Jobpostings Magazine: October 2013 Vol. 16 No. 2 by jobpostings Magazine

OCT 2013 | VOL.16 | NO. 2

CAREERS. EDUCATION. IDEAS. ALL OF IT.

The aboriginal issue 2013:

Young entrepreneurs, women in key roles, commitment to sustainability

How career risks can help fulfil your goals. the Canadian Forces | Masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s business programs SWITCHING CAREERS | MOVING UP THE RETAIL LADDER

JOBPOSTINGS.CA

Do you love leadership and justice?

choose paralegal

business.humber.ca

TABLE OF CONTENTS

THE FRONT PAGES THE FRONT PAGES 07 Crunchin’ Numbers

Learn about the diverse aboriginal populations and how they fit into Canada’s workforce.

08 Success Stories

Nicole Gallop, general manager at College Pro, talks diving into her own business.

10 Interview Tips

Michael Dunlop, director of sales at G&K Services, asks and answers “Tell me about the toughest challenge you’ve ever faced.”

INDUSTRY REPORTS 13 Knocking on opportunity

Door-to-door sales aren’t what they used to be. Check out these hot careers that use the front door to find clients.

14 Catering careers

Cooking unique meals can pay the bills. We talk to several caterers that are making feeding others a fruitful occupation.

17 Moving up the retail ladder

Most of us have stocked shelves in a busy store at some point, but don’t know there are management training programs to help build a career in retail.

19 42

SPECIAL REPORT 19 Aboriginals at work

The face of employment in Canada is changing and aboriginal people are staking their claim on the playing field. We look at commitments to sustainability, emerging aboriginal women, and a number of successful startups across the country.

FEATURES 33 CAREER RISK

Getting to where you want to be can be tumultuous. Read on to find out what risks to take and how to get the biggest pay-off.

38 In the Canadian Armed Forces

Find out how working in different branches of the military can help you accomplish your career goals in a number of fields.

38 33

EDUCATION 40 The masters of business

With so many business master’s degrees now offered in Canada, we give you some info on how to decide between them.

42 Business abroad

There are plenty of programs outside of Canada that offer different business degree opportunities than here at home.

THE BACK PAGES 47 The salary report

Not only do careers in the military offer unique opportunities and job stability, the salaries are nothing but impressive.

48 Job jumping

Our HR expert explains to us the pros and cons of switching careers.

OCTOBER 2013 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

THE FRONT PAGES

AD INDEX

Masthead

WHOSHIRING 02

Starbucks

Target

The Home Depot

College Pro

G&K Services

Starbucks

TD Canada Trust

Shell

Canadian Natural Resources Ltd.

Breakaway Tours

Department of National Defence

schoolINDEX

IFC

Humber, The Business School, Paralegal

University of Essex

St.George’s University

American University of the Caribbean

Humber, The Business School, Fashion Management

Humber, The Business School, Advertising Media Management

Humber, School of Social and Community Services

Queen’s University

American University of the Caribbean

UC Berkeley Master of Engineering

Sheridan College

University of Lethbridge

Vancouver Island University

Dalhousie University

Ross University, School of Veterinary Medicine

Conestoga College

Brock University

OBC

Humber, The Business School, PostGrad

GENERALADs 41

Canada’s Luckiest Student

Awake Chocolate

Insurance Institute of Canada

IBC

Rogers Wireless

JOBPOSTINGS.CA | OCTOBER 2013

publisher

Nathan Laurie nlaurie@jobpostings.ca

associate publisher Mark Laurie mlaurie@jobpostings.ca

COMMUNICATIONS AND PROJECT MANAGER

Opportunity to be more than a employee.

to be a partner.

David Tal dtal@jobpostings.ca @DavidTalWrites

editor

James Michael McDonald jmcdonald@jobpostings.ca @mcjamdonald

ART DIRECTOR

starbucks.ca/careers

Anthony Capano acapano@jobpostings.ca

DEVELOPER

Mishraz Ahmad Bhounr mbhounr@jobpostings.ca

contributors

Ranked the No 1 Social Science University

Laura Beeston, Jamie Bertolini, Hillary Di Menna, Laura Eley, Sheila O’Hearn, Kyle Reynolds, Megan Santos, Jason Schreurs, Laura Della Vedova, Sam Weltman.

national account manager Mary Vanderpas

EDUCATION ACCOUNT MANAGER Shannon Tracey

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

Essex is a great place to study and has a long history of welcoming students from around the world. We offer 18 departments such as Law, Human Rights, Politics, Economics and Business in friendly campus environments an hour from London.

RANKED 2ND OVERALL FOR STUDENT SATISFACTION AMONGST UK MAINSTREAM UNIVERSITIES

Visit www.essex.ac.uk today!

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. “A nation’s culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people.” - Mahatma Gandhi

There’s lots of excitement in store for you as Executive Team Leader. We’re getting our Store Leadership team in place and are seeking ambitious people who can create the best shopping experience for our guests. If you have a passion for developing dynamic, sales-driven teams and are looking to grow your career, we can’t wait to hear from you.

Join our team. Expect the best.

THE FRONT PAGES

EDITOR’S NOTE

A changing workforce landscape From the desk of

James Michael McDonald I grew up in Brantford, a small city right in the middle of southern Ontario. Adjacent to Brantford is the Six Nations of the Grand River Native Reserve, a large stretch of land designated to the aboriginal populations of the area.

Because of our close proximity to the Six Nations, aboriginal culture and history became part of our history. I learned the names of the nations, the style of aboriginal art, and their tumultuous past. I went to school with many young aboriginals, so I saw first-hand that their issues are not always the same as other Canadians. And they’re about to encounter a new, pressing problem over the next few decades. The aboriginal population is growing at an exponential rate, far greater than that of non-aboriginals. Many more will be entering the workforce, finding their way as the rest of us find ours. Although with unique issues and culture, this transition could be more difficult than presumed. Luckily, there are companies across Canada that have impressive programs in place to include aboriginals in the discussion of how to take our country into the future. Not only are businesses adding integration and diversity initiatives, they’re partnering with key aboriginal organizations to strengthen their infrastructure as well. In this issue, we look at the emergence of women as leaders in aboriginal society. The role of aboriginal women is changing over time, allowing them to step up and out to make a name for themselves. We also look at the growing need for sustainability in Canadian businesses and how aboriginals are playing a part to make that a priority and a reality. Our aboriginal feature showcases five young entrepreneurs making their marks all across the country. We ask them why

JOBPOSTINGS.CA | OCTOBER 2013

being an aboriginal business owner is different than a normal startup, as well as how they built their incredible success. We also have features on career risk and the Canadian Armed Forces, as well as information on seasonal catering, management training, and the change in the door-to-door sales industry. We focus on business programs in our education section, from master’s programs here in Canada to international business opportunities, to show you the limitless possibilities in that field of study. The employment landscape may be

changing, but with the right business leaders and encouraging programs, the growing aboriginal population should be able to transition well into the Canadian workforce. Happy reading!

I’m full of fun ways to

make a big difference. Because working here is about more than helping customers choose the right product. It’s about making a difference in our customers’ lives and their homes. We call it “unleashing your inner orange” and it’s my ability to tap into my inner potential to help them create a space that’s worth calling home. My favorite thing is to dream up new possibilities for customers looking to make a big change in their home. I know that my customers love thinking outside of the box, whether their project is just a small change like a new chandelier or a big one like a whole new wall color. Through extensive training, tuition reimbursement and more, The Home Depot gives me the support I need to build a promising future.

Tuition Reimbursement Program To support and encourage our associates who enroll in school to pursue a degree or professional development we reimburse 50% of college, university or technical school fees up to a maximum of $5,000 per year. That’s the power of The Home Depot.

We are committed to diversity as an equal opportunity employer.

Apply online at homedepotjobs.ca/5762 or text HOMEDEPOT to 998899 for information on upcoming career fairs and opportunities in your area.

HE GAVE YOU AND JOEY AN MRI AFTER THE DOUBLE BACKFLIP INCIDENT OF ‘03.

Chances are you already know a St. George’s University doctor. There are over 11,000 SGU doctors in the US and around the world. And, SGU has put more doctors into the US health care system than two-thirds of US medical schools.* In 2013 alone, SGU graduates obtained over 800 residency positions in the US and Canada. Study medicine at SGU and join hundreds of SGU doctors from Canada.

Find out about information sessions and webinars in your area at sgu.edu/futurestudents US/Canada: 1 (800) 899-6337 ext. 9 1280 sgu.edu/futurestudents • sguenrolment@sgu.edu *From an AMA data source, distributed in February 2010 ©2013 St. George’s University

Grenada, West Indies

crunchin’ numbers

THE FRONT PAGES

CRUNCHIN’ NUMBERS Canada’s aboriginal population is a diverse community with a growing demographic of young people that will fill necessary roles as baby boomers continue to retire. Here are some interesting facts about Canada’s first inhabitants.

Words Laura Eley // Illustrations Anthony Capano

OF THOSE OF ABORIGINAL DESCENT THAT REPORTED TO THE 2011 CENSUS, 60.8% IDENTIFIED AS FIRST NATIONS (NORTH AMERICAN INDIAN) ONLY, 32.3% IDENTIFIED AS MÉTIS ONLY & 14.2% IDENTIFIED AS INUIT ONLY.

ABORIGINAL POPULATIONS ARE MUCH HIGHER IN THE TERRITORIES. 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30%

61%

32% 375,000 370,000

20% 10%

NUNAVUT YUKON NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

SINCE 2007, THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ABORIGINALS EMPLOYED IN CANADA HAS INCRESED BY 2.5%.

365,000 360,000 YEAR

2007

2008

2009

6/10 ABORIGINAL PEOPLE LIVE IN ONE OF THE FOUR WESTERN PROVINCES.

26%

16%

12%

BRITISH COLUMBIA

ALBERTA

MANITOBA

SASKATCHEWAN

SOURCES: STATCAN.GC.CA, TD.COM, GNB.CA, EAE.ALBERTA.CA

2010

2011

ARCHAEOLOGICAL EVIDENCE TELLS US THAT ABORIGINAL PEOPLE HAVE LIVED IN CANADA FOR AT LEAST

11,000 YEARS!

OCTOBER 2013 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

THE FRONT PAGES

SUCCESS STORIES

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.

SUCCESS STORIES Wondering how to get to the top? 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 | OCTOBER 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

collegepro.com 1-888-277-7962

THE FRONT PAGES

INTERVIEW TIPS

Do interviews make you sweat? Our HR connections and recruitment friends on the inside let you know what they ask and exactly what they want to hear.

YOU SEE OUR UNIFORMS AND PRODUCTS EVERYWHERE YOU GO LAUNCH AN EXCITING CAREER WITH A TRUE INDUSTRY LEADER

Chances are excellent that on any given day, at any given time, you’ve come across a proffesional wearing or using a G&K product - be it a lab coat, shirt, jacket, or pants; walking on a G&K entrance mat; or working in clean facilities that use G&K hygiene products. Thats because over 1 million people wear our uniforms, and over 160,000 facilities use our products every single day! As one of the country’s premier image leaders in branded identity apparel and facilities services, G&K Services is all about professionalism, trust, and safety. Won’t you join us? We are always seeking talented proffesionals to join our locations throughout Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, Alberta and British Columbia in the areas of Sales, Service and Management. Besides integrity, upward mobility and a performance driven culture, we also offer attractive salaries and benefits.

PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR A COMPLETE LISTING IF CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES @ WWW.GKSERVICES.COM WE ARE PART OF YOUR DAY. NOW BECOME PART OF OURS.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

JOBPOSTINGS.CA | OCTOBER 2013

Michael Dunlop,

director of sales, G&K Services Our question this issue: Tell me about the toughest challenge you have ever faced (can be personal, education or workplace); how you faced that challenge and what the outcome of your efforts were? When you meet with a prospective employer, they are as, (if not more), interested in who you are in addition to what you post in your CV. From an employer’s perspective, the organization most commonly has training and resource support available to develop the skill component in an individual–what they can’t develop is the will component. The will component is usually the primary influence in driving one’s success or failure in a given position. While academic and relative employment history/achievement are noteworthy, the employer wants to determine as best they can a candidate’s integrity, work ethic, tenacity and motivation; again all elements that combine to illustrate the will of the candidate and what they are prepared to do to be successful in a given role. The key in answering this question is to honestly relate to a real experience that you have faced in your life. This is important because if you fabricate or have not

truly lived the experience, you will not be able to respond with the same level of emotion, passion and conviction that you would if you have lived the experience. A mistake that is often made is in thinking that the illustration must be exciting, grandiose or entertaining, (which if it is, is fine). If not, a real example that illustrates an experience that was truly a challenge, your strategy in facing that challenge, how you tactically executed your strategy and the eventual outcome – even if not positive – goes much further in giving the interviewer an insight as to who you are and how you will approach your potential job challenges and duties. Best advice in answering questions in an interview: Be yourself, be honest, look your interviewer in the eyes, be confident in your responses, tell it like it is, don’t over embellish, don’t understate; this will speak much more directly to your character than any resume ever will!

TINY GOT A TOOTHACHE. SHE GOT A LADDER.

www.avma.org

Healing animals like Tiny is an amazing experience. So is studying Veterinary Medicine at AVMA-accredited St. George’s University. You’ll study alongside aspiring doctors, public health professionals, scientists, and faculty from 140 countries in a fully integrated One Health, One Medicine environment. And SGU is small enough that students get plenty of individual a ention but large enough to offer 52 degree programs.

Find out about information sessions and webinars in your area at sgu.edu/futurestudents

Grenada, West Indies

Opportunity to be more than a employee.

#tobeapartner.

MEET A STARBUCKS MANAGER with Jordan Wareham, Store Manager of Operations Tell us about your career journey with Starbucks.

What does a typical day look like in your role?

I started at Starbucks on May 25th, 2009, just over four years ago. I was an RMT (retail management trainee), and as such was placed into a store for intensive training for a month before I would be sent to my home store. At my placement store, I learned how to be a barista for two weeks, then a shift supervisor. I quickly found myself an assistant store manager. I was well-versed in the management side, but trying to coach people who had been there for years while still learning how to make all of the drinks was a little unnerving. Regardless, I was welcomed into the store by everyone there and fell in love with the culture of inclusivity of Starbucks. It became not just a job, but a community and a home.

Managing a Starbucks involves wearing many hats. In terms of the specifics of my role, a typical day would involve first and foremost an assessment of the status of the store, starting from product and going to staffing, sales achievement, cleaning, planning, and goal attainment. This is the most crucial part of my role. It is from here we steer the store. I plot out what needs to be done in the moment, in the hour, in the day, in the week, and in the future. A store manager is and must be so many different things to so many different people at any given moment on any given day.

What do you love about working at Starbucks?

Although my store is in the downtown core, we have built relationships with some great local organizations. We are working with a church around the corner to supply coffee for their breakfast program for the homeless, and we also make our store available as a drop-off location for donated clothing, which the church distributes to the homeless. We also participate in local community fundraisers, often supplying prizing and coffee where we can.

The people. I can’t say enough about the people: store partners, upper management, suppliers, but most of all the customers. Starbucks seems to have a knack for surrounding itself with extraordinary people.

At Starbucks, employees are called “partners.” What does that mean to you? To be a partner is to be part of the symbiotic relationship that exists between the company and the individuals that make it up. To be a “partner” is so much more than just a word we use for working for Starbucks. The fact that we are partners is evidenced in the dedication and passion that we have for the company. We are respected and are given so many opportunities for advancement if that’s what we want. We are also rewarded in the form of stocks, benefits, and all the other programs Starbucks offers its partners.

@starbucksjobs @starbuckscanada JOBPOSTINGS.CA | OCTOBER 2013 Starbucks Canada

Starbucks Jobs

Tell us about how you are involved with your community as a Starbucks store manager?

What advice would you give to a student considering retail as a career? Apply at Starbucks. Here, you will experience the rewards of a sales-driven atmosphere, with the soul of the hospitality industry. You will work in an environment that lets you be yourself and enables you to rely on your own ingenuity to achieve your goals, while providing support to help you achieve those goals. You will gain a world of experience that can be translated into so many different industries.

Starbucks

Become a partner. starbucks.ca/careers

DOOR TO DOOR

INDUSTRY REPORT

Knocking on opportunity Meeting people and building a career, one door at a time. Would you be surprised to learn that in the door-to-door sales trade, you could rival any top earner in another profession? Or that the skills and training you learn from this industry, combined with a winning personality and strong work ethic, can give you a decided edge on any future career you seek?

20), he has successfully managed 25 student employees. He turned his biggest obstacles into opportunities for personal and professional growth. “I learned how to handle multiple employees and manage my time effectively,” he says. “The business earned $70,000 profit. It’s a great relief knowing I won’t carry a huge school debt after I’ve graduated. College Pro has given me the confidence and know-how to pursue my own business.”

Science undergrad Kelly Luczak was seeking summer work when a College Pro Painters recruiter came to her class. Hired, she quickly discovered she loved her job. College Pro traditionally goes Xerox Canada provides businesses with technical and document door-to-door offering homeowners free paint estimates. “I wasn’t solutions, in addition to personalized service. The company’s sales a painter, but my organizational skills and sector is especially interested in new busienthusiasm made me the right candidate as ness grads or alumni; grads from other disa franchisee,” Kelly says. “I’m also one of a ciplines are welcome, if they have the drive, few females in the GTA to pursue this proIt depends on how driven you personality, and passion for sales. “We hire fession, and I highly recommend it to those full-time, entry-level agency sales reps,” says willing to work hard.” are and how well you meet Thilo Mohan, recruitment & sourcing specialist for Xerox Canada. “Within 12 to 36 Although finding the right balance between challenges along the way. work and personal life was her main chalmonths, they can advance as agency team lenge when she began, she listened and leaders/managers, or apply to our mainline applied the advice and training from her positions in sales, HR, accounting or margeneral manager. “College Pro taught me how to pace myself to keting, which are posted periodically. Sales managers also help guide avoid burnout,” Kelly says. “I learned to develop strong customer ideal candidates.” First-year hires are placed in territories that run relations and do accurate paint estimates.” as independent Xerox-authorized sales agencies, gaining valuable experience with outside sales, administration, proposal and pitch She also gained entrepreneurial and leadership skills, public speakpreparations, and cold/warm calling. ing, and presenting, and took advantage of College Pro’s networking opportunities, enabling her to expand her franchise. “In my Although 100 per cent commission-based in large city areas, second year, I made $225,000 in sales and earned between $70,000 (smaller regions offer base salaries), you can typically make between and 100,000,” she says. “I cleared my school debt and I’m now sav$40,000 and $60,000 in the first year, followed by annual increases. ing money.” At age 22, she may run a franchise again next year as “Some new grads, however, have earned six figures,” Thilo says. “It a part-time field advisor. depends on how driven you are and how well you meet challenges Business student Spencer Turbitt of Owen Sound has managed to pay for his education debt-free as a College Pro franchisee, and has saved his last two years’ tuition fees. Beginning at 18, (and now at

along the way.” Senior staff and sales managers help new hires succeed with their open-door policy, supportive team meetings, and generous incentives to keep workers engaged. | Sheila O’Hearn

OCTOBER 2013 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

ADVICE EDUCATION INDUSTRY REPORT

CATERING

Once a month, he hosts a vegan brunch club that seats 20 to 70 people, depending on the ever-changing venue. The Peterborough-bred, Montreal-based D’Lion is so busy working as an independent caterer out of his own kitchen that he hasn’t called his mother in months. “I studied as a sommelier originally,” he says, adding that having his own restaurant has been his dream since he was a kid in charge of Christmas dinner. But when D’Lion was attacked on the street a couple years ago and lost the ability to smell and taste, he told himself he’d never cook again. “I spent a lot of time reflecting on that and my new disability made me drop out of school and find a new path. My joy has always been sharing food with others—especially if it’s positively political. It’s hard to explain to people, but I went from ‘Oh, I’m supposed to evaluate this glass of wine and tell you the soil condition’ to a totally different spectrum of taste.”

Feeding frenzy Caterers across Canada are serving plates by their own rules. One of the top caterers in Canada encourages industry hopefuls to go with their guts. “If you want people to love your food and you have that passion, you are truly cooking it into your food,” says Sheila Whyte of Thyme & Again Creative Catering. “People who are miserable in the kitchen—I swear you can taste it.”

grow into 100 employees and speaks with passion for the creative side of it.

Whyte, who has catered for the Prime Minister of Canada’s office, the Queen, and was host to pretty much every celebrity and rock star making their way through Ottawa, started cooking and catering as a side job while pursuing university.

Whyte says that today she’s excited by the burgeoning raw and vegan food trends and the young, local catering talent cropping up in Canada who don’t have to go through “old boys club” processes and “wear the white hats.”

After completing her degree and with many years in catering, Whyte has acquired human resource, hospitality, management, and kitchen skills “that can take you anywhere in the world and turn into other things.” She loves that her job is different each day and she’s never bored. She’s overseen an initial three-person enterprise

One young caterer doing just that is Dahn D’Lion. By day, he’s delivering burritos to women’s shelters, burger patties to locally sourced grocery stores, and sandwiches for Sophie Sucrée Bakery. By night, he sells vegan sausages and serves burritos at Alexandraplatz, a hip hideaway in Montreal’s cooler-by-the-minute Mile-Ex.

JOBPOSTINGS.CA | OCTOBER 2013

“That being said, be aware it’s hellish work,” she cautions. “It’s long. You can stand there and cut carrots for three years. It’s physically demanding, even if we’re seeing the industry change.”

He says he doesn’t hover or obsessively taste as he’s working anymore but thinks about food and the balances ingredients provide. He also likes that he is his own boss. The key to success, D’Lion thinks, is trying to spread the love for the food you create like wildfire. “I’m learning every day and here’s my advice: hustle.” Scott Warrick, the culinary coordinator of Algonquin College’s school of hospitality, agrees that the industry demands a labour of love. But if you want a business-savvy edge, completing a technical program can help wannabe caterers succeed. Many of his students are also mature students, he says, coming back to school after various fields for the joy of cooking. “You don’t go into this for the money, but you can still make money. The opportunities for caterers today is excellent, even if the hours are long,” he says, citing 60–80 hour workweeks. That said, the pay scale for caterers varies as much as ingredients and menus. “But here’s a hot tip: you’re all not charging enough… As soon as you start, you have to know your numbers and budget. And if they’re not going to pay to cover plates, don’t feed them.” | Laura Beeston

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

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From retail management to logistics: this program offers the unique skills you will need to launch your career as a fashion buyer, brand manager, product development manager, visual merchandiser and many other exciting career options.

FASHION MANAGEMENT & PROMOTIONS POSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE business.humber.ca/postgrad

MANAGEMENT TRAINING

INDUSTRY REPORT incorporated a management training program that is designed to be completed in as early as six months; however, its employees are encouraged to work at a pace that suits their learning. “What they’re doing during that training period is really learning everything there is to know about running one of our branch operations,” says Tara Brooks, talent acquisitions, training, and development manager at Enterprise Rent-A-Car. Trainees touch upon various departments within the company, from sales and customer service to marketing and human resources. Sarah Machacek took her retail career to the next level after completing a management training program with Contempo Casuals, (now called Wet Seal), in the 1990s. The program took her from sales associate to co-manager while still in her late teen years. “I grew up really fast when it came to being a leader. At 19, I wanted to be a manager,” she says. “The formal training program taught me to walk in a straight line. It gave me a focus instead of just working at a job and not working towards something else.”

Moving up the retail ladder How management training programs can take you to the top. Many of us can say we’ve had a gig in retail at one point in our lives, whether it was a part-time spot at a clothing store or a position as a barista at the local coffee shop. Regardless of what the role was or the length of your stay in the job, we all learned a thing or two about customer service and what it took to succeed in retail—but the learning doesn’t stop there. For those retail-savvy individuals who aspire to take their careers to the next level, many companies have integrated management training programs into their training systems which help to ensure they foster the best-of-the-best employees and future team leaders. “Our internal leadership

development programs benefit the organization in many ways,” says Amanda Ley, senior HR manager, learning delivery and execution at the Home Depot. “Offering continuous development throughout an individual’s career helps us to attract and retain the best talent possible.” At the start of any job, newly hired employees learn about the company’s mission and are trained on how to succeed in their roles. Management training programs are not only designed to train staff in-store, but also to formally mentor and coach through workshops and instruction within the company’s training period. Enterprise Rent-A-Car, for example, has

Through the management training program, Machacek acquired invaluable skills she has now taken into her career as a personal trainer, life coach, and business owner. “When you have your own business, it’s different from working for somebody because you have to hustle,” she says. “So that whole experience working at the retail shop to working in the fitness industry for six years in management—I don’t regret one moment.” Ultimately, management training programs are structured to develop leadership skills in individuals. “We’re looking for that leadership that’s emerging by the time they complete the program,” says Brooks. “That’s what’s readying them to become a part of our [Enterprise] management team.” At the Home Depot, the learning never stops, says Ley. “They would continue to gain experience within their role and hopefully expand their knowledge to other departments within the store or at our Store Support Centre. As their career advances, they can look forward to ongoing learning with every role.” | Megan Santos

OCTOBER 2013 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

Find your perfect career at TD.

Why work for TD? At TD, you’ll have the opportunity to grow throughout your career – through access to development programs, networking opportunities, job coaching and mentoring. We encourage you to get involved! We have an active Aboriginal Employee Circle with Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal employees from across Canada. By participating in the Circle, you’ll be able to provide guidance and learn about the exciting work TD is doing within Aboriginal communities across the country. So you won’t just be an employee, you’ll be a valued team member whose voice is respected and heard. If you’re interested in TD, we’re interested in you.

A Passion For Opportunity

To learn more about working at TD, visit www.td.com/careers

EMPLOYMENT RATE OF ABORIGINAL PEOPLE, 25–54, IN CANADA IN 2007 POST-SECONDARY DIPLOMA HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA NO DIPLOMAS %

100

Post-secondary diploma: 80.2% High school diploma: 70.4% Did not finish high school: 51.2%

ABORIGINAL

SPECIAL REPORT

Culture and community

Aboriginal people in Canada are changing the way we work for the better by being more sustainable and leading as examples. OCTOBER 2013 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

ABORIGINAL LEADERS WOMEN ABORIGINAL FEMALE

The feminine edge

Aboriginal women are more educated and astute than ever. Historically, aboriginal women have faced many unique challenges. When European colonizers arrived in Canada in the 1600s, aboriginal women held well-respected roles in their society. But as the influence of Europeans intensified, these women gradually began to lose their identities. Sadly, many aboriginal communities assimilated to European culture and began to marginalize their women. Even after Canadian women were officially recognized as individuals in 1929, female aboriginals continued to be oppressed and denied equal rights. Official “status” was often denied until the introduction of the Indian Act in 1985.

Even towards the end of the 20th century, a legacy of hardship, abuse, and a lack of access to opportunities plagued much of the female aboriginal community. However, today it’s a different story. More and more aboriginal women are now overcoming these challenges and finding success in the business sector. Business savvy Many aboriginal women have started community newspapers, successful cafés, restaurants, catering businesses, and organizations that focus on personnel management, manufacturing, graphic design, and even construction. In the past decade, the success of aboriginal women has made a positive impact on their families and also improved the quality of life in their communities. The value of higher education is no longer going unnoticed. According to a study by the National Centre for First Nations Governance, although there are fewer female (aboriginal and non-aboriginal) entrepreneurs than male, women’s entrepreneurship increased by over 200 per cent between 1981 and 2001, compared to a mere 38 per cent rise in men. In the same duration, the number of self-employed women grew by 406 per cent. Statistics Canada reports that in 2011 there were approximately 161,000 aboriginalstatus women in the labour force that possess a post-secondary certificate, diploma, or degree. Nearly 14,000 females were aged

JOBPOSTINGS.CA | OCTOBER 2013

15–24, while the majority (over 144,000) were 25–64. Organizations such as Status of Women Canada and the Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) are making it possible for First Nations women to fully participate in the economic, social, political, and cultural ventures of the country. Christine Tienkamp has worked as a self-employed business plan consultant for three years. Raised in a small Métis community in Saskatchewan, she also presently works part-time as a designated professional accountant in a mediumsized accounting firm. After graduating from the business administration program at Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST), she landed an entry-level position as an accountant and was encouraged to join the Aboriginal Financial Officers Association (AFOA). “The AFOA has chapters throughout Canada and has been instrumental in providing tools and resources for accountants who are aboriginal or working in an aboriginal organization,” says Tienkamp. As a business leader, Tienkamp says she must ensure she is continually networking and expanding her connections. “My self-employment work is primarily writing business plans for new businesses, so I am continually meeting new people and much of my work comes from recommendations of others,” she says. She admits that when she first started her career, the lack of aboriginal women in her industry seemed almost unsettling. She now feels encouraged by today’s influx of First Nations women entering accounting and finance managing positions. A whole big world out there Ariana Wabie, a public relations student at Humber College, is optimistic about her future in the business industry and agrees full-heartedly with Tienkamp. Eager to get involved in a career related to event management, Wabie advises: “The best way to expand yourself and your mind is to make yourself uncomfortable. That’s when you really get to experience life in the long run. There’s a whole big

ONE-ON-ONE WITH MAYOR NAHEED NENSHI

ABORIGINAL LEADERS WOMEN ABORIGINAL FEMALE

22 world out there and it’s great to go back to your community and always remember your community because that’s a part of you, but to experience the world broader in general will open your mind up so much more.” She thanks her mother for giving her the courage to find an ambition and chase it. “Being in Toronto, a big city, and getting to experience all of it and the opportunities afforded to me is pretty incredible, from where I started to where it’s going now,” says Wabie, referring to her rebellious adolescent years when she was kicked out of high school for not attending classes. Her mother encouraged her to move to Garden River, a reserve on the outskirts of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario to work for an organization called Turtle Concepts. There, she earned her necessary credits to graduate high school by organizing and partaking in empowerment workshops for people—including many aboriginal people—of all ages. She has since traveled to over 150 communities across North America, her favou-

JOBPOSTINGS.CA | OCTOBER 2013

rite being Déline, Northwest Territories, a small fly-in community in the Arctic Circle with a whopping population of 565. However, it’s important to note that “First Nations are really, really pushing education now,” says Wabie. “They want their youth and women in particular getting their education, and then hopefully taking what they learned in school ... back to their communities to apply it there.” Grants and opportunities Continuing education, however, can be costly. Wabie recommends looking into grants and scholarships geared towards aboriginal students as early as Grade 11 and 12. She says she applied for a postsecondary education-in-training bursary and was awarded $1,000 toward her tuition. NWAC offers similar scholarships, and Tienkamp suggests looking into bursaries from Cameco and Sasktel if you plan on attending college or university in Saskatchewan. Tienkamp is most proud of her decision to enrol at SIAST and to subsequently pursue her CMA. “I didn’t even realize

in Grade 12 that I could have attended university,” she says. “It just didn’t seem like something that kids from the community did. I don’t know if it was a societal thing or likely monetary, but things have certainly changed since I graduated in the early 90s.” Indeed, both Tienkamp and Wabie have noticed a surge in aboriginal communities’ interest in higher education and the ability to run successful businesses. “[The] most rewarding thing is knowing that I am helping people reach their dreams; they are changing their lives by starting a business,” says Tienkamp. “I love working with new business owners because they are excited about starting a business, not afraid to work hard, and keep moving forward regardless of what others say. Most people dream of starting their own business but only a handful will have the determination to actually see it to fruition.” Therefore, the future looks bright for aboriginal women continuing to run with and leading aboriginal business initiatives. | Kyle Reynolds

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ABORIGINAL WOMEN ABORIGINAL SUSTAINABILITY

JOBPOSTINGS.CA | OCTOBER 2013

ONE-ON-ONE WITH MAYOR NAHEED NENSHI

Aboriginal business Why sustainability is on the minds of major Canadian companies.

Words Kyle Reynolds // Illustrations Anthony Capano

Canadian aboriginal business owners and entrepreneurs are progressing and profiting like never before. Although aboriginal issues have been made quite prominent by Canadian and international media as of late, more businesses across the country are expressing interest in working with aboriginal leaders and communities. The exponential growth of aboriginal businesses (at about five times the rate of self-employed Canadians overall) is proving to be beneficial for those ambitious businesspeople looking to partner, collaborate, and succeed with other organizations. In light of this, many non-aboriginal businesses are creating corporate social responsibility and sustainability plans, which aim to brighten the future and increase the success of aboriginal businesses. Since the 1990s, the number of modern aboriginal businesses in Canada has grown significantly. A mere 25 years ago, there were about 6,000 aboriginal organizations in the country; a 2006 census revealed that there are now over 37,000 businesses owned and operated by First Nations, Métis, and Inuit individuals. The Perks Between then and now, both aboriginal and non-aboriginal leaders have learned that collaboration plays an important and arguably essential role in the freeing of aboriginal peoples and communities from government and corporate control. It also helps all parties gain various tax advantages and access to better equipment and business supplies. The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business, for example, is a national organization with the mission to harbour

sustainable business relations between aboriginals and Canadian businesses. According to the company website, its nationally recognized Aboriginal Business Mentorship Program “is a highly effective and instrumental relationship and network-building platform that nurtures through peer mentorship, business skills, abilities, and best practice approaches” that are used by aboriginal business leaders. The organization has also been known to annually award young entrepreneurs (under the age of 35) for their business endeavours, including one prize of $10,000. Aboriginal businesses near Canada’s oil sands are flourishing as well. Kelli Stevens, senior communications advisor at Suncor Energy Inc., says that while aboriginal communities are able to benefit from increased local economic activity, the focus is on improving sustainability by expanding the pool of qualified contractors and suppliers in areas crucial to the business. But what exactly does sustainability mean? For Suncor, a company that specializes in oil and gas, sustainability is a word the organization holds dear to its core. “It won’t surprise you when I say that we understand and are well aware that our operations are located in the traditional territory of many aboriginal communities across Canada,” says Stevens. She believes responsible development and sustainability mean “taking into account aboriginal interests,” and Suncor is interested in developing their traditional and current uses of land and resources. She adds, “obviously companies like ours create both opportunities for and impact on communities, and Suncor would like

OCTOBER 2013 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

ABORIGINAL WOMEN ABORIGINAL SUSTAINABILITY to maximize the opportunities and minimize the negative impacts.” In 2012, Suncor implemented the Aboriginal Economic Collaboration Strategy, which aims to increase partnerships with aboriginal leaders, businesses, and communities across the nation. And like Suncor, many companies are adhering to new policies that contribute to the sustainability of aboriginal communities. Initiatives range from “respecting rights and traditions, sharing in economic success, communicating regularly and openly, understanding environmental impacts, and supporting social well-being.” With over 150 aboriginal partnerships, Suncor has contributed over $2 billion towards aboriginal businesses and communities since 1992, $1 billion of which has been spent since 2009.

02 26

“Ultimately, it would be hugely ideal (with the collaboration strategy) if we could see more aboriginal entrepreneurs and communities and their businesses being successful,” says Stevens. “And one of the ways we’ve done that is looking at different business incubators.” For example, Suncor recently announced its support for a community-driven business incubator on the Tsuu T’ina First Nation near Calgary. Two Tsuu T’ina women approached the company hoping to sup-

JOBPOSTINGS.CA | OCTOBER 2013

port local entrepreneurs. Today, the number of entrepreneurs has tripled and according to Suncor’s website, it’s “funding a faculty member from the Banff Centre Indigenous Leadership Program to help build a business plan for the incubator.” Who else is TAKING charge? Many large banks and financial institutions offer similar programs that target aboriginal businesses and entrepreneurs. The Royal Bank of Canada, Scotiabank, and the Bank of Montreal all provide specialized services to aboriginal organizations. Stevens says that establishing aboriginal business communities is just the smart thing to do. “Aboriginals know the customs, the environment, and the needs of their communities, so they are obviously going to provide the best services in the area if they are empowered to do so.” It wasn’t until a few years ago that aboriginal awareness training programs were introduced to Suncor, among other large companies. Generally, only a few key players within an organization are trained to work directly with aboriginal communities. Stevens says that in 2012, Suncor thought, “‘why focus on just a few key people in the company when we want aboriginal business to become so much more of an important part of what we’re doing? We need more people who are aware

of the unique experiences of aboriginal people in Canada.’” The Aboriginal Relations team now regularly runs aboriginal awareness training to all employees. According to a 2007 study for the National Centre for First Nations Governance: “Take notice of the growing tide of young, qualified, and talented First Nations professionals and businesspeople ready and willing to do business. Consider what this alone can do for your bottom-line. Then, consider how First Nations involvement can diversify your business activity … Corporate Canada is about to be hit by a wave of opportunity never seen before.” According to Stevens, “if aboriginal business and community-driven economic development happen, it’s going to mean healthier aboriginal communities—social, spiritual, physical well-being all around. And that’s not just because of the economic factor, but it’s also because they’re given opportunities for leadership, entrepreneurship, and partnership.”

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.

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ABORIGINAL STARTUP

Just getting started Young and successful Canadian aboriginal entrepreneurs. Aspiring entrepreneurs take note: aboriginally owned businesses are thriving all across the country, and now is the perfect opportunity to take advantage. Not convinced? We compiled a list of five up-and-coming and already successful startups by young aboriginal entrepreneurs. | Kyle Reynolds JOBPOSTINGS.CA | OCTOBER 2013

Janelle & Jérémie Wookey

Wookey Films

29 Creatively, Franco-Métis siblings Janelle and Jérémie Wookey are totally in sync 90 per cent of the time. The other 10 per cent, they fiercely disagree. As co-founders of Wookey Films Inc, a production company that specializes in documentary and non-fiction television programming, the duo has successfully transformed their combined seven years of experience in Winnipeg’s CBC/ Radio-Canada newsroom into a nationally respected business. “Long story short, we became obsessed with the family camcorder in the summer of 1998 and now we have Wookey Films Inc,” says 27-year-old Janelle, adding that the pair’s dynamic is unique in that they both have a direct hand in writing, shooting, directing, and editing any given project. “Somehow it works. We’re still in the process of finding and defining our individual roles.” Based in Winnipeg, Wookey Films was launched in 2012 and has since seen several projects go to air across the nation. “Our biggest project so far is Mémére Métisse, which is a half-hour documentary that premiered on opening night of the ImagiNATIVE Film Festival in Toronto back in 2008,” says Jérémie. “It’s a doc about our grandmother’s coming-to-terms with her Métis identity. We were also really excited to be a part of the 8th Fire series, where we produced, directed, wrote, shot, and edited 12 short documentaries, mainly about Métis identity.” Despite the initial positive response, Janelle reminds aspiring producers and entrepreneurs that media is a tough business to crack. In fact, their luck can be accredited to working entry-level positions at CBC and APTN. “This isn’t a project that started a year

ago when we scaled our hours back at CBC and took the preliminary three-day small biz workshop,” she says. “It’s something we’ve (sometimes unknowingly) been working towards since we were kids fooling around with the home video camera, through to the creative communications program at Red River College.” They both believe Winnipeg is an incredible city for a company like Wookey Films—one of Canada’s only Franco-aboriginal production companies—to thrive. They both claim, “you can’t beat the people here!” According to the Wookey Films’ website, the company aims to produce content from a “young and modern perspective.” The pair believes they belong to a “very unique age bracket—right in the middle of Generation X and Y” and Janelle says they’ve grown to understand how to reach out to both. This is especially relevant for corporate and commercial projects designed to deliver messages to these demographics. “Over the course of the last year, what we’ve been able to learn is that there’s a lot to learn and no one place to learn it all,” says Jérémie. “There’s a million pieces to the puzzle and you have to collect them from all sorts of people—from accountants to sound recordists. It seems it’s a jump-in-and-learn-as-you-go process.” Janelle agrees. “Ultimately, (and we know this is a total cliché), for the two of us to be able to make a living doing what we love to do, never dreading going in to work—that is success,” she says. “And if we can nab a Gemini while we’re at it, that would be okay too.”

OCTOBER 2013 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

STARTUP

Sharon Bond-Hogg

Kekuli Café

Although the business experience of Nooaitch First Nations Sharon Bond-Hogg is slightly more seasoned than those mentioned above, she identifies with younger demographics by keeping up with virtually all forms of social media. Her business, Kekuli Café in Westbank, BC, recently won the 2013 Aboriginal Tourism BC Food & Beverage Award. She says her proudest moment was being featured on the Food Network Canada segment of “You Gotta Eat Here” with John Cattucci. If you’re feeling discouraged or uncertain about entrepreneurship, Bond-Hogg stresses that it’s all part of the game. “There are so many risks: your time, your family, your health,” she says. “Are you ready to jump into your business with both feet and take over if someone doesn’t show up for work? I think that perseverance, time, and never giving up are key to owning your business.” She says if she had Facebook and Twitter back in 2005 when she opened her first concession stand, she’d have well over 10,000 followers today. (So far she sits at a little under 6,000.) Social media “is a really great tool for business,” says Bond-Hogg. “How else do you get your name and business out there? You really need to connect, acknowledge, and share. I engage with other people’s social media and help to support them, which in turn helps my social media strategy for my business. You gotta give to receive!”

02 30 It was a serious rollerblading accident that sparked 29-year-old Lara Yanik’s entrepreneurial spirit. With a body gradually healing from fractured bones and bruises, her doctor sent her to a series of Pilates classes for rehabilitation. These classes led her to develop a passion for the discipline, which she has cultivated into many successful businesses today. In the past decade, Yanik has taken part in various physiotherapy courses across the country. “I travelled all over Canada; I took instruction from Pilates instructors in Montreal, in Calgary, in Edmonton, Vancouver, Victoria, and in the United States,” she says. At 20, the young Métis woman opened the doors to her first fullblown Pilates studio in her family home. “I had no idea what I was doing and just went for it. People would find out I was the owner and they couldn’t believe it. They were like, ‘What? But you’re a child!’” Despite her age, she matured quickly in order to match the rapid growth of her business. Before she knew it, she owned a 1,500-square-foot studio, with her concept for the Neu Spine underway. According to Yanik, the product makes Pilates easier to

JOBPOSTINGS.CA | OCTOBER 2013

perform, since it provides lower back support while doing core exercises. So far, it has received wide attention from North America, Germany, Japan, and the UK. Yanik was the proud (and shocked) recipient of BC’s Young Female Aboriginal Entrepreneur award in 2011, and says she was hardly prepared to give her speech to the 800 attendees. “I didn’t even think I could breathe. I was just standing there like, ‘Hi guys! ...’ It was intense,” she admits. She has since launched Connect Zing, a website that pairs an individual’s personal tastes and interests with events being run by local businesses. Users can sign up for free and discover news and events at their favourite nearby companies, while businesses can register for a small fee and advertise their services. “Every other business usually has to hire a graphic designer but this is actually all do-it-yourself,” says Yanik. “Businesses sign in, they upload a logo, upload their pictures, they write a little blurb, and the website creates the profile for them.” For those interested in starting their own companies or developing their own products, Yanik advises: “Don’t be afraid to fail

HOGG Lara Yanik

Connect Zing KULI & Neu Spine

because initially, you’re going to fail.” She believes fear will cripple you when faced with obstacles or important decisions. However, “if you actually can cut through the fear and trust yourself and others, I believe that even with failure, you will triumph. Whatever it is will be a learning lesson and it will ultimately bounce you to the next step.”

Kasp Sawan

KASP

Entertainment

A decent night’s sleep was at one point a rarity for 33-year-old Kasp Sawan, who spent much of his adolescence toughing it out on the streets of East Vancouver. Once an abuser of drugs and alcohol, he has

since broken away from his tumultuous past and embraced his status as a Cree man and natural performer. Kasp spent much of his 20s piecing together a successful music career, recording alongside prolific artists like Run-DMC and Moka Only. Winner of best hip hop album at the 2008 Canadian Aboriginal Awards, his desire to inspire has now evolved into an organization called KASP Entertainment, an acronym for ‘Keeping Alive Stories for the People.’ He describes it as an organization that showcases talented aboriginal performers, singers, and motivational speakers at special events, celebrations, conferences, and workshops, with the aim of helping young people build selfesteem and put their imaginations to use through music and story creation. Growing up, Kasp recalls his father as a drug dealer, pimp, heroin addict, and alcoholic. Because of this, he went through his fair share of abuse. His poor living condi-

tions were made obvious to his peers and he was often teased for his appearance, not to mention the colour of his skin. “That’s where my motivation came from,” says Kasp, “to educate youth about the importance of knowing who you are and the importance of learning your culture and learning your roots.” Kasp stresses he doesn’t do clubs; he does communities. Dedicated to a life of sobriety for more than four years, he says, “I don’t drink, I don’t do drugs, and it’s important for me to show these kids that you can choose other things. I could have went and sold drugs, I could have went and sold heroin, and I could have took over my dad’s business. Instead, I took what I learned and turned it into music and turned it into selling my product, which is helping people.” His final piece of advice? “Be committed to do what it takes to have what you want. Don’t give up.”

31 35 “When you start a business, the name is going to be everything that you are,” says Massey Whiteknife, president and CEO of ICEIS Safety in Fort MacKay and Fort McMurray, Alberta. The name ICEIS has remained close to Whiteknife for many years: a self-invented term that asserts meanings of strength, independence, power, and beauty. “My company is 100 per cent aboriginally owned and operated,” says Whiteknife, an openly gay Cree male in his early 30s. “We sell safety supplies, we sell environmentally friendly cleaning supplies, and then we do training and safety consulting.” He also runs two programs—the Get Ready program and the Eclipse Renewal program—that help aboriginals obtain full-time employment by receiving necessary fundamentals such as life skills, anger management, and assistance with drug and alcohol addiction. Initiating his business didn’t come easy. Although he knew he was destined for entrepreneurship, many believed Whiteknife wasn’t cut out for it. As a child, he was bullied relentlessly. “I spent a lot of time at home, so I knew when I was young that I wanted to be my own boss and have my own store. I always had that entrepreneurial spirit because even when I was working, I didn’t want to be just like everyone else,” he admits. “People would say that being gay is not accepted, that people would not want to work with me, and a lot of people wanted to guide me into saying I was straight.” But in the end, he knew making the sale ultimately came down to education, not his sexuality. After taking a youth entrepreneurship course, (where he learned the basics of business, gained insight from professional mentors, and developed a solid business plan), his sales soared. By 2011, Whiteknife received the Youth Entrepreneur Award of Distinction

Massey Whiteknife

ICEIS Safety

from the Alberta Chamber of Commerce, upon which Fort MacKay offered the Community Safety Award to him and ICEIS Safety. “The thing that I always tell aboriginal businesses or any young entrepreneur starting out is that you’re going to have to sacrifice, have that dedication, passion, and work extremely hard at it, because there’s always going to be some doors that are going to close. But there’s also going to be a lot of doors that are going to open as well, and it’s what you do with those that are going to define your success in business.”

OCTOBER 2013 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

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CAREER RISK

31 33

Risky business How career risks can help fulfil your goals.

Words Laura Eley // Illustrations Anthony Capano

Employment can be a risky business, especially for recent university and college graduates with few job guarantees. The dynamics of how we communicate and function are changing, and while there are now plenty of platforms to help get your name out there, there is also incredible competition. So what does that mean for the young workforce beginning their careers? For one, it means a smaller global community and increased transferability. It also means that with ample opportunity to

research and explore different industries via the web, there’s never been a better time to seek out jobs that incorporate their passions. Shirin Khamisa is founder of Careers by Design, a service dedicated to career counselling and coaching. “The twenties can often be a time where people are trying on different things,” she says. “Sometimes really early on, people can get limited and not realize that in their course of study there are transferable skills, and with a little bit of bridging they can do things that suit them a little better.”

OCTOBER 2013 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

CAREER RISK

Charting your course Often, pinpointing a career that matches your interests can be a huge hurdle in itself. With so many different job possibilities, and many hidden industries, an interest in one area does not necessarily identify a career that will satisfy all of your strengths. But it is a good starting point. Khamisa suggests “seeking out very lowrisk ways to try new things” which can include going to industry events, building a network by reaching out to employees in your desired field, and getting involved with projects, both volunteer and consulting. She adds that while some people’s first instinct upon discovering an interest is to go back to school, this is a higher risk investment, and workshops or shorter courses can be safer alternatives.

30 02

After working for two years at investment banking firm Goldman Sachs, Matt Bodnar knew his interests were located outside of the cubicle. “I wanted to go into something physical where you’re creating a tangible product, helping people out in the world,” he explains. Joining his family’s startup company Fresh Hospitality, which invests in and helps expand small, promising restaurants, he now frequently travels and works in both finance and real estate. While you may have a natural interest in a specific field, psychometric tests like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator can help to identify your personality type and professions that might mesh well with your strengths. Once you’ve narrowed it down, you can find careers online that relate to your area of interest, or reach out to employees in associated sectors. For example, if you’re interested in health sciences and your neighbour is a nurse, why not set up a brief meeting to discuss your career path and experiences at work? This career reflection can take place while still a student or for years after graduation. “For some people, it’s during school that they realize this—maybe they get some experience talking to someone. For other people, it can be in an internship, or even after they’ve worked in a field for a few years,” says Khamisa. “There are some things that satisfy what

JOBPOSTINGS.CA | OCTOBER 2013

they’re looking for, but there are other things that maybe just don’t fit.” Taking a leap A realization that the path you’ve been working towards is not right for you can be extremely unsettling. After all, many of us spend years building an identity based on our interests and career choice, and questioning these decisions requires a lot of honesty and courage. Uncertainty can be even more prevalent for those hoping to pursue professions in unstable industries like the arts or food services. Molly McGlynn is a freelance film professional that works on her own schedule. “I was working at a very consistent job for the past two years, and the past few months have been a transition to freelance,” she explains. Understanding the importance of discipline and taking initiative without direction are key. She says that to be successful, “you have to take yourself seriously; you have to look at yourself as a business.”

To build the confidence required to chase your passions, Bodnar recommends engaging in extracurricular pursuits such as starting small side projects, blogs, or websites. During his time at Goldman Sachs, for example, he self-published a book entitled “Location-based Marketing for Restaurants” that incorporated his own expertise and interests. “If I was a college student and wanted to build a strong resumé, I would go out and start a company doing anything I was interested in,” he says. “Even if it fails, even if you never make a dime, having that on your resumé will be really impressive compared to the vanilla experience on the average resumé.” Another reason to launch your own venture? The Government of Canada provides grants and loans that help fund small businesses, which includes financial assistance towards projects in the arts. While a change in your path of employment may be risky, it doesn’t mean that

it should be avoided. As Khamisa says, most people have decades of employment ahead of them, but so easily fall into the trap of thinking that because they studied or worked in a certain area for a period of time, it must define the rest of their career. “When you wake up in the morning, you want to have things that pull you forward, so whether or not you use that word ‘goals’ ... having something to look forward to, that’s what sustains our contentment and our happiness.” Moving from India to complete her master of engineering at the University of Western Ontario, Preeti Sharma knew there was no assurance she’d land a job upon graduation. Still, she took her chances. “If you don’t want to take that step forward then you will always be in

a comfort zone,” she says. ”Once you’re settled into your comfort zone, that’s when your development suffers.”

are open to the company to build relationships across all departments. “It gives a really low risk way of engaging socially.”

Step by step After you arrive in your desired field, it’s important to continue to network and engage in projects that keep you motivated. Working with your boss or other managers can be intimidating but it’s crucial to your development that you make connections.

Like any work environment, dealing with large responsibilities for the first time can be another hurdle. While you may finally be in your dream job, you may also have an apprehension that you won’t be able to manage the workload.

“One of the things I suggest is to take a cue from the culture in the company you’re working for,” says Khamisa, adding “there are many unwritten rules and just that step of saying ‘let me get a sense of how people are operating here’ [is important].” She also suggests that new employees attend social events and activities that

McGlynn recalls being overwhelmed when she worked as an intern for the Toronto International Film Festival. In communicating with filmmakers, sales agents, and distributors, she discovered some of her own strengths and weaknesses, and how to implement strategies to best suit her working style. “I’m not naturally a type-A person, so when I start

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FEATURE

CAREER RISK

a job, I need to set myself up. What is my email inbox system? What is my filing system? It’s not natural to me, but it does make me more efficient,” she says. Experiencing a similarly demanding work transition, Sharma says that because of a desire to prove herself in her first engineering position, she struggled with the fear of things not working out. She concluded that “you can’t finish ten things at once” and that adding panic to the mix does nothing to make things better. “You have to not question yourself saying ‘oh I don’t know if I’m being judged’ and not let it channel in your work or your actions. Let them reject you—you still have to take a step forward. You have to take a risk.” In terms of dealing with difficult coworkers, it’s important to try and not take things personally. “Someone said to

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me ‘your job is to respond, not to react’ and I think that is such a good tip. When people are being difficult, cut through all the BS,” says McGlynn. “If you don’t know what the problem is and they’re on a rant, find out the problem and say ‘I think the problem seems to be here. If so, this is what we need to do.’ Be polite, be efficient, and try not to take it personally.” Proper communication between managers and employees is also extremely significant in preventing burnouts. “I have a client who was working in HR and every time she would go into a meeting with her manager, there would be more and more things that were added to her to-do list, and she thought those were all things she had to get done in the week before she met her manager again,” says Khamisa. “It was that miscommunication and she actually got very burnt out

and her manager didn’t realize that she was working all of these extra hours.” Have faith in your abilities While finding your place can be a struggle, once you’ve found it, keeping faith that you will one day fulfil your goals can also be a challenge. “I think you have to approach any new idea with ‘failure is an acceptable option,’” says Bodnar. “Nine out of the ten new ideas I have are probably going to fail, but the 10th one makes up for all the ones that fail. If you’re afraid to try a new idea because you’re afraid it’s going to fail, I think you’re probably worse off than if you had tried [and failed at] five ideas.” With so many stories of entrepreneurs that faced multiple rejections before finally becoming successful, (including Walt Disney and Winston Churchill), it can be both inspiring and comforting to know the smaller steps are stepping stones to reaching the finish line. “Even if you’ve been somewhere for some time and you have a sense of what’s important, when you’re taking initiative it’s always good to really challenge your assumptions and your thinking, and get a sense of what’s important to your boss,” says Khamisa. “What are the directives? What are the high profile projects? What are the things that your boss would be really grateful for if you were able to move that agenda forward? ... Once you get clear on that and you understand, you can get a sense of where your initiative and your hard work will be most appreciated.” By gauging where your efforts will reap the most appreciation, you will also be able to both network and make a positive impression. It will also help to build your confidence. Taking risks is uncomfortable, and while very few people enjoy being outside of their comfort zone, taking these chances can eventually lead to greater overall satisfaction. “If you work hard and you try and you’re a kind person, no one’s going to fault you for a few bombs or if maybe it was your best thing,” says McGlynn. So, what are you waiting for? Identifying your dream and the path to achieving it begins by taking a chance. You can do it.

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CANADIAN ADVICE FORCES EDUCATION FEATURE

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Armed with opportunities How the Canadian Armed Forces is helping young people pursue their passions. Drill sergeants, mess halls and combat boots are commonly associated with the military, but the Canadian Armed Forces offer much more than the movie version of a soldier’s life. Training, camaraderie, and opportunities to make a positive impact on communities are just some of the reasons that young people are choosing to join. (Not to mention the great financial compensation!) Today’s Canadian Armed Forces are The Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Army, and Royal Canadian Air Force. Each division specializes in a tactical field that covers all necessary aspects of the Canadian military. Within these divisions there are numerous occupations that are either specific to their unit or span all three. For example, within the Navy, military members can choose to become marine engineers or sonar operators, while medical officers can move across the board. Regardless of which area you choose, career options in the military are vast and the skills you learn can be applied to many different fields. Regular Force members work full-time, while those who wish to work part-time join the Reserve Force.

Getting started When first joining the Canadian Armed Forces all new recruits are required to complete basic training, which takes from 14 to 15 weeks. Frequently referred to as “boot camp,” this highly intensive enrolment process is conducted at the Canadian Armed Forces Leadership and Recruit School in St-Jean-surRichelieu, Quebec. It includes activities such as weapons firing, map and compass use, obstacle courses, swimming, and marching. Recruits must also pass a physical fitness test. Master Bombardier Hasan Aygun says the transition from civilian to military life was not

JOBPOSTINGS.CA | OCTOBER 2013

extreme, but he still recommends that new recruits “have mental and emotional maturity in order to adapt to the stress inducing environment [of military life].” Now working as one of two observer party detachment commanders in the 7th Toronto Royal Canadian Artillery Regiment, MBDR Aygun says that the military helped him develop situational awareness and attention to detail, particularly in adapting to change and problem solving. The Canadian Armed Forces also foster an environment for team building and amity among recruits. Chris Housser, a master corporal with an infantry regiment in the army

reserve, says that being a reservist allowed him to be a full-time student and still keep in contact with civilian friends. “Most of the army bases are in remote locations so it was hard to be gone all summer and not see my friends or family back home. But the Army is a very tight knit group, so it is easy to make lots of friends wherever you may be stationed,” he says. MCPL Housser was also able to complete law school and cites his experiences with the military for helping him attain an articling position with an employer who was not previously planning on hiring a law student.

Regular Force is a full-time job, but with that comes greater pay and compensation.” Beyond the base The skills learned within the Canadian Armed Forces are not specific to the military alone. Retired Colonel Duane Waite joined in 1975, and officially retired in 2012 after 37 years of service. Beginning as a trooper in the Governor General’s Horse Guards, he went on to complete a seven-month operational tour in Kabul, Afghanistan as special advisor/planner within the Combined Security Transition Command–Afghanistan, Afghan National Army Development Directorate. “There’s a real emphasis on being professional at what you do,” Col. Waite explains. “There’s the academic aspect of all of your military training, then there’s the leadership aspect of your military training, and there’s the skills aspect, because depending what trade or classification you go into there’s a lot of practical skills you actually need to be able to do.” While some members choose to remain fulltime, the discipline and education emphasized within the military cross professional borders and are relevant to a variety of civilian occupations. MBDR Aygun, for one, hopes to one day become a police officer. “Although it definitely took a back seat while I was involved in Afghanistan and other military aspirations, the military has positively shaped my personality, skills and ethics towards a future in policing,” he says. Finding your niche All three divisions require additional training beyond the basics. Navy recruits attend a five-week fleet school, army recruits enter a 20-day soldier qualification course, and air force recruits attend a four-day overview of the history of aviation, technology, and customs and traditions. After preliminary training, recruits can continue their instruction, which will allow them to train in specific areas, like medicine or engineering, and pursue subsidized postsecondary education if needed. The military offers many financial benefits, and will cover the tuition for pre-determined university or college programs, books and academic equipment, as well as supply a salary and benefits while students are in school. In return, recruits must serve in the military after graduation at a rate of two months for each month of paid education. The Canadian Armed Forces also recruits graduates of colleges, universities and trade schools already in the workforce, and pro-

vides them with excellent opportunities in their chosen fields — often with much better compensation and benefits. Colonel Maureen Haberstock is an honorary member of the Federation of Medical Women of Canada, who attended medical school through the Canadian Forces Medical Training Program. After receiving her MD, she was deployed on several international missions and became the first female physician to command an army field unit. Now retired from the Canadian Armed Forces, Col. Haberstock has been a guest lecturer at numerous universities and was able to make a significant impact on the lives of others throughout her military career. While the amount of financial coverage provided is dependent on either Regular Force or Reserve status, both options offer advantages. “In the Reserves, the scheduling is flexible, which is a benefit,” says Col. Housser. “Although you are expected to show up, if you have other commitments there is some leeway to miss an odd training night. The

Col. Waite, who is also a vice-president at Crossey Engineering Ltd., says “the level of discipline is there to teach you to be self-disciplined and then teach you to be disciplined within a team … In today’s society, people are trained to be real individuals, and I think a lot of people have a hard time inculcating themselves into an environment where it’s not just yourself—it’s the actual team.” Of course, there are inherent risks and challenges to consider before jumping into a military career. Regular Force members can be deployed at any time, which is not only hard on soldiers, but their families too. “Within the military, there are always tough choices that have to be made. And, those choices always have to be driven from a perspective of professionalism, honesty, ethics and integrity,” explains Col. Waite. For those thinking about a military career, it’s best to think long and hard about which trade is of greatest interest to you, and will best make use of your abilities and potential. “There are so many options from infantry to sonar operator to pilot,” Housser says. | Laura Eley

OCTOBER 2013 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

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EDUCATION

ADVICE MASTERS BUSINESS

LET’S TALK BUSINESS

Taking a look at the different master’s business programs across Canada.

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This saying is being thrown around more and more frequently as students vie to gain a competitive edge in the job market. Seemingly, everyone today is getting a bachelor’s degree, so in order to stand out from the crowd, grad school is looking to be the way to go.

“The program is very practical and skills-focused and our employers are engaged in the program, aiding in curriculum development, doing panel discussions, and contributing in the classroom with guest lectures and pro-bono consulting projects,” says Shaw.

Between 2010 and 2011, the online career community CareerBliss analyzed and compared the salaries earned by people holding a master’s versus a bachelor’s degree. The largest difference between earnings was found in business managers who made 22 per cent more if they graduated with a master’s degree.

This 22-month program also caters to small class sizes accepting around 50 students per year. Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA in their undergraduate degree (in any field) and at least a 550 GMAT score.

Across Canada, master’s business programs are available in every province. The University of Lethbridge in Alberta offers a master of science (management) program that Helen Kelley, acting associate dean of the school of graduate studies, says is “a proven alternative to an MBA program.”

“The MBA program at the Goodman School of Business, although serving those with significant work experience, also provides students with a little business experience, the opportunity to engage in indepth studies in business, and to focus their studies by concentrating or majoring in specific fields of business such as accounting, finance, marketing, and others,” says Don Cyr, dean of the Goodman School of Business.

“Both programs are of equal importance,” says Kelley. “They just have different pathways for students as far as career opportunities and the information or the knowledge that is being acquired during the programs.” The master of science (management) program is more geared towards students interested in “conducting research about specific managerial problems or issues that are important to [an] organization,” she says. The program is also run on a cohort basis, meaning that all the students start at the same time every year in September and take the same courses over the same amount of time. Kelley also adds that the faculty only accepts around 14 students each year in order to facilitate one-on-one interaction with faculty members during the times when the students are busy completing their theses. On the east coast, Dalhousie University is the only institution in Canada with a corporate residency MBA program. Director Dan Shaw says it focuses largely on career and soft-skill development.

In Ontario, Brock University’s Goodman School of Business is one of the newest business schools in the country, according to their website.

They offer three graduate-level programs: a master of accountancy, a master of business administration, and a master of science in management. The MBA program remains the leading graduate degree in business, says Cyr. “Its greatest benefit is for individuals who have not studied business in their undergraduate degree, and who now find themselves in managerial positions,” he says. “Increasingly though, many individuals now enter an MBA with little work experience and use the degree to gain knowledge in specific areas of business with the intent of establishing their career.” After selecting the right grad school, there are a number of opportunities where you can begin your career. According to Shaw, your MBA can get you entry-level positions such as a trainee in commercial or personal banking, an analyst or associate consultant in management consulting, or even get you started on becoming the CEO of your own company! | Jamie Bertolini

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EDUCATION

ADVICE ABROAD BUSINESS

Travel and study

Business schools abroad offer the best of both worlds. Most students eventually come across the hard choice of whether they should continue their studies or take some time off to travel. Both choices could potentially delay their entry in the job market, but international business schools have an answer. By enrolling in international programs, students can continue their education, travel, and make connections for future jobs, all at the same time. International business schools are looking for global-minded students open to new experiences. In these different degree programs, students can sometimes study in several locations around the world by the time their program ends.

“Our ideal student understands the new globalized business world. They have a desire to gain hands-on international experience, not just learn from case studies in the classroom,” says Dana Cordova, North American regional marketing manager at Hult International Business School, based out of Boston, San Francisco, New York, London, Dubai, Shanghai, and São Paulo. “We actively seek out individuals with unique backgrounds and experiences who not only fit our student profile but who will, more importantly, enrich the experience of the entire student body.” Over 80 per cent of Hult’s students come from outside North America, making for a culturally enriching and challenging educational experience that prepares graduates for the global job market. “Every student is in the same boat where they are moving to a new place which is unfamiliar and they’re wanting to make friends and adjust to the new culture, so one of the challenges is you’re starting an intensive graduate program and, at the same time, adapting to that new culture,” explains Jennifer Differ, Hult’s North American director of enrolment. “And a lot of graduate school is not just the courses, but preparing to find a job, so a lot of that is building your network and getting to know the city and its people.”

JOBPOSTINGS.CA | OCTOBER 2013

Students who enrol in international business schools can expect to be immersed in the real-life business world and are often instructed by working professionals who either manage their own companies or have worked for the world’s top corporations. “We teach students something we call ‘global fluency,’ a skill which, to us, means more than language,” explains Adam Conner-Simons, communications coordinator for Brandeis International Business School, an American school with research links to overseas institutes such as the Asia-Pacific Center for Economics and Business. “It means having a firm grasp of cultural nuances, recognizing the interplay of economic, political, and social forces, understanding the dynam-

ics of cross-border commerce, and finding opportunity in volatility across global markets. It means knowing how the world works and being able to thrive in it.” And best of all, when students come out of an international business school, they have a decided employment advantage over students who have done their studies domestically. “You’re able to show employers that you’ve not only studied international business, but actually had international exposure. You’ve seen the way business is run in different markets and through team projects you’ve learned to work with people from diverse cultures,” says Differ. “In a world that’s so global now, that can definitely set a graduate apart.” | Jason Schreurs

EDUCATION