Jobpostings High School Edition 2013

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HIGH SCHOOL EDITION | SEPT. 2013

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STUDY IN THE NORTH STUDYING IN THE USA

USE YOUR CAREER CENTRE

HIGH SCHOOL EDITION

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

THE FRONT PAGES FEATURES 20 Trendy degrees Video games, ecotourism, media studies: check out these hot, new degrees!

25 Heading north Living among nature, going to school with other students that don’t mind the cold. Studying in the North has more advantages than ever.

27 Virtual learning Getting out of the classroom doesn’t have to be a sacrifice. Virtual and distance learning gives you a new array of opportunities.

EDUCATION 06 First-year essentials We’ve whipped up some tips on how to survive your first year of real independence.

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09 Handy skills & dollar bills 27

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There’s a greater demand than ever CAMPUS LIVING: ON/OFF before for students in the skilled trades.

We’ll tell you how to get your foot in the door and your hands dirty.

PLAN ON GETTING A JOB!

Although working a couple shifts a week on top of going to school might not sound so appealing, there could be benefits. “It really sets you up for what life can be like,” says Campbell. “If you learn to balance your life in that way, that’s a great skill!”

“It’s going to be cheaper living off-campus if you can live with roommates and you’re careful with your money,” says Campbell. “Tuition fees and meal plans are usually paid in advance and you don’t have any transportation issues.”

10 Time to use your career centre 09 SAVE AHEAD

Figure out where your money will go. “Some students get student loans, but here’s the scary part: they get it in chunks in September and January. They’ve got to learn to spread that out,” says Campbell.

“When a student sets their budget, they have to figure out their fixed costs: rent, tuition, books, the cost of food and transport.”

You have free career advice right at your school! Don’t wait until graduation to think about your career.

NO CHARGE

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

12 You didn’t get in. Now what?

Don’t worry: you’re not finished yet.

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

17

BUY THE BOOK? BALANCING EXPENSES

If your money arrives in lumps, keep your “expense funds” separate from your “fun funds.” This makes it easier to monitor your expenses.

25

In my second year, I bought a $200 history textbook for an elective that I couldn’t sell back because they weren’t teaching it the following year. This taught me a lesson: only buy the books you need. I saved $500 one year because I used the books reserved in the library. Of course, this isn’t ideal for everyone, so scour the school bulletin boards for used books, or even try online.

14 Fall into the gap

Don’t know what you want to do?

Taking a year off can give you all the perspective you need.

17 Studying in the USA American schools have different programs and a vibrant college culture.

Looking south of the border may be worth your while.

18 Breaking down your budget Thriving during post-secondary is about knowing your money. We give you tips on where to spend and where to save.

SEPTEMBER 2013 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

01

THE FRONT PAGES INDEX

Masthead

WHOSHIRING

publisher

13 19 31 32

Hydro One Grant Thorton Breakaway Tours College Pro

schoolINDEX 03 Cambrian College 07 Humber, School of Social

and Community Services 11 University of Guelph-Humber OBC Humber, The Business

School, Undergrad

GENERALADs

02 31

IFC 04

08

13

16 23 26

Rogers Wireless Canada’s Luckiest Student Chartered Professional Accountants Ontario Insurance Institute of Canada Scholarships Canada Career Mash Insurance Institute of Canada

Nathan Laurie nlaurie@jobpostings.ca

associate publisher Mark Laurie mlaurie@jobpostings.ca

COMMUNICATIONS AND PROJECT MANAGER David Tal dtal@jobpostings.ca @DavidTalWrites

editor James Michael McDonald jmcdonald@jobpostings.ca @mcjamdonald

ART DIRECTOR Anthony Capano acapano@jobpostings.ca

DEVELOPER Mishraz Ahmad Bhounr mbhounr@jobpostings.ca

AD INDEX

CONTACT contributors

Kate Aenlle, Angelina Attisano, Jamie Bertolini, Lauren Della Vedova, Hillary Di Menna, Laura Eley, Christine Fader, Rebecca Feigelsohn, Maya Hamovitch, Emily Minthorn, Kevin Nelson, Panagiota Panagakos, Eleni Papavasiliou, Kyle Reynolds, Megan Santos, Sam Weltman, Andrew Williams

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EDUCATION ACCOUNT MANAGER Shannon Tracey

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

Photos from istockphoto.com are used throughout this issue; individual artists have been credited.

Jobpostings publishes it’s High School Edition annually. 60,000 are distributed to over 690 high schools in Ontario.

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

“High school is the mouse race to prepare you for the rat race.” - Anonymous

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Apply to Cambrian to get access to these exclusive offers: Confirm your acceptance to a Cambrian program by May 1, 2014, and you’ll have the chance to win bursaries, campus gift cards, and more!

Finish within the top 25% of an open enrolment program,* and we’ll help you find a job within 12 months of graduation – or your last year of tuition goes back into your pocket.

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EDITOR’S NOTE

THE FRONT PAGES

From high school to anywhere From the desk of

James Michael McDonald

High school, for me, had its ups and downs.

I tried hard in class, (for the most part). I had good friends. I had several part-time jobs, ranging from fast food to retail. I played badminton and tennis, of all things.

I simultaneously fought with and loved my family. I searched for and determined my interests, sexuality, opinions, and convictions. Overall, as for most teenagers, it was a confusing time.

Because I did well in most of my classes, I had no idea what to do when I went away to university, (so the confusion continued).

I mucked around in different programs, tested out the waters of business, philosophy, and everything in between before taking some time off. After working in banking for a year, I grabbed my stuff and ran away to Newfoundland, completing an English degree and opening doors in a field I actually enjoyed.

When I look back on my time in high school, I realize how formative high school years are. Despite lacking knowledge of careers and the precarious nature of postsecondary, I know now how influential my teachers actually were to my development: Mrs. Tice taught me strength of character; Mrs. Nowicki-Prime taught me to embrace the crazy joie de vivre that life throws your way; Mrs. Chisholm showed me how to sharpen my critical thinking; and Mrs. Lihou-Perry told me to just be myself. It’s remarkable that these four women were able to help me become who I am today, as plenty of the authority figures are doing for you and your peers.

05

But even they don’t have all the answers, especially once you leave high school and move on to the next stage of your life.

School has changed. Industries are evolving and growing. And many of the decisions will be made by you and no one else.

some resources to help you make it there, (resources I wish someone had given me as I was making my post-high school decisions). We give you tips on surviving your first year of college or university. We examine schools in Canada, the USA, and abroad, to make sure you know all your options. We discuss budgeting, how to pick your major, and new, trendy programs to consider. And if you’re looking to take a year off after graduation, we look at why that isn’t such a bad idea.

So, while the mentors in your life are helping you discover yourself, we’ve compiled

Moving on from high school is daunting, no matter what you’re jumping into next.

But with the right guidance and information, the transition will be painless and successful.

Happy reading!

SEPTEMBER 2013 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

EDUCATION

CHECKLIST

Your first-year checklist

Adjusting to your first year of post-secondary can be a huge shock.

Everyone starts with a clean slate, so don’t get too hung up on the grades you got in high school.

One big difference between high school and post-secondary is the amount of freedom you get. With a few exceptions, you’ll probably only have about 20 hours of class per week. Attending classes is not mandatory, and you’ll probably be living on your own for the first time.

X

ments, tests, and even exams all at once.

It’s important to plan ahead and try to begin your assignments and studying early so you don’t feel overwhelmed.

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

The danger though, is that because no one is holding you accountable for attending classes, you may fall behind on assigned work and readings and that can get you into some trouble. According to Statistics Canada, about 14 per cent of first-year students drop out of school and don’t complete their studies. So, how can you make sure this isn’t you but still have a good time?

31 06

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

X

Attend frosh week Frosh week is an opportunity for you to meet other first-year students and have lots of fun. During frosh week, you’ll also learn your way around your campus, ensuring you’re familiar with your surroundings.

You’ll also find out who you need to speak to if you are having any problems.

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

Get organized and plan ahead Every professor will provide you with a course syllabus that includes all the course readings, assignments, and due dates.

Take the time to add all your due dates into your calendar so you don’t miss important deadlines. During crunch time, you’ll find that you have several assign-

JOBPOSTINGS.CA | SEPTEMBER 2013

Eat healthy With all your studying and assignments, it’s easy to forget to eat (and eat well), but a healthy body is important, not only to perform physical activities, but to perform mental ones too, (not to mention fighting off scurvy). Your grades will suffer if you’re not in healthy physical condition.

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Exercise Make sure to schedule exercise into your routine at least three times a week. Exercise will not only help you burn calories and avoid the dreaded “Freshman 15,” it will make you feel better, allowing you to focus better on your studies.

Sleep!

Most post-secondary students stay up late studying, surfing the net, watching TV, or socializing. It’s recommended to have eight hours of sleep every night so you’re rested for your lectures and exams.

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Although adjusting to life as a post-secondary student isn’t always easy, it can be a lot of fun. Some of my happiest memories are from my years as an undergrad. So while you’re taking the necessary actions to make sure you’re on your game, don’t forget to take some time out for yourself and enjoy the ride. | Panagiota Panagakos

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TRADES

EDUCATION

Handy skills and dollar bills Overlooked opportunities in the trades could be the perfect fit for you.

The workforce is a lot like high school.

You have the popular careers that get all the attention, and the careers that are often overlooked but hold so much promise. The skilled trades industry is practically the latter and it’s seeing an incredible demand for young talents.

Trades range from construction to the hospitality sector. They include hairdressing, masonry, and cooking—anything that requires a hands-on skill. The beautiful thing about these professions is that they’re some-

thing you can do on the side or as a full-time career, whichever works for you. And high school is the perfect place to enter this sector.

Many high schools have programs that teach skills students can apply to a trade. The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) works closely with high schools to provide co-op placements and a more intimate training experience for the field.

Julian Da Silva Silveira is a grade 12 student who’s been involved in OYAP while attending Central Technical School in Toronto.

He’s been preparing for the electrical trade.

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

Plumbing is another area students should look into when considering trades. Andrew De Sousa, a plumbing student at Central Tech, notes the different facets he can get into. “For the first five years, I plan on do-

25% of gas fitters and pipefitters were also found in Alberta

IN THE YEAR 2007...

33% OF ALL TRADE JOBS WERE FOUND IN ONTARIO 25% OF MECHANICS WERE FOUND IN QUEBEC 25% OF PLUMBERS WERE FOUND IN ALBERTA

ing as much learning as I can,” he says.

“From there, if you have your licence, you can go onto sales or you can work for big supplying companies, giving input on better products…there are a lot of options.”

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

Source: Statscan.gc.ca

33%

pleted instead of just a stack of papers.”

According to Lucio Stavole, curriculum leader of construction at Central Tech, one skilled trade isn’t necessarily in higher demand than the other. Instead, it depends on which stage a project is on. “One employer might be busy this week, but next week it’ll be very slow,” he says. Among the co-op placements discussed by Stovole were construction, automotive, carpentry, hairdressing, and restaurant services. “(The OYAP students) have graduated or are about to

25%

25%

graduate. They come back to school to get that specific training, and they go off to work,” says Stavole. If the employers like how you work and hire you, your apprenticeship may count as your co-op hours.

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

SEPTEMBER 2013 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

09

EDUCATION

CAREER CENTRES

Time to use your career centre Don’t wait until graduation to find out what your career should be.

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

She wore a fancy dress and carried a bouquet of flowers wrapped in cellophane. “I need to figure out my life,” she said, looking tearful.

10 31

full-time and part-time jobs, as well as summer and internship placements on their website. They also host employers on-campus, collect job applications on behalf of companies and try to recruit more employers to hire students from your school and program. They might also be able to connect you with volunteer opportunities.

Information area/library: Most career centres have books and computers “Okay,” I said. “Have a seat; we can chat.” that allow you to find out more about career options, what to do with your inLooking agitated, she asked nervously, terests (in books like Careers for Talkative “how long do you think this will take? I Types), and how to write resumés and graduate at 2 p.m. and succeed in interviews. my parents are waiting “I need to figure out They also have directodown in the car.” my life. But how long ries to help you connect with networking and During first year, you do you think this employment opportunimight not be inclined to will take? I graduate ties, education and grad think about, (let alone at 2:00 p.m. and my school information, and visit, the career centre program calendars from on your campus). The parents are waiting other schools. (The comword “career” seems to down in the car.” fy couches are a bonus!) conjure up images of 30-year-olds in cubicles and it doesn’t ex- Events: Whether it’s at a large career fair actly relate to anything in your life, right? in an arena or a small information sesIt’s easy to end up like the many students who unwittingly land in my office on their graduation day, decked out in their stilettos or silk ties, shaking at the thought of what to do for the rest of their lives.

When they leave our conversation, they invariably say, “I wish I had known about this earlier.” They thrust their bouquet of flowers thankfully into my hands and plead with me to spread the word to junior students to start early.

sion with one education program, these are great opportunities for first-year students to find out more about areas of interest, learn about postgrad programs, and meet employers in a low-risk, friendly environment. Many career centres will run themed events that tap into students’ interests, (like eco-careers), and help you connect with people, alumni, and organizations who work in those fields. (And there’s usually food and free swag, too!)

So, here I am, on behalf of all those students in beautiful dresses and snazzy suits—both the ones who know exactly where they’re going and the ones who aren’t sure at all. Whichever group you fall in, the career centre can help you, right from first year, even if you’re not ready for the cubicle or corner office just yet.

You’re paying a lot for your program, and sweating buckets on assignments and exams to boot. Right from first year, career centres help you make your education work for you; they’ll help you finesse the high school version of yourself into the newly sophisticated post-secondary you.

WHAT’S AVAILABLE? Employment programs: Career centres post local, national, and international

JOBPOSTINGS.CA | SEPTEMBER 2013

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

Up to 80% of undergraduate students change their majors at least once, a figure that would be much less if students took advantage of their high school career centres.

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

¨ I thought I’d like my program but I hate it. Now what? ¨ I know exactly what I want to do. How do I get from here to there? ¨ If I change my program, what are the career implications? ¨ What can I do with a degree/ diploma/certificate in X field? ¨ What pre-requisites do I need to take now to get into program X in the future? ¨ Where can I find a part-time, summer, or after-graduation job? ¨ Where can I volunteer? ¨ What’s a “good” job for the summer? ¨ How can I work or study overseas? ¨ What will give me the “edge” when I look for work? ¨ I want my resumé to really stand out from the crowd. Can you help? ¨ I’ve never had a “real” interview before.

Can I practice in a mock interview? ¨ I love my program but what are my career options from it? ¨ Where can I find work in my preferred field/geographic area? ¨ What’s it like to work in job X? ¨ What do future prospects look like in job Y? ¨ How much money does job Z usually make?

Source: Statscan.gc.ca

Location Study in Toronto, Canada’s largest and most diverse city.

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EDUCATION

OPTIONS

YOU DIDN’T GET IN...

now 12

what The letter arrives: you didn’t make the cut.

It may feel like the end of the world, but it really isn’t. Speak to an academic advisor at the institution you applied to. Figure out why you were denied. Was it a low GPA? Or did you have an incomplete or late application?

Most students are too bummed to even try, but talking to an advisor can increase your chances of getting in—if not this semester, then the next. Applicants are often rejected because there weren’t enough spots left.

Typically, when this happens you can be added to a waitlist; if a student drops out, you’re next in line. This happens more often than people think, so don’t rule yourself out.

Meeting with an advisor If you want the advisor to work hard for you, come prepared. Demonstrate your interest and commitment to your education.

Bring copies of your transcripts, student number, and a resumé. Most people apply to more than one institution, so if this school is your first choice, make a point to say so.

JOBPOSTINGS.CA | SEPTEMBER 2013

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

Get help with homework When repeating a course, getting a better grade after the first attempt is preferred. Having to redo a course more than once can be expensive, time consuming, and may be a sign that the program is not right for you. Make the second shot worthwhile by hiring a tutor or taking advantage of the institution’s free resources for extra help. Most schools have learning centres to provide assistance; chances are the extra effort you put in will pay off. To find a tutor, ask the advisor if they have a list, go to the student union, or scan notice boards on campus for advertisements.

CONSIDER SCHOOLS IN OTHER PROVINCES 2012/13 tuition fees across the country $5,000 $4,500 $4,000 $3,500 $3,000 $2,500 $2,000 $1,500 $1,000 $ PER YEAR

NL $2,649

MB $3,729

QC $2,774

BC $5,015

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

Take a year off A post-secondary education will be one of the largest investments you’ll ever make, so don’t take it lightly. Take time off to work, save money, and research all your possibilities.

Booking an appointment with a career advisor can be beneficial too. Selecting a career which suits your personality before you commit to a program will save you time and money in the long run. | Eleni Papavasiliou

Source: Statscan.gc.ca

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GAP YEAR

fall into

VS

14

Why taking a year off of school is gaining popularity in North America.

Words Emily Minthorn // Illustrations Anthony Capano

After completing four intense years of high school, Alexa Garrison assumed that continuing her education as an environmental science undergrad would be the obvious next step in her life.

“There was never any question of whether or not I’d go,” she says. “I never even considered taking time off after I graduated.”

That is until she found herself locked in her dorm room, buried under a pile of overdue assignments for a crop of classes she wasn’t even interested in. “Basically, I woke up at midterms and realized that I didn’t even know why I was there.”

Alexa’s story is a familiar one to guidance offices across Canada.

Here, as in the United States, most students go straight from high school to their first year of post-secondary. But in much of Europe, it’s normal for students to take a gap year: a hiatus from

JOBPOSTINGS.CA | SEPTEMBER 2013

school. Now the idea is gaining popularity here at home, and research is showing that a breather between high school and postsecondary school is good for you in more ways than one.

“I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend that a student take a gap year, especially if there’s uncertainty about what they want to study,” says Paul Bowman, manager of Career and Education, and a career counsellor at Queen’s University. “We certainly see plenty of students who are motivated and have a clear direction who haven’t taken a gap year, but we also see a lot of students who aren’t really sure why they’re here. They’re basically just putting in time.”

Alexa isn’t an environmental science student anymore. After those brutal midterms, she dropped out of her program, join-

ing the one third of Canadian students who leave school after their first year. “It sucks to be part of that drop-out statistic, but it would suck worse to waste more money on a second year of a program I wasn’t into.” Alexa’s now getting ready to travel to northern Ontario on a three-month tree planting stint this summer, and while she still wants to go to school, “I just need some time off to figure out what I actually want to do,” she says. Alexa plans to use the money she earns tree planting to go do some humanitarian work overseas.

Gap years are catching on. There’s an entire niche of guidebooks for gap years from financial advice for students to guidebooks for parents.

Lonely Planet even has a gap year travel guide.

Gap Year FOR DUMMIES

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

A gap year is exactly what many students need to find clarity, agrees Bowman. “Most people who take a gap year do return to school. It’s a fear from parents, but from all the data I’ve seen, it’s not a credible fear. All the evidence suggests that people will come back to school.”

Keep in mind that a gap year is very different from the ‘victory lap’ that’s become common since the elimination of grade 13 from Ontario high schools. “Staying in your same high school and being around the same people is not likely going to lead to the sort of growth and change that a year in a different environment, around different people, doing different things is likely to give you,” says Bowman.

So what exactly should you do with your gap year? Travel is cool, but it’s expensive, so a year working abroad makes financial sense and there are tons of resources (on and offline) to help gappers find a position working or volunteering overseas. Then again, you could get a job or internship close to home and test drive a career you’re really interested in, risk-free. The positions you can land right out of high school might not pay that well—or at all—but if you’re still living with your folks, they won’t have to.

In any scenario, a gap year is only worth taking if you spend it doing something productive: gaining work experience and selfknowledge, for example, rather than raiding fortresses as a night elf warlock. “If you do take a gap year, make some plans,” says Bowman. “Get out the door, meet people, get involved, try new things, learn, and network. Get out of your comfort zone.”

Even if you’ve already been accepted to a post-secondary program, universities are willing to work around your gap year. Some even have bridging programs that involve a year abroad before resuming school. Successful students who request a deferral for a gap year always present the registrar with a game plan, says Bowman. “Universities support students doing that, because they know that students are likely to have a better academic outcome.

There’s growing evidence that a gap year does correlate with increased motivation for students.” With that increased motivation comes greater focus and, Bowman believes, a more fulfilling career. Which is kind of the point of this whole thing anyway, right?

Source: Statscan.gc.ca

15 0

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On average, Canadian high school students take about 9 months off before starting post-secondary education. Ontario students take the most time off at about 15 months; students from Quebec take the least amount of time off, at about 3 months.

9 8 7 6

Students living in rural areas are likely to take more time off than students who live in population centres.

9 8 7 6

5

5

4

4

3

3

2

2

1

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TIME OFF (MONTHS)

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ONTARIO AVERAGE QUEBEC

Male students tend to take double the amount of time off as opposed to their female counter-parts.

TIME OFF (MONTHS)

SEPTEMBER 2013 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

STUDY IN AMERICA

EDUCATION

Studying in the usa There are plenty of opportunities south of the border.

Words Maya Hamovitch // Illustrations Anthony Capano

Maybe you have a dream school in mind. Maybe you want to experience life in a different part of the world. Maybe you want to put a national border between yourself and your parents. Whatever the reason, students from around the world are attending American schools.

Every year, five per cent of more than 723,000 international students move from Canada to pursue higher education in the US. With many schools south of the border, the choices can be overwhelming, but there are many reasons to study in America.

Quality of education America has some of the best universities in the world. Of the top 25 universities listed in The Times World University Rankings for 2011–12, 18 are American. In addition to the Ivy League, dozens of US schools appear on the list of the world’s top 400 schools.

Career benefits Jane Rendely, a Canadian career and educational counsellor, says, “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 she cautions that “it depends on the school…not all American universities share such cutting edge training and hold such a high reputation.”

Also, many US programs have established affiliations with employers, enabling you to develop contacts in the field. “There are several career benefits,” says Dr. Alexander Castilla, the director of Ivy Educational Systems, “such as participating within social and professional networks that students use for the rest of their lives. This exchange of ideas, knowledge practices, and other forms of social capital will continue to be intrinsic to understanding and facilitating human development.”

Check out the university’s admission statistics, their application process for international students, and what items you’ll need to complete to get accepted.

be sure to complete the necessary tests To apply to US schools, you have to write the SATs, part of the culture in American high school. The SAT tests reasoning, language, and math, (and can be taken right here in Canada!). Check the admissions page of the university’s website to find the average admission for SAT scores and grades.

Prepare for the SATs and try to write them in high school. Stella Lee, a grade 12 student applying to biology at UNC Chapel Hill and UCLA, advises doing some preparation for the tests. “I took a course through the Princeton Review. I found the private tutoring classes they offer are a lot better than the classroom ones.”

Look good on your application Make your credentials sparkle with good grades, (especially in advanced placement (AP) courses), writing an awesome entrance essay, and being involved in extracurriculars.

There are 647 high schools in Canada that offer AP courses—undergraduate-level classes taught in high school. A higher grade shows the admissions board that you mean business. Try to take AP courses in the eleventh grade because American universities make most of their decisions based on grades from this year.

Many US universities require entrance essays—especially for schools with higher reputations. For these essays, write honestly and show yourself as a person because you’re applying to an institution with certain values. The admissions office will use your essay to help them decide if you match those values. (Be sure to proofread to check your grammar before you send off your essay!)

Going to university in the US takes planning and persistence. But the possibilities for a life-enriching experience and a fulfilling future may just lie south of the border.

SEPTEMBER 2013 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

17

EDUCATION

BUDGETING

BREAKING DOWN YOUR BUDGET Your guide to university life that won’t break the bank.

Words Kevin Nelson // Illustrations Alashi & Anthony Capano When I left for university, I had no idea what things cost. With a student loan in my hands, I bought whatever I laid eyes on: fast food, beer, music. I accumulated a gargantuan amount of debt that I’m only now able to pay off. Debt is the last thing you want after post-secondary.

Together with Laurie Campbell, executive director of Credit Canada, a not-for-profit charity that’s helped people deal with debt for over 40 years, we’ve compiled some indispensable tips to get you the most bang for your buck during your first year away from home.

PLAN ON GETTING A JOB!

Although working a couple shifts a week on top of going to school might not sound so appealing, there could be benefits. “It really sets you up for what life can be like,” says Campbell. “If you learn to balance your life in that way, that’s a great skill!”

CAMPUS LIVING: ON/OFF “It’s going to be cheaper living off-campus if you can live with roommates and you’re careful with your money,” says Campbell. “Tuition fees and meal plans are usually paid in advance and you don’t have any transportation issues.”

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SAVE AHEAD

Figure out where your money will go. “Some students get student loans, but here’s the scary part: they get it in chunks in September and January. They’ve got to learn to spread that out,” says Campbell.

“When a student sets their budget, they have to figure out their fixed costs: rent, tuition, books, the cost of food and transport.”

NO CHARGE

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

BUY THE BOOK? BALANCING EXPENSES

If your money arrives in lumps, keep your “expense funds” separate from your “fun funds.” This makes it easier to monitor your expenses.

JOBPOSTINGS.CA | SEPTEMBER 2013

In my second year, I bought a $200 history textbook for an elective that I couldn’t sell back because they weren’t teaching it the following year. This taught me a lesson: only buy the books you need. I saved $500 one year because I used the books reserved in the library. Of course, this isn’t ideal for everyone, so scour the school bulletin boards for used books, or even try online.

TRENDS

Trend alert:

the must-have university degrees Who would have ever thought university could be so cool?

Words Megan Santos // Illustrations Anthony Capano & Roman Durkovic In a world where our generation is so obsessed with having the newest piece of technology and keeping up with the latest must-haves, it comes as no surprise that the academic world has started to acquire a taste for what’s most trendy. To keep up with what’s popular, universities across the country have introduced more contemporary bachelor degree programs designed to attract new high school grads because of their relevancy to today’s world.

We’re focusing on three trendy programs from three different schools in Canada that will surely add to your university ‘wants’ list.

Media studies

Video game programming

We all consume different forms of media each day, so much so that sometimes we’re unaware that it’s there. Whether it’s through a billboard hovering next to a busy highway or the TV in your parents’ kitchen, we are constantly fed ideas from the media. Since it’s so ingrained in our minds today, why not learn more about it?

If you spend a lot of your free time playing video games at ungodly hours of the night, studying video game programming might just be your match. With courses in video game design, advanced graphics, and physics in gaming, a degree in video game programming offers the opportunity to do more than just play.

The University of Toronto’s Scarborough campus offers a degree in media studies to help students better understand and critically analyze the happenings in the media. Michael Petit, director of media studies and the joint program in new media, says students study everything from its history to its place in the contemporary world. “Media studies really began with Plato, back in his cave where he theorized that we dilute ourselves by looking at images on a wall that seduce us into thinking that’s real,” he says. “We look at the study of media from Plato’s time forward, so we look at a lot of different theories.”

“The video game industry is very popular. Everybody loves video games,” says Dr. David LeBlanc, associate professor and chair of the department of computer science and information technology at the University of PEI. “A lot of students have their own ideas about video games that they’d like to see built.” The desire to build new video games is something that Dr. LeBlanc may have warned students against a few years ago. “Your chances of going to work for a company and them going ‘Oh, what a great idea! We’ll build it’ were very slim,” he explains. “[But] now with a lot of game development going over to mobile apps for smartphones, anyone can develop a game and put it up in one of the stores.”

Studying the history, theories, and cultural aspects of media in a global context is what is primarily covered in the four years of the program, says Petit. “We do a lot of topic courses like media and globalization, media and the world of work, food and media, digital culture and gaming, media ethics, and so on.”

So if this tickles your interest and you dream of pursuing a career in the field, the University of Toronto also offers a joint program in new media, which Petit describes as “a professionalization towards a specific career in the media.” This can mean anything from web design to communications to working on mobile applications. The joint program requires a practical year at Centennial College in Toronto, where students take courses in coding, as well as acquire other digital skills.

The aim of a degree in media studies is to not only prepare you for a career in the contemporary market, but to also help you succeed in it. “The reason why I think it’s so exciting and important is because we live in such a media-saturated world,” he says, “and we really need to develop the critical skills to analyze it for ourselves because otherwise we’re just cultural dupes of the media too easily.”

According to Dr. LeBlanc, landing a job in the video game industry after graduation will be a bit of a challenge. “Video game companies won’t just hire anyone...they want very high-skilled people; they want our best students and our program’s designed to ensure that only our best students get into it.”

But don’t let that get you down. With a strong work ethic and skills in math, problem solving, and logic, your path to a career in the field will be clearer, says Dr. LeBlanc. “It’s a very competitive and very demanding industry, but you get to work on really cool games and you get to work generally with very interesting and fun people.

If you can get into it, it’s a good yet high-pressure industry.”

In addition to that, video game programming is just a specialization to the actual degree you’ll earn in computer science at the University of PEI. “There’re lots of programs out there that’ll just train you for the video game industry, but if you don’t make it in the industry, your education is basically useless. Having a program that gives you a wider base so you can go out and work in other industries is really important.”

SEPTEMBER 2013 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

21

TRENDS

Ecotourism and outdoor leadership If you have an appreciation for nature and oftentimes find yourself outdoors, a degree in ecotourism and outdoor leadership at Mount Royal University might just be the academic adventure you were hoping to find. “Students become experts in group leadership in the outdoors, in the planning and execution of multi-day expeditions, risk management, and outdoor program development,” says Joe Pavelka, associate professor and coordinator of the bachelor of ecotourism and outdoor leadership.

The program gives you the opportunities to not only devote time to working in provincial parks and kayaking through rivers, but also to develop skills in communications and become entrepreneurially savvy. “Students take a variety of courses throughout the four years,” he says. “They range from activity courses, through to theoretical courses, practical courses, independent study courses—so it’s quite varied.”

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“STUDENTS BECOME EXPERTS IN GROUP LEADERSHIP IN THE OUTDOORS, IN THE PLANNING AND EXECUTION OF MULTI-DAY EXPEDITIONS, RISK MANAGEMENT, AND OUTDOOR PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT.” Students who are interested in this program should be selfmotivated. “We say that about many programs, but ecotourism and outdoor leadership is a broad area and we make sure that our students have a good, strong background in a variety of areas.” Despite this, there is always an opportunity for students to specialize in their interests within the program.

“We have students who are involved in management with Parks Canada, to NGOs that are both national and international (doing a bunch of community-based tourism projects), through to a number of entrepreneurs.”

The chance to work and live abroad has also made the bachelor of ecotourism and outdoor leadership a big attraction for students. “About half of our students end up going abroad for work for one reason or another,” says Pavelka. “Our entrepreneurs have started their own companies in Alberta, BC, Mexico, and different parts of North America.”

If you’re the type of student with an adventurous personality and a lover of hands-on work, then this is the gig for you.

74.5% of travellers say a hotel’s environmental policies influence their decision to stay there.

JOBPOSTINGS.CA | SEPTEMBER 2013

Source: responsibletravel

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FEATURES

24

NORTHERN SCHOOLS

STUDYING UP NORTH Students discover there’s more to the North than cold winds and snow.

Words Kate Aenlle // Illustrations Anthony Capano

Long winters and sub-zero temperatures usually come to mind when there’s any mention of Canada. Talk about northern Canada and thoughts go to an arctic tundra where half the year is spent in darkness. This may be the reason why students aren’t exactly eager to pack their bags and head north for their postsecondary education. However, that’s not all the North has to offer, and going there for your post-secondary education may just show you how wonderful the North can be.

“I think that for a lot of people in Canada, a trip north is a right of passage,” says Michael Vernon, communications coordinator at Yukon College. “I think that the big attraction to come here would really be to broaden your knowledge and experience of Canada, especially for people who want to be more connected to the natural world, and are looking to be inspired by incredible landscapes.”

For students who are looking for a change of pace and scenery as they enter their post-secondary education years, northern colleges and universities like the University of Northern British Columbia and Yukon College may just be the academic getaway you’ve been hoping for.

JOBPOSTINGS.CA | SEPTEMBER 2013

Northern schools often boast smaller class sizes which, according to Pat Maher, associate professor at the University of Northern British Columbia, is a great advantage for students as well as professors.

“For me, it’s that I know the students’ names,” he says. “I have first-year classes with 30 or 40 students in them, so I know when a student isn’t there, and I can ask them ‘What’s the matter?’ and why they haven’t shown up. I can really dedicate a lot of time to my students; I can come up with a lot of really unique opportunities that I just don’t think there would be a possibility for in the city.”

Vernon agrees. He says that smaller class sizes offer much more interaction for students with their classmates, as well as their instructors. It also allows students and instructors to engage in new teaching practices like collaborative learning.

“It allows our instructors to be more nimble in experimenting with new technology—such as being one of the first (schools) in Canada to utilize iPads to help organize patient information and plan patient care in our practical nursing program,” says Vernon.

“This year, the practical nursing, health care assistant, primary care paramedic, and bachelor of social work students at Yukon College came together for several joint real-world simulation ex-

ercises, which he says are “easier to facilitate and coordinate with individual classes of 10–20 students instead of 100–500.”

Many students also choose to leave home and pursue their postsecondary studies in other provinces because who doesn’t want to experience university and college life away from parents? “We’ve had students here from downtown Toronto who thought about going to Lakehead [University], but Thunder Bay wasn’t far enough away,” says Maher about some of the students who enrol at the university. “They wanted that, ‘I’m going to go all the way to northern BC. I don’t know what’s there, but I think there are probably some great opportunities’ experience and they’ve taken advantage of that.”

Vernon also thinks that while it’s not exactly your typical cityliving lifestyle, the Yukon has many things to offer. “We have modern amenities here in Whitehorse. There are lots of winter activities and lots of things to get involved with but, as busy as we are, there’s definitely less happening here compared to a big city like Toronto or Vancouver.”

Over the past several years, attendance of out-of-province students to northern schools has been slowly rising because, accord-

back in a matter of seconds at the university in time for the next class,” he says. “I can provide opportunities for a program like ours, which looks at outdoor recreation, conservation, and nature-based tourism, with activities and content right here, versus being in the city and perhaps needing to drive for that.”

Northern schools can offer many of the opportunities and experiences that most other colleges or universities across the country have; however, as with post-secondary education in general, there are obviously going to be some challenges along the way.

“Folks who are leaving wherever they are from to go somewhere else—that’s always a big deal,” says Maher. “I know for me, I went and did my PhD in New Zealand and that was a big deal.

For some, it’s leaving the comfort of their home, where their friends and family are. It’s a big step, regardless of where you’re coming from. It’s an even bigger step if you’re not entirely comfortable or aware of what’s happening at that school or in that community because all of your friends and their siblings grew up and went to school elsewhere. There’s just some stepping outside of your comfort zone involved in the transition.”

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ing to Vernon, “there are certain programs that we offer that attract people from outside the territory,” like their programs which have connections to the outdoors and the environment.

“For some programs, like for our national science programs, we’re right here where climate change, for example, is happening,” says Vernon. “The effects of climate change are really apparent here, so if you’re studying anything about that—or maybe something like animal populations—the results are right here, and the ability to go out into the field is what’s great. You can’t necessarily do that in a school down south.” Their renewable resource management program has been running for 20 years, and he says “that’s also attracted people from across the country, who are wanting to get into natural resource management and conservation.”

The outdoor recreation and tourism management program at the University of Northern British Columbia is something that Maher thinks students should take advantage of if that’s the field of study that they’re interested in.

“I think that in some of the city schools, like in Toronto or Vancouver and other places like that, to have a program like that means driving hours and hours to get to the outdoors to do a class or a field trip, (like a three week-long field course), whereas I can step out of the university and run a three-hour lab and be

If you’re unsure about your plan of action, as far as making the big move to the North, Maher says that you need to do your homework and research as much info about the schools you’re interested in as you can. “There’s all kinds of information on the web where you can really get a flavour of what a community or university is like. I think that part of it is that you’re not just buying into a university that you might want to go to, but you’re buying into the city or small town (that you’ll be living in). You need to know what the difference is between places and figure out if it’s just a wasteland out there with no good clubs or restaurants, etc,” he says.

He also suggests that students contact the schools. “I encourage students all the time to phone a university or a professor. Because I teach at a small school, I’m aware of the problem with recruiting students here, so I’m always open to taking the time out of my day to answer questions, so that you’re hearing it from me. I quite often put students in touch with alumni so they don’t just hear it from a faculty member, but they can hear all the great stories right from the horse’s mouth.”

At the end of the day, though, Vernon says that your northern school experience, should you choose to accept it, “all depends on how willing a person is to engage in the community, the culture, and the nature that’s happening all around here.”

SEPTEMBER 2013 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

VIRTUAL LEARNING

FEATURES

27

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 isn’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

FEATURES 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.

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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

VIRTUAL LEARNING

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 day care 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-text books 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 when 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.”

NL

PEI

NS

NB

QU

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 enrolments are online in post-secondary 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,

ON

MB

SK

AB

BC

as well as graduate and undergraduate diplomas and certificates. A large number of students also enrol 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 to 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. How-

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?

2.

Be willing to engage in a process of curious learning

3.

Have basic technology skills

4.

Be comfortable with online dialogue and a social learning experience

5.

Have discipline and devote a significant amount of time

SEPTEMBER 2013 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

29

FEATURES ever, since 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.”

30

The benefits of online learning aren’t inclusive only for 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 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 toward 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-

JOBPOSTINGS.CA | SEPTEMBER 2013

VIRTUAL LEARNING

vated and self-regulated learner,” versus “cohort-based models,” 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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THE BACK PAGES

COLLEGE PRO

Nicole Gallop COMPANY: College Pro Position: General Manager EMPLOYED: 3 years Degree: Bachelor of Arts What is a rewarding part of your job?

One highlight is when a manager successfully accomplishes all their “firsts” in their business: booking their first job, hiring their first employee, and producing their first job. There are also the satisfying moments when everything is working smoothly in your business and you know you created it all.

What skills have you learned through your work experience?

There are infinite skills I’ve learned: sales, marketing, interviewing, training, priority management, conflict management, business financials.

Every aspect of my life has been influenced by running my own company.

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MAKING IT TO THE TOP Wondering how to get there? Read on to find out how this young professional is succeeding in the business world.

Where did you go to school? What program did you attend?

University of Alberta, with international exchanges at the National University of Singapore, University of British Columbia, and Vanderbilt University. I received an individualized major through international studies with a drama minor.

What drew you to your field?

The opportunity to develop my leadership abilities, personal growth, and financial freedom.

How did you find your position?

My brother was involved with College Pro for two years when he was in university, and I wanted to be like him. They spoke in my class about the opportunity and I put my name down to find out more information about it.

JOBPOSTINGS.CA | SEPTEMBER 2013

Tell us about your responsibilities.

As a College Pro entrepreneur, I ran my own business from start to finish. I was responsible for all the marketing, sales, interviewing, hiring, training and retaining of staff, financial management, and production management.

There is a lot of training, support, and systems to guide a manager through this, but, at the end of the day, the entrepreneur is the one responsible for all of this.

What is the most challenging aspect of your position?

For some, it’s being able to hold themselves accountable to their own goals and plans; for others it’s being able to train and lead their own staff. Universally, the amount of energy that has to be put into your business is extremely extensive and can be exhausting.

What do you think it takes to be successful in this career?

Openness to learning: being open to learning from your business coach, other managers, and being able to assess and learn from yourself.

Also, grit: strength to stick it out through the difficult times by knowing the short-term pain will be outweighed by the long-term gain.

What are you most proud of to date?

Being the top female in the history of College Pro. I produced $312,000 in my second year as a franchisee while coaching five rookie businesses and taking a full course load.

What are your future career aspirations?

In the long run, I’ll end up creating my own startup, as well as investing in and coaching other businesses. I am passionate about helping individuals reach their full potential. We are capable of so much more than we think possible.

What advice do you have for students looking to land their first job?

Get real life experience. Grades are important in order to keep doors open in your future and to develop a work ethic, but employers want to know what you have done. Action is valued by employers far beyond discussions of what could and should be done.

LOOKING FOR AN EDGE OVER YOUR COMPETITION?

Stand Out From Your Peers Build Your Resume With Relevant Skills Gain Real World Business Experience Great Summer Earnings Potential Take our entrepreneurial quiz at: quiz.collegepro.com

Contact Us Today!

collegepro.com 1-888-277-7962

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