Career Planning Guide 2013 by Jobpostings Magazine by jobpostings Magazine

1ST & 2ND YEAR

FALL 2013

GUIDE

Follow our GPS to interview success

plus Harness your super skills

HIT THE GROUND RUNNING

How new undergrads can get the most out of their first year

MAKE NETWORKING WORK FOR YOU | Busting the arts degree bias

Do you love leadership and justice?

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

THE FRONT PAGES

FEATURES 19 Fulfilling your first year There are plenty of ways to keep busy and social in your first year of post-secondary. Read on to learn how to make the most of your undergrad experience.

24 Better, Faster, Stronger Focus harder. Memorize better. Read faster. Google stronger!

ADVICE

06 Conquering the cover letter It’s the first thing your future employer will see, so be sure to include the right stuff in the right places.

09 The path to employment The interview process doesn’t start when you sit down in their office. We explain the many steps leading up to a winning job interview.

10 Busting the BA bias Why your BA can take you to more interesting places than McDonald’s.

13 advice at your career centre There are people at your college or university that are just waiting for you to ask questions about how to find a job. So go talk to them!

15 WORK YOUR NETWORK

Networking may sound like a buzz word, but it can be key in all industries to getting the dream job you want.

FALL 2013 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

THE FRONT PAGES INDEX

Masthead

WHOSHIRING

publisher

01 PwC 02 Nexen 07 Hydro One 12 Grant Thornton 18 Teck 32 College Pro OBC The Home Depot

schoolINDEX IFC Humber, The Business School, Paralegal 05 Ross University, School of Medicine 08 Ross University, School of Veterinary Medicine 14 American University of the Caribbean 17 American University of the Caribbean 31 Dalhousie University

Nathan Laurie nlaurie@jobpostings.ca

associate publisher Mark Laurie mlaurie@jobpostings.ca

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

editor James Michael McDonald jmcdonald@jobpostings.ca @mcjamdonald

ART DIRECTOR Anthony Capano acapano@jobpostings.ca

GENERALADs

DEVELOPER

23 Insurance Institute of Canada 29 Scholarships Canada

Mishraz Ahmad Bhounr mbhounr@jobpostings.ca

JOBPOSTINGS.CA | FALL 2013

AD INDEX

CONTACT contributors

Jamie Bertolini, Hillary Di Menna, Laura Eley, Caroline George, Naiose Hefferon, Nailah King, Emma Jones Emily Minthorn, Kevin Nelson, Alyssa Ouellette, Kyle Reynolds, Emma Woolley

national account manager Mary Vanderpas

EDUCATION ACCOUNT MANAGER Shannon Tracey

BRAND AMBASSADOR BERNIE connect@jobpostings.ca @careerunicorn Photos from istockphoto.com are used throughout this issue; individual artists have been credited.

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

Jobpostings publishes its Career Planning Guide annually. It is distributed to over 105 universities and colleges in Canada. Contents of this publication are protected by copyright and may not be reprinted in whole or part without permission of the publishers. “Planning is bringing the future into the present so that you can do something about it now.” – Alan Lakein

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ADVICE

COVER LETTERS

Conquering the cover letter Pushing through the tedium that could land you your interview. Let’s be honest: Cover letters are the worst part of applying for a job, (aside from the hours spent looking for one, of course). While writing a resumé is straightforward, writing a cover letter requires a little more personality and a lot more skill. Your cover letter has one minute—maybe two—to promote you to the “maybe” pile. That’s a lot of pressure. And since a cover letter is usually the first thing a potential employer reads from you, writing a bad one simply isn’t an option. Here’s how to increase your chances of success.

Follow instructions. Seems like a no-brainer, but applicants frequently overlook information given by employers in job postings. Read the posting several times. Employers usually say what to write in your subject line, and if they want your cover letter in an email or attached as a file. If it’s an attachment, you’ll want to send it in the format requested by the employer, (so no Word documents when they’ve asked for PDFs). If the employer hasn’t posted any information, it’s generally okay to write your cover letter in the body of the email and attach your resumé. Word documents are the most common file types, but saving as a PDF ensures your formatting comes through correctly. Applying to several jobs? Be extra careful. There’s nothing more embarrassing than accidentally sending the wrong cover letter. Never address your email: “Dear Sirs.” Write this and your email gets trashed. Your failure is two-fold: You haven’t researched the company you’re applying to, and you’ve assumed that the person you’re writing to is male. Even if you use the more innocuous “to whom it may concern,” your letter still says: “I’m not that interested in working for you.” Always address your letter (and email) to the name of the person receiving them. If you don’t know who that is, find out. Many businesses direct job applications to HR representatives via generic email addresses, but it’s not impossible to learn who handles the screening or hiring process. Write or call the company, explain you’re applying for a job, and request the name of who’s in charge. If you’re not willing to do that, you probably don’t really want the position. Don’t use your first-ever email address. We all thought we were clever with our adolescent pseudonyms, but most employers won’t hire a “punkfan978” or a “sweetbaby77xo.” When you’re applying for a job, you’ve got to use your real name. A straightforward email address shows employers that you’re profes-

JOBPOSTINGS.CA | FALL 2013

sional. If you’re really attached to that old email address, keep it. Just don’t use it when applying for jobs. Be the right kind of confident. The key to a good cover letter is to walk between “humble” and “super-confident.” Instead of listing everything you’re awesome at, highlight a few of the skills, traits, and successes that relate to your desired position. Strengthen your language by avoiding the passive voice and preferring shorter words to longer ones. It’s “use” not “utilize.” Overly complex or long letters tend to be dry and complicated. Employers won’t get past the first few lines. Proofead. Proofred. Proofread. Every article ever about cover letters tells you to proofread. I’m doing it again because it’s so important. Even the best of us make mistakes, so proofreading is always necessary. Unfortunately, typos, misspellings, poor grammar, and other egregious errors can get your application deleted after one glance. So check your cover letter again and again. And one more time after that. If your brain is dulled by hours of writing and job hunting, take a break. Save the email as a draft, leave your computer, and come back with fresh eyes. If you’re not skilled in spelling and grammar, have someone else read it for you. As long as you’re not applying on the application deadline (and you’re not, right?) there’s no need to rush. | Emma Woolley

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

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

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

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INTERVIEW PREP

The path to employment

Follow our GPS to interview success.

Research the company

No matter how much you think you know about a company, you can always know more. Bring your research with you and review it before the interview. Blair McMurchy, director of professional and continuing education, placement, and promotions at Humber College, compares attending an interview without research to marrying someone without getting to know them first.

PREPARE some Questions

At the end of an interview, you’ll usually be asked if you have any questions. Come prepared with two or three. Curiosity about the company will show you know your stuff. Also, ask them when you should hear back from them—should you wait days? Weeks? That way you’ll know when to follow up.

ADVICE

After months of applying for jobs, you finally got that call asking you to come in for an interview. Once you calm down and stop jumping for joy, panic sets in. What now? Interview prep begins the moment you put down the phone. You want to be comfortable and confident when you meet your potential employer. Here’s a handy interview checklist to keep you organized before your interview. | By: Alyssa Ouellette

THE WEEK BEFORE

Pick your wardrobe Decide what to wear beforehand so you have time to clean and iron your outfit. If you have a ketchup stain on your favourite blazer, it’ll put a damper on your mood. “You can never overdress, but you can always underdress,” says McMurchy. He also shares this tip for men: Wear a jacket and tie. If you feel overdressed, you can always remove the jacket.

Print extra copies of your rEsumé

Pack copies of your resumé with your portfolio. (Your interviewer might forget to print out your resumé.) You may even have multiple interviewers, so having extra copies on hand will make you look prepared.

THE NIGHT BEFORE

THE DAY OF!

Get directions

Make sure you know where you’re going. Know your travel time and take traffic into consideration. You don’t want to miss your interview because you took a wrong turn. Use a GPS, Google Maps, or even do a dry run beforehand to know where you’re going.

Compile a portfolio

Collect samples of your work to show your skills to potential employers. Only use your best, professional pieces—no one cares about your high school essay on Hamlet.

Go to bed early

If your interview is early in the morning, get your beauty sleep at a reasonable time. (Honey Boo Boo can wait until after you get your job.) You won’t feel too confident meeting your interviewer with bags under your eyes, and you won’t be able to field difficult questions if your head is still in dreamland.

If you follow these tips for your next interview, you should be good to go. “Preparation is key,” explains McMurchy. Going as prepared and knowledgeable as you can will boost your confidence. We know you can do it. Good luck!

Bring a pack of gum

That delicious everything bagel you had for breakfast may turn against you once your interviewer catches wind of it. Chew on a piece of gum before going in.

Bring a detergent stick

Crazy drivers are everywhere, especially during rush hour. This means coffees spills are inevitable. If you have a detergent stick on hand; you can get rid of stains and avoid looking like a slob.

Say “thank you”

Send your interviewer a thank-you note after your interview. It will help you look polite and will help them remember you. If you follow these tips in for an interview, you should be good to go. “Preparation is key,” explains McMurchy. Going as prepared and knowledgeable as you can be will boost your confidence. We know you can do it. Good luck!

Treat everyone with respect

“Treat everyone you meet in the office with respect, from the janitor to the boss,” says McMurchy. It would look pretty bad if you closed the door in someone’s face on your way in and that someone turned out to be the boss.

FALL 2013 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

ARTS DEGREES ADVICE EDUCATION ADVICE

Busting the BA bias In reality, the opportunities for BA students are endless.

Words Caroline George // Illustrations Anthony Capano

How many times have you heard a parent or older relative ask, “So what will you do with your [insert bachelor’s of arts degree here]?” You may answer through clenched teeth: “None of your business.” You may become reflective and leave the question unanswered. Or you may boldly reply: “My options are endless.”Any way you slice it, the question has got you wondering if you made the right choice. “I knew I wanted to be a police officer, so I focused on courses that would help me do that,” says Jason Hamilton, currently on the police force in Sudbury, Ontario. Hamilton majored in sociology and criminology at university. He says the foundation he received from his arts degree provided him with a wealth of knowledge and prepared him for different experiences, including a year-long stint teaching English in China.

“Employers recognize the fact that the arts student has a foundation to build on,” says Gerry Goodine, a career counsellor at the University of Western Ontario. Besides having learned transferable skills, such as problem solving and research, arts graduates

are self-reflective and make this connection when seeking a potential career, Goodine says. “The value of an arts degree is the ability to effectively learn and to be successful. It’s effective to communicate these skill sets. Arts studies widen your perspective instead of making you too analytical.” TransferRable skills Arts grads attribute their success to their adaptability and continued development of new skills, says Goodine, who often talks to employers looking for grads with bachelor’s degrees ranging from English to political science. “[Employers] create opportunities,” he says, adding he’s seen many newly-minted BAs volunteer to gain experience for the jobs they eventually sought and got. “Employers are really looking for life experience,” says Hamilton, who also volunteered before and after graduating. “Think outside the box” is Goodine’s advice to graduating arts students. “I ask them what kinds of skills they’ve developed that are different from other degrees…it certainly empowers them.” Besides being adaptable and creative, arts students are resource-

ful, says Charles Kovacs, director of the Centre for Career Services at Ringling College of Art and Design.“Through the liberal arts and training they get here, they have enormous flexibility to go potentially in any direction. Our students are working as visual designers and collaborators, not just in a studio setting but also worldwide.” So what can you do with a BA? Grads believe their arts degrees are highly prized by potential employers, says Kovacs, adding many have gone on to work in some of the world’s most prestigious companies, including Lucas Arts, CNN, DreamWorks, and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). That’s because BAs don’t just learn to think creatively, they learn how to think. “We infuse students with soft skills, creative problem solving, knowledge mediation, synthesis of resources, and services to come up with a hypothesis to identify ways of varying their research. Students are trained to use their skills as a basis for other things. There you see the strength of the liberal arts: flexibility. Especially in economies that change so frequently.” “We help students to learn transferable skills, but also to use what they’ve learnt through all their years of studying,” says Snjezana Linkes, also a career counsellor at the University of Western Ontario. Career centre staff guide graduating arts students through network events and career fairs created specifically for them. “Employers send their representatives and they find those skills that employers are looking for,” says Linkes. “Because of my degree, I’ve had access to higher quality jobs,” says Hamilton, who believes arts grads have infinite career options. The next time some nosy relative asks what you expect to do with an arts degree, you can artfully reply: “Anything I want.”

CAREER CENTRES

ADVICE

FREE ADVICE Career centres can help you score your dream job. When you were asked what you wanted to be when you grew up, the possibilities were endless. Princess, astronaut, or cowboy—salary and abilities didn’t once enter the equation. But now, as you’re knee-deep in your degree or diploma, finding your career path for the coming years becomes even more important. A career counsellor—or career practitioner, depending on where you live—can help you explore your chosen industry and find the best fit for you. We all have distinct interests, skills, and personalities, but we sometimes need help in identifying these attributes. This is where your school’s career centre can assist by saving you from any future square peg/round job role dilemmas. Career counsellors work with all students, from undergraduates looking for direction to postgraduates looking for a wage. That said, making use of the career centre earlier in your studies can help you identify your goals sooner, giving you more time to spend on actually achieving them. Professors are not always your definitive source of information. While they may be able to explain Newton’s Laws of Motions or the implications of Habeas Corpus, they can’t tell you who’s offering work experience or help polish your resumé. Aside from pulling apart that essay you just slaved over, teachers are rarely able to act as personal advisors. So, turning our attention to the role of the career counsellor, what can they do for you? To make successful career decisions, you need quality information, both about yourself and the industry you’d like to enter. Career workshops, as offered by almost all career centres, can help provide this information. Workshops are often one or two hours in length, will answer any of your burning questions, help you connect with other like-minded students, and build lifelong skills. For more personal and tailored advice, you can also book one-on-one appointments with career counsellors, offering home-baked cookies as a gift for their services. These individual meetings can provide

a good opportunity to draft an undergraduate action plan for your coming years, which may include extra-curricular activities or, more importantly, work experience. Today, work experience really makes all the difference in the open job market and career counselling can help you identify the right opportunities related to your specific career goals. Similarly, career centres can also help arrange job shadowing, which are shorter placements that can give you a sneak peek into the daily grind of your dream job. Your career counsellor will always steer you in the right direction, giving you advice on the best companies to target, their deadlines, and application tips. So rather than spending your summers decaying in front of the TV, you can use the free time to fill your résumé and network. Another buzz word: networking. It may provoke images of suits and powerpoints but career centres have now made networking with industry professionals a friendly and meaningful experience. Many career centres offer the chance for your school’s successful alumni to pass on their been-there-done-that experience. Another big calendar event in strengthening this link will be the career fair, where you can meet a variety of employers in an exhibitionlike setting. This is a fantastic opportunity to compare the offerings of your industry’s biggest players and make that all-important first impression. If you’re one of the more introverted individuals who dread any kind of meeting or (gasp!) interview, career counsellors can also assist in honing those people skills. Practice interviews with your counsellor can help boost your confidence. Ultimately, your relationship with your career centre should not be swept aside. The potential rapport should be embraced and nurtured as soon as possible. And unlike some relationships, they aren’t going to complain about you taking advantage of them just to boost your career. | Emma Jones

FALL 2013 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

IS PRACTICING MEDICINE YOUR CALLING? IF SO, WE COULD BE AN EXCELLENT MATCH. American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC) students are more than their test scores. More than their grade point averages. They have drive. Heart. Dedication. And they believe in themselves. We believe in them, too. And we believe in you. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re AUC.

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NETWORKING

ADVICE

Getting the work out of your network Networking is not just for business folks. Learn how you can connect with others to further your career. “Networking is only for business majors.” “Schmoozing is schleazy.” “I can talk to people just fine.”

tions start by giving someone else a chance to share their thoughts, stories, and goals. Sounds counterintuitive, non?

If you agree with any of these statements, feel free to go back to hovering over the chips and dip with your “plus one.” Keep pretending to text your friends. Maintain your rapt attention on the cat, the book collection, the ficus plant.

Consider a conversation where every statement begins with “I,” “me,” or “my.” These unfortunate interactions can’t help but be onesided. Conversations like these often cause loss of interest and a sudden need to find a bathroom or a desire to take up smoking.

Although it’s got a pretty bad rap, we shouldn’t write off networking based on its associations. This is one instance where you’re warranted to hate the player (the one stuffing his business card down your throat) and not the game.

On the other hand, a conversation where someone wants to know about you and hear what you have to say is often memorable, will almost always keep you interested, and is more likely to turn into a connection. These conversations are interesting for both parties and are the kind of conversations you want to initiate, since they’ll be the ones that will expand your network of friends and acquaintances.

True, “networking” is a highly charged word. To those who do it genuinely and effortlessly, it’s a way of life. But to the majority who struggle to make conversation with strangers, it’s a filthy, filthy term—an activity to be avoided. Negative portrayals have led us to believe that “working a room” is about harnessing your inner opportunist and manipulating people to achieve selfish goals. But let’s say you have a part-time job at a flower shop and your boss is looking to hire staff for a new location. If you just met someone at a party who’s studying botany, has a flare for design, and wants to work in a flower shop, would it be manipulative and opportunistic for you to mention that your boss is hiring? Of course not. Networking is the simple and rewarding act of making real connections, pushing the bounds of your social circle, and exposing yourself to different influences, experiences, and opportunities. And real connections are made not by pitching your ideas and accomplishments or selling someone else on “you” or “the product.” No, real connec-

Dale Carnegie, master connection-maker and bestselling author advises that “you can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.” Greg Armishaw, creative director at cirQlar Entertainment, agrees. “People are fascinating and, more often than not, they want to help you. Showing an interest and being an attentive listener in conversation will get you further than any business card ever will. You can just about hear them purr the minute someone takes an interest in another’s career choices, jeans, hometown.” Hm, but isn’t that kind of manipulative? “I don’t think so,” says Armishaw. “Life is hard. Any given day we’re guaranteed to encounter transit mishaps, banking errors, road rage, incidental douchery, even death. It feels good to make other people feel good, to remind them

FALL 2013 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

ADVICE

NETWORKING

of their strengths. And at its core, that’s all networking is: connecting with the good that’s in everyone.” And while you’re finding the good in everyone else, you might just be able to use networking to do some good of your own. Another mistake that people make is that networking is only about finding a job, or only about getting something for yourself. It’s not. When you form a network, you also become a focal point for others to get in contact. You can use your powers for good: connecting the right people to each other and letting everyone grow as a result. Understandably, you may still feel more comfortable leaving the networking to LinkedIn, so here are a few basic guidelines to get you started when you’re offline. Introduce yourself. You’re not the only one at the party who doesn’t know everyone. You don’t even need above-average charisma to talk to people. “Hi” and a smile will go a long way to break the ice and will let you direct the conversation. If you’re afraid at first, don’t worry. It gets easier and easier every time you do it. Ask questions. People love seeing that someone else is interested in them. Ask meaningful and relevant questions to take your conversation to places it may not have otherwise gone. Wouldn’t you rather talk about someone’s amazing trip to Japan instead of the hockey game?

Maintain eye contact. The eyes are the window to the soul! And eye contact (in Western cultures, at least) shows that you’re sincere and active in the exchange. Your gaze will naturally move around in conversation, but keep bringing it back. That’s the key and it gets easier with practice. Avoid empty compliments and insincerity. If you can spot a faker a mile away, anyone you’re speaking with will, too. Be real and be nice. Smile and be yourself. You’re not schmoozing; you’re trying to establish a genuine connection. You can’t do that if you’re not being the real you. And while you’re at it... Look for something remarkable in every person you talk to. While you’re sharpening your networking skills, don’t trap yourself in events built just for networking. Formal networking events are rare. You might get one relevant one a year from your campus career centre, and even then you’ll be competing for attention with all of your colleagues. Instead, make the world your network. Network opportunities are everywhere because, well, people are everywhere. If you’re just not feeling comfortable meeting a bunch of new people, try deepening your current network instead of spreading out a new one. Go to the people you already know and like, and learn new things about them. You might be surprised: hidden talents, secret aspirations, untold desires for the future. You can use all this information to help them realize their needs and help out when they need your talents. Odds are slim that any of the connections you make in first and second year will become immediate long-term career opportunities. If that happened frequently, we wouldn’t need to write this article. More likely, five or ten years down the road you’ll run into someone who remembers you fondly and gives you a lead, or recommends you for a job or connects you to someone else. So be open to forging meaningful connections, no matter how fleeting. Every conversation is an opportunity. Every connection is an asset. Every contact is an investment. Because as automated as our world may attempt to become, people and the connections between them will never be obsolete. It is the hum of human interaction and relationships that will forever make the world go ‘round. | Naiose Hefferon

JOBPOSTINGS.CA | FALL 2013

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

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

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FIRST YEAR

HIT THE GROUND RUNNING

How new undergrads can get the most out of their first year.

Words Laura Eley // Illustrations Anthony Capano & Akindo The courses are selected, the payments have been made, and the dorm rooms assigned. Despite months of preparation and hearing from every other adult how “This will be the best time of your life,” you’ve likely never been so excited while simultaneously terrified in your life. Even though your best friend may be attending school across the country and your lecture halls feel more like a gladiator arenas than classrooms, fear not, first-year undergraduate. With an open mind and a little adventure—that’s part of what university is about anyway—good things are bound to happen.

FIRST YEAR

Frosh week The inaugural frosh week, also known to many institutions as orientation week, is a time for socializing, school pride, and fresh starts. It’s also an opportunity to meet new people, explore your campus, and let loose. Whether you’re living on campus or commuting, this is the perfect time to gain an understanding of how your school community ticks and participate in social activities that might be otherwise unavailable.

Transition division, a part of Waterloo’s Student Success Office, says that “students build important relationships with their fellow first-years, upper-year mentors and leaders, staff, faculty, and administration.” Addressing the often steep learning curve first-year students encounter when moving away from home, she also says that orientation helps them “dive head-first into their university career knowing they are in good hands should they ever need a little help.”

Many schools run multiple frosh events for individual programs and colleges, like the University of British Columbia, for example, which runs events for engineering, science, and land and food systems students, among many others. Typical activities include scavenger hunts, barbecues, sports games, trips to the movies, grocery shopping, and themed parties.

Beyond Waterloo’s events, which include a mock casino-themed semi-formal (with acrobats and fire breathers!) Dunlop suggests that first-year undergraduate students also attend as many other networking activities as they can.

Residence Assistants (or Dons) also partake in first-week welcoming festivities aimed at introducing their new residents to campus life. As upper-year students, they’ll help you navigate the many events that frosh entails, and likely make you feel more relaxed about branching out too. The University of Waterloo runs an orientation week focused on helping students feel more comfortable transitioning from high school to university. Laura Dunlop, assistant coordinator in the New Student

“Start by connecting with at least one person in your community, whether it’s your new roommate, someone you met during orientation week or Student Life 101, or that person who has 8:30 a.m. psych 101 with you. Not only will you gain a friend, but the easiest way to meet people is through other people,” she says. Intramural & varsity sports Another great way to enhance your first year while warding off the freshman 15 (win-win!) is through university sports teams, both intramural and varsity. Intramural sports are common throughout most universities and require little to

no experience to participate in. They’re recreational leagues, designed to be competitive while still being fun. From co-ed sports like flag football, dodge ball, and ultimate Frisbee, to separate men’s and women’s basketball, hockey, and volleyball, most popular sports are likely to have an intramural division setup within your school. Typical registration requires forming a team, some paperwork, and registering within your school’s intramural department. If it’s your first year living in residence and you’re a touch uncomfortable personally approaching your dorm mates, a good solution could be to ask your residence assistant to spread the word. If you’re interested in participating in sports at a higher level, consider joining a varsity team. These teams require previous experience and knowledge of the sport, and can be a great way to continue high school or extracurricular sports interests. Andrea Bedford, a former member of the University of Guelph’s Gryphon figure skating varsity team, opted to try out at varsity level because she wanted to not only compete, but have an opportunity to improve through access to coaching. “Neither of these things would have been possible in the [recreational] skating club,” she says. It also proved to be an excellent way to meet other like-minded students with similar work ethics and goals. “My favourite part would have had to have been my teammates,” Bedford explains, adding “we supported each other on and off the ice, and I’m still in touch with them now, years later.” Something else to keep in mind is the considerable time commitment required to practice, play games, and travel to compete at varsity level. Bedford’s team, for example, had on-ice practice five days a week for two-hour sessions, and also participated in two to three off-ice sessions per week, involving either working out in the gym or walking through synchronized programs. Her suggestion to first-year students thinking about joining a varsity team is to contact the coach and find out more information about the team and available positions.

“While it is generally a big time commitment, if it’s something you really want to do, there is no reason you shouldn’t be able to manage a full course load along with the sport,” she says. “But be prepared to work hard!” Typically, information sessions and tryouts are slated for the September start of the school year. Keep your eyes peeled for information on your school’s varsity and intramural websites regarding signup dates, meetings, and deadlines. Student government & union The diverse opportunities available within your student government can be appealing to students of multiple disciplines, and the perfect way to get involved while also integrating positive change around campus. Passionate about social justice or sustainability? Wild for Habitat for Humanity? Student governments are designed to preside over student clubs while also dealing with the cogs and wheels of student life. “I was so involved in the community that getting involved with the UTSU perfectly complemented what I enjoy doing best— giving back,” says Cameron Wathey, 2013¬–2014 vice-president internal and services. The University of Toronto Students’ Union (UTSU) coordinates oncampus events and services related to the entire student body. Wathey first became involved with the UTSU after volunteering with other student-run organizations like the Cinema Studies Students’ Union (CINSSU). As an international student fresh to Canada, he was extremely nervous to step beyond his comfort zone. But, he cites his experiences within the students’ union as the reason his undergraduate experience came full circle. Wathey adds that a great part about being a student leader is “when a student tells you ‘thank You’ for organizing that event, schedule, or simply for standing up for them when their voice was drowned out.” For first-year undergraduates, he suggests taking extra steps in your extracurricular lives to embrace what your campus communities have to offer. If not an opportunity to get involved with programs related to your studies and interests, it will afford you the chance to meet interesting people and widen your social web.

Student newspaper Getting involved in your school’s newspaper provides an opportunity to network and build a solid portfolio of work. Most universities have their own, independent student-run newspapers with varying ways to participate. Enjoy writing? Newspapers typically feature sections for arts and culture, sports, campus life, and editorial, among other speciality columns. There is also a growing demand for them to feature social media, including blogs. Michael Lyons, an alumni writer for York University’s community newspaper Excalibur joined the publication with no previous journalistic or editorial experience. Becoming the queer and trans supplement coordinator dedicated to LGBTQ contributors and content, Lyons explains

Start by connecting with at least one person in your community, whether it’s your new roommate, someone you met during orientation week or Student Life 101, or that person who has 8:30 a.m. psych 101 with you. that the position “turned into one of the most intense few weeks of my life.” A theatre major, Lyons discovered that his experience with the newspaper not only taught him skills like patience, diplomacy, and flexibility, but also shifted his entire career focus. “The work that I did with Excalibur showed me I could combine three of my great loves—those being art, writing, and the LGBTQ community—into something I really cared about. I took the skills and lessons I learned, went out, and got an internship with a magazine,” he says. He now plans to pursue a master’s in journalism, and encourages first-year students to chase their interests. “If you love writing about video games, or feminist literature, or quantum mechanics, pitch something. Chances are the paper has a section for it and, if they don’t, it’s the perfect opportunity to create something new for them.”

Writing isn’t the only way to jump on the newsie bandwagon; student newspapers also require photographers, graphic designers, illustrators, comic artists, videographers, and copy editors. Check online to find information on how to join your school’s newspaper and keep in mind that while it may seem daunting, each current newspaper member is also a student and still learning. Some newspapers also offer general information meetings, a commitment-free way to check out what each position is all about, and maybe even score some free pizza. Specialty interest clubs Many special interests and hobbies can find a home in campus clubs and serve as platforms to mingle with other similarly focused students. A former member of Ryerson University’s Formula Racing Team, Daniel Alonzo first heard about the Formula Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) competition while he was still in high school. “Being a car fanatic, I had always set a goal to join [Formula SAE]” he says. Describing different roles assigned to students within the Formula SAE team, many of whom are in engineering, Alonzo also says that being a team member allowed him to meet students from other academic disciplines. “We had students from the computer science and commerce programs who would help promote the team to potential sponsors and to all student bodies as well,” he explains. Given the huge expanse of clubs available through most universities, finding something that sparks your interest is unlikely to be a problem. McGill University, for example, offers over 200 student-run clubs and services, a sampling of which includes Anime Club, MEDLIFE McGill, the McGill Quidditch Team, and the satirical publication The Red Herring. Alonzo accredits his club participation with giving him the opportunity to sharpen his creative thinking and problem solving skills. He also says it helped him prepare for a future career. “Students need to understand and realize that the real world is not always about good grades,” he says, adding “extracurricular activities give you that opportunity

FALL 2013 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

FIRST YEAR

to practice versatility and they also give you the skills to be a good multi-tasker and a critical thinker.” Have a browse through your school’s online club directory to see what is offered, and what catches your attention. If it’s something you’ve never tried before, it’s a great opportunity to at least give it a whirl. Peer helper program The Peer Helper Program is run through select universities, including the University of Guelph, the University of Calgary, and Carleton University. It allows students to grow and develop by helping their peers function better in their studies and around campus. Programs focus on a wide range of areas like Aboriginal Resources, the Centre for Students with Disabilities, English Language Programs, and OffCampus Living. Coordinator of student development and first-year experience programs at Carleton University, William Johnson facilitates the Peer Helper Program’s marketing and hiring in and around campus.

“This program is meant to enrich both the academic and non-academic experience [of] participants,” he says. Peer helpers are connected with environments both in and out of the classroom, and are given the opportunity to “gain valuable skills, leadership, and career-related experience through training, professional development, supervision, evaluation, and the delivery of services and programs to fellow students.” For first-year students already adjusting to a variety of new factors, Johnson recommends they “think about where, as in what specific office, they might be interested in becoming a peer helper and then getting in touch with the key managers and coordinators.” He also adds that being proactive is one of the best ways for them to establish themselves amongst their peers. To find out if the Peer Helper Program is offered through your university, take a look at your school’s website. If it’s not incorporated, try searching your school’s student life or student success offices for opportunities to engage with other students around campus. While the first few weeks as a first-year student can certainly be intimidating, the best solution truly is to force yourself from the

JOBPOSTINGS.CA | FALL 2013

dorm room, away from Facebook, to try new things and meet new people. Remember to have fun and that you are not alone in your intimidation or fear of being awkward (and, despite how good they may be at hiding it, your fellow students feel the exact same way). By trying new things, you are in fact helping yourself to grow. In doing so, you’re destined to impress yourself with things you never dreamed you would do.

SUPER SKILLS

JOBPOSTINGS.CA | FALL 2013

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

Words David Tal // Illustrations Various Artists

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

FALL 2013 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

SUPER SKILLS

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

NOT EASILY CONVINCED? Need Proof? Try this exercise!

MEMORIZE BETTER

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

Lifestyle habits to improve your memory WHAT

WHY

HOW

FOOD

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

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

ACTIVITIES

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

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

BREAKS

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

Rest, exercise, walk

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FALL 2013 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

SUPER SKILLS

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

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

GOOGLE STRONGER

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

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

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

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

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

Excludes this term from the search

Shows all results from the selected time range

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

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

JOBPOSTINGS.CA | FALL 2013

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

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

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

SUPER SKILLS

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

JOBPOSTINGS.CA | FALL 2013

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

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

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

If success is a journey, welcome to the passing lane

Corporate Residency MBA You will be motivated, encouraged, inspired and challenged by others just like you – ambitious student leaders on their way to success.

dalmba.ca

Dal CRMBA Progress Job Postings • Half Page Horizontal, 7.125 x 4.75 inches with bleed Art Due Wednesday August 21 • Print date: ? Booked by Colin Craig, 494.3610 • Job Postings contact: Shannon Tracey, stracey@jobpostings.ca Ad artwork: Design Services, 494.3636 or design.services@dal.ca

FALL 2013 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

THE BACK PAGES

COLLEGE PRO

Nicole Gallop COMPANY: College Pro Position: General Manager EMPLOYED: 3 years Degree: Bachelor of Arts What is a rewarding part of your job? One highlight is when a manager successfully accomplishes all their “firsts” in their business: booking their first job, hiring their first employee, and producing their first job. There are also the satisfying moments when everything is working smoothly in your business and you know you created it all. What skills have you learned through your work experience? There are infinite skills I’ve learned: sales, marketing, interviewing, training, priority management, conflict management, business financials. Every aspect of my life has been influenced by running my own company.

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MAKING IT TO THE TOP Wondering how to get there? Read on to find out how this young professional is succeeding in the business world. Where did you go to school? What program did you attend? University of Alberta, with international exchanges at the National University of Singapore, University of British Columbia, and Vanderbilt University. I received an individualized major through international studies with a drama minor. What drew you to your field? The opportunity to develop my leadership abilities, personal growth, and financial freedom. How did you find your position? My brother was involved with College Pro for two years when he was in university, and I wanted to be like him. They spoke in my class about the opportunity and I put my name down to find out more information about it.

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

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.