you're working outdoors, and in the heat—so people who are athletic usually do well. Some personalities don't fit in as well—like, you can't be lazy. [Laughs.] The best part about being a painter is in the [workplace] attitude. Most of the time, you’re

College Pro teaches skills that last a lifetime

working with students and for students. .Everyone wants to work hard, and everyone does, but it's a really fun environment. You mentioned that College Pro teaches realworld skills. Can you explain those to us? I definitely learned punctuality, and I hardened my work ethic. And as the summer goes on, you get more leadership experience—as you get more responsibility, you become in charge of whole job sites. Eventually, you're doing managerial work, where you become in charge of other painters, the quality of the work being done, and you're talking directly to the customer about their needs. Where can you go with your College Pro experience—beyond being a painter or a franchise manager? The skills you learn apply to so many different areas—working hard and becoming a leader is good for whichever job you choose. As a franchise manager, you gain knowledge of running your own business, and College Pro is a real business. All the money you earn runs through your bank account, but you pay expenses, buy supplies, and deal with payroll. What's left over is profit. As a painter, you also learn sales and marketing skills, too. You cold-call when you're looking for work, so you learn strategies to make yourself more effective, you target certain areas, certain clientele, and actively learn about the market. Those skills go far.