realworld SEPT 2016 | CAREERS. EDUCATION. IDEAS. ALL OF IT. | JOBPOSTINGS.CA
Career centres | Three things you didn’t know they could offer you Considering business school? | Consider co-ops and studying abroad the usual suspects crunchin’ numbers interview tips soft skills timeline
Landing your first job after school. We break down your journey to the real world in five steps.
DEFINING DIVERSITY
Our annual diversity and inclusion issue celebrates Canadian professionals and the ever-evolving workplace. We cover trending stories from aboriginal communities, LGBTs, disabilities, and women in leadership.
MY DECISIONS HELP MAKE YOURS EASIER. Because working here is about more than helping customers choose the right product. It’s about making a difference in their lives and their homes. We call it “unleashing your inner orange” and it’s my ability to tap into my inner potential to help customers create a space worth calling home. Currently, we have opportunities for Merchandise Execution Associates to join our outstanding merchandising team. In this position, you’ll make sure our customers have everything they need to enjoy their shopping experience, from fully stocked shelves to information regarding our products. In return, we’ll provide a total benefits package, even if you’re part-time. Plus, our team offers three different work schedules (M-F 6am-3pm, M-F 2pm-11pm, and M-Th 9pm-7:30am), so you can choose one that best suits your life.
Please apply online at homedepotjobs.ca/Merchandise We are committed to diversity as an equal opportunity employer.
Masthead | ad index
THE FRONT PAGES
publisher
Nathan Laurie
associate publisher
Mark Laurie
EDITOR
Megan Santos
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Anthony Capano
COMMUNICATIONS AND PROJECT MANAGER
David Tal
Senior national account manager
Mary Vanderpas
NATIONAL ACCOUNT MANAGER
Shannon Tracey
Contributors: GREG MURPHY, cLINTON LEONG, Jamie Bertolini, JANA GREGORIO, MIDFA CHOWDHURY, Kate Aenlle, JAMES MICHAEL MCDONALD
Photos from thinkstock.com are used throughout this issue; individual artists have been credited. Cover Photo: Ivary Jobpostings is published annually and is distributed to over 145 universities and colleges. Contents of this publication are protected by copyright and may not be reprinted in whole or part without permission of the publishers. “Strength lies in differences, not similarities.” –Stephen R. Covey
CONTACT: 25 Imperial Street, Suite 100, Toronto, ON, M5P-1B9 | jobpostings.ca | 416.932.8866 | info@jobpostings.ca Made possible with the support of the Ontario Media Development Corporation.
16 APICS
28 Cambrian College
02 Loblaw
18 Farm Credit Canada
30 Sheridan College
04 Career Connections 06 adidas Group
18 Schulich School of Business, York University
30 Faculty of Engineering and Design, Carleton University
10 CSIS
20 NEADS
12 Nexen
24 NECC (New England Center for Children)
30 Humber College School of Social & Community Services
14 VECTOR Marketing Canada
Jobpostings.ca | September 2016
IFC The Home Depot
OBC The Home Depot 01
It’s back to school. We’re hiring. Loblaw.ca/careers @loblawcareers facebook.com/loblawcareers Loblaw Companies Limited
Apply today
THE FRONT PAGES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
25 THE FRONT PAGES 05 Crunchin’ Numbers
School is back! Here are some stats to ease you into the school year.
08 Interview tips
Clinton Leong, national talent acquisition specialist at adidas Group shares his tips on preparing for your next job interview.
09 Soft skills
Capture the perfect tone-of-voice in conversations to help you nail your interview.
SPECIAL REPORT: DIVERSITY 13 Aboriginal
From school to the workplace, ongoing efforts are being made to educate and foster Canada’s aboriginal community.
19
15 WOMEN IN GAMING
These women are leading the way to change workplace norms.
17 LGBT
Allies and company-wide advocates are spreading the word in the continuous support of inclusivity for LGBT professionals.
21 29
19 Disabilities
Overcoming disability stigmas in the workplace. From funding to paralympians.
FEATURE
17
25 Guide to the real world
Soon you’ll be living the life of a job hunter. We offer our step-by-step guide to the workplace.
EDUCATION 29 leave your mark
31 En route TO BUSINESS SCHOOL
Consider a good co-op program or study abroad options when choosing a school.
32 Timeline
Ups, downs, and everything in between: what to expect (or avoid) this semester.
31
Jobpostings.ca | September 2016
Pay your dues and earn your degree— that’s the common way to experience postsecondary. What will you do?
15
03
Choose an industry that gives you more career options. Getting your career started out of school is an exciting time. But it can be scary, too. That’s why it’s good to know that whatever post secondary studies you chose, you’ll be able to use what you’ve learned in the insurance industry. It’s also good to know that more colleges and universities offer specific courses and programs that can prepare you for a career in insurance. The list of different jobs and different skills required is so broad in insurance that you’ll be able to identify a specialty that intrigues you, challenges you and rewards you. To find out more about where in the industry your education would best serve you and potential employers, visit the Career Connections website. You may be surprised to find that insurance isn’t what you think. It’s a whole lot more.
www.career-connections.info
CRUNCHIN’ NUMBERS | SCHOOL FACTS
THE FRONT PAGES
It’s that time of year again. The air’s a little cooler and we’ve seen enough back-to-school commercials to last us until next September. With a brand new school year underway, we provide some post-secondary numbers to help you get right back into the swing of things.
Words Megan Santos // Illustrations Anthony Capano
SHOULD I STAY OR SHOULD I GO?
IN THE 2014/2015 SCHOOL YEAR,
1.7M STUDENTS ATTENDED A CANADIAN UNIVERSITY.
HOT JOB MARKET!
IN 2012, THE EMPLOYMENT RATE FOR GRADUATES WITH BACHELOR’S DEGREES WAS
87.6%
STUDENTS LIVING AT HOME CAN SPEND AS MUCH AS $5,000 PER SCHOOL YEAR, BUT STUDENTS LIVING AWAY FROM HOME CAN SPEND UP TO $11,000. 11,000
10,000
THE BREAK DOWN OF STARTING SALARIES FOR RECENT GRADUATES:
9,000
8,000
38% | $25,000 - $40,000 30% | $40,000 - $50,000 19% | $25,000 OR LESS 17% | $50,000 OR HIGHER
7,000
6,000
5,000
4,000
800,000
Jobpostings.ca | September 2016
OVER THE SPAN OF FIVE YEARS, THE NUMBER OF NEW JOBS FOR GRADUATES INCREASED TO OVER
3,000
2,000
1,000 2010
2011
Sources: cfsontario.ca, aucc.ca, cbie.ca, osap.gov.on.ca
CRUNCHIN’ NUMBERS
2012
2013
2014
HOME DINNERS
TV DINNERS
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ADIDAS GROUP | MAKING DIVERSE CAREERS POSSIBLE
Kelly Bowden
Dan Aversa
Six reasons why adidas Group offers a career without limits
Jobpostings.ca | September 2016
Since 1949, German sporting goods giant adidas Group has gone above and beyond to enrich lives through sport. Here are six reasons why you should join them!
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There’s a feeling you get when you watch a game. You could be watching the Olympics or your friend’s university volleyball match. Your team may win or lose. But that feeling often stays the same. It’s that special combination of both pride and unity. The adidas Group is the embodiment of pride and unity. It’s proud of creating trendsetting, record-breaking products that encourage people to live healthier and happier while playing together. And those who work for the company will tell you it changes their lives, too. Employees
live by the company’s core values — what they call their Six Pillars — which offer six solid reasons to consider building a career with adidas! 1 Sport changes lives The adidas Group understands that sport transcends race, language and cultural contrasts — that it gives the world a chance, however brief, to set aside its differences and play. Through sports, the company believes lives can be changed for the better. Kelly Bowden, Merchandise Manager, says working for the company cultivates an athlete’s mentality that has changed her life. “Sport and fitness have always played a prominent role in both my personal and professional life. In a marathon, or in your job, you never know what will get thrown at you, but instead of giving up, I learned to stay determined, and how best to adapt and adjust to the situation,” she said. 2 Careers without borders The adidas Group is committed to showcasing and bringing together international talents. That’s why it boasts opportunities in 92 countries! “I wasn’t expecting a huge life change, moving from Canada to the U.S.,” said adidas Technical Designer, Kelsey Marsh, “but it was like a whole new world to me. After I moved, I had many
SHOWCASE
Christopher Cheong
Kelsey Marsh
Words Greg Murphy // Images adidas Group Canada
Makoto Unagami
Alejandro Cardona
resources available to me, such as libraries and other designers with different backgrounds to draw from.” 3 Future workspace Fostering the most creative minds in the world means offering them inspiring workspaces. These include venues that allow employees to be active while they create — from CrossFit spaces, yoga studios and climbing walls, to running trails, volleyball courts and spin rooms. Dan Aversa is a Senior Manager of Brand Communications. He said, “The secret to success is simple: Be passionate, love what you do and have fun doing it. The adidas Group is fully immersed in this approach. The combination of fitness programs and personal development programs has allowed me to grow with the organization both physically and mentally.” 4 Diversity and inclusion
Makoto Unagami moved to Canada from Japan to work for the company. “The working style in Japan is quite different from Canada, and I’ve been able to combine my cultural and work experience. My love of sports has shaped who I am, helped define my career and has brought me from being a Sales Associate in the stores to a valued member of the design team at the adidas group headquarters.”
For sports to thrive, they need venues that aren’t at risk by manmade faults, such as pollution and waste production. The adidas Group has made a commitment to ensure its productions don’t endanger sports venues. Alejandro Cardona, an Ecommerce Platforms Operations Manager, says his work directly impacts the company’s mandate to conduct its operations sustainably. “My role consists of managing site operations for the Canadian market. Whether it’s an innovative online enhancement, a global product launch or a digital tool, what I do contributes to the sustainability and relevancy of the brand online,” said Alejandro. 6 Collaborating with those who inspire us Inspiration to do great work comes from working with inspiring people. Shaping tomorrow’s sports world with the adidas Group comes with the perk of brushing shoulders with sports icons such as basketball star James Harden and cultural icons such as Pharrell Williams. But meaningful collaboration with inspiring minds starts at the office level. Christopher Cheong is a Graphic Designer for adidas Group Canada. He says finding success in the company starts with the person working beside you. “Collaborating with others has given me the chance to meet other people within the office I may not have spoken to otherwise. It allowed me to work on projects that aren’t included in my day-to-day work life.”
Jobpostings.ca | September 2016
One of the best ways to solve problems is to listen to and learn from difference perspectives. The adidas Group believes the secret to success lies in the minds of the diverse many.
5 Sport needs a space
07
Words Clinton Leong // Illustrations Anthony Capano
INTERVIEW TIPS | How to prepare // SOFT SKILLS | TONE OF VOICE
INTERVIEW TIPS
What to prepare and expect at your next job interview.
Clinton Leong
Tell hiring managers about yourself, showcase your unique personality, how you connect with the company, and why this opportunity gets you excited.
Be curious
adidas Group
An interview is a mutual exchange of information, not a one-sided conversation. You’re encouraged to ask questions to get to know us better. At adidas Group, we want to make sure you’re fit for our company but, at the same time, determine if we’re fit for you too.
Do your homework Talented individuals are those who constantly practice to remain at the top. Don’t leave your skills up to imagination. Rather, explain yourself by giving clear and concrete examples. Visit the company’s website and social media channels; this is where you can find valuable sources to assist with your research. These websites showcase everything you need to immerse yourself in the history of the organization, values, and culture.
Relax and keep cool Showing up at the right place on time is very important! You’re encouraged to arrive 15 minutes early for your interview. This allows enough time to relax and experience the work environment. However, if for some urgent reason you are unable to make the interview, contact your recruiter right away so they can help make other arrangements.
Jobpostings.ca | September 2016
Be passionate
National talent acquisition specialist
BEFORE THE INTERVIEW
08
DURING THE INTERVIEW
Be positive As a general rule, complaining about your past managers or past company can show a lack of respect and loyalty. Tell hiring managers positive things you learned from past experiences and share how you improved.
Keep it concise Vague, winded responses often lead to stale and monotonous conversations. Provide details and examples on times when you excelled, what you learned, and even times on when you failed. This shows us your character, depth, and capacity.
Motivation At adidas Group, we recognize perks, benefits, and salary are important pieces of information that everyone looks for in a job. This is why we will not frown upon questions relating to benefits and salary. We do want to know what motivates and drives you. Tell us about the culture you’d like to be working in, the career you want to build, and what you’re looking for in career and personal development.
Dress to impress and for success!
AFTER THE INTERVIEW
adidas Group, for instance, is a sports company so our managers expect an understanding of the culture and a respect for our brands. On any given day in the office, you will find our employees wearing fashion-forward styles, sportswear, or business casual clothes.
Send a thank-you
Don’t be afraid to show your own style and to add some color to your outfit. Just one thing, make sure you remember to wear the right brands of shoes—seriously.
Reach out and send a genuine thank-you email to the interviewers. Acknowledge them for their time and reiterate your interest in the opportunity and the company. The email doesn’t have to be long, but make sure it’s grammatically correct and represents your personality and unique voice.
THE FRONT PAGES
Words Bonnie Laurie, Improv for Business // Image Jacob Ammentorp Lund
Hey! Watch your tone Capture the perfect tone-of-voice in conversations to help you nail your next interview. It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it. Tone-of-voice conveys far more than the actual words themselves. Tone dictates mood and meaning. How many times has an email or text been misinterpreted or taken out of context, simply because you weren’t able to show the emotion behind your words? We’ve all been there. When we speak, we’re able to portray our emotions and intentions behind our words. In today’s world, important discussions are far better on the phone or in person. Emails and texts often convey different meanings than when speaking in person and using intended tone.
Kind of tone It is important to use a neutral tone, and
Speaking pace Using the right type and amount of tone is also impacted by pace. Taking the time to pause for two seconds between thoughts allows you to speak slowly and gives you time to gather your ideas.
If you are discussing a potentially negative topic and want to sound more positive, speaking in a slightly higher pitch and softer tone could make you sound happier and positive.
Changing your tone-of-voice to rise at the end of a sentence or thought often makes you sound doubtful and unsure. We’ve all heard people sound like they’re asking a question at the end of a sentence when they’re really trying to make a definite statement.
Amount of tone
Change of tone
Using too much force or stress on a word could result in harsh tones, or could sound jerky. When you combine this with increased volume, this could result in an aggressive tone and could come across as confrontational.
To sound definite, make sure to have a lower pitch and a downward glide of your voice at the end of a sentence. To make your point sound more important, you can also add more force to the last few words of the sentence.
Not using enough tone changes could result in a monotonous voice, and can often reflect boredom or disinterest. To convey the right message, using a moderate amount of volume and stressing a select few key words is much more effective.
Balancing the right amount of tone changes—with the right words—takes practice. Improv for Business is an organization that can assist with learning how to improve your tone-of-voice to enable you to sound more effective and confident.
Jobpostings.ca | September 2016
Knowing how and when to use various vocal tones in in-person conversations takes practice and awareness. Tone refers to the volume of one’s voice—the amount of stress or force applied to a word and the pitch of the words. And pace often impacts tone as well.
change your tone when there’s a change in mood or when you want to emphasize an important point. Speaking loudly, with sharper tones often conveys an aggressive message, even if you’re just excited. A tone that is too soft can often convey doubt or sadness, even when you intend to sound supportive or thoughtful.
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Diversity & inclusion | At work
SPECIAL REPORT
Defining We’re celebrating what it means to be diverse and inclusive professionals in Canada. The country’s top companies are in on it—creating resource groups, implementing new recruitment strategies, and advocating acceptance. We share their stories.
WOMEN
Canada’s aboriginal community is rich in talent and they’re doing their part in voicing it to the rest of the nation. Page 13
These young women are taking charge and growing their professions within fields regarded as male-dominated. Page 15
LGBTq
Disability
Company-wide, Canada’s top businesses are continuing to encourage LGBTQs to bring their whole selves to work. Page 17
A disability shouldn’t stop you from sharing your talent. Canadian organizations are fostering this reality. Page 19
Jobpostings.ca | September 2016
Aboriginal
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The Nexen Student Connection
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DEFINING DIVERSITY | Aboriginal
SPECIAL REPORT
Words Greg Murphy // Images Triloks
A voice for the community The aboriginal community often goes unheard. These young journalists are changing that. How many stories do you think are worth telling across Canada? I’m willing to bet everyone you pass on the street will tell you something fascinating over a cup of coffee and a few free hours. Everyone has a story to tell, but for the aboriginal community, those stories are barely getting heard.
But for Maracle, the pros of studying toward his dream far outweighed the cons. He received financial and moral support for college through his Mohawk band and through the college.
News stories concerning the affairs of Canada’s aboriginal community are strikingly under-reported across the country. Between the years of 2010 and 2013, Journalists for Human Rights conducted a study in Ontario examining the share of news coverage the indigenous community received compared to the rest of the province. The study reports that 171 print and online news outlets published over two million stories between 2010 and 2013. Only about 6,000 of those focused on indigenous issues—a total of 0.3 per cent of total news coverage across the province. If you identify as an indigenous person who has a passion for story telling and a good challenge, now might be the best time to find a career in the media.
For Kimberly Cleave, an online producer for the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network’s Digital Drum website, working in the media has given her the opportunity to learn more about her métis background.
Rising to the challenge
“When reporting in Belleville, I was faced with covering some First Nations issues that affected me as well as some relatives. It was difficult for me to work on a story when people looked at me and asked why I wasn’t on their side supporting them,” he says.
“The past three years have been an incredible learning experience,” says Cleave. “There are things in media these days involving our culture, history, and things that have played out. I wanted to learn more about it—there’s no limitation to how much you can learn working in the media and within the native community telling their stories.” Cleave says if working in the media is something you’re serious about, take the time to explore all your options before making a final decision. If you’re an aboriginal person, Maracle advises you to lean on your band for support and never give up telling indigenous stories when it gets tough. “Don’t be afraid to take the risks and the chances. You will be faced with some adversity and stereotypes as an aboriginal person, but don’t let them stop you from pursuing your dreams in the media field,” he says. There’s a voice across Canada that’s barely being heard. There’s no stronger helping hand than that of a fellow indigenous media professional in giving that voice some breath.
Jobpostings.ca | September 2016
Riley Maracle is a member of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte. Originally from Wilberforce, Ontario, Maracle studied journalism at Loyalist College in Belleville, Ontario. He received real world experience in reporting issues concerning the aboriginal community, which he says was as challenging as it was rewarding.
The value of learning
13
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DEFINING DIVERSITY | WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP
SPECIAL REPORT
Words Greg Murphy // Illustrations YakobchukOlena
Women can game too Video gaming is no longer a boys club. Women are finding their place in the industry, too. Canadian video game developers can boast that their niche is one of the largest in the world. With about 16,500 Canadians working in the industry in 329 different operating companies, Canada leads the charge in creating digital play lands—contributing $2.3 billion to Canada’s GDP annually, according to the Entertainment Software Association of Canada. Being on the cutting-edge of this growing industry means you’re one of the best. But who plays on the team? Most of the industry’s creative geniuses hold college diplomas, while most of the technical and business sides of the industry are university grads. The average working age in the industry ranges from the early to mid 30s and most are men. In fact, about 80 per cent are men, while only about 16 per cent are women. Workplace positivity
Cook is an environmental artist who’s worked on games such as Assassin’s Creed Unity, Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Blacklist, Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Conviction, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game, Naruto: The Broken Bond, TMNT, and Open Season. She says the challenges reach across the board for anyone working in the industry, not just for women. “Technology and
Varying perspectives Women who work in the video game development industry have something different they can bring to the table, says Jodi Tilley, a professor in the game development program at Algonquin College. “Females bring a unique perspective to the industry—what types of games women and girls want to play and how they play games,” Tilley says. Take the game Minecraft for example. She says female gamers prefer playing the game more creatively than boys who generally prefer to play it in survival mode. “Females in the industry can be instrumental in helping design games with their perspectives in mind, hugely expanding the potential target audience for a game,” she says. If you’re a female with an aptitude for creativity, technology, and who loves playing games, don’t hesitate setting your sights on this innovative industry simply because most of your coworkermight be men. For 10 years, Cook says she’s reaped the benefits of working a job she describes as “extremely fun.” “It’s hard work, but it’s fun and rewarding to work in a creative and inspiring environment. The opportunities right now are many … Once you find a great role on a game development team, don’t be shy to speak up and give your input on an opportunity or challenge, and be open to constructive direction,” Cook says.
Jobpostings.ca | September 2016
So what’s it like being female in a male-dominated industry? We asked Ubisoft Toronto’s Cindy Cook: “Honestly, it’s been a positive experience for me as a woman in the games industry,” Cook says, adding she gets lots of support for what she does. “Ubisoft Toronto is a truly diverse team that respects differences in gender and culture. In fact, our leadership team at the studio is 50 per cent women.”
the games industry are always evolving. You always need to stay up-to-date with the latest software skills and consumer trends,” says Cook.
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DEFINING DIVERSITY | LGBT
SPECIAL REPORT
Words Jamie Bertolini // Images G-Stockstudio
LGBTQAlly Straight allies are big players in driving LGBT inclusion at work. As Canadian companies continuously strive for diversity, some have taken it a step beyond simply implementing LGBT employee resource groups, and have introduced allies within their companies. But to start, what is an ally? “Someone who doesn’t directly identify themselves as part of a certain community, but who is supportive of that community, whether it is in regards to race, religion, sexual orientation, or any aspect of diversity,” says Mallory Wood, senior category manager of Books & Magazines, Home & Entertainment at Loblaw. Specifically for the LGBT community within these businesses, these straight allies act as the ears and voices in promoting inclusivity and minimizing discrimination. In fact, allies are crucial players in the evolving mindsets of these businesses with respect to the LGBT community. Raising awareness
“Some people who believe they are inclusive sometimes say things off the cuff that we’ve said for years and haven’t recognized that we’re saying something offensive,” she explains. “I think part of raising awareness, too, is that you have to be cautious and conscious of what you say.” For Wood, in addition to her current role at Loblaw, she is also
She adds that allies are effective communicators since they are seen as unbiased observers. “This holds true when discussions regarding LGBT topics occur in the workplace or anywhere, really,” she explains. “People also tend to agree with the opinion of the majority. The more allies we can get to actively support the LGBT community, the closer we can get to being a truly open and inclusive organization.” Moving forward Because there’s always room for improvement, right? Vhal says that despite having the resource group available to all its Telus LGBT employees across the country, there are still some colleagues who are unaware it even exists. However, “they’re very interested to know and understand what it’s all about,” she says. “It raises awareness that there is still, in fact, a challenge.” Vhal explains that she sees her role as a straight ally evolving in the future. One way she plans to improve is by creating more ways to distribute information and spread the word—whether it’s by handing out brochures, hanging up posters, or promoting awareness through corporate events. At Loblaw, Wood outlines the need to strive to attract more allies to the organization. “Allies aren’t only important for diversity and inclusion,” she says, “but speaking from personal experience, they tend to also be great leaders.”
Jobpostings.ca | September 2016
Educating others is Cheryl Vhal’s primary goal as a straight ally with the Spectrum LGBT resource group at Telus. As the director of client service management, Vhal was first named an ally at Telus two years ago after she was inspired by her colleagues to join Spectrum, though also wanting to be a part of the change herself.
an ally for the LGBTA Loblaw Colleague Alliance Group—introduced in June 2014. She says getting other colleagues engaged is one of the key success factors. “The more colleagues who hear and are aware of what the LGBT resource groups is doing, the more successful the group will be in accomplishing its goals.”
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SPECIAL REPORT
DISABILITY | Gateway Association
Words Jana Gregorio // Images George Doyle
Career matchmaker These organizations have a common goal: Find the best fit between employer and job seeker. Finding a job can be a difficult, and it may be even harder for people with disabilities.
Once they find out the right industry and jobs, they begin the process of talking to employers and building those relationships.
According to Statistics Canada, the employment rate in 2011 for Canadians ages 25 to 64 with disabilities was 49 per cent compared to 79 per cent of Canadians without a disability.
The one thing the organization emphasizes is finding the best fit first, instead of placing someone in a job because it’s the first one available.
Gateway Association, a family resource centre that specializes in helping families who live with disabilities, is trying to change those statistics.
“We go through and see our job seekers, and sometimes they don’t have a fit,” says Aysha McRorie-Moreau, manager of employment relations. “We have people waiting to work, but if it’s not the right fit, then we won’t even put their names in because we don’t want them to fail.”
“There are just so many people out there that are so capable and are so beneficial to employers, and once they get hired they make fantastic employees,” says Renate Burwash, director of employment at Gateway Association. “They have a really hard time, sometimes, finding the jobs and finding what they’re good at, and we can help them with that.” The organization works with people who live with a cognitive disability—or pan-disabilities—focusing on a broader definition that includes people with any type of disability, such as intellectual or cognitive.
We Belong is Gateway Association’s employment program. Although they work with people with a variety of disabilities, most of their funding goes to people with unmet needs who don’t receive Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) funding. When people come in for help, Gateway first does an in-depth discovery process where they learn about the person’s history, interests, skills, passions, as well as the types of accommodations they need and the types of environments they work best in.
“This is a way for more employers to think about hiring inclusively and think about how many people live with a disability— or are connected to a disability—and care about where they spend their dollars,” says Burwash. How to get involved If people with disabilities want to get involved, they can drop by or call Gateway’s office and ask to speak with someone on the employment team. These professionals will then fill out a form with basic information, set up a meeting to discuss the process, and outline some expectations. Once they decide it’s a great fit for them, they’re scheduled as soon as possible. Right now, Gateway Association only provides services in the Edmonton area, but people from other parts of Canada can download their app through the App Store or Google Play.
Jobpostings.ca | September 2016
Employment services
Gateway also created an app also called We Belong that gives consumers quick access to businesses who hire inclusively.
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DisabilityAwards.ca Canada’s portal to awards and scholarships for students with disabilities
DISABILITY | FUNDING
SPECIAL REPORT
Words Midfa Chowdhury // Images Stuart Jenner
There’s funding for you Be sure to research your funding options as a post-secondary student with a disability. As a student with a disability, you have access to many funding options you may not even be aware of from your school and the government. Most Canadian universities and colleges have a department dedicated to assisting those with disabilities. They touch upon everything from mobility issues along with impairments that include vision, mobility, hearing, medical, and learning. Types of funding “York provides an institution-funded special bursary for students with disabilities who are enrolled in one or two courses,” says Marc Wilchesky Executive Director of Counselling and Disability Services. “There also are some private donor-funded financial awards that are available to students with particular types of disabilities.
The Bursary for Students with Disabilities (BSWD) and Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment for Students with Permanent Disabilities (CSG-PDSE) are the primary bursaries available to students with disabilities. “Provided that students qualify for financial assistance accord-
Making it accessible to all Nationally, post-secondary schools are making a greater effort to be more accessible and open to students. Regardless of your disability, schools are making this initiative a priority to accommodate all. “York [University] has a long tradition of working to reduce both physical and attitudinal barriers to learning,” says Wilchesky. “We have a President’s Advisory Committee on accessibility called “Enable York” whose primary purpose is to monitor accessibility issues and to make recommendations for improvement.” Furthermore, York University is only one of many schools that works with the Ontario government. Wilchesky adds, “The university has developed an accessibility plan consistent with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and monitors its progress in improving accessibility.” At the end of the day, funding is available for those with disabilities and it’s recommended that if you are a student with a disability, you research your options. There are plenty of resources that you can tap into.
Jobpostings.ca | September 2016
As a student, all you have to do is make the effort and gather more information from your school’s counselling and disabilities services. In most cases, students with a disability are even assigned a counsellor. Talking to a director, like Wilchesky, will be more than happy to help out and even provide assistance in educating in funding. This can be great asset to have.
ing to the criteria established by OSAP, students with disabilities are eligible for up to $10,000 annually to fund the cost of disability-related educational expenses.” He sheds even greater light on more funding available to students with disabilities adding, “The BSWD and CSG-PDSE are available to all students with disabilities regardless of the type of disability.”
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DISABILITY | SUPERSTAR
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Rugby is one of the most physical sports out there. When you add a wheelchair to the equation, the skeptics rise but the possibilities are endless.
Rugby on wheels. Wheelchair rugby is a sport that continues to gain popularity in the sports world. Similar to any other sport, wheelchair rugby requires hard work, dedication, and preparation. Garett Hickling is very much familiar with this concept. He knows all about the grind that elite, high-level athletes must endure. He explains wheelchair rugby by saying, “You have to try it to believe it. People are skeptical initially because sometimes they think it’s just people in wheelchairs hitting each other but, in reality, it’s very safe and skeptics end up respecting the game.” The person Hickling was born on September 18 in Mica Creek, BC. He was injured at the age of 16 when he fell off a 300-foot cliff and broke his neck. Initially, Hickling did some schooling in computer programming and worked in the field for a few years. Soon, his determination and drive to figure out his life’s purpose led him closer to his dreams of becoming an athlete. He found himself inching closer to playing wheelchair rugby, but only through starting off as a wheelchair basketball player. “I didn’t get involved in wheelchair rugby right away. I wasn’t aware of it. It just wasn’t a well known sport as of yet, but I did play some wheelchair basketball for a bit,” he says.
The competition element that came with the Paralympics, as well as a mixture of this new athletic challenge was a temptation Hickling couldn’t resist. In fact, he went right to work. To this day, Hickling works harder than ever—as if someone was coming to take his spot. His training regimen is exact proof of this. “I train six days a week. I always say that I am living the dream.”
The achievements Hickling’s success doesn’t just stop at the fact that he found his calling. His resumé actually speaks for itself as he’s achieved so much by playing the sport. “I have been, and currently am, a primary member of the Canadian team. I have three most valuable player championships, along with a 2002 world championship gold medal,” says Hickling. Additionally, he has won a silver medal in 2004 at the Paralympic Games in Athens, Greece and a bronze medal in 2008 in Beijing, China. As a major figure in the sport, he has even represented Canada in every major tournament for wheelchair rugby. He takes pride in being a leader and strives to be as involved as possible in the sport altogether. Some of Hickling’s greatest achievements will not merely be listed on a stat sheet, but rather outside of the game. He wishes to share his wealth of knowledge with others and also take a hands-on approach in growing the sport. As a result, Hickling moved to Southern Ontario to give back to the game as much as he could. “I always felt that it was time to give back,” he explains. “I wanted to give back my knowledge, so I moved down to London, Ontario about five to six years ago to get more teams developed.” Wheelchair rugby is becoming more and more popular. “In fact, during the 2012 London Olympics, the wheelchair rugby team played in the same venue as the Canadian Men’s basketball team and the Canadian wheelchair rugby team sold out [the event],” says Hickling. His efforts continue to pay off and it’s quite evident considering the growing number of players. Hickling is also happy to present that, not only is the number of players rising, but it is even showing through ticket sales and general financial growth. Hickling has a deep list of accomplishments—both in action and outside of the sport—but he will tell you he’s far from finished, and has much more work planned ahead of him. Regardless, his contributions to wheelchair rugby are both undeniable and inspiring.
Jobpostings.ca | September 2016
Just like that, sparks flew and his purpose was found. Soon the wheels were rolling in the right direction and Hickling was one step closer to his calling: wheelchair rugby, which he picked up in 1992. “Eventually I was introduced to wheelchair rugby. When I found out it was a Paralympic sport, I turned it into my full-time job,” he recollects.
Words Midfa Chowdhury // Ilmages Stuart Jenner
Against the odds: Paralympian Garett Hicking
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Words Kate Aenlle // Illustrations Hung Kuo Chun
A grad’s step-by-step guide to
the real world
The modern day job hunt is no longer just an apply-and-interview game. Jobpostings.ca | September 2016 25
REAL WORLD | THE MODERN JOB HUNT
You’re hired.
Jobpostings.ca | September 2016
For any recent grad, these are the words you hope to hear coming out of post-secondary. Landing your first full-time job means you’ll be stepping into what professionals (and your parents) call the “real world”—a huge milestone, to say the least.
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Today, the steps to landing a job are no longer black and white. As new grads, you must find ways to utilize your networks and find opportunities where you can best hone your skills. “Job seekers now aren’t searching for a job for life,” says Rebecca Dirnfeld, career consultant at the Ryerson Career Centre and Faculty of Science. Instead, she explains that these new grads will experience three turning points throughout their profession-
al lives: the foundational career, the mid career, and the legacy. This means new-age job seekers will constantly be looking for career developmental opportunities—not just in the foundational (or entry-level) stages of their working lives. To break into a career, you have to start somewhere. And the little things you do beyond the application form today, attribute to your overall success in the job hunt.
FEATURE
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Professional networking
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Personal branding
Particularly with online networking right at our fingertips, making connections now extends past its common social practice. Dirnfeld explains that according to Statistics Canada, roughly 65–85 per cent of opportunities are found in the hidden job market—a place typically tapped into through networking.
The recognized terms that fall under personal brands are your resumés and cover letters. Your application itself will supplement your shot at an opportunity, but won’t be effective enough without the creation of your personal brand.
To effectively build connections, “they can start by identifying their job targets—the jobs that would fall under each category,” says Dirnfeld. She explains it’s also helpful for job seekers to start by researching companies, and finding professionals within these companies that they could connect with.
To land the first job of your career, you need to convey your value proposition to employers and connections through your brand. To achieve this, you must be fluent in identifying your skills, qualifications, personality, and experience.
“It’s always good to remember that’s it’s not all about the quantity, but the quality of networks that you have, especially when you start out,” she says, suggesting new grads should find a balance between connecting online and face-to-face.
“We call that developing their ‘professional narrative,’” says Dirnfeld, “so they can speak to an employer, not just about what they have accomplished and done, but how it all comes together in a complete package.”
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Internships and co-ops
Post-secondary schools provide opportunities for students to gain work experience through placements. “Former interns, coop students, or summer work-term students account for over 90 per cent of the total graduate offers made. That’s a stat from the CACEE 2013 Campus Recruiting Report,” says Dirnfeld. She explains internships give students the chance to test drive careers to determine if it’s something they’d actually want to pursue after graduation. “They can hone and develop the skills they feel will be most valuable in the future.” To get involved, watch out for application deadlines, prerequisites, or consult with a program faculty member. In addition, your school’s career centres can assist in finding opportunities to gain work experience on campus. “If they aren’t able to enter into a faculty mandated internship, I would consider volunteer experience on or off campus.”
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Community involvement
Working for free isn’t the most appealing way to gain experience but, to an employer, it is attractive on your resumé.
“Students should consider volunteering as a way to not only be competitive with other candidates when applying for jobs, but to recognize candidates will have those types of experiences on resumés when they’re applying to the same types of jobs.”
Interview process
When all the effort you put forth building connections, honing your skills, and building your brand finally pays off, you now have to prepare for the next step in the job search: the interview. Dirnfeld identifies three key stages of an interview as the before, during, and after. “Often students focus mostly on the ‘during’ part. We recommend that students focus on all three areas, so that they can stand out to an employer.” Before the interview, you should conduct as much research as you can, think about the company and management styles, as well as research who you’d be interviewing with. Next, arrive early and be prepared to share your portfolio and respond to interview questions with statements that articulate both your accomplishments and results. Lastly, Dirnfeld says to follow up with a brief thank-you note and, with employers, determine next steps of the process. Moving forward, it’s important for new grad job seekers to remember the attractive skills sets of today, may not necessarily be the same for tomorrow. “For the job seeker, I think it’s really important that they keep looking into the future and consider what a future employer would consider valuable,” says Dirnfeld. “Recent graduates are going to go through multiple stages of career development as they age. I think job seekers have to constantly stay adaptable.” The interview three-step process Before: Research the company for mission, culture, and management style. During: Be prompt and professional, responding with poise and asking questions of your own. After: Send a thank-you email and leave the conversation open for hiring managers to share next steps.
Jobpostings.ca | September 2016
“The importance of community involvement is it expands the student’s perspective about the world around them, so they can develop the knowledge and skills to grow professionally,” says Dirnfeld. She adds that students and recent grads should find a cause they believe in, and one that will bring them motivation, happiness, and a sense of worth.
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Imagine a place that makes accessibility‌and your success‌a top priority For more than 20 years, The Glenn Crombie Centre for Student Support has been a leading disability resource centre in North America. The Centre offers a wide range of free academic and personal support services to ensure you succeed in your program and get the most out of your Cambrian College experience.
Academic and career advising Disability advisors Learning skills advisors Assistive technologies Counselling services Personal care rooms
To learn more about our services or to speak to one of our advisors: cambriancollege.ca/disabilityservices info@cambriancollege.ca
Preppin’ for grad | Leave your mark
EDUCATION
Words Midfa Chowdhury // Image Rawpixel Ltd
Three ways to leave your mark before graduation
Pay your dues and earn your degree—that’s the common way to experience post-secondary. What will you do differently? You want to make the most out of your time in post-secondary. The two-to-four years will breeze by, and you want to do something to show for it. While it’s easy to sit back and do what’s expected of you—show up to class, earn good grades, make friends—getting involved on campus can be rewarding and beneficial to your life after school. Below you will find three unique ways to leave your mark before graduating from school.
Join a club or school council This is an absolute must! Post-secondary is the time to meet new people and, most of all, grow as an individual. For example, running for school president is a fantastic way to build character. Joining school council requires campaigning and self-promotion. If you’re shy, here’s your chance to break out of your shell, talk to the people on campus, and find out the changes students would like to see on campus.
The possibilities are endless and you’ll see yourself growing socially. (Plus, you’ll have a cool group photo you can look back on.) Leave a student capsule Gather all of the items you won’t need by end of the semester, put them in a container, and bury it—even ask if it can
Making a capsule allows you to leave your mark by giving future generations a tangible taste of what it was like to be a student during your time. If anything, you can even make note to dig up the capsule years down the road, so you can reflect and look back on your time in school. This can be quite meaningful either way. Write for the publication This is another extraordinary way to leave your print—literally. Almost every school has a publication. Additionally, school newspapers are open to story ideas and always encourage freelance work as long as it’s connected to the school in some way. Once it’s published and printed, make sure to collect a handful of copies, and also keep the online link to the story as the article typically stays online for a long time. This way you can look back at your stories later and reflect on the issues at hand, your writing style, and be proud of the fact you contributed to your school’s history in some way.
Jobpostings.ca | September 2016
Build your base on the issues, take note of problems, and vow to fix them. You will make new friends, develop confidence, find yourself, and leave an impact at your school for years to come. Other options include joining a school sports team, or even other educational clubs in robotics, chess, or young entrepreneurship.
be stored somewhere in your school. The container can carry anything from old textbooks, equipment, photos, or letters.
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Shape the
FUTURE
FACULTY OF
Engineering and Design FACULTY OF
Engineering and Design
carleton.ca/engineering-design
FACULTY OF
Engineering and Design
Business school | Choosing where to go
EDUCATION
Words Jana Gregorio // Image shock
En route to business school Expert suggests finding a good co-op program or study abroad options when choosing a school. School acceptance is a nerve-wracking experience, even more so when you’ve received multiple offers and you have no idea which school to choose. Perhaps the biggest source of stress is picking schools, because choosing the right school will set you on a path for success in the future. Choose a good co-op program Having a good co-op program is number one on Wright’s list because it allows students to build their work experience and gives them a taste of the working world in their chosen field. “Good co-op programs will have additional programs that will really prepare you for the professional role,” says Barry Wright, interim dean for the Goodman School of Business at Brock University. “For example, at Goodman, we have a course that talks about what it’s going to be like to work in a professional environment. It will help students develop their CVs, and will work with students on interviewing skills.”
somebody else with the same degree,” explains Wright. “It’s the value added. What else have you done to show me you’ve been in a leadership role?” Consider international exchange Studying abroad is always beneficial because it gives students a global perspective—similar to that of the workplace. It shows students how business is conducted in other parts of the world. “It’s the extra value added, and raising your awareness of other cultures. You’ll be able to see some ideas there that might work quite well when you come back to Canada,” says Wright. Become a club leader Find a school with a lot of student groups and clubs. Joining a club and becoming a leader is another way students can apply their skills in a diverse environment. “The student club leader is part of the extended classroom,” says Wright. “There they can find their successes and if there’s failure, they can learn from that. It’s a low-cost environment that will allow them to learn transferable skills in a good environment.”
Opt for experiential learning
Sharpen your entrepreneurial skills
Experiential learning allows students to apply the skills, theory, and knowledge learned in the classroom to a real world setting. Essentially, they’re getting real work experience in their chosen field of study, which gives them a competitive edge.
Students are seeking more opportunities to create their own jobs, so applying to a school that encourages entrepreneurship will help students construct their own path to success.
Students may end up doing something for a not-for-profit organization or a small business. They might also find opportunities through student clubs or competitions.
“The world is everything entrepreneurial right now,” explains Wright. “Whether you’re looking to join a Fortune 500 team, they’re looking for people who have developed their entrepreneurship skills.”
“What students need to recognize is that once they come out of the undergraduate degree, they’ll be competing against
Schools with innovation zones who work with students to develop those skills have great things to look forward to in the future.
Jobpostings.ca | September 2016
Most co-op programs have a strong co-op office that will help students find those positions instead of students looking on their own.
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Words James Michael McDonald // Illustrations Anthony Capano
timeline | YOUR typical semester
Timeline of a typical semester Ups, downs, and everything in between: what to expect (or avoid) this semester. Weekend before Labour Day Buy school supplies. (Don’t forget to buy new everything. All that half-used stuff from last year won’t help you get anywhere, right?) “Recycled notebooks will help me gets A’s!”
First weekend Let loose! All that collecting of syllabi and underlining things is tough. Reconnecting with friends and filling them in on your summer adventures is needed. “I love school. And beer.”
Third week Finished some of your papers, but decide this is the perfect time to binge-watch Game of Thrones. It’ll only take... a while. Day planner is collecting dust on your desk. “Just one more episode.”
Midterms So tired. Running on some sort of exhausted pizza-fuelled adrenaline. Everything you write down seems to make sense, but then again, it could be delirium setting in. “Just keep writing. Write anything. Words are marks.”
Week after midterms Resolve to always stay organized. Remember the times that you used your day planner, things were so neat. Go to the library for a few days to play catch-up on assignments. “I can do this.”
Jobpostings.ca | September 2016
Finals
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Brain no longer has enough energy to care but you persist through the daunting challenge that is final exams. Begin celebrating in your head while you’re writing them. “I did it! Congratulations, me.”
First day of classes Be as keen as possible! Stay over-organized by using different colours of pen, your day planner, and post-its on your bulletin board at home. “This semester’s gonna be different!”
Second week Work harder than you’ve ever worked before. You already have four papers due and you’re ready to tackle them all. Colour-coding an elaborate work chart, then sleep early. “Colours help me think!”
Days before midterms Panic. Read all the books. All of them. All-nighters are needed, even if you spend half of it wandering Reddit. (At least you know everything about Game of Thrones?) “How is it midterms already!”
Day after midterms Sleep for 18 hours. “Zzz.”
time between midterms and finals On track. Occasional late nights Everything seems fine, except running low on student loan funds. Spend the next week eating only pasta. “Carbs are like fuel!”
Weeks after finals Sleep. Final marks are decent. Eagerness for next semester begins to build. Start cycle over again. “Next semester’s gonna be different!”
criminal justice fire services Human services Serve your community or serve your country. Protect the public or come to the aid of people in need. Whatever your motivation may be, Humber’s School of Social and Community Services offers the degree and diploma programs that can take you there. We are changing the lives of our students by providing critical work placements, extensive industry partnerships and a solid reputation across the fields of criminal justice, fire and human services.
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