Grad School Planning Guide (Fall 2013) by Jobpostings Magazine by jobpostings Magazine

Harness your super skills

planning guid

Law schools, med schools, and MBAs

Grad school challenges and successes | Studying in America

studying abroad & virtual learning

From media planning and management to account co-ordination and sales, this program offers the unique skills you will need to launch your career in an advertising or media company.

ADVERTISING MEDIA MANAGEMENT POSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE business.humber.ca/postgrad

OUR GRADUATES CHANGE LIVES. LET US CHANGE YOURS. JOIN THE ROSS MED FAMILY.

WE’RE COMING TO CANADA.

MEET ALUMNI, HEAR THEIR STORIES AND MORE AT OUR INFORMATION SEMINAR. VISIT WWW.ROSSU.EDU/SEMINARS FOR DETAILS.

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Global Reach. Innovative Programs. Diverse Perspectives.

Schulich “Schulich programs offer the cutting-edge

content, skills and relevance highly valued by today’s successful organizations. This includes the ability to incorporate social, ethical, environmental and economic considerations into all decision-making.” DIRK MATTEN Professor of Strategic Management/Policy Hewlett-Packard Chair in Corporate Social Responsibility Schulich School of Business, York University

Accelerate your career. Experience Schulich.

MBA

MAcc

Master of Business Administration

Master of Accounting

Maximize career options in just 16 months. Choose from 19 specializations. Gain hands-on experience and a competitive edge with an in-depth strategic consulting project working with real clients and problems.

Open doors to a career in accounting. Choose the CA Accredited Stream or the Management Accounting Information Stream. A unique program designed for both non-business and business graduates alike.

IMBA

International MBA

Master of Finance

Leverage international interests and second-language skills by specializing in global trading regions. Build worldwide networks during work and study terms abroad. This program is ideal for both Canadian and international students.

Become an expert in all areas of finance in just 12 months of full-time study. Specialize in Capital Markets, Financial Risk Management or Regulatory Affairs for Financial Institutions. Benefit from our CFA Program Partnership.

Schulich Programs MBA, Accelerated MBA, IMBA, MBA/JD, MBA/MFA, MBA/MA, MPA, MF, MSc (Business Analytics), MAcc Study Options Full-Time, Part-Time Evenings, Days and Alternate Weekends

MSBA Master of Science in Business Analytics Master the skills to uncover business insights and drive decisions. This 12-month full-time degree leads to careers as a Business Analytics professional in the fields of strategy, research, marketing, consulting and sales.

For more information, please visit: www.schulich.yorku.ca

Schulich Leads in Rankings Schulich is ranked in the world’s top tier of business schools by The Economist (#16 in the world); Forbes (10th best non-US school); Bloomberg Businessweek (14th best non-US school); The Aspen Institute, a US think tank (#2 in the world in Social and Environmental Leadership); and Expansión (#22 in the world) in their most recent global MBA surveys. The Schulich MBA is also ranked #1 in Canada by The Economist, Forbes, The Aspen Institute and Expansión.

10,000 STRONG. WE aRE PRaCTICING THROUGHOUT THE US aND CaNaDa IN VIRTUaLLY EVERY SPECIaLTY OF MEDICINE.

WE ARE ROSS MED.

w w w. r o s s u . e d u /a p p ly n o w STEPHEN KUPERBERG, MD | CLASS OF 20094

WE’RE COMING TO CANADA. JOIN ALUMNI AND STAFF AT A ROSS MED INFORMATION SEMINAR. VISIT ROSSU.EDU/SEMINARS FOR DETAILS.

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IF YOU'RE IN THE RIGHT PLACE, ONE IDEA – YOUR IDEA – CAN HAVE AN IMPACT

Graduate Studies at Queen’s 100+ programs in more than 50 departments World-class researchers Supportive mentors Professional development programs

www.queensu.ca/sgs

CREATE AN IMPACT

YOU WILL BE CHALLENGED. YOU WILL BE REWARDED. MOST IMPORTANTLY, YOU WILL BE READY. — DEAN ELAINE D. WATSON, BVMS, MVM, PhD, DSc, Dip ECAR, FRCVS, ARAgS

WE’RE COMING TO CANADA. VISIT ROSSU.EDU/ROSSVET FOR DETAILS ON OUR INFORMATION SEMINARS.

RUSVM’s Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree program has limited accreditation status from the AVMA COE. AVMA Council on Education | www.avma.org. For comprehensive consumer information, visit www.RossU.edu/vet-student-consumer-info. 2013 Global Education International. All rights reserved. FACEBOOK.COM/ROSSVETSCHOOL

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is communicating a “Liberty powerful, articulate Christian worldview when it comes to its law school and its undergraduate education.

”

- Brian Bosché, ‘13 Media Reporter and Correspondent with TheBlaze TV’s “For the Record”

STUDENTS LEARN THROUGH:

LIBERTY LAW

Learn to practice from day one

• An unrivaled six-semester Lawyering Skills program • A mission-oriented faculty experienced in various specialties of law • A curriculum taught from a Christian worldview

If you are interested in a superior legal education, please email lawadmissions@liberty.edu, call (434) 592-5300, or visit Law.Liberty.edu.

TABLE OF CONTENTS SPECIAL REPORTS 36 Studying abroad

Schools around the world are welcoming Canadians to a plethora of programs. We take a look at some interesting options, and weigh the pros and cons of leaving your home base to get your master’s.

45 Plug into virtual education

If you’re unable to relocate because of family or your career, enrolling in a distance program may be the right step. We look at different angles of virtual learning and find out why it’s a viable option.

ADVICE 10 Crunching Numbers

Did you know 31 per cent of master’s students in Canada are over 30?

13 Getting into grad school

Here’s some advice about how to streamline the process and complete great applications

14 The choice is yours

Campus, professors, programs: oh my!

17 Right for you?

Evaluate why you want to go before you apply. What a graduate education gives you can be different from what you want.

19 Graduate debt-free

Many graduate students live on the financial edge. Here’s how to live on a modest budget.

20 The late grad degree

There are plenty of challenges a mature student has to consider and can overcome.

22 Surviving your master’s

Survive and excel in this tough environment.

26 networking

How to make networking work for you.

PROGRAMS 29 Prepping for med school

Getting ready for med school isn’t just about getting a stethoscope. We look at prerequisites, expected GPAs, and other things to consider.

31 Global management

Find out the benefits of getting an international business postgrad and start your international career.

32 Going to law school

Legal jardon, intense workloads, and the longest study hours of nearly any program—are you ready for law school?

34 Getting your MBA

The business world is more competitive than ever. Learn valuable skills and knowledge in an MBA program.

SUPER SKILLS 57

57 BETTER, FASTER, STRONGER

Focus harder. Memorize better. Read faster. Google stronger!

SEPTEMBER 2013 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

AD INDEX schoolINDEX IFC

Humber, The Business School, Advertising- Media Management

01 Ross University, School of Medicine 02

Schulich School of Business, York University

03 Ross University School of Medicine

Queen’s University

Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine

Liberty University School of Law

Brock University

11 American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine 12 American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine 15

Rowe School of Business, Dalhousie University

Centre for Digital Media

Vancouver Island University

University of Guelph

Sheridan College

21 UC Berkeley Master of Engineering 24

Humber, The Business School, Post Grad

St.George’s University

30 University of Waterloo, Stratford 33

Royal Roads University

35 Concordia University, John Molson School of Business

JOBPOSTINGS.CA | SEPTEMBER 2013

IE Business School

Oxford Brookes University

Queen Mary University of London

University of Brighton

University of Essex

University of Leicester

Swansea University

Masthead publisher

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COMMUNICATIONS AND PROJECT MANAGER

41 University of Strathclyde, Glasgow

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University of South Wales

Bangor University

University of Aberdeen

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City University London

ART DIRECTOR

University of Ontario Institute of Technology

Conestoga College

University of Lethbridge

editor

Anthony Capano acapano@jobpostings.ca

DEVELOPER

Mishraz Ahmad Bhounr mbhounr@jobpostings.ca

contributors

Panagiota Panagakos, Amanda Chajes, Kevin Nelson, Brandon Miller, Matt Moir, Darlene Morales, Allison Mitchell, Samuel Dunsiger, Eleni Papavasiliou, Katie Edmonds, Maya Hamovitch, Rebecca Feigelsohn

53 National University of Health Sciences 53

CGA Ontario

Cambrian College

University of Health Sciences Antigua

Cornell Institute for Public Affairs

University of Lethbridge

national account manager Mary Vanderpas

EDUCATION ACCOUNT MANAGER Shannon Tracey

interns

IBC American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine OBC

Hult International Business School

Megan Santos, Kate Aenlle, Lauren Della Vedova, Sam Weltman, Jamie Bertolini, Laura Eley, Kyle Reynolds, Angelina Attisano

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

SCHOOlShowcase 24 Humber, The Business School 54

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Photos from istockphoto.com are used throughout this issue; individual artists have been credited. Contents of this publication are protected by copyright and may not be reprinted in whole or part without permission of the publishers. “The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows.” - Sydney J. Harris

Lisa Neville

MSc Earth Sciences. Goals: Explore the Alberta oilsands ecosystem. Teach local cadets to fly.

Soar at Brock. Apply for Graduate Studies. discover.brocku.ca Brock University | Niagara | Canada

ADVICE

STATISTICS

CRUNCHIN’ NUMBERS You’ve earned your undergrad, congratulations! Now here’s the next big decision you’ll have to make: should I go to grad school? We’ve compiled some stats to convince you that the more school, the better.

Words Megan Santos // Illustrations Anthony Capano

THREE WELL-PAID JOBS THAT REQUIRE MASTER’S DEGREES

PROVINCES WITH THE LOWEST TUITION COSTS $6,000 $5,000 $4,000

COMPUTER SCIENTIST

$86,000

PHYSICIAN’S ASSISTANT

$80,000

BUSINESS ECONOMIST

$70,000

$3,000 $2,000 $1,000

10 BETWEEN 1999 AND 2010, THE % OF FEMALE MASTER’S STUDENTS HAD RISEN TO 60%. 140,000 120,000

$ PER YEAR

QC NL

PEI CANADA AVERAGE

THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS ENROLLED IN FULL-TIME MASTER’S PROGRAMS GREW FROM 71,000 IN 1999 TO 139,000 IN 2012.

100,000 80,000 60,000

TOP THREE MASTER’S DISCIPLINES IN CANADA IN 2010 (BY THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS | = 1000 STUDENTS) SOCIAL AND BEHAVIOURIAL SCIENCES AND LAW

BUSINESS AND PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

ENGINEERING AND RELATED TECHNOLOGIES

IN 2010, INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ACCOUNTED FOR

18 PER CENT OF FULL-TIME MASTER’S STUDENTS.

JOBPOSTINGS.CA | SEPTEMBER 2013

A UNIQUE COMMUNITY

What is American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC)? AUC is a supportive, close-knit community where students contribute to each otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success, where caring faculty members offer truly personalized attention. Expect this, and more, at AUC.

Start your journey toward becoming a doctor. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d love for you to join us at an Open House. Visit aucmed.edu/open-house for details. FACEBOOK.COM/AUCMED

TWITTER.COM/AUCMED

For comprehensive consumer information visit aucmed.edu/consumer-info.html.

ADVICE

A Unique Community What is American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC)? AUC is a supportive, close-knit community where students contribute to each other’s success, where caring faculty members offer truly personalized attention. Expect this, and more, at AUC.

Choose your calling. Choose AUC. DISCOVER WHAT ELSE MAKES AUC SPECIAL AT AN OPEN HOUSE NEAR YOU. TO RESERVE A SEAT, VISIT WWW.AUCMED.EDU/OPEN-HOUSE. FACEBOOK.COM/AUCMED

TWITTER.COM/AUCMED

APPLICATIONS

ADVICE

Getting into grad school You’re going to be sending lots of applications. Here are some tips to streamline the process. Applying to graduate school or a professional program can be tedious and overwhelming. The key is to familiarize yourself with the process and prepare your application early. Doing so will help you become a competitive applicant. In addition to your general application, the following are also required: Written Statement Graduate schools and professional programs require a written statement as part of your application. Your statement will give the admission committee an idea of who you are, separate from your grades and test scores. Requirements for the written statement vary by school and program, so make sure you’re aware of the specific components required from each of the programs and schools you’re applying to.

In addition to your achievements, academic goals, and career goals, you’ll need to think about and identify distinct topics about yourself. For example, personal influences, compelling learning experiences, overcoming loss, meaningful travel, and volunteer work. Schedule time to focus on your statement and give yourself a few months to complete it. Have a couple of people read your statement to make sure your final draft is clear, concise, and tailored to each school and program you’re applying to. Writing your own statement can be challenging, so you may want to consider enlisting the services of a professional to help write your written statements. It’s definitely worth the investment. Transcripts Universities require official transcripts as part of your application. This means you’ll need to request your transcripts from the office of the registrar from each school you attended. Do so well in advance, as schools will need time to process your request and send the transcripts. The last thing you want is to have your application rejected because your transcripts were late. By beginning this process early, you’ll have the time and opportunity to do the necessary follow-up and request additional transcripts if necessary. Keep in mind there’s also a fee related to ordering transcripts. Letters of recommendation Graduate and professional programs require applicants to submit 2–3 letters of recommendation. A recommendation letter

gives information about you, your accomplishments, personal qualities, and experiences that aren’t found in the rest of your application. It explains how you’re the perfect candidate for the program you’re applying to. Your recommendation letters should cover your academic skills, research abilities, and work experience. Consider asking a faculty member, administrator, internship educator, or supervisor to be your referee. Writing a thoughtful and meaningful letter of recommendation takes time, so be sure to give your referee at least one month’s notice. Provide your referee with the information required, so you have covered all your bases and make it easier for your referee to create a well-crafted recommendation letter. Curriculum vitae A curriculum vitae or CV is an academic resumé that highlights your scholarly accomplishments. Writing a CV is similar to writing a resumé. Just like a personal statement, writing a CV can be a time-consuming process. Take a look at examples and guides online to ease the CV struggle. Standardized test scores Most graduate schools and professional programs require standardized exams such as the GRE, LSAT, MCAT, and GMAT. Being properly prepared for these exams is crucial. Write your exam early, in the spring or summer before you apply. This will guide your program and school selection, and make sure your scores arrive to the schools before the application deadline. The registration deadlines for these exams are well in advance of the actual exam date and some are only offered a few times a year, so make sure you’re well aware of these dates. Interviews Do some research to find out the types of questions you’ll be asked. Make an appointment with an advisor at your career centre to set up a mock interview. That way, you’ll have an opportunity to have a practice run and get feedback on your performance. If you’re thinking about graduate school or pursuing a professional program, be sure to begin the process early to ensure you’re a competitive candidate. | Panagiota Panagakos

ADVICE

DECISIONS

Choosing between multiple acceptance letters So you’re a grad school hotshot. It’s time to decide: which one do you go to?

Having nearly completed her bachelor’s degree in women’s studies and psychology from Western University, Marissa Daniels was determined to stay in academia after her spring convocation. She planned on pursuing a master’s program, but was pulled in too many directions. “I’d been accepted by several schools in Canada, as well as in England, and I didn’t know which one to choose.” When it comes to decision time, sorting through your options can get stressful. Eeny, meeny, miny, moe could work, but you wouldn’t be doing yourself any justice. For starters One aspect that should play a role in your decision is education diversity, explains Linda Cicuta, a career advisor at McGill University. “It’s recommended to change schools so you can diversify your learning experience,” she says. “Our professors tell undergrads to go to another school to get their next degree(s) because each student has different goals, and there are programs that could match them better at other institutions.” Leaving familiar soil is exactly what Daniels decided to do. She opted for a master’s of women’s studies at York University, embracing the new surroundings and change of pace. “I’m really happy to be in the new environment. I think for people in women’s studies, or the arts in general, it’s really important to gain new perspective, and going to York has done that.” Program and professor compatibility Since master’s programs have a narrowed focus, you should determine whether a program’s particular direction is compatible with your area of interest. Karen Carrel Rice, team facilitator and career counsellor at the University of Toronto says it’s important to analyze before you come to a conclusion. “I tell students to create some sort of criteria as to what they are looking for from their graduate program,” she says. “They need to decide if the particular program is speaking to what they’re looking for, and make sure they’re finding the best fit.” In addition to researching programs, you have to research profes-

JOBPOSTINGS.CA | SEPTEMBER 2013

sors. In most cases, master’s students will be working one-on-one with their thesis advisor, so identifying a professor whose area of expertise complements yours is pivotal. This doesn’t just mean attending the interview; you need to do a little more investigating. “You can’t know if you’re truly compatible with an advisor until you actually start working with him or her,” Rice explains, “so speak to grad students who already have, to get a better sense of his or her style.” This, she stresses, could not be more crucial; a poor student-advisor relationship could hinder your research and your experience as a graduate student. Campgrounds Campus environment should also be carefully considered during the decision-making process. If you’re tempted to stay up late partying instead of doing work, you should veer away from those schools known for reckless social scenes. Class size is also key, since some people respond better to intimate settings and smaller numbers, while others prefer lecture halls. “I’m really happy with the smaller class sizes,” says Daniels. “They are discussion-based, rather than lecture-based, which gave me a better opportunity to learn from my peers and to really be noticed by my professors.” When in doubt If the decision isn’t clear enough, seek the help of campus career advisors. Among their many talents, career counsellors are the ultimate third party. “If for no other reason,” Rice says, “students can see an advisor because they are an objective perspective, which is great when students are really feeling the opinions and pressures of their family, and people with vested interests.” Since going to York, Daniels has remained active in academic circles and has been able to further explore her focus. She has also remained in touch with her undergraduate faculty, as she values their opinions. “Ultimately it was the right decision. I really enjoy the people and my professors, and that’s the key for me in completing this degree.” | Amanda Chajes

If success is a journey, welcome to the passing lane

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GO OR NO

ADVICE

Is grad school right for you? Are you sure grad school will take you where you want to go? So you’ve earned your degree, worn the square hat, and had your school library privileges revoked. Now what? For some people, this marks the start of their career; for others, it’s the green light to start family planning.

I mostly wouldn’t get them because I don’t have straight A’s,” says Chris Friesen, a recent BA grad who always thought he’d pursue his master’s in history. “If I were to go for my master’s, I’d have to apply for student loans.”

And there are those who decide to pursue even higher education.

Lots of students look for work as teaching assistants. “I think you’re supposed to TA around 72 hours a semester and it works out to around $25 an hour,” says Friesen, who has investigated the possibility. “You’re only getting paid for time that you’re TAing seminars and classes, and not for time spent marking first-year students’ papers or reading articles so that you can facilitate a seminar.” That’s a lot of homework, and if you’re taking a full course load, working on the side, and still planning on eating and sleeping occasionally, work-life management becomes tricky.

I have plenty of friends and family who’ve gone the postgrad route and it’s worked to their advantage. That said, the higher education decision will affect the rest of a person’s life. Before taking another trip up the ivory tower, maybe it’s time for some pre-postgrad pondering. Occupational hazards Some professions require a postgrad, making your decision a nobrainer. For everyone else, the job a person can obtain through pursuing advanced education will vary. Determining the opportunities for an MA or PhD is paramount, as is the availability of jobs in that field.

The Canadian Association of Graduate Students issued a report in 2006 stating that “full-time employment opportunities for [bachelors and master’s graduates] are about the same for both levels of study, although it is slightly higher for master’s graduates.” The domino effect When the job market starts to shrink, the conventional wisdom is to weather the rough economy in academia. The trouble is that everyone tends to think this way. With so many people returning to school to pursue higher education, maybe that master’s won’t make you stand out as much as you’d like. The old cliché “experience is the best teacher” might not always be true, but starting your career earlier means you’ll be earning money, paying off debt, and getting more hands-on training than your peers who’ll eventually be knocking on the door, resumé in hand, in a few years time. The elephant in the room Grad school is expensive! There are lots of financial paths to obtaining a master’s or PhD. Scholarships and grants are a possibility, but due to the increased competition to get into grad school, it’s harder to qualify. “I’d love to apply for grants and funding, but

A 2009 report written by the Canadian Council on Learning shows the average university grad owes an average of $26,680. That’s nothing to sneeze at for a young adult; the more debt a person has, the more likely they are to put off travel, starting a family, or other worthwhile goals. “I’ve already done my undergraduate degree and racked up a $40,000 student loan,” says Friesen. “Now I have to do another two years of grad school? That’s two years that I’m not making money and I’m putting off big things like working at a lucrative job or smaller things like going fishing.” The payoff The argument for tackling a master’s and taking on more debt is that the rewards will make it worthwhile. That may be true for some fields, but not for others. The same report from the Canadian Association of Graduate Students offers the following tidbit: “2001 Census of Canada data shows that the greatest benefits of having completed master’s studies versus bachelor-level studies in terms of increasing income levels were in commerce, management and administration, and health professions. The advantage was marginal in engineering, applied sciences, mathematics and physical sciences, humanities, and related fields.”

For die-hard academics, none of these arguments will matter, which is laudable. The pursuit of higher education can be beneficial on multiple levels given the right circumstances. Just don’t make the leap head first. | Kevin Nelson

SEPTEMBER 2013 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

CHANGING LIVES IMPROVING LIFE

Graduate Studies

one year to a great career Your degree or diploma is a great foundation â&#x20AC;&#x201D; now get the job-specific skills employers are looking for in as little as eight months.

Choose from over 90 graduate programs Work with faculty members who are committed to providing a personalized approach to learning for their graduate students

Sheridan offers more than 20 post-grad programs that will prepare you for a career in business, management, communications or digital media. Get the rewarding job you want.

Conduct research in world class facilities

Graduate Studies Preview Day Saturday, October 26th | 10am-1pm University Centre, University of Guelph

www.uoguelph.ca/graduatestudies

postgrad.sheridancollege.ca

BUDGETING

ADVICE

are an abundance of scholarships, grant programs, and on-campus positions to ease the cost of attendance. Don’t assume that available funding is always advertised. When Candace got accepted to the master’s program in epidemiology and biostatistics at McGill University, she chose the school over others that offered funding. With no information on assistantships, she decided to email professors directly and inquire about research opportunities. That initiative earned Candace a $22,500 research job, which was the reason she never had to touch the line of credit she took out. Look at loans as an investment into your future Loans are a necessity for the majority of graduate students. When shopping around for funds, pay attention to interest rates and repayment plans. Many banks offer competitive interest rates for graduate students while they attend school and for a period after graduation.

Money management for grad students Tips on budgeting and spending to avoid starving your wallet. Graduate school is like your undergrad on steroids. It’s more intense, more timeconsuming, and (usually) far less fun. Everything is amplified: your workload, your extracurricular responsibilities, and even your financial obligations.

to attend grad school. Search all graduate funding possibilities before applying, since application deadlines are often a year in advance of attendance. Also, consider working for a year or two to gain experience to stockpile money for tuition.

Grad school tuition and fees can be stifling, even for those without previous debts from undergrad. Here are some quick tips on managing your money as a graduate student.

“For the two years I was working before graduate school, I would challenge myself not to spend a dollar for a single day,” says Michelle. She packed homemade lunches and used a travel cup to drink coffee on her daily commute between Mississauga and Toronto. “When I got really good at that, I’d try and go a whole week without spending money. I was really frugal.”

Prepare early “I was living at home and didn’t have any debt,” says Michelle, 25, an MBA student at the University of Toronto. “I knew school would be expensive, so I was saving as much as I could.” It’s a good idea to think over your decision

Search every couch cushion for money Every penny you find is one less penny you have to pay back to the bank. There

“Money was a bit of a concern, but two things stuck out,” says Julia, who just graduated with an MBA. “One, Rotman, (the business school at the University of Toronto), has a guaranteed loan program with a few banks, so it wasn’t like I had to fight for tuition money. Two, I was making so little before with a bachelor of arts in political science that my income could only go up.” Like Julia, you should look at your loan as an investment. Even if your degree doesn’t help you make more money right away, it will help further down the line. The combination of an advanced degree and a few years of professional experience should make you a winning candidate for high-profile positions. But you might need to live off of ramen noodles and Kraft Dinner for a few years first. Seriously, stick to a budget Budgeting can be especially difficult for students. There will always be temptations to go out with friends. And though you shouldn’t cut entertainment out of your life completely, it’s crucial to map out a realistic budget. “I definitely calculated my bills every month and tried to limit myself,” says Meghan, who received a master’s in international relations from the University of Windsor. “Instead of going out to eat a lot or going to the bar, we would go for a walk or do something free.” | Brandon Miller

SEPTEMBER 2013 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

ADVICE

MATURE STUDENTS

Back to the books How to go back to school as a mature student.

“Mr. Moir? What are you doing here?”

Though I hadn’t heard it in years, the voice was instantly recognizable.

Deciding what and where to study was the easy part. Making it work was far more challenging.

It belonged to one of my former students, Nick. I was Nick’s teacher a few years ago, and though he was about a foot taller and another foot wider, he was still the same bright, gregarious student that I remember from first period American History class.

Leaving the professional workplace and going back to college or university to become a full-time student is a daunting task. For anyone considering taking the plunge and jumping back into their studies, these are some things you might want to consider:

We chatted for a few moments outside the Second Cup at Sheridan College. A couple months earlier, I’d enrolled in the Journalism-New Media post-graduate program at Sheridan and it was finally September, the first day of school.

Money What else, right? Whether doing a certificate at Sheridan or an MA at Western, these programs are not cheap, and that can be very stressful.

It was great to catch up with Nick. Learning about past students’ accomplishments is truly one of the best parts of being a teacher and this instance was no exception. Except this time, I wasn’t his teacher. I was his classmate. For five years, I taught high school history in England and across Ontario. It was a deeply rewarding experience, both personally and professionally, but there was always a part of me that wanted to break out of the classroom and try something else. I’ve always had a voracious appetite for news and I love to write, so journalism seemed like a logical idea for a career change. But getting a job in today’s hypercompetitive media market, you need formal journalism training. So, at age 31, I found myself preparing to head back to school.

JOBPOSTINGS.CA | SEPTEMBER 2013

projects to do in the evenings, graduate studies can make for a harried schedule. And when you throw kids in the mix, things can get even crazier. It’s inevitable that school is going to eat up a lot of your day, therefore it’s important to develop a routine that maximizes the time you do have with your family. Whether it’s making dinner with your partner or hanging out with your kids after daycare, ensure that you’re devoting quality time to your family as much as possible. This can be the difference between a hectic-yet-manageable year of study and an utter disaster.

In order to keep your head above water, try not to sever all ties with your former places of business; there might be opportunities for freelancing, consulting, or doing some kind of part-time contract. Doing work for your old company might not be what you had in mind, but it could be a way to ease the financial burden of full-time studies. I was a substitute teacher during my year at Sheridan, and although I only went in to teach roughly once a week, that little bit of income certainly helped on the first of the month when rent was due.

School It’s not hard, at first, to feel a little out of place in a classroom full of 22-year-olds. My advice? Think nothing of it. In my experience, the age difference is usually a far bigger deal for the older students than those in their twenties. Besides, you bring a breadth of experience that younger classmates will respect and be interested in hearing about. And you, in turn, will learn a lot from your younger peers. If you consciously try to use their ideas and knowledge to complement your own, that initial age-related unease will melt away in no time.

Family My wife and I had our first child in June and, as a teacher, I was fortunate enough to have the entire summer holiday to spend with my new family. When September arrived, though, that changed dramatically. With class all day and assignments and

Regardless of your age, grad school is what you make of it, and the right program at the right school will guarantee that heading back to the classroom was well worth the investment. And if you’re really lucky, you might even get to hang out with your former students. | Matt Moir

Berkeley Engineering

Master of Engineering Program GAIN THE COMPETITIVE EDGE OF AN INDUSTRY-RELEVANT MASTER’S DEGREE • Core courses on leadership, management, innovation • Technical depth in your engineering discipline • Solve real industry challenges through a capstone project • Exceptional student cohort, lifelong career network • Project advising by faculty and industry mentors from companies such as Applied Materials, Siemens, SanDisk, Samsung and Xilinx

A PROFESSIONAL PROGRAM TO FAST-TRACK YOUR CAREER In a global economy driven by technology, companies need project managers with business skills as well as technical expertise. Berkeley Engineering’s Master of Engineering Program integrates the deep technical coursework of a top-ranked engineering college with a core leadership curriculum. We offer both a full-time, one year program, as well as a part-time program for working professionals. Applicants can choose from seven different engineering departments, with technical concentrations such product design, sustainability and data science and systems. Students graduate with the master of engineering degree (M.Eng.), ready for a career path leading to management and executive positions in industry and entrepreneurial ventures.

For more, visit

www.funginstitute.berkeley.edu

or e-mail funginstitute@coe.berkeley.edu.

COLEMAN FUNG INSTITUTE FOR ENGINEERING LEADERSHIP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, UC BERKELEY 130 BLUM HALL #5580 | BERKELEY, CA 94720-5580

ADVICE

SURVIVAL

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It’s busy. it’s challenging. It’s

worth it.

Surviving

graduate school

There was no Good Witch of the North to guide you at the crossroads and there were no yellow bricks. Still, you held your head high and made your choice: follow the postgraduate road. Now, while your undergrad classmates are working, earning money, and starting families, you’re up until morning clutching an espresso and a research paper. That’s okay. Everyone’s choices are different and you’ve decided to take the path that’s best for you. Now that you’ve chosen your road, you’ll be spending the next few years on it, so you’ll need to learn to cope with the bumps.

JOBPOSTINGS.CA | SEPTEMBER 2013

1 Know what to expect Before you go, know what you’re dealing with. Review your program requirements and curriculum.

2 Get involved Graduate studies can mean more alone time for you and your work, but with some time management skills, you shouldn’t be alone all the time. “We know that students can learn how to manage their time and thereby make sufficient time for socializing, exercising, and otherwise taking care of themselves, and we encourage this. We even offer workshops on time management and related skills,” Rose says.

William Tays, a PhD student at Brock University, suspected his graduate education experience was going to be different from undergrad, but that’s what he wanted. “I assumed I would have more autonomy in my own work, which is a very welcome change to merely taking classes as an undergraduate,” Tays says. “Overall, I was hoping it would be a very different experience from my undergrad career, and that turned out to be exactly the case.” You won’t necessarily live under a rock, but more focus on schoolwork equals less time for friends and family. Marilyn Rose, dean of graduate studies at Brock, says that “graduate programs expect their students to work hard and spend a great deal of time mastering the discipline they have chosen to study … students have to be prepared to have little time left over for idleness or play.” Jenny Phelps, assistant dean and director of graduate enrollment services at the University of British Columbia, says students will have to deliver better quality work. “The expectations are higher here. Students are expected to be more connected with the faculty since there are less lectures here and course sizes are smaller.” Phelps continues, “the nature of the work at the graduate level is more focused. It’s somewhat more independent, and there’s more responsibility for [students] to choose their career paths. They become managers of their own learning experiences.”

According to Phelps, socializing (or networking) can play an important role in your career. “Research shows the more engaged students are in their programs, the better their outcomes are—the better the connections and the more experience they’ll have.” Tays got involved by becoming a teaching assistant, joining the school senate, and helping out on several conferences and committees. “My regular grad work takes up a great deal of my time, but I’ve benefited from working outside my microcosm.”

4 Know yourself Have a game plan for after graduation: receiving your master’s degree or PhD is fine and dandy, but closing your last textbook and finding yourself with zero insight into what you want to do is not going to get you far when it comes to finding that first, real, post-grad gig. Ben Rogul from Aon Hewitt says, “when I’m talking to new grads and I ask them what they’re looking for, I’d say nine out of ten times they don’t know.” He says when graduates come to him and list off the skills and qualities they have, that’s great, but as a recruiter it’s frustrating. The key information he’s looking for is what the new graduate wants to do. Paul Smith, from the Canadian Association of Career Educators and Employers, agrees. “The first job doesn’t define the rest of your career. That’s why the most important thing for somebody who’s a new grad looking to make their way into the workforce is to know themselves, to take the time to understand what they’re actually looking for, where their interests are, where their strengths lie, and go forward from there. It’s the person who knows what they’re looking for who’s going to be successful.”

3 Study or Work overseas Consider pursuing your degree for a semester abroad. In general, any experience travelling, studying, or working overseas, (and being comfortable working in foreign environments), is always an attractive trait employers look for. Be open to breaking out of the nest! Many university programs let students pursue a course-based master’s and PhD in a number of partner institutions around the world. If you have this opportunity, jump on it. If you’re worried about the expense, consider teaching English part-time as you study; this approach lets you travel, exposes you to new cultures, and allows you to meet new people. Aside from eating some different food and maybe brushing up on a new language, studying abroad might also give you a different work-and-study-attitude that you can carry into your future career. Evan Malek, founder of Second Chance Travel, says that while many students want to kickstart their careers as soon as they graduate, it’s a good idea to consider slowing down. “North America is a more driven culture—very competitive. There’s a lot of pressure on young people to get into high gear. But I think graduates can learn more from other cultures and put more emphasis on adventure and exploration.”

5 Keep your eye on the prize Grad school may require extra effort up front, but your effort will pay off in the end. “Survey research shows the higher the degree level you have, the higher your earnings are,” Phelps says. “This higher degree will even give you better job opportunities. And this credential really puts you at an advantage over other people who don’t have it.” Earnings aside, grad school also prepares you for the working world by teaching you discipline, says Demetres Tryphonopoulos, acting associate dean for the school of graduate studies at the University of New Brunswick. “Graduate students are not only better prepared for the marketplace, but they also possess the kind of independence and discipline that employers value.” The contacts you make can also help you land a job. “There’s no doubt that graduate studies offer many benefits in the area of social contacts that will pay off in the future,” Rose says. “Professors themselves are well-connected and can provide introductions or letters of reference—in fact, it’s part of their jobs to do so—for students who do well in their courses.” Grad students also learn professionalism, adds Tays. “I think grad school offers a considerable opportunity for personal and professional development. I’ve learned dedication, engagement, ambition, creativity, critical thinking, ingenuity, and professional citizenship.” So yellow brick road or not, there isn’t a tiny wizard making false promises at the end of your grad school journey. Instead, you’ll develop the genuine professionalism, contacts, and knowledge to help you achieve your career goals.

SEPTEMBER 2013 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

SHOWCASE

HUMBER COLLEGE

are you Career Ready? The Business School at Humber gives you ten ways to launch your career.

All of Humber’s Postgraduate Business Certificates prepare degree holders from any academic disciple for management and business careers. They all emphasize practical skills and knowledge and feature a work placement to make you career ready as soon as possible. Most are delivered in less than a year. Postgraduate studies at The Business School at Humber include:

New! Advertising - Media Management. This unique program prepares you to work in the dynamic field of media management at advertising agencies, media placement and sales organizations or in client marketing departments. Includes TV, radio, print, outdoor and digital media. Financial Planning. This program provides a pathway to careers in financial planning. It prepares you for the exams required to obtain the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation, and to become licensed to sell stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and a variety of insurance products. And its four-week work placement will help you to connect with the financial heart of Canada. Global Business Management. The Global Business Management program prepares you for a wide choice of careers and gives you the time to decide which is best for you. Besides providing you with knowledge and skills in virtually all of the major functional areas of business, this program covers skills every business wants in every manager: leadership, communications, numeracy, creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork. Two flexible work placements – one in each year – give you the hands-on practical experience that employers desire. International Development. This program is designed for people who want to see the world and make a difference within it. It gives you the skills and knowledge required to coordinate and manage international socio-economic development projects and humanitarian and disaster relief initiatives. And features an eight-week work placement that often takes place overseas. Marketing Management. Humber’s Marketing Management program is one of the most comprehensive available. It covers all of the key areas: branding, product development, advertising, distribution, sales, direct marketing, planning, budgeting, strategy, and more. Plus, it includes a four-week work placement to give you the practical experience that employers demand. Prepare for management roles in the exciting world of advertising, promotion, public relations and brand marketing. Public Administration. This is the only program of its kind in Canada. It provides all of the knowledge, skills and experience graduates need to start successful public service careers. You will receive advanced training in communications, policy analysis, project management, information technology, public finance, governance, leadership and human resources management. These studies are anchored by an eight-week work placement program. Human Resources Management. Humber’s Human Resources Management program prepares graduates for careers that link organizations

JOBPOSTINGS.CA | SEPTEMBER 2013

to their most important assets – their people. It covers all the bases in this diverse field, including: recruitment and selection, compensation, training and development, pensions and benefits, health and safety, and labour relations. And it includes a four-week work placement. Plus, it is accredited by the Human Resources Professional Association (HRPA) and prepares graduates for their Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation. Event Management. This is one of the most comprehensive event management programs available. You will learn to develop, coordinate and manage events, sites and facilities; implement financial initiatives, program events, and apply marketing, human resources, operations and business management principles. Additionally, you will gain hands-on experience in event management practices such as planning, design, marketing, sponsorship, budgeting, risk management, evaluation and much more. Plus, it includes a fourweek work placement to give you practical experience. Fashion Management and Promotions. This program prepares graduates to work in the dynamic fashion industry. It focuses on new product development and branding, fashion buying and retailing, cosmetics and fragrances, multi-channel sales, promotion, merchandising, colour theory skills and trend forecasting. Graduates may find employment in companies that develop, manufacture, market, import, wholesale, distribute or retail fashions, accessories, fragrances and cosmetics. Alternative Dispute Resolution. This program is for students with a keen interest in negotiation, mediation and arbitration, whether as part of their current job responsibilities, or to acquire these skills for career advancement. The curriculum includes insurance law, labour law, family law, commercial law, system design and community mediation, together with intensive workshop training in the foundations of negotiation, mediation and arbitration. Graduates may find employment as conflict resolution facilitators and agents representing parties participating in the mediation or arbitration process in the areas of legal practice, human resources, health care, education, social work, real estate and insurance. Humber’s postgraduate business programs are offered in the intimate setting of the Lakeshore Campus, which is a study in contrasts. The surroundings have retained the Old World charm of 19th Century buildings, but they have also been updated to boast the latest advances in electronic classrooms and computer labs. There are also a fitness centre, student centre, cafeteria, coffee shops and performance spaces that will further enhance your experience. In addition to holding postgraduate degrees, The Business School’s instructors are actively working in the fields that are associated with their classes, bringing a real-world relevance to your studies. They all know the business skills that graduates will require in the workplace. Humber graduates know the value of the skills that are developed through The Business School. After all, they use them every day.

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ADVICE

NETWORKING

EVERYTHING you need to know about building successful and lasting connections

networking: critical, crucial, and pivotal. You’ve heard before that networking is important for your career. Unfortunately, many people starting their careers don’t think they need to network or don’t know how to network effectively. Before I got my first job, I was one of those people. I would tell myself that networking was for other people and not me. I didn’t think I needed to network to get ahead in my career. Soon enough, I realized the truth: networking is important and it’s hard to do well. It’s time to get started on honing your networking skills! | Allison Mitchell

JOBPOSTINGS.CA | SEPTEMBER 2013

What is networking? When you network, information is shared among people with common interests. With respect to your career, the more information and opportunities you’re aware of in your field, the better equipped you’ll be for success. Don’t mistake social networking with networking; it’s not the same thing. Social networking is one way to network (through blogging and other forms of social media), but it isn’t the only way. Face to face contact is usually the most effective approach, but it can also be done through email and phone.

Where do you network? Every person you meet, everywhere you are, has the potential to be in your network. Be proactive. Seek out opportunities to attend networking events that are relevant to you. If you prefer networking online, Linkedin is a great platform for that; it gets your name and skills out there for potential employers to see. Networking and connecting with past professors and classmates who have or are currently working in industries that you’d like to work in could be beneficial, because it essentially allows potential employers to view your profile and resumé. Blogging may also be a good way to network and engage people with similar interests as you. Aside from being able to connect with people through comments, you can also feature your work on your blog and use it as an online portfolio.

network effectively Have business cards and a brief summary about yourself ready. If you’re in school, your business cards should have your name, program, graduation date, and contact information. Be positive, confident, and authentic. If you struggle with confidence, (as many people do), then you need to fake it. If you fake it well, people won’t know that you’re shaking on the inside. And over time, the more confident you act, the more confident you’ll become. You need to meet new people to build your network. I know it’s hard to sit and talk to people you don’t know. I’ve been guilty of using a networking event as a chance to catch up with friends, but doing so really wastes a golden opportunity to grow your network. Help yourself stay on track with online postings by planning what topics you’d like to post about in advance. You can also schedule tweets and blog posts to appear whenever you want, so you don’t need to constantly be on your phone tweeting and updating your Twitter and blog. Lastly, send a follow-up email to the people you met and thank them for the time they took to speak with you. That simple email will reinforce your brief conversation with them and help you stand out among the others they met.

Who should you network with? Ideally, you’ll want to ensure that you build your network within your chosen field. However, it’s important not to limit your network to only those people. Remember, people know other people. If a person you meet isn’t in your field, they might know someone who is.

When should you start? Now! Don’t wait until you’re done school to start building your network. The earlier you start, the larger your network will be when you graduate. Even if you don’t seek out networking opportunities, you’ll eventually be in a position where you’ll have to network. So instead of being caught off-guard, start polishing your networking skills. It’s a valuable skill you’ll use throughout your career!

SEPTEMBER 2013 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

STUDY WITH US, AND JOIN OUR GROWING NUMBER OF GRADUATES THAT ARE PROUD TO WORK AND LIVE RIGHT HERE IN CANADA. WHERE WE STAND WILL MAKE YOU STAND OUT.

CANADIAN DOCTORS ARE IN DEMAND ALL OVER THE WORLD. PERHAPS MOST IMPORTANTLY, RIGHT HERE IN CANADA.

Join over 1,400 students and graduates from Canada who have prepared for the future of medicine here.

• SGU’s Canadian students who took the USMLE Step 1 for the ﬁrst time in 2012 achieved a 100% pass rate • Canadian students who sat the MCCEE from 2008-2012 achieved a 100% pass rate • In the past three years, St. George’s University has placed more doctors into ﬁrst-year US residency positions than any other medical school in the world* • Clinical rotation in the US, UK, and Canada

US/Canada: 1 (800) 899-6337 ext. 9 1280 sgu.edu/future-students • sguenrolment@ sgu.edu *According to published information as of April 2013.

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MED SCHOOL

PROGRAMS Take initiative Don’t just read textbooks all day; go out and get some valuable hands-on experience. While many undergrad degrees have placements within its coursework, Sivakumar says students should take the time to get out in the field. “This could be by volunteering at hospitals, doing research, or shadowing doctors,” she says. “These are good ways to see whether you would enjoy working in the field and personally evaluate whether you have the capacity to work in a high-stress environment.” This experience will help you determine whether you have the skills and attributes needed to interact with patients and practice medicine, says Sivakumar. “Also, these initiatives you take to get as much exposure as possible show medical schools how serious you are about pursuing medicine.”

Planning for med school With a checklist in hand, prepare well in advance.

The childhood dream of yours to become a doctor when you grow up is finally on the horizon. However, getting accepted into med school for your master’s is a huge challenge in itself. Much of the med school planning process begins well before the application deadline and during your undergraduate years. Ensuring you’re prepared to make that leap into grad school requires months of planning and research, which will increase your chances of getting into the school you prefer.

Pay attention to prerequisites For McGill University med student Vijitha Sivakumar, she says it’s important to make sure you’ve completed the proper prerequisites during your undergrad. “First, they must complete a list of basic science courses,” she says. “Every school has slightly different requirements and students need to look up each school’s requirements and make sure they have covered the necessary courses. Some schools may require certain non-science courses as well.”

To ensure all the proper undergrad coursework is completed, Sivakumar says it’s important to avoid working on the application at the last minute. “For students to avoid surprises, like finding out that they failed to complete one required course, it is best for students to start doing research on each school as early as possible.”

Get good grades It’s something that has been ingrained in our minds since the introduction of report cards in the first grade, so maintaining a high average or GPA is no different in med school. “What they need to do in order to prepare for medicine is to do everything they can to make sure their grade point average is high,” says Dr. Bruce Fleming, associate dean, admissions at the University of British Columbia. Depending on which med school you choose, averages vary. “GPA cut-offs vary from school to school and from year to year, [but] students are responsible for looking up the most current cut-offs,” says Sivakumar.

Don’t drop the extra-CURricular activities Just because you play recreational basketball every Thursday night and you’re president of your school’s student group, doesn’t mean you can’t get into med school. In fact, it’s applauded. “We consider academic and non-academic qualities on an equal footing at UBC in terms of an application for medicine,” says Dr. Fleming. “If an applicant comes to us and they’ve done something exceptional in terms of a level of performance in regards to the arts or athletics, we value that as well.” As much as a high GPA is an important component to your application (as mentioned before), it is also equally necessary to engage in other activities, says Sivakumar. “A 4.0 GPA doesn’t necessarily guarantee that you will get accepted; [schools] are looking for well-rounded people.”

It’s time to apply You’re now inching closer to med school and you’re about to start your application, confident in your grades, experience, and activities. This may seem like the most daunting task and the make-or-break for your med school dreams, but preparing ahead of time can make this final process feel seamless.| Megan Santos

SEPTEMBER 2013 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

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GLOBAL MANAGEMENT

PROGRAMS

Become tomorrow’s globalized business leader An international business postgrad can build your cross-cultural management skills. As the Canadian market becomes increasingly more globalized, acquiring a postgraduate education in international business management can give you the tools and knowledge you need to do business overseas. “The benefit with being in this kind of program is that it’s just the way business is being done these days,” says Janice Brown, coordinator of the international business management program at Seneca College in Toronto. “It’s done globally.” From master’s degrees to college certificates, students have several postgraduate opportunities to specialize in international management. “Having many different options out there is great,” says Dr. Pedro Márquez, dean of the faculty of management at Royal Roads University (RRU) in Victoria, BC. “If a student wants to go to China for three years, they can. Programs have been designed to send people overseas. There are also programs that focus less on the people side and more on international law and putting together marketing campaigns.” RRU offers a one-year master’s program in global management, combining the business competencies with cross-cultural management. “It focuses on the business aspects, including finance and marketing,” says Dr. Márquez. “But there’s also a heavy weight in the people side.” Recent alum Marc Tassé found the cultural component the most beneficial. “It isn’t just business practices, like you would learn in an MBA,” he says. “We learned finance, economics, and business strategy. But we took those concepts and learned how it’s happening in North America and how it’s happening in other countries.” Seneca’s program also combines both elements. “It’s everything from consulting across cultures, trade research, and banking. It’s a little bit of everything,” says Brown. “There are courses more business-oriented and other courses focused on applying the knowledge at a global level.” Consider the postgraduate certificate in international management, offered by Fleming College in Peterborough, Ontario. “Our program is more focused on international business than cross-cul-

tural management,” says Russell Turner, coordinator of the program, who adds students get a taste of marketing, finance, accounting, management, and importing and exporting. Students can enter these programs from different backgrounds, says Dr. Márquez. “There’s no particular discipline [needed]. A bachelor of commerce would be a great idea, since they learn about the business aspect. But a bachelor’s degree in sociology or geography would be great as well, since they appreciate different cultures. What we need are people who are highly interested in learning about international business and travelling around the world.” One of the greatest benefits of the program is also the greatest challenge which, according to Tassé, is the cross-cultural teamwork. “[It’s] a very team-based program,” he says, adding that RRU’s program consists of about 50 per cent domestic students and 50 per cent international students. “You’re mixed up with people of different cultures and different backgrounds. When you get people from China, Russia, and Canada working together, everyone has different mindsets.” Some programs offer internships while others have applied research projects, to create hands-on learning experiences. “Students are solving real business issues,” says Turner. Upon graduation, students can find an array of opportunities and earn anywhere between $85,000 to $100,000 a year, Dr. Márquez estimates. “It’s everything from marketing to financial planning to logistics,” Brown says, adding that Seneca graduates are in roles ranging from business development and exports, to financial planning in Brazil. Tassé is now entertaining two job offers: one at a pharmaceutical company and one at an Australian biometrics company expanding to North America. He says a need exists for domestic companies looking to expand beyond Canada’s borders and companies abroad who are expanding in North America. “It’s not necessarily someone who wants to work overseas, but someone interested in other cultures and other places. It’s for someone who’s looking for that bridge between cultures.” | Samuel Dunsiger

SEPTEMBER 2013 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

LAW SCHOOL

So you want to go to law school? A mini survival guide for your first year.

Completing an undergraduate degree is a wonderful accomplishment. And while many people go forward and celebrate before beginning their careers, others take their degrees in order to go forward with their education—namely, to law school. With applicants in the tens of thousands, it seems law school is a fairly popular choice for many new graduates. This is why it’s important to know what you’re getting yourself into because people often have many misconceptions about law school and may want to avoid any unpleasant surprises during their application process and their first year. Here are some things you should know, as you make your decision about entering law school. Time management is key When Alexis Archbold, assistant dean at the University of Toronto, asks law students what they think the secret to their study skills is, they all say “rigorous time management,” she says. “The students who do really well in their first year are the students who have excellent time management skills and stick to those from the beginning of law school onward.” Time management is an essential skill to have, especially since “the workload is heavy,” says Bonnie Gordon, producer and editor in the communications group at the Law School Admission Council. “That’s what law school students should be prepared for, and what it will consist of is a lot, lot, lot of reading.” “On average, [the workload] is between 60 and 70 hours a week, most weeks,” says Francine Herlehy, assistant dean at the University of Windsor’s faculty of law. She also says that those 60–70 hours consist of class time, preparation for class, debriefing after class, mandatory group work, and tutorials. Law school is expensive While this is not a myth, and typically common knowledge, the fact that law school is expensive shouldn’t deter you from going, if that’s the career path you’re passionate about. “On the one hand, I’m going to say that yes, it is very expensive,” says Gordon. “But just because you don’t have thousands and thousands of dollars in your back pocket, you shouldn’t think, ‘I can’t go to law school. I can’t afford it.’ There are systems set up

JOBPOSTINGS.CA | SEPTEMBER 2013

to help you finance law school, depending on your own needs, and you have to figure that out.” For example, U of T currently runs a summer LSAT prep course for lowincome students, which, according to Archbold, gives students an opportunity to prepare, if they “want a little bit of guidance for the LSATs, but can’t afford the quite steep tuition for the commercial prep programs.” Being a lawyer won’t instantly make you rich You spent all of that money on an undergrad and law school, and so you think that much like the lawyers on television, you’re in for an almost instant debt-free life, complete with a designer wardrobe and high-profile law suits that are sure to put your name on the map. Unfortunately, that just isn’t the case. “It’s not necessarily your ticket to an easy life, especially considering today’s economy,” says Gordon. “You have to work for what you get.” This is why Archbold says, “we really recommend that students take an undergrad that’s challenging and that they love, and that’s to prepare them for the rigor of legal education. But also, if they decide that they don’t want to go to law school, they have a really good undergrad that they love and can fall back on.” The LSATs are really hard “I think it requires a lot of discipline to put the time aside and prepare and do practice exams,” says Archbold. If you’re considering taking the LSATs, Herlehy agrees and says you should “do as many practice tests as you can, and do them under timed circumstances,” because that will mimic the test environment. “Beyond that,” Gordon says, “we suggest that you take the test once when you’re well-prepared because the school will get all the scores.” Any test is nerve-racking, but if you’ve adequately prepared yourself beforehand, you’re likely to do well. No matter what you decide, Herlehy reminds students that “as long as they have a good, strong foundation of study skills, and they know there’s hard work involved, they should be okay.” | Kate Aenlle

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PROGRAMS

MBAS

The deal behind MBAs An MBA can accelerate your career and take your career to new heights.

THE MOST EXPENSIVE MBAS $80,000 $70,000

Lifelong learning is our future. According to Statistics Canada, 65 per cent of jobs in the future will require a post-secondary education. As North America moves toward a service-based economy, higher education will help Canadians manage future prospects. As a result, universities across the country are providing programs to bridge current workers for future changes. Which MBA is right for me? Students can choose an MBA program on either a full-time or part-time basis, online, in-class, or in a hybrid format. Students can opt for an MBA or Executive MBA (EMBA) program, depending on their needs.

Shai Dubey, director of Queen’s University’s MBA program, explains the difference between the two options. EMBAs, he says, are ideal for those in the advanced stages of their profession because they need to “accelerate their careers.” Dubey describes the typical MBA applicant as having less experience, around 29 years of age, and seeking a career change. Contrary to what some believe, most MBA applicants have diverse educational backgrounds and do not usually have an undergraduate degree in business. Chris Skerik, an associate at TD Commercial Bank and recent graduate of Athabasca’s MBA program, supports Dubey’s observations. With an undergraduate degree in political science, he admits he wasn’t sure if he would measure up to his new classmates. “Initially I was insecure, but soon realized that it didn’t matter.” What am I going to learn? “Don’t go in thinking, ‘I’m going to come out with X,’” Dubey explains, because a quality MBA program is “transformational.” Skerik agrees. He believes he went through a “personal change process,” resulting in plans for the second act of his career. Dubey explains the academic side is one component of the MBA, but it’s the soft skills that truly groom students into becoming the complete package. The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of the business world, which include dealing with diversity. At Queen’s, students are trained on “how to handle conflict in a productive way, to take input from people from diverse

JOBPOSTINGS.CA | SEPTEMBER 2013

backgrounds, and to help people understand that people think differently.” Dubey further advises applicants to prepare themselves for a different style of learning. Traditional undergraduate programs use conventional professor-led lecturing styles; MBA programs integrate technology into the learning process. Dubey has observed how video conferencing has produced a paradigm shift in learning. Rather than facing the instructor, students face each other. They read each other’s facial expressions and body language. As a result, networking has become stronger with video conferencing because it encourages people to connect in a different way. Trends in the MBA Dubey believes that trends in education reflect trends in the world. “There will be more globalization,” he explains. With North America being home to the largest schools, Canada has “a real play in the global markets.” Simon Fraser University’s Segal Graduate School in Vancouver has rolled out their new Americas MBA for Executives in collaboration with three other graduate schools in Brazil, Mexico, and the US. Derek Moscato of SFU’s Beedie School of Business believes this program is ideal for professionals working in “industries where trade is paramount and that operate within the parameters of NAFTA.” Many universities, including Queen’s, are actively recruiting women. According to TD Economics Special Report, The Changing Canadian Workplace, women are still under-represented in management positions. Dubey explains Queen’s success in increasing female enrollment by actively recruiting them and breaking down the stigma that only men can hold senior roles. What do employers think? Allison Guld, director of talent acquisition at Blast Radius, an online marketing firm, reveals that some of her senior personnel hold a wide variety of postgraduate degrees. “Higher education is definitely valued,” she says, explaining that MBAs are appropriate for positions focusing on strategy. She believes potential employees should remember that work experience has credence over a degree. | Eleni Papavasiliou

$60,000 $50,000 $40,000 $30,000 $20,000 $10,000

$ PER YEAR

MCGILL

IVEY (WESTERN)

QUEENS

UOFT

THE LEAST EXPENSIVE MBAS $6,000 $5,000 $4,000 $3,000 $2,000 $1,000

$ PER YEAR

LAVAL

SHERBROOKE

MEMORIAL

U OF QUEBEC

THE MOST EXPENSIVE EMBAS $100,000 $90,000 $80,000 $70,000 $60,000 $50,000 $40,000 $30,000 $20,000 $10,000

$ PER YEAR

QUEENS

IVEY (WESTERN)

UOFT

QUEENS-CORNELL

JOHN MOLSON SCHOOL OF BUSINESS GOODMAN INSTITUTE OF INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT MBA with Complete CFA® Integration Study in Toronto or Montreal and earn two world-recognized designations at the same time The CFA Body of Knowledge™ is completely integrated into our curriculum and our accommodating schedule allows you to keep working full-time

Learn more at johnmolson.concordia.ca/giim JOHN

MOLSON

S C H OO L O F BU S I N E S S

JOHN

MOLSON

S C H OO L O F BU S I N E S S

STUDY ABROAD

OVERSEAS

Global grad school A master’s degree and a new country.

Words Megan Santos // Illustrations Anthony Capano

For the last 18 years, you’ve spent the majority of your time sitting in a classroom or lecture hall, focusing on academics. As grueling and dull as that may have been, you decide to push for just a couple more years of school and pursue a master’s degree. At this point, as a young adult in your 20s, a mixture of curiosity and desire to see the world may inspire you to take your studies abroad. If you decide to make the move, we can’t always guarantee the transition will be easy, but the culture, diversity, and education you will experience are priceless. We take a look at two grad schools on two different continents that are well-recognized for international studies. A master’s at IE Madrid If the four years of your undergrad has you calling for a change of scenery, studying in Madrid, Spain might just appeal to your needs. IE offers a variety of master’s degree programs which usually take a year to finish and can be studied in either English or Spanish.

The one-year master’s programs provide an intense experience that prepare students to multitask and manage their time wisely, says Pilar Vicente, senior associate director of admissions at IE. “The diversity in the class—academically, professionally, and culturally—makes the IE experience unique.” Living and studying overseas can be daunting, from the language barrier to the unfamiliar city, but IE strives to support international students with their transition through the student services office, and Campus Life. “The student services office helps students with their transition to Madrid, from providing access to the accommodation database to assisting in visa processes,” says Vicente. “They also organize The Spanish Intensive Program in which international students have the opportunity to learn Spanish before the program starts.” As for extracurricular activity, students can turn to the Campus Life resource, which coordinates and supports more than 60 student-run clubs within the institute and helps students to network outside of these clubs. Choosing to take your master’s at an international school is like preparing for the unknown. As far as your knowledge goes, you’ll be studying at IE in Madrid for a year and you’ll finish with a master’s degree, but everything that happens in between—from the cultural to interactive experiences—will be up to you to determine (and this can be both scary and exhilarating at the same time). “When students decide to go abroad to study, they are out of their comfort zone and this adds value to their learning experience,” says Vicente. However, if you’re willing enough to widen your horizons, the diversity you’ll experience at IE can be beneficial to your future endeavours. “This diversity helps the students to be prepared to work in all types of organizations in the future,” says Vicente. “Consequently, many recruiters prefer to hire students who already have experience in international environments.” Take your studies down under Australia is more than a sightseeing, surfing, and summer-all-year-round continent. It’s also well-known for attracting many international students to its universities.

JOBPOSTINGS.CA | SEPTEMBER 2013

STUDY ABROAD Being a student at Central Queensland University (CQU), Australia means the flexibility to study whenever and wherever you desire, a case proven by many students who are currently studying via distance education from all parts of the globe. Despite living 9,000 km away and in different time zones, nursing student Zoe Gillan says she enjoys studying at CQU. “The study itself is easy, as lectures are recorded and usually available online 24 hours after,” she says. “My experience has been great. I’ve enjoyed almost all the courses I’ve taken and the lecturers have all been fantastic.”

Ironically, Gillan is an Australian citizen living in Canada and learning virtually. She’s been in Canada since 2009 and decided to apply at CQU because of the institution’s reputation for distance learning and being one of the first Australian universities to offer flexible, mix-mode studies. Occasionally, Gillan is required to return to Australia for residential schools and placements, but she uses this time to spend with family and friends. While distance education is popular at CQU, it also has a number of postgrad programs for international students. Krista Verlis, who studied her undergrad at the University of Waterloo, is a postgrad researcher at the CQU and gained a full scholarship, which made her move to Australia financially viable. “I am undertaking my PhD by research looking at the effects of marine debris on Australian seabirds,” she says. “My study sites are primarily in the southern Great Barrier Reef (GBR) in the Capricorn-Bunker Group of islands and Swain Reefs, and at certain nearshore locations on the east Australian coastline.” According to their website, CQU prides itself on offering and delivering high-quality degrees through engaging methods in teaching and high-level support both on and off campus. “I hope to gain permanent residency when I finish my PhD, as I would very much like to remain in Australia,” says Verlis. “It’s very much a land of opportunity and it’s a gorgeous and exciting place to live.” | Megan Santos

JOBPOSTINGS.CA | SEPTEMBER 2013

TIPS

Studying Abroad Explore, discover, and learn in unexpected ways. Going to school during the coldest, darkest part of the Canadian winter can be a drag. Lacing up winter boots, bundling layers upon layers of clothing can have even the most patriotic of us daydreaming about jet-setting to a warmer locale and taking our classes by the beach for some seaside schooling. So why not make your daydream a reality? In addition to the friendlier climate, studying abroad can supercharge your resumé, amp up your education, and bring about some pretty cool life experiences. Here are the top five reasons to pack your bags and take off this semester. real-life experiences By studying abroad, you’ll learn things about the world that you could never learn by reading a textbook. “Study abroad programs enable students to have an international learning experience that lets them engage meaningfully with the world outside the classroom, thereby becoming knowledgeable global citizens,” says Sarah Witol, program manager of professional and international programs at Woodsworth College at the University of Toronto. “Through their participation, students are able to relate what they learn in the classroom to real-world situations abroad through critical analysis and synthesis of the course materials.” Explore your interests “Travelling allows you to experience different cultures, foods, languages, and customs that to us are different from what you know,” says Anita Spence, a Wilfrid Laurier University graduate who completed an internship with the Contiki Holidays and has travelled to more than a dozen countries including Australia, South Africa, and many European countries. “It opens our eyes to the world around us.” “As well, travelling allows you to explore your own personal interests. For me, that meant exploring every possible adrenaline sport that passed in front of me. The beauty of travel is that everyone can experience what they want to experience.”

Beef up your resumé For Melissa DeSouza, a tour manager at EF Tours who completed an internship in Paris before entering the workforce, says her international experience was what landed her the job. “When you are employed in Canada, you will definitely be working with people from different backgrounds,” she explains. “Once I had lived away from home myself, I found it so much easier to relate to people who were not originally from Canada and it made me a better employee.” Meet new people Getting your education abroad allows you to meet like-minded individuals—people that all share your same academic interests and, often, a similar excitement for life. “During my last trip, I camped through Africa for three months,” says Spence. “This type of trip will only appeal to certain people and that was the wonderful thing about it! Everyone had the same passion for travelling, were outdoorsy, and everyone got along. We experienced so much together and they will be my lifelong friends.” Learn about yourself For DeSouza, the experience was as much about learning about herself as it was learning about another culture. “During my year away, I really came to appreciate home,” she says. “I learned about myself and realized that I could function independently without my support networks. I had become accustomed to the comforts of home. When travelling, little things like finding a hairdresser were a fun challenge.” For Spence, the university experience would have been entirely different had she not taken the opportunity to travel abroad. She now recommends it to anyone considering the move. “Through my travels, I’ve gained a new perspective on the world, more life lessons than I thought imaginable, met some of the most incredible people, and have experienced so many wonderful things. I love to travel and I’d encourage anyone to pack their bags and do it!” | Katie Edmonds

European Business School by Financial Times

MBA PROGRAMS - MASTER IN MANAGEMENT MASTERS IN FINANCE - SPECIALIZED MASTERS MASTER OF LAWS (LLM) At IE we train the leaders of tomorrow, those who want to make a difference and transform the world. We offer a number of master programs for young professionals and recent graduates, that fit both their interests and market demands. Our objective is to train students so they acquire practical, intellectual, creative and managerial skills. IE represents a new model of higher education, one which leverages the best academic traditions, yet provides a fresh approach in a number of areas, including learning methodologies and program content. ENTREPRENEURSHIP | DIVERSITY | HUMANITIES | SOCIAL INNOVATION

IE Business School IE Law School IE School of Architecture and Design IE School of Communication IE School of International Relations IE School of Social and Behavioral Sciences

www.ie.edu

| iecontact@ie.edu | IE Madrid, Spain |

EDUCATION

UK GRAD SCHOOL DIRECTORY

Study in the UNITED KINGDOM Barclay & Knap Educational Services represents 25 UK Universities located throughout England, Scotland, Wales and N. Ireland. We provide individualized counseling throughout the application process, and there is no fee for our assistance when you apply to our UK network. Below please find a listing of our featured Graduate Schools.

OXFORD BROOKES | brookes.ac.uk

Queen Mary, UOL | qmul.ac.uk

Set in a beautiful and historic student city, Oxford Brookes is the UK’s leading modern university (Sunday Times University Guide 2013) and enjoys an international reputation for teaching excellence and innovation as well as strong links with business and industry.

Queen Mary University of London is one of the largest colleges of the world-renowned University of London and a member of the Russell Group of UK Universities. Queen Mary has a fully integrated teaching, research and residential campus in the east end of London. Subjects include Humanities, Social Sciences and Laws, Medicine and Dentistry and Science and Engineering.

University of Brighton | brighton.ac.uk

University of Essex | essex.ac.uk

With over 500 courses to choose from, the University of Brighton is a modern, innovative institution on one of the liveliest sections of the UK’s South-East coast. We will provide you with excellent learning opportunities and will support you in every way to make the most of them. We have one of the best teaching quality ratings in the UK and a strong research record, factors that contribute to our reputation as a leading professional university.

Ranked the UK’s “#1 Social Science University” and 2nd for Student Satisfaction, Essex is uniquely in¬ternational with students from over 130 countries. Excelling in interna¬tional research means our students are taught, supported and supervised by world leaders in their fields. Undergraduate and Graduate programs include Law, Human Rights, Politics, Economics and Business.

JOBPOSTINGS.CA | SEPTEMBER 2013

University of Leicester| le.ac.uk

UOS GLASGOW | strath.ac.uk

Located 160 kilometres north of London in the English Midlands, the University of Leicester is ranked in the UK’s top 20 and the world’s top 200 universities. Popular graduate programmes include Law (two-year graduate-entry LLB), Archaeology, Criminology, Finance, Communications, Biosciences and Museum Studies. Distance learning Master’s programmes are also offered.

In the heart of Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, the university of Strathclyde has been meeting the needs of students, employers, industry, and government for over 200 years. Each of the university’s four faculties—Business, Engineering, Science, and Humanities / Social Sciences—works closely with key stakeholders, supporting the university’s track record of making technologies and innovation applicable for the benefit of society.

Swansea University | swansea.ac.uk/international

University of South Wales | southwales.ac.uk

Swansea University is a world class research led institution and its community thrives on exploration and discovery, offering the right balance of excellent teaching and research, matched by an enviable quality of life. Swansea University offers programmes within the fields of Law; Business/Management; Finance; Science; Engineering and Technology.

The road to success starts here! Situated between Wales’ bustling capital city Cardiff and the stunning Brecon Beacons national park, at the University of South Wales, you can study for a degree leading to a rewarding career in a wide variety of fields including law, accounting and finance, engineering, business, health science and the creative industries.

City University London | city.ac.uk

Bangor university | bangor.ac.uk

Located in central London, City University London is one of leading providers of legal education in the UK. Our two-year accelerated LLB for graduates includes options to study Canadian constitutional and corporate law, and gives students looking to practice law a solid academic grounding for their legal career.

Founded in 1884, Bangor University has a long tradition of academic excellence and boasts one of the best University settings in the UK. Bangor Law School is an innovative and expanding International School. The LLB, the accelerated 2 year LLB and the LLM all have a global focus and are enriched by extracurricular activities.

Join us Tuesday, October 8 at 4PM EST on Jobpostings.ca for a live online information session about studying in the U.K. For more information contact joe@barclayknap.com University of Aberdeen | abdn.ac.uk Founded in 1495, University of Aberdeen is Scotland’s third oldest university. Ranked in the top 200 in the world, Aberdeen has approximately 16,000 students drawn from 120 different countries. Students are attracted by tradition rooted in our 500 year history - but we are focused firmly on the future at the cutting-edge of research in many fields.

SPONSORED BY

SEPTEMBER 2013 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

STUDY ABROAD

SOUTH OF THE BORDER

Getting schooled on grad school—American style Why an American graduate school education might be the right decision for you. Your dream job is looking farther away than you thought, so why not turn it into a positive learning experience? Grad schools are waiting for you to step through their doors; if you do, you’ll become more prepared to meet today’s competitive job market. The question of where to study may be as important as what to study, and an American grad school may be a very sound choice.

Quality of education American universities are some of the best in the world. Of the top 25 universities listed in The Times World University Rankings for 2011–2012, 18 are American. In addition to the usual Ivy League names, dozens of US schools appear on the list of the world’s top 400 schools and are widely known for their high-quality education.

Increasingly, students from around the world are attending American schools. More than 723,000 international students from more than 200 countries around the world pursue a higher education in the US each year. Of these, five per cent come from Canada. While the many, many American universities can make the choice seem overwhelming, there are many reasons to consider attending these schools.

An American school may offer you an opportunity to work with some of the finest minds in the world. Research funding is more available to American faculties than it is to Canadians, so you may be exposed to cutting edge research. At many US schools, you’ll find the latest technology and specialized equipment. The director of Ivy Educational Systems, Dr. Alexander Castilla, says, “the American brand of higher education is linked with tech-

JOBPOSTINGS.CA | SEPTEMBER 2013

nological innovation, openness to people and ideas, and a commitment to academic excellence. These are perhaps the primary reasons why people from all over the world decide to study in the US.” Variety of grad programs The multitude of programs in the US can be daunting but also encouraging; the sheer numbers make you more likely to find one tailored to your needs. Almost every field of study is available. “There are over 4,000 universities and colleges in the US and this means there’s a wide range of options for students. This makes the American university system incredibly appealing for both local and international students,” says Castilla. While Canadian universities have a limited number of programs in particular fields,

SOUTH OF THE BORDER

the US will undoubtedly have many more. Take veterinary school for example: there are five programs in Canada and 28 in the US. And if you want to do a master’s in real estate, you won’t find it in Canada. Instead, you’ll need to look south of the border at NYU, Cornell, or one of about two dozen other schools. And across programs, there are different orientations and specializations, as well as opportunities for internships, study abroad, and local research. You may find the perfect match for your learning style and career aspirations. Career benefits Of course, you want your graduate education to optimize your career opportunities. Many US 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. “There are several career benefits … such as participating within social and professional networks that students use for the rest of their lives,” says Castilla. “This exchange of ideas, knowledge practices, and other forms of social capital will continue to be intrinsic to understanding and facilitating human development.” These relationships may help in shaping your future career even upon your return home. Erica Borchiver, a graduate of Western University, studying dentistry at Nova Southeastern University, experienced this first-hand. “There are a few professors here with whom I’ve developed a student-mentor relationship,” she says, “and I’m hopeful that their guidance will aid me in establishing a career when I move back to Toronto.” Studying in the US 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 that “when a person comes back to Canada and they have been trained in the United States, there is an edge that comes with that.” But at the same time, she cautions that “not all American universities share such cutting edge training and hold such a high reputation.” Many Canadian students are hoping for a leg up from an American school. Emily Kate is graduating from McGill University and planning to pursue a joint degree in social work and public health at NYU. This

STUDY ABROAD

degree combination was not available to her in Canada and she hopes that it, along with the American school it comes from, will open doors for her. “I believe that many schools in the US may be more recognized by employers than Canadian schools,” she says. “In addition, I hope it’ll separate me from the others applying with the similar qualifications.” A satisfying social experience Between the lectures, logbooks, and latenight lattes, social experiences are also important. Attending an American school may be your chance to round out your academic experience with new social and cultural ones. In her American experience, Borchiver felt a renewed energy: “Americans are very spirited. There is a certain energy that I didn’t see as much when I was attending school in Canada. People are expected to join a team and support it … whatever the activity may be. Students are encouraged to be active whether it’s in the classroom or outside.” Choosing an American grad school can be an opportunity to gain valuable life experience. Jennifer Brownstein, a student at McGill University who will be pursuing a doctorate of psychology in the US, says she’s “excited to gain experience out of her comfort zone and to take on a new lifestyle.” Borchiver feels the same way. “Living in Florida has exposed me to a number of new experiences that have forced me to make my own decisions and carve my own path,” she says. “I’m dependent on myself to resolve the day to day issues I face, and grow as a person.” But how will I pay for it? 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 and College Scholarship Search (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 grad school in the US takes planning 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. | Maya Hamovitch

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.

43 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.

SEPTEMBER 2013 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

IN THE NAME OF

INNOVATION I am a person who challenges ideas and turns them into reality. I create and collaborate with an intellectual community. This is where I will impact the future. I am a graduate student.

www.uoit.ca/gradstudies

THE FACTS

VIRTUAL LEARNING

Beyond a diploma mill The pros of virtual distance learning.

Words Rebecca Feigelsohn // Illustrations Polygraphus & Anthony Capano

Contrary to popular belief, taking a class or completing a degree online isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t about lounging on the couch watching The Price is Right in your pajamas. Technically you can be nude while participating in a heated discussion about the economy and you can submit your assignments while lying in bed, but the benefits of virtual distance learning are far greater than the freedom to not leave your house all day.

SEPTEMBER 2013 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

VIRTUAL LEARNING AT ANY GIVEN TIME, THERE ARE APPROXIMATELY

1,000,000 STUDENTS REGISTERED IN ONLINE PROGRAMS IN CANADA IN BOTH COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY LEVELS.

25% THE % OF GRADUATES FROM A VIRTUAL LEARNERS PROGRAM THAT FIND JOBS AFTER GRADUATION.

THE % OF STUDENTS ENROLLED IN DISTANCE EDUCATION FROM RURAL OR REMOTE AREAS.

75%

BC AB

NL QC

4/10 PROVINCES IN CANADA HAVE UNIVERSITIES THAT STRONGLY FOCUS ON DISTANCE EDUCATION AND ONLINE LEARNING. 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0

BC AB SK MB QC ON NS NB NL PEI

TOTAL SCHOOLS PER PROVINCE SCHOOLS OFFERING ONLINE LEARNING

JOBPOSTINGS.CA | SEPTEMBER 2013

THE FACTS

Distance education allows students to study, learn, and participate on their own schedule, at the place of their choice, and without the limits that face-to-face contact with a professor or peers demands. This type of learning is especially beneficial to students living in remote and sparsely populated regions, students with disabilities or special needs, mature students, and workers undertaking professional development. The ‘distance’ in distance learning can be psychological, social, or geographical; there are many factors that limit a students’ ability to attend a brick-and-mortar institution but that doesn’t mean their access to education has to be jeopardized. THE BENEFITS Online and distance courses give students flexible alternatives so they can maintain work, family, and personal commitments while earning credits towards their degree. It also allows students to save money on commuting to and from campus, moving or living expenses, as well as the potential costs of daycare if they have children. Jenna Laskin, 28, a student completing a Human Resource Management degree from Humber College, decided to learn online for some of these reasons. “I wanted to be able to work and travel while completing the degree,” she says. “I was actually living in San Diego while taking my first three courses. Humber was the most appealing to me because the program started immediately and was very flexible. As a mature student, the idea of sitting in a classroom again did not appeal to me.” In addition to the flexibility that distance education provides, there are also environmental benefits. “By not having campus attendance requirements, distance learning reduces the carbon footprint of maintaining classroom spaces and student commutes. The growing use of e-textbooks also saves trees. This makes it a much greener alternative,” says Dr. Nancy Parker, director of institutional studies at Athabasca University, a Canadian open university. By having online learning resources and reducing the need to construct new learning spaces, virtual distance learning not only saves students’ time and money, but also helps save the environment. “The other benefit that you gain by doing a degree [or taking a course] online is that

you learn how to communicate the way the world is communicating today,” says George Siemens, who has taught hundreds of courses online since the late 90s and is currently an online professor at Athabasca University. By learning online, you are developing your skills and ability to communicate in an age where being technologically savvy is key to your success. Siemens also notes how distance learning and discussions online can be particularly useful for students who are more reserved and may have difficulties participating in the classroom. “In some ways, there’s a greater equity of participation online,” he says. “Someone who might be a bit more introverted might need more time to process their thoughts before sharing

“I would encourage all students — at some point in an academic career if they are going to do at least a four-year degree — to do at least one course online. It stretches your brain in different ways, you learn in different ways, and I think that’s just great for education in general”

their thinking. So there’s more equity in that regard: the conversation might not be dominated by a few people as it might have been in class.” Dr. Adam Chapnick, an associate professor at Canadian Forces College who has taught online and documented his experience on a blog called “Virtually Learning,” agrees. “To take a course online allows you to express yourself in online discussions in much greater depth than you often can in a face-to-face limited time discussion. It allows you to think through your comments in terms of class participation, edit them, proofread them, and double-check them before you post it. It allows you to get a broader sense of an entire dialogue before you add your comment. It leaves you with a record of other students’ comments that you can go back to, you don’t need a tape recorder. I think

THE MYTHS Because of the aforementioned couch-potato stereotype, virtual distance learning often gets a bad rap. Students interested in online learning might be deterred because they don’t want to be seen as lazy and they want to ensure that their degree will be recognized once they graduate. There is a fear that online learning is perceived as easier and lower quality than campusbased learning and distance learning institutions being equated to diploma mills that simply churn out certificate after certificate. However, “research has consistently demonstrated than the student learning outcomes from reputable providers are equivalent to more traditional delivery,” says Dr. Parker. Siemens notes, “There was a time when there was a lot of suspicion about the validity of online degrees and just online learning in general. I think definitely over the last five years the perspective has changed quite a bit. Part of the reason is that we now spend most of our day—in our work and personal lives—involved in some sort of technology-mediated communication ... I think that part of the reason that some of the negativity around online learning’s validity has changed is due to the fact that we’re living our lives in online networks.” Dr. Chapnick also notes that commonly held beliefs about virtual distance learning being easier is untrue. “If you really want to learn from the experience, don’t go in thinking it will be easier than in class, or a lighter workload. Learning requires effort, whether that’s online or in class, it’s the effort that really counts. There are some specific benefits, especially if you are in a remote area, to taking online classes, but none of them have anything to do with an easier or a less rigorous experience if you really want to get something out of the course,” he says. THE FACTS & FIGURES These commonly held myths are being put to rest as the Internet is becoming more imbedded in our daily lives and distance learning is becoming an increasingly popular option to traditional face-to-face

ONLINE EDUCATION BY PROVINCE (PER CENT) = 10%

that a lot of the benefits come in the potential for depth in the students conversations that go on.”

PEI

learning. According to Contact North, Ontario’s distance education and training network, no reliable, systemic data exists for the number of students studying online in Canada. However, they estimate using proxy data, that there are “between 875,000 and 950,000 registered online students in Canada (approximately 92,105 to 100,000 full-time students) at college and universities studying a purely online course at any one time.” Dr. Tony Bates, an elearning and distance education research associate consultant for Contact North and former online professor for over 20 years, notes that “approximately 20 per cent of all course enrollments are online in postsecondary institutions in Canada.” To add more figures about this growing trend, Athabasca University, Canada’s largest distance education university, awarded a total of 1,788 credentials (full degrees) online in 2012, made up of bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees,

as well as graduate and undergraduate diplomas and certificates. A large number of students also enroll in particular courses at Athabasca to use towards their degree at another institution and a total of 38,000 students register annually. In addition, Canadian Virtual University (CVU), an association of public Canadian universities specializing in online and distance education, had over 100,000 students register last year. These findings are indicative of the growing popularity of virtual distance learning. THE STUDENTS According Dr. Parker, 5,000 of the students enrolled at Athabasca were from rural areas, which is an area with a population of 400 people or less. Dr. Bates notes that the data collected by Contact North indicates that there are 3,000 students in Ontario alone who are from rural areas and are enrolled in online courses. However, since

George Siemens lists some of the Attributes that students need to succeed in distance education 1.

Have clear goals: Why are you taking the course?

Be willing to engage in a process of curious learning

Have basic technology skills

Be comfortable with online dialogue and a social learning experience

Have discipline and devote a significant amount of time

SEPTEMBER 2013 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

VIRTUAL LEARNING education is not a federal responsibility, no nationwide statistics exist. What can be surmised is that distance learning is quickly growing, especially in smaller communities where the diversity and number of course offerings are minimal. “The online space has additional benefits, such as the access opportunity: you can take courses that might not be offered at your local university,” says Siemens. “If you are located in a remote or small Southern Ontario community, for example, and your local college or university doesn’t offer a particular course, if you can go online you can take a course from any university around the world.”

The benefits of online learning aren’t exclusive to those living in rural areas; all students benefit from increased flexibility and access. Jaclyn Tanz, 22, is in her final semester of a bachelor of commerce degree from Dalhousie University. In order to have a decreased course load as well as gain credits while she completed several co-op terms, Tanz took online courses from four institutions, including her home university. “I took courses online from Dalhousie, Athabasca, Thompson Rivers, and at the University of New Brunswick. I lightened my course load during the year by taking classes in the summer and gained credits towards my degree while I was completing my placements and earning money,” she says. As a student who has taken both distance classes as well as face-to-face, Tanz can speak to the different challenges of each learning method. “When you are taking a course online, self-motivation is really important, because once you fall behind it is very challenging to catch up. When you go to class, you have a scheduled time each week that you devote to studying the material, so it is more structured.” Online professors also emphasize the importance of self-motivation. “I think that self-motivation is absolutely critical. Even the most attentive instructors can only do so much,” Dr. Chapnick says. “A willingness to ask for help when you need it is also absolutely critical.” Siemens notes the distinction between self-guided courses, which “have little or no interaction with the instructor, and [the student] needs to be a highly-moti-

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THE FACTS

vated and self-regulated learner,” versus “cohort-based models” which are meant to resemble a traditional classroom as they have assignment dates and set times to participate. THE ADVICE Tanz, a seasoned online learner, recommends doing as much research as possible before committing to a distance degree or course. “In my experience, each online class has been unique and each professor has different expectations and uses different tools and resources. Find out whether you will be required to work with your peers and how many hours a week the professor will be available to answer questions. The more you know about the class before you start the better.” Dr. Bates recommends that students treat their distance classes as they would a classroom course. “Be sure to set aside as much time for the online course as you would for the face-to-face course. Make sure you’re well organized and you’re not the kind of student who needs to be chased all the time, because it won’t work very well.” Dr. Bates also suggests that when deciding to learn, online students should consider how online education would fit into their existing routine. “I would encourage students if they feel it would fit their lifestyle because it’s more of a lifestyle choice than an academic one. You could learn just as well online as you can in the class. Check the courses out and make sure they’re properly designed,” he says. Dr. Parker notes that “the most successful distance students will be academically well prepared for the level of study they are undertaking, have clear goals, and support from their family and employers.” Whether you need to pick up an extra course, pursue an undergraduate degree, or complete a graduate program, it is worth considering virtual distance education and seeing how it can fit into your academic lifestyle. “I would encourage all students—at some point in an academic career if they are going to do at least a four year degree—to do at least one course online. It stretches your brain in different ways, you learn in different ways, and I think that’s just great for education in general,” says Dr. Chapnick.

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VIRTUAL LEARNING

FROM HOME

Distance education

Get your master’s degree from the comfort of your own home. Earning your master’s degree is no easy task. With obligations like a full-time job, you may not have the time to head to a campus and sit in on lectures for a certain number of hours a week. For many people, however, a master’s degree can be a gateway to upgrading not just your skills and knowledge, but your salary as well. For example, according to an article in Forbes, having your master’s in business administration (MBA) can help to get you a six-figure salary. Weighing the benefits of getting your master’s degree versus the setbacks of taking time off and possibly leaving your job to pursue it might be a thing of the past because of the growing popularity of using distance education to get your master’s. Now it seems like all signs point to go! John O’Brien, manager of communications and media relations at Athabasca University, says that the flexibility aspect of distance education is a real advantage for people who have full-time jobs because it “lets them continue their careers while they’re advancing their education. I think that’s the key thing.”

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“It may even be more difficult to physically go to classes if the program they want isn’t available locally,” says Peggy Watts, director of distance learning and continuing education at Mount St. Vincent University. Having to relocate to attend school might not be ideal because of the additional living costs you may incur. “At that level, I think it makes a lot of sense for distance learning to be an option if you want to take a master’s program,” she says. “Sometimes, the particular program might only be available at one or two institutions across the country, so it’s not always possible for a person to give up their career for a few months to go to that program.” And although the costs of tuition are roughly the same, says O’Brien, pursuing distance education will allow you to save on additional travel costs, and still give you the freedom to carry on with your day-today obligations, whether it be a job, family responsibilities, or keeping small luxuries like going to your favourite brunch spot. Getting your master’s degree through distance education might start to sound ap-

pealing right about now. However, in the interest of being thorough, here are some more factors to consider before you log on and sign up. How has distance learning improved since it was first offered? Watts says that the presentation of the curriculum is advancing and becoming fine-tuned to adjust to an increasingly online-driven environment. “The technology is evolving all the time and becoming sophisticated,” says Watts, “and people are developing a curriculum that can be delivered on mobile devices.” This not only makes online and distance programs more practical, but also more engaging. Is there a wide range of master’s programs to choose from? Distance education has also improved through its expansion of available programs, particularly master’s degree programs. “I think the availability, to begin with, is growing,” says Watts. “Universities are realizing that [distance education] is a way to reach students in a much broader, geographical area ... so from the univer-

sity’s perspective, they would certainly like to be able to recruit from a broader area as well. That’s definitely advantageous, and that’s definitely why a lot of people are moving their degree programs more into a distance delivery.” The “big three,” according to O’Brien, are nursing, education, and MBAs. However, a quick search on websites like GradSchoolFinder.com reveal that there are master’s degrees in all fields, from applied child psychology to information systems, so there’s likely to be a distance education master’s degree program available for people studying in all types of fields. Is the curriculum consistent between on-campus and distance education classes? The short answer is yes. Although the decision about how valuable an education you receive ultimately relies on each individual, Watts says that for the most part, the work you do—in class or on your laptop at a local coffee shop—is the same. “When faculty and instructional designers work on courses for distance learning, they’re looking to achieve the same results as in face-to-face courses. So there’s no diminution to the quality of the material or the course, or the amount of material people are going to be looking at, and so forth,” she says. “It just has to be presented in a different way. I think it can be very ef-

fective and some people actually prefer it.” “I think the biggest misconception is that the quality [of education] is not there, and that certain schools offering distance education, I guess, are degree mills—and you know, those schools do exist,” says O’Brien. “However, the vast majority of qualified universities who offer distance education are offering quality education—the same or better than you get in the classroom.” Universities that offer

You have to be somewhat of a self-starter, you have to be able to manage your time well, and you’ll also need to be motivated.

distance education go through rigorous review processes to receive accreditation. O’Brien says, “they look at our quality of instruction, the quality of our courses, etc., and decide that these are legitimate university courses.” Is it as easy to receive academic assistance from educators and professors through distance education as it is on campus? Getting assistance from professors is usu-

ally as easy as approaching them after a lecture to ask questions. Although you may not have that luxury while taking courses online, there is virtual classroom software that allows people to speak and see one another over the Internet and exchange documents. “So basically,” says Watts, “a student can set up an appointment the same way that they would for a classroom or an oncampus meeting with a faculty member, and they can talk together and look at the same documents. They can share a lot of information online within that particular tool.” If you’re seriously considering getting your master’s degree through distance education, “you have to be somewhat of a self-starter, you have to be able to manage your time well, and you’ll also need to be motivated,” says Watts. “Those are qualities that are so important in the classroom, but certainly, they’re especially important for people who will be working with a certain degree of autonomy.” Whether you decide to pursue your master’s degree the old-fashioned way or through distance education, be sure that you’re ready. Regardless of the method, getting your master’s degree will certainly be a challenge, and we all know that academic success requires effort and determination. | Kate Aenlle

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VIRTUAL LEARNING

FROM AWAY

of Commerce and Administration at Laurentian. “The professor is there to support student learning by fostering collaboration, learning of the main concepts and course objectives, and by providing timely feedback to questions and assignments. Some of our classes require the completion of simulations to further enhance practical experience.” The program “caters to mature learners who are working professionals,” she adds. “Taking a year or two off of work to enhance management skills is very difficult to achieve for both the student and employer. The ability to complete an online program delivered in a flexible format that can provide graduates with the credentials needed to move into upper management positions is highly sought.” One of the biggest benefits is the flexibility. “There’s the ability to manage work and family life with lifelong learning, and the ability to study from anywhere in the world and at any time,” says Henri.

Distance education programs are rising across Canada Earn your postgrad while working full-time or living overseas. Considering a postgraduate education, but don’t want to leave your job or family? Distance education programs are on the rise across Canada. Enrolment in online university education is growing, notes Vicky Busch, executive director of the Canadian Virtual University (CVU), an Alberta-based consortium of 12 universities across Canada that offer online courses and programs. “We’re seeing a bigger interest from students who see the flexibility of not having to be in the classroom,” she says. “Last year, we had almost 200,000 registrations at CVU universities.” Universities and colleges across Canada offer courses and entire programs online that allow students to earn their postgrad from behind a computer screen. Some, like Athabasca University, offer all programs online, while Royal Roads University (RRU) in Victoria, BC blends distance and on-campus learning. In October, Queen’s University in Kingston,

JOBPOSTINGS.CA | SEPTEMBER 2013

Ontario launched the Master of Science in Healthcare Quality program, which is almost entirely online. “We wanted to open this program up for people across Canada,” says co-director Dr. Kim Sears. “We wanted to make sure distance wasn’t a barrier.” “The program is mainly distance learning with some face-to-face,” Dr. Sears explains. “There are two mandatory face-to-face weeks. The rest of the program is done in online and interactive classrooms using the e-learning tool Desire2Learn. Students are expected to participate in live and interactive discussions.” Laurentian University in Sudbury, Ontario also offers an online MBA program, in which students take online courses for 12 weeks, followed by final exams. “They work in groups of four to seven through asynchronous discussions,” says Julie Henri, senior manager of business development and administration with the School

Jessica Hadjis, originally from Montreal, just completed her MA in interdisciplinary studies at RRU from Brussels, Belgium. “I wanted to find something that could accommodate to me rather than me accommodate to it. I did it entirely online. I’ve never even seen Royal Roads.” While Hadjis thought she was going to be disconnected from her peers, she found the program exceeded her expectations. It consisted of video lectures, group work over Skype, and assignments she was able to do while working full-time in Brussels. But she adds that distance learning may not suit all industries. Hadjis, who focused in international relations, says that working abroad at the same time was a benefit. “What I was learning was flowing into my work. But for engineering, as an example, I don’t think it would be a benefit.” As an added benefit, technology has also enriched distance learning, Busch says. “Technology now allows for greater opportunities for communication and group work. It’s not a single, lone endeavor.” However, Henri says there continues to be a debate about the quality of distance learning, including the “isolation of learners and negative stigma.” But Busch says, “there may have been the sense that an online education isn’t as good as a face-to-face education, but not anymore.” In fact, she claims “the online experience is an advantage to employers. It points to self-discipline and the application of technologies.” | Samuel Dunsiger

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Which path will you take? Graduation

CGA program

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CGA program

The CGA program lets you transfer credits so you can get ahead. You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to be the campus track star to fast track your way to success. The CGA program allows you to transfer credits from your post-secondary education towards your CGA designation, giving you a head start on the path to a fulfilling career.

See what CGA program courses you may be exempt from at cga-domore.org/transfer

CGA ONTARIO

SHOWCASE

Do More in Accounting and Finance Break out of the typical accounting career by pursuing a CGA designation.

Words Rachelle Cuevas, CGA Ontario // Illustrations Anthony Capano

When most people think about accounting, they imagine long nights hunched over spreadsheets and reports. Today’s accountants are breaking the mould by holding a variety of positions. Improve your odds for a fulfilling accounting or finance career by pursuing a designation. Tried and tested, the certified general accountant (CGA) designation can help you move out of the cubicle and into the corner office.

Limitless opportunities When you become a CGA, getting out of the accounts payable department becomes less of a dream and more like a reality. That’s because CGAs provide forward thinking business expertise that make them an asset to any organization. Climb the corporate ladder like Greg Twinney, CGA, CFO and COO of Kobo Inc., who earned his designation while working as an accounts receivable clerk. Today, Greg has a hand in all aspects of Kobo, including manufacturing, legal and human resources. If your dream is to travel the world, Mutual Recognition Agreements with global accountancy organizations let you take your designation to 170 countries.. With the business-savvy and solid

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Limitless earning power The CGA designation is a significant investment that pays off well into your future. Did you know that CGAs are in the top 5 per cent of income earners in Canada? When you have the CGA designation, you can command the position and salary you deserve. Reap the rewards of your hard work and determination in the form of new promotions, job opportunities or raises.

Limitless connections and development CGAs belong to an extensive network of professionals. There are 22,000 CGAs and 9,000 students in the CGA program. As your career flourishes, turn to this group for everything from employment opportunities to mentorship. Stay up-to-date on industry trends by participating in CGA Ontario’s professional development courses or attending association functions. If you’re ready to DO MORE in accounting and finance, visit cga-domore.org/ and get started today.

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STUDY HARD

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Learning super skills Focus harder. Memorize better. Read faster. Google stronger.

Words David Tal // Illustrations Anthony Capano

We’ve all seen them: those classmates who seem to make essays and exams feel effortless, those co-workers who regularly complete projects both early and under budget. “Good for them,” we say aloud. But in the back of our minds, a part of us thinks, “How do they do that? What makes them better than me?” The answer? Nothing. Very few are born with superhuman abilities. But those few who we perceive as superhuman are just people who’ve made the extra effort to learn special skills that allow them to accomplish things more productively and efficiently than those around them. Specifically, they learn skills that allow them to reach their full potential—one which exists in all of us. In the end, everyone wants that edge. We at Jobpostings plan to help you get it. In school (and in your future career), there are a couple of basic skill sets we can all supercharge to make us super productive. They include: memorization, reading, researching, multitasking, and focusing. The following mini tutorials will teach you everything you need to learn to make these basic skills your super skills. Enjoy!

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STUDY HARD

Method of Loci One of the little known but wildly effective memory techniques is the Method of Loci. Used all the way back in ancient Rome, this is a mnemonic device that’s based on building relationships between spatial memories and the items to be memorized. How does it work? Basically, scientific research has shown that you can improve memory by associating something you need to remember with a place you’re familiar with. Because of the way your brain works, (especially your hippocampus), associating something with a place supercharges your ability to recall information.

NOT EASILY CONVINCED? Need Proof? Try this exercise!

MEMORIZE BETTER

Memory is a tricky thing. Science has yet to reveal how it fully works and there are many factors that can affect it. In general, a memory is information that the brain can recall, and this ability has a variety of applications. “Memorization techniques can obviously help students recall information quickly and effectively for exams,” says Patrick C. Brown, founder of Occam Education, “but it also forces students to become more disciplined. Techniques such as spaced repetition require students to revisit material at increasingly longer intervals, and structure their academic and personal calendars accordingly.” Meanwhile, in your postgrad life, effective recall can really help your career. Chris Tobias, author and founder of SchoolSkills.net, explains: “remembering the names, history, and life details of your co-workers and business associates will greatly help you succeed in your postgrad professional life. How many kids does your boss have? Where did your co-worker go for their last vacation? These facts will help you connect with people in conversation, build trust, and create great working relationships. Remembering business facts, such as how many units you need to sell this month, will help you handle ‘hallway conversations’ with expertise and professionalism. This also builds trust and makes you a valuable member of the team, and to clients.”

Lifestyle habits to improve your memory WHAT

WHY

HOW

FOOD

Brain foods include complex carbohydrates, fibre, and lean protein.

Matcha (green tea), coffee, grass-fed beef, wild salmon, blueberries & acai berries, cacao beans, greek yogurt, quinoa, eggs

ACTIVITIES

By keeping your mind engaged with new experiences, you train it to remain more open to and absorb new information.

Listen to music, mental exercises (e.g. anagrams), puzzle games, learning new skills or hobbies, stimulate five senses. Also getting up off the couch once in a while can help improve your memory

BREAKS

Your mind needs regular breaks in order to properly absorb new information.

Rest, exercise, walk

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Grab a deck of cards and pull out one random card for each room in your house or apartment, (bathrooms and kitchens included). Place the cards in any order, then assign one card to each room. Write down the order on a piece of paper. In your mind, imagine yourself walking through your home, placing each card inside an assigned room, (preferably on a flat surface, like a table, chair, or bed), in the order you assigned to those cards. Repeat step three a couple of times, walking through your home in your mind and setting the cards as planned out in step two. Open your eyes, shuffle the cards, then turn them over so you can’t see their faces. Now walk through your home (in your mind), and see how many of the cards you can remember in the order you originally set out. Match your answers to the order you wrote down in step three. You’ll be surprised by how many cards you remember correctly (and in the right order)! And as always, the more you practice, the better you’ll become. “Wait, hold on a second,” you say. “I don’t have enough rooms in my house to match the number of things I need to remember!” Well, if that’s the case, you can always “place your cards” in different parts of a single room. (Example: try placing one card on your desk, another on your dresser, one inside your closet, etc.) You can also try walking down your local street and “placing your cards” in each of the different stores along said street.

MORE MEMORIZATION TOOLS Depending on your learning style (visual, verbal, kinaesthetic, or auditory), one or more of these strategies might help you: Focus: The better you are able to focus on the info you want to memorize, the more effective you’ll be at doing so. More about this later! Association: Attach images to words to assist in recall by linking to familiar things. Chunking: Break things down into their smallest elements to make them easier to remember.

Practice & Repetition: Repetition encourages the brain to form stronger and faster neural pathways to the information you want to recall. Environment: Adjust your environment to allow you to learn more effectively, e.g. some people learn better in silence, others work better with music blasting.

Acronyms: Take a list of items that you need to memorize, summarize each item in one word. Then take the first letter of each word and form them into a single word that can be easily remembered.

What skill would you most like to learn to do better in school? “I would like to have a zombie-on-brains-like fixation on dry academic readings. My brain disagrees.” - Karl Gutowski, York University

READ FASTER The ability to speed read. It’s a skill that offers a variety of benefits. In particular, Abby Marks Beale, founder of Rev It Up Reading, says that “speed reading provides the reading confidence and competence to get through your academic reading workload. Through increased speed, students increase concentration which, in turn, supports increased comprehension and ultimately better and longer retention. Reading becomes less of a chore and takes less time.” Speed reading is also a skill that will support you after graduation. Elizabeth Allen, author and founder of Super Fast Guides, says, “in the workplace, people are bombarded with written information, such as emails, reports, memos, etc. The quicker people can read and digest the information, the quicker they can act on it and perform their job effectively.”

The small skip As you begin to get used to reading faster with your finger to guide you, you can try skipping the first and last few words of each sentence. Everyone has peripheral vision and this ability works wonders while reading. When you start a new sentence, skip to the third word and let your peripheral vision automatically read the first two words for you. Do the same at the end of the sentence, where you end on the third word from the last word. Start reading this way, faster and faster, until the process gets easier and easier.

Overall, speed reading is a skill that students across the nation pay good money to learn, and here you’ll learn it within just a few minutes. Get ready!

Snapshots Once you’re comfortable skipping three words in and out of a sentence, start stretching yourself, reading four or five words in and out. Advanced speed readers only need to take two snapshots of an average sentence to read it fully.

The finger Your eyes jump left to right as you read through a sentence (a motion called saccades). This is natural, but as you increase your reading speed, this can cause reading missteps which force you to reread sections of text. To help control this eye movement, use your finger (or a pen) to trace under each line as you read. Try doing this while you read as fast as possible.

Intense practice As you get better at using your peripheral vision to breeze through your sentences, continue to push yourself. This will heighten your perception of your future reading potential, and it will show you how much faster you read with enough practice. In all, the more actively you practice the steps above, the quicker you’ll see the results in your reading speed.

SEPTEMBER 2013 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

STUDY HARD

Where to research Researching online isn’t just about how to search for information, but knowing where to search for information. When it comes to finding quality secondary research, keep these key tips in mind:

Use Google Scholar This service is a free, online, searchable database of academic and scholarly work—you know, the stuff you can cite on your papers.

GOOGLE STRONGER

Learning how to research effectively is a vital skill you learn and use throughout your academic and professional career. In our modern, tech-savvy world, however, much of our basic research takes place online. Sure, primary research is important—interviewing people, conducting surveys, experimenting in the lab or field, etc.—but it’s through your secondary research that you usually form the basis for your thesis, your methodology, and your topic’s supporting context. And much of that secondary research is now done online thanks to the world’s ever-growing penchant for transferring the sum of human knowledge to the web. Unfortunately, with the abundance of information out there, most students have no clue how to research it properly. Yes, we, the technologically literate generation, can barely enter a proper Google query. In fact, a well-known project conducted by researchers at the Ethnographic Research in Illinois Academic Libraries found that only about a quarter of students studied were able to conduct “what a librarian might consider a reasonably well-executed search.” Well, that ends now. The following tips will have you doing online research like a pro. This means better information for your next project, better grades, and after graduation, more positive attention from your boss. Let’s start! HOW TO SEARCH ONLINE In Google, there are things called operators: they are search terms that can help you get more specific and useful search results from your Google query. For example: You wanna find: An article from The Oatmeal that explains how to use an apostrophe, but not a comma, written between the year 2009 and 2011.

Your library Most libraries, especially those found in post-secondary institutions, don’t just carry books. Their online resources offer access to a huge number of databases that contain academic and scholarly reports and journals, (those that aren’t searchable online without a credit card), and free online subscriptions to newspapers and magazines.

Wikipedia Contrary to what your profs might say, this is a great source of information when you want to read up on the basics of almost any topic. That said, because the information on Wikipedia is produced through online crowd sourcing, you can’t trust the accuracy of everything you read there. So use Wikipedia to learn the basics about your subject, and where to find more accurate sources of information about it. And obviously, never cite Wikipedia.

site: theoatmeal.com “how” ~ use “apostrophe” – comma 2009 ... 2011 Only searches the pages of that site

Searches for the exact word/phrase within the quotation, not each word separately

Excludes this term from the search

Shows all results from the selected time range

You wanna find: A PDF report on globalization and its effect on communities.

ext: pdf intitle: globalization and its effect “on * communities” Searches only results of the file type you select, e.g. pdf, jpeg, etc.

Shows only results with that word in the article’s title (in this case: globalization)

JOBPOSTINGS.CA | SEPTEMBER 2013

Google calls this “the wild card.” It fills in unknown words

Bibliographies You know those long lists of reports, journals, and books found at the end of most academic reports, journals, and books? It’s probably a good idea to start checking out those lists more carefully. They’re an awesome source of information that will tell you where to find more relevant research sources for your project!

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FOCUS HARDER Okay, we know we said we’d talk about multitasking right now, but we have a confession to make: multitasking actually doesn’t work. “The brain wasn’t designed to multitask,” says Margaret Moore, founder and CEO of WellCoaches.com and co-author of Organize Your Mind, Organize Your Life. “We can only focus our attention well on one thing at a time.” Sure, we can all breathe and walk at the same time, but if you try to write a work email while in deep conversation with your significant other on the phone, your significant other may grow ever louder and more annoyed. That’s why instead of trying to multitask, we’ll give you tips and tricks on how to focus more effectively. Unfortunately, focus has a pesky enemy: procrastination. Luckily, we’ve come up with some tips to both combat procrastination and improve your focus. Eliminate distractions We live in one of the most mentally stimulating periods of human history. With so much access to everything—thank you, Internet—can people really be blamed for being distracted? No, but we

JOBPOSTINGS.CA | SEPTEMBER 2013

can put in place measures to limit distractions. They can include: Blocking Facebook (and other addictive sites). If you need to focus on a project, consider giving your social media passwords to a trusted friend or family member, and have them change the passwords to lock you out until after you score your A+. Blocking the Internet. For some of us, social media is not the only thing online that sucks up our time. For everything else, consider installing a browser plug-in called LeechBlock. This ultra customizable plug-in allows you to set the amount of time you allow yourself to visit a specific list of sites. Controlling your environment. Sometimes our homes offer distractions. Consider working outside at a library, coffee shop, or park. Push in your earplugs (or earphones if you like music while you work) and let your fingers rip across your laptop keyboard. Taking a vacation from your friends. For the outgoing types, your vice is people and connecting with them. But if you need to complete a project that’s worth 60 per cent of your grade, politely ask

your friends to not contact you until after you’re done. the secret of efficiency Batching is the process of compiling all your most repetitive and tedious tasks and doing them all in one go, thereby minimizing the set up cost and time involved, and avoiding constant interruptions to your focus. For example, instead of doing your laundry or dishes every day, wait for them to pile up and do them all in one go, (perhaps once or twice a week). Instead of spreading your research out over the course of a week, batch it down to a day or two to avoid having to re-familiarize yourself with the previous day’s research. Instead of checking and answering your emails every five minutes, aim to do it only three times per day. At work, instead of spreading your calls throughout the week, batch them all into one day to free the rest of your week for more pressing matters. eighty/twenty Vilfredo Pareto, a little known economist who was recently popularized in Timothy Ferriss’ bestselling book, The 4-Hour Workweek, developed a theory called Pareto’s Law; today it’s commonly referred to as the 80/20 principle. Originally, this law demonstrated the predictable distribution of wealth in society— that 80 per cent of the wealth and income was produced and possessed by 20 per cent of the population. The trick is that this principle not only holds true in economics but in every aspect of life. Take a look at your life and ask yourself, “which 20 per cent of

sources are causing 80 per cent of my workload or taking up 80 per cent of my time?” Be thorough. It can be a toxic relationship with a friend, colleague, significant other; a hostile business client; a commute; a style of work; a membership, (if you are a part of too many clubs or associations); an activity, etc. Find those sources that are eating up too much of your time and focus. Figure out whether they are really essential to keep in your life, then focus on better managing, minimizing, or eliminating them. Artificial stress The essence of procrastination is putting things off until a “more convenient” time, or right before they’re due. Steve Levinson, a clinical psychologist and co-author of the book Following Through: A Revolutionary New Model for Finishing Whatever You Start, has some insight into this experience. “Procrastinators and non-procrastinators alike only do what they’ve decided they should when they actually feel like they must do it. The only difference between procrastinators and non-procrastinators is that it takes procrastinators a lot longer to feel like they must do it. In other words, they wait until ‘the last minute.’ That’s why I believe that a key to overcoming procrastination is to learn how to deliberately make ‘the last minute’ come sooner.” To conquer procrastination, Levinson suggests creating artificial deadlines that force you to take action now, instead of an hour before the actual deadline. “Don’t wait for the last minute to come on its own because it will come too late. Deliberately put yourself in situations that create pressure and urgency sooner.”

SEPTEMBER 2013 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

1/2 pg hor. / 7.125 x 4.75 in. / Canadian Career Guide/ 8/16/13 / Shannon Tracey: stracey@jobpostings.ca

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