Triumphs and Tragedies A day in the life of a police officer
&
Evolution of the Claims Adjuster Spot the fraud, save everyone money
What happens if you don’t find a job for months and months after you’ve graduated? Is it your resume? Is it your interviewing skills? Is it your lack of experience? Do you need to go back to school to take a more “practical” program? It certainly doesn’t help that the longer you are unemployed, the harder it becomes to get employed. We tell you how to manage yourself during this time, and where to go for help.
| summer 2011 | careers. education. ideas. all of it.
BUSINESS DEGREES BUSINESS DEGREES IN: Accounting e-Business Marketing Fashion Management Human Resources Management International Business Tourism Management
business.humber.ca
16
who’s
hiring
when you don't get the job
Hey. Did you know that these companies have lots of entry level positions? Visit their websites to see a full list of positions available.
3 Canon 7 College Pro 11 The Home Depot 11 GP Car and Home 15 Match Marketing Group 15 The Iron Ore Company 15 Investors Group 24 Ottawa Police Service 24 The Dominion 27 RBC Insurance
yay! more school
IFC Humber, The Business School (Undergrad) 9 Centennial College 27 Humber, School of Social and Community Services 27 Hult International Business School 29 Seneca College 29 Toronto Institute of Pharmaceuticals 30 Humber, School of Media Studies and Information Technology 30 Queen’s University 31 Brock University 31 Canada’s Automotive School of Business, Georgian College 31 Centennial College 31 Conestoga College 31 Fanshawe College 31 Ithaca College 31 Queen’s University 31 Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry 31 Sheridan College 31 Trent University OBC Algonquin College
Image: © iStockphoto.com/WendellandCarolyn
who else?
6 21
Insurance Institute of Canada Insurance Institute of Canada
stuff to buy
5 Rogers Wireless IBC Excel
jobpostings.ca | summer 2011
Global youth unemployment has hovered at historic highs since the economic collapse of 2008, and jobless rates among 20-somethings are stuck firm at twice those of older demographics. That's some dark stuff, especially when you consider the disturbing and very real links between depression and joblessness. Here’s how to get off the couch, and stay positive.
4
22
Success Story — James Carney
Triumphs and Tragedies —
of Investors Group assures us that
A day in the life of a police officer
a rocky start does not have to de-
in one of Canada’s busiest and
Rent-a-Car helps us out with a
fine your future success. Brought
largest police forces.
real tough interview question.
to you by Rogers Wireless.
25
6
The Rule of Law
— Crown
From our blogs —
counsels are our front-line de-
Your eat, sleep, survive guide
fence against criminal and civil
to exams.
threats to our society. Inside this
30
underappreciated, but highly im-
Edu-ma-cation — Go Planet! Degrees in Sustainabilty pick up where the Captain and team left off.
of Taking a Vacation.
10 careercupid — Tips for avoiding a square peg, round career.
12 soft skills
— Perception is
28 Evolution of The Claims Adjuster — The ongoing
co-workers thinking you’re a
tive work of an insurance claims — The Art and Science
Erin Marsden from Enterprise
reality, and those awkward first
learning and specialized detec-
32 JobLife
portant career.
8 interviewsmarts —
adjuster.
few days at work can have your weirdo (When really you are the coolest cat ever!).
14 startup
— Mike Wahl, co-
owner of Definitions Wellness Safety Services, talks about health, oil rigs, and old Scottish sayings.
1
our favourite quote this month:
nlaurie@jobpostings.ca
From Packing Up the Pity Party, (page 16)
editor’snote Jason Rhyno
through any long-term period of unemployment. One of the
new grads to find jobs— several, long, frustrating, suck-filled
your friends and family close to your chest, something that
studied something that is in high demand; one of those programs that literally guarantees you a career. (Arts grads, this editor's note is mandatory reading. (Also, congratulations on making it into your career centre. Better late than never.))
The real kick-in-the-teeth about being unemployed after graduation is the fact that since, well, ever, we’ve been told that having a degree is the proverbial key to the lock on our
dream career. As Dana Bryce tells us in this month’s feature story, “That sucks.” Nothing stings worse than the feeling
you’ve been lied to your whole life. But wait: it gets worse. The longer you are unemployed, the more unemployable you become. As the weeks and months slowly stack up, it
will become increasingly difficult to re-write your cover let-
ter, attach your resume, and compose a passionate email. Wait till month ten when a very special type of existential de-
spair moves in, and you begin re-examining your life and the choices you made, like how you almost took Math but opted instead to read poetry for four years. Plus, many of the job
search strategies that are advertised as the sure-way to employment heaven don’t easily apply. How can you network
at industry events when you aren’t actually working in the
industry? And if you do get into a networking event, what do you say when someone asks “Where do you work?”
Our feature story answers many of those questions, and will hopefully provide you with some markers for navigating
2
associate publisher Mark Laurie mlaurie@jobpostings.ca
editor Jason Rhyno jrhyno@jobpostings.ca
graphic designer Sonya van Heyningen svanheyningen@jobpostings.ca
web editor Simone Castello scastello@jobpostings.ca
contributors Christine Fader, Ross Harrhy, Erin Marsden, Emily Minthorn, Allison Mitchell, Kevin Nelson, Jeff Sebanc
editorial intern Andrew Williams
Not everyone starts a career the day after graduation. In
months. Unless, of course, you are one of the lucky few who
publisher Nathan Laurie
"Asked to picture themselves at work, working, almost everyone hesitates. And if you don't know either, well, it's time to get out there and find out."
fact, it usually takes a several months for the majority of
jobpostings
most helpful points it makes is the importance of keeping
national account managers Sarah-Lyn Amaral, Lori Blanchard, Mary Vanderpas
cannot be stressed enough. It’s also important to be a good friend, especially if you are the one that lands the job first.
This can be difficult. You’ll be starting a new job, which means
a new schedule and new friends. Your unemployed friends weekends, or perhaps not working at all. Your new, shiny life
Published by Passion Inc. 25 Imperial Street, Suite 100 Toronto, ON M5P 1B9
and this can put a strain on friendships. Your friend won’t be
jobpostings.ca 1-877-900-5627 ext. 221
may be working different hours than you, say evenings and
will want to drag you away from your rusted, old school life,
able to go out as frequently as you; they won’t be able to afford those dinners and drinks and movies and weekend trips to NYC. You will have to work harder to make time for them.
You will have to be sensitive of the fact that you have a great job and they do not. You’re going to have to curb vocalizing your new job enthusiasm too, uh, enthusiastically. “This is so
awesome! I got this wicked assignment today that, if it goes over well, could have me promoted within a year!” Tell it to
your mom, not your unemployed friend. Even if your friend
isn’t the type to be hurt by this, do it out of respect. However, be sure to share inside information if they are trying to get into
the same industry as you, and, if you can help them get a foot
in the door, do it. Why wouldn’t you? Help them with their resume and cover letter, go with them to career fairs, send them job postings — basically, be a good a friend. As always, best of luck, and stay positive. P.S. Ross, Glen and Thom: thanks.
jobpostings is published eight times in the school year. Issue dates are September, October, November, January, February, March, April, and May. Copies of jobpostings are distributed to over 105 universities and colleges across Canada. Contents of this publication are protected by copyright and may not be reprinted in whole or part without permission of the publishers. Hey, it's summer! Work on your cover letter and your tan. Multitasking!
on the cover: © iStockphoto.com/ WendellandCarolyn
summer 2011 | jobpostings.ca
Why work for a Fortune 500 global leader employing more than 166,000 people with offices across Canada? Why experience first class training, compensation, rewards and benefits? Why grow with an organization as diverse as its employees? Why explore opportunities in imaging including Business Solutions, Office Equipment, Consumer, Medical and Broadcast products? Why enjoy a career with a technological leader invested in social responsibility and the environment?
Because You Count
View career opportunities: www.canon.ca/careers
Apply now: becauseyoucount@canada.canon.com
successstories James Carney Company
Investors Group Financial Services Inc.
Position
Division Director & Executive Financial Consultant
Length of employment 4 years Degree
Honors BA specialization in Geography. CFP, CLU
Where did you go to School? What program did you attend? I went to York University. I was somewhat unsure what I wanted to do, so I took a variety of courses over the four years I spent in undergrad but I chose to specialize in Geography. While I was at university, I played hockey for the York Lions which was an integral part of my school experience and helped nurture my work ethic, discipline and perseverance.
How did you find your current position? I was introduced to Investors Group by an Investors Group Consultant. When I first began, I was hired as a financial advisor. After demonstrating an ability to coach and lead others, combined with individual success in building my practice as a financial planner, I was promoted to the role of Division Director, where along with my own financial practice, I also lead a team of consultants.
Tell us a bit about your responsibilities: I manage an existing client base as well as continue to grow the number of clients I serve. The new responsibilities that I took on when I was named a Division Director revolve around the hiring, training and mentoring of new consultants. Today, I currently lead a team of more than ten financial advisors. And those financial advisors have a client base that they serve as well.
What is the most challenging aspect of your position? Managing the time and focus it takes to run my practice and coach my team of financial advisors successfully.
What is the most rewarding part of your job? One of the most rewarding parts is developing lasting relationships with clients and creating a personalized financial plan that allow each client to reach their financial goals and dreams. And a lot of those clients have become close associates and friends of mine. But what I really like is the flexibility and independence of the career, because while I am with In-
Sponsored by
vestors Group, I’m really the one accountable for my own success and career advancement, and I’m not limited by people ahead of me with more seniority.
What skills have you learned through your work experience? For me, I actually started down the path of being a teacher and decided early on that it just wasn’t right for me. Tenacity and perseverance are crucial when you first embark on your career path. A rocky start does not have to define your future success, and having a challenging start in the beginning allows you to discover what strategies create the biggest successes.
What do you think it takes to be successful in this career? To be successful in this business, you need to be a driven self starter; personable — someone who is able to develop a rapport easily; innovative so that you’re able to build a client base through creative marketing strategies. An individual who exhibits a commitment to hard work, dedication, persistence and integrity. These qualities are crucial in the path to success in this field.
Is there one accomplishment you are most proud of to date? Earning the 2009 and 2010 Presidents Club Award which recognized me as one of the top consultants with Investors Group in Canada based on new business. But what really brings me personal satisfaction is that people I met as clients have now become some of my closest friends.
What advice do you have for students looking to land their first job? Pursue a career in the field that you’re passionate about and one that will be both challenging and rewarding.
rogers.com/careers/campuslife
THE WORLD’S FIRST PLAYSTATION CERTIFIED ®
THE XPERIA PLAY TM
androidseverywhere.ca The Android robot is modified from work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License. TM ©2011 Rogers Communications.
from our blogs | 04/11/2011
Eggs: Boil 'em, poach 'em, scramble 'em, eat
'em. They're good for you.
Nuts: Pick up a medley of almonds, pea
Eat, Sleep, Survive your
nuts and walnuts... but try to keep away
from the salted options.
Fish: Choose options such as salmon and
sardines, which are rich in Omega-3s.
Veggies and salads: Buy veggies you can
pick at easily, like baby carrots and peppers.
guide to exam season
Make friends with salads, because leafy
greens will always be good to you.
part eat
find more @ jobpostings.ca/blogs Looks like it's that time of year again. Time to
It's a known fact that when things get tough,
put away the party hats and hours spent sleep-
we turn to comfort food. Whether it's that pint
ing in, and break out the lecture notes and un-
of chocolate chip ice-cream in the freezer, or
ending stream of caffeine (bad habit). Exam season is upon us. This is the point where daily habits go flying out the window, only to be replaced by survival mode for the next few weeks.
chocolate bar at the first signs of stress.
Consider rich, dark alternatives. Dark
chocolate is packed with antioxidants,
which are good for the body.
Water: You're not getting enough H O. Trust 2
all starts to look like one yummy buffet when
packing away the recommended suggestion
we're stressed.
of eight glasses a day, you're probably max
ing out at about four. It's easy to lose sight of
this one. Keep yourself hydrated. It's a good
idea to purchase a trendy, clear water bottle,
so you can see how much you're drinking,
and you'll also know when it's time to fill up.
So here's a handy tip: Before you set off on your ping, and stock up your shelves and fridge with
of sorts, to help you cope with whatever stress
healthy options, because let's face it — you
might come your way. Welcome to Your Eat,
know you're going to snack/stress eat. Here are
Sleep, Survive Guide to Exam Season! We'll be
9 foods you should consider.
providing you with useful information when
Yogurt: You can eat it plain, or mix in your
help you cope, as you tackle exams.
If you're like me, you'll run to your regular
that questionable week-old fried chicken, it
come up with a handy survival 'care-package'
Sleep, Survive), you'll find tips and advice to
chocolate: Chocoholics, listen up:
me on this one. Even when you think you're
exam adventure, be sure to go grocery shop-
stress habits. Broken up into three parts (Eat,
at, like grapes and berries.
No worries! We've got you covered. We've
it comes to dealing with your food, sleep and
Fruits: Again choose options you can pick Dark
by Simone Castello
6
favourite fruits or granola.
Oatmeal and other whole grain cereals:
These are awesome sources of fibre.
On that note… try to limit your caffeine intake. Seriously. I know you think coffee is essential at this time, but if you overdose on caffeine and limit your water intake, you'll become dehydrated. And that will cause a whole whack of other problems you probably won't want to deal with right now.
summer 2011 | jobpostings.ca
You’ve got potential. We’ve got jobs.
It’s time to unplug, get outside and do something. With College Pro, you’ll get to spend a physically active summer working outside with your peers. Yes, it’s work. And it’s also fun.
1-877-277-9787 collegepro.com Find out now about summer jobs available in your area!
So you screwed up in the interview, huh? They asked the ol’ “What’s your greatest weakness” question and you responded with “cupcakes,” hoping to get a laugh. Awkward. Lucky for you we have friends on the inside – recruiting friends (the people who’ll be interviewing you). It cost us a few favours, but they finally agreed to explain why they ask what they ask, and what the best answers are. It’s a cheatsheet for interviews. Good luck!
* interview
smarts
by Erin Marsden Talent Acquisition Manager, Human Resources
Q A
Tell me about a time where you’ve had to sell someone on a product or an idea?
I ask this behavioral question because it tells me how you would respond to a similar experience you’ve already encountered. Many candidates struggle with this question if they are either unprepared or they have not had the experience of selling. What I am looking for is the specific situation, the task, the action and the result of the sale. To prepare your answer, read through the job posting with a highlighter. Take note of key phrases or words, and anticipate questions that your interviewer may ask. For example, you’re applying for a sales position and you’ve never worked in sales. What next? Try to think of any volunteer or school experience that will demonstrate your ability to be persuasive. You may also think of the time where you had to convince your classmates at school that your idea was the best! How did you convince them? Be specific, with as many details as possible, and come prepared with more than one example. Many candidates sail through one behavioral sales question but trip over others, like “Tell me about another time where you had to overcome a customers’ objections to generate the sale?” The last thing you want is to look dazed and confused in front of the hiring manager. Be prepared! It is very important to clearly explain the task and what action you took in order to close the sale. Too many candidates explain how their manager dealt with the situation. I’m interested in how you would handle any objections, think on your feet, multi-task and exhibit leadership qualities. Finally, what happened? Did you make the sale? What was the result? If you had the situation to do over, would you do anything differently? You should always anticipate follow up questions. Remember, it’s okay to think before you speak. Take your time, frame your answer using the STAR principle: Situation, Task, Action, Result … and speak with confidence!
@ Enterprise Rent-a-Car
summer 2011 | jobpostings.ca
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To discover more about these programs: • email: BusinessPD@centennialcollege.ca • phone: 416-289-5000 ext. 2297
I admit that we stared and
to find a fit for yourself.
helps people recognize you
sometimes, there was gig-
Yes, this is work, not a
in the street and want to
gling. But there was also an
pajama party or the Jersey
undertone of admiration for him. Some days, he would
Decide how much risk you’re willing to take
work with you or introduce
(are you narrowing
Shore but we also need to
you to their hot, available
your audience
remember a crucial part of
friends, is different from all
too much?)
show up in the cafeteria
presenting our profession-
the other applicants.
wearing lime green from
al selves: the “selves” part.
Learn from the
head to toe. Other days,
If you completely morph
response and adjust
it was pastel pink. There
into some sort of weird job
is in your current cover
accordingly (does it
was always an outrageous
search version of yourself,
letter? If your parents wrote
make sense to keep
(and colour-coordinated)
you’re creating a fake
your current resume and
doing this?)
hat. This professor was
impression with the people
definitely expressing his
you meet. Do you want to
personality at work.
have to fake it every day at
career cupid
coached or infused with
tips for avoiding a square peg, round career
If you haven’t already been
by Christine Fader
8
work for months or years on end?
So how much of that “voice”
cover letter (a very common situation for students), the answer might be: not so much. In fact, you might be sounding like a 47-year-old plumber or teacher — with
ideas about “appropriate”
Bringing bits of ourselves
excellent “leadership” and
work behavior and attire,
to work can start from the
“teamwork skills” of course
you soon will be. It is,
very early interactions. For
— on paper.
naturally, important to un-
example, I recently talked
derstand that the potential
to a group of students
impressions you’re making
about re-thinking their
with how you dress and
cookie-cutter cover letters.
what you say (or write,
If a cover letter is your first
tweet or blog) can affect
conversation with a poten-
your chances of getting
tial employer (and hopeful-
hired and promoted. But, it
ly, most of the time, it isn’t),
can also help to know that
this is your first chance to
in addition to conveying
introduce yourself, make
to employers how you can
a connection and test out
add value to and positively
a fit. It’s similar to the first
represent their organiza-
email or text you send to
tion, you’re also trying
the person your friend set you up with before you go on a blind date.
your fit with a type of work and an organization. Many times, you will need to
communication in order to connect with a wider
graph of many cover let-
range of opportunities.
ters, they were astounded.
You may also want to ask
The Beetle is a relevant
yourself: “Will I (and my 37
metaphor for the kind of
hidden tattoos) be happy in
work I do so it’s not just
an organization that’s the
an off-the-wall gimmick to
epitome of the black suit
grab the reader (although
and briefcase brigade?”
it works). The real reason for the Beetle is that I’m a bit goofy, and over the years I’ve learned that I am happiest and most suc-
a list of skills and qualities
a result, part of the way I
you bring to the table
start to test my fit with an
(parroted back to them
organizational culture is
from their job ad, if there
to reveal a tiny bit of goofy
was one). There’s the
in my cover letter. Y’know
requisite “I found your ad
– professional, relevant
on greatgigs.com”. But,
goofiness and bearing
you’re NOT the same as
these… ahem…“goofy
the other people trying to
guidelines” in mind:
YOU, the part of you that
is still a key ingredient to
Beetle in the first para-
set, rather than a flaw. As
similar experience but
be immediately obvious but
with your appearance and
exactly the same. There’s
age. Maybe you even have
uniqueness that may not
my 1973 Volkswagen
people where that is an as-
and be roughly the same
of Green Day, you have
make some compromises
cover letters sound almost
from the same program
hair or are merely a fan
students that I write about
cessful in places and with
you? Yes, you might come
Whether you have green-
When I revealed to some
Unfortunately, most
connect with this work, are
8
8
Understand your
audience (are they
likely to be receptive?)
Choose what you
reveal wisely (is it
8
relevant?)
Maybe you will be. Yet wouldn’t it be great if you could connect with organizations that embrace the uniquely-authentic YOU, like that professor at my school?
Christine Fader works as a career counsellor at Queen’s University and is the author of, “Career Cupid: Your Guide to Landing and Loving Your Dream Job.” Visit her website at careercupid.com
summer 2011 | jobpostings.ca
Unleash your potential… Share your passion…
Discover Your Future! Launch your career with GP Car and Home. We offer a stable and friendly work environment where you are given the guidance and tools required to succeed. Many of our employees started their career with us as Insurance Brokers. That is where they learned about the insurance business and were given the opportunity to get to know our customers. They then earned promotions to Team Leaders, Trainers, Managers and Directors, based on their performance.
If you are a recent graduate from any field of study looking to make your mark, send your resume to: recruitment@gpcarandhome.ca To find out more about GP Car and Home please visit our website: www.gpcarandhome.ca
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If you don’t know if this plant lives in sun or shade, but … you like helping people… then we want to talk to you. You may not know everything when it comes to home improvement, but after our training and hands-on coaching you will. The Home Depot, one of Canada’s top 100 employers, is hiring for spring. You bring the desire to put customers first and we’ll offer competitive rewards including company paid health & dental plans, 70+ benefits, tuition reimbursement & much more.
Many positions available including: Cashiers • Sales Associates • Department Supervisors Overnight Packdown Associates Apply online at homedepotjobs.ca/8637 We are committed to diversity as an equal opportunity employer.
Oh, by b the way, the plant is a Lily of the Valley, and it thrives in shade. See, you’ve already learned something. jobpostings.ca | summer 2011
11
summer 2011 | jobpostings.ca
Throughout my career in Human Resources, I have met with hundreds of new employees on their first day. Some are excited, but many are by Allison Mitchell
nervous, and nervousness tends to change a per-
son’s personality. At the extremes, shy people can become more withdrawn and outgoing people can become more gregarious; of course. You obvi-
ously made a great first impression with some-
one at the company because you got the job. You’ve jumped that hurdle, but now you have to integrate into your new work environment.
reality — even if it’s not true. It’s even scarier that a person’s perception of you can affect how they communicate with you, what they tell others about
you, and possibly determine the responsibilities
that you are given. What if one of those people that
you don’t smile at or look in the eye is a decisionmaker in the company? The way that you are pre-
In the first few weeks you will meet a lot of new
senting yourself could negatively impact your work
the introduction and subsequent interactions will
about you. Perhaps there is a project that requires
be nerve-wracking but try not to let that affect your
the ability to effectively interact with others. Do
factors including how you carry yourself, whether
as being unapproachable and unfriendly would be
people, and how those people assess you during
life if the wrong people get the wrong impression
shape their perception of you. Starting a new job can
a person with excellent customer service skills and
personality. You could be assessed by a number of
you think that the new employee who is perceived
you smile and make eye contact, or whether you are
the manager’s first pick to take on this role?
quiet or loud. The perception that people have about
you can affect you in the workplace, so you need to be aware of how you are presenting yourself.
The other end of the spectrum is a confident and outgoing person who magically gains more confidence and gets louder as they walk through the front door
Imagine you are working at a company and you
on their first day (perhaps due to nervousness or per-
they meet you, and their face is devoid of any emo-
but some may perceive this person as overbearing.
jokes and still can’t get a smile. What would your
pression about you. Imagine that a manager needs
son in the hall several times over the next couple of
project. Do you think that the person perceived to be
meet a new employee who doesn’t smile when
haps not). They have no problem talking to others,
tion, positive or negative. You crack a couple of
Again, the wrong person could get the wrong im-
first impression of this person be? You see this per-
a person with diplomacy to handle a delicate task or
weeks — still no smile and no eye contact. Your first
domineering will be selected for the role?
impression of this person is being re-affirmed on a daily basis, shaping and soildifying your perception
of them. Based on your interactions and observations, you may conclude that this new employee is
unapproachable, grumpy, unfriendly, hard to relate
to, and no fun at all. You will carry that perception with you and it becomes your reality.
Image: © iStockphoto.com/Randy Mott
Scary, isn’t it? How someone perceives you is their
It is possible to change how someone perceives
you but it is extremely difficult to do. The first impression you make will shape people’s perceptions
of you. Have you ever heard a person say something like “He’s a great person but I remember when I first met him I thought he was arrogant
and overbearing!”? Even if you are able to change
Now, think about the situation from the new em-
someone’s mind about you they will always come
company and they are really nervous. This person
person’s perception of you may have an effect on
people anyway; when you put them into an un-
impression, but that’s not where they end. People
become more introverted. In reality, this person is
ery interaction or observation. Make sure that the
fun and would welcome conversation but their
ception that you want people to have about you.
ployee’s perspective. They are starting at a new
back to that first impression. You can see how a
is naturally shy and has difficulty meeting new
your work. Perceptions start forming with the first
comfortable situation like starting a new job, they
assess and draw conclusions about others with ev-
very friendly and approachable, knows how to have
way you are presenting yourself matches the per-
true personality is not being conveyed to their new
co-workers. In fact, their co-workers perceive them as being the exact opposite of who they really are simply because of how they present themselves.
softskills
Mik Wah
startup The stats: 32 years old; co-owner of Definitions Wellness Safety Services. Has a background in kinesiology, and is currently completing a PhD at Memorial University. 2011 ACE Student Entrepreneur Regional Champion Atlantic Canada.
…And what about the cliWe realized our product
was good, but we needed a different approach. So we began catering our services
for the corporate side, and we had some great success with that. Then one day, we were asked to go offshore
and work with people on an actual oil rig. That was a huge step forward for us.
This is different because
we go out and live in their environment. So a lot of our
a coffee break, informally.
It’s casual… no white coats,
suits or intimidation. We’re part of the crew.
There’s an old Scottish saying, ‘You have to get your
feet under the table’ [before
Services. How did the com-
So when you get to know
evolved over time?
ment, and respect them for
Safety
you make any big changes].
pany start, and how has it
people in their environ-
Wellness
I co-own the company with a friend, which began as a
small personal training gym
in St. John’s. This stemmed
from my kinesiology background. Then over time, we
started training a lot of people who worked in the oil sector, for companies such
as Exxon Mobile. When they
started noticing positive results, they asked us to come
in and work with people in
their office. This was something we hadn’t done before, but we said, ‘why not?’
We started going into corporate offices, but noticed
that the motivation for fitness wasn’t there, unlike
with the people who were already coming to the gym.
If you’ve got different clients, at different levels of
interest when it comes to
health and fitness, how do you engage them?
The reason why typical well-
what they do, they in turn
start to respect you. There’s an element of trust built.
What are some of the hard-
est lessons you’ve had to learn as a boss?
ness programs don’t usually
As an owner, you’re an own-
dimensional. Not everyone
for you probably aren’t com-
about fitness. So we find
passion that you might have
an outsourced consultant
me a while to understand.
organization. We try to keep
our workers teach us more
safety videos during meet-
them have different insights
put newsletters in every
have an open form of com-
work is because they’re one
er. And the people working
feels comfortable talking
ing in to work for the same
different entry points. We’re
for the business. This took
company working within the
But at the end of the day,
it light. We play health and
than we do. So many of
ings that everyone sees. We
and views on situations. We
room, so people can read the
munication, and that works
literature on their own time.
Interviewed by Simone Castello
counselling can be done on
Please tell us about Definitions
14
ents on the oil rigs?
really well. This award with
ACE is our staff’s achievement, and we’re really proud of it as a team.
Any advice for budding entrepreneurs?
Nothing comes easy. It takes
hard work, time and dedication. If you’re an entrepreneur, you probably have a technical skill, but there
might be areas where you
need help. Hire the people
around you and build a team, so everyone can do things they’re good at. That way,
everyone is doing something they love, and your company succeeds. If you’re struggling through something you’re
not good at, it will end up costing you. Other than that, have a specific goal and a
work plan in place. At least that way, you’re heading in the right direction.
summer 2011 | jobpostings.ca
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15
Image: Š iStockphoto.com/WendellandCarolyn
packing up the pity party by Emily Minthorn
So you didn’t get the job. Now what? It is a truth universally acknowledged that unemployment — especially of the long-term, no end in sight, move back in with
mom and dad variety — sucks. “You know what’s worse?”
asks Dana Bryce, a 21-year old with a history degree from a school she prefers to keep to herself: “Still being unemployed
six months after you’ve graduated, when your whole life you’ve been told that having your degree will mean having a job no matter what. That sucks.”
Bryce is just one of a worldwide chorus of new grads singing the no-job blues. Global youth unemployment has hovered at
historic highs since the economic collapse of 2008, and jobless rates among 20-somethings are stuck firm at twice those of
jobpostings.ca | summer 2011
17
older demographics. That’s some dark stuff, especially when
On campus or off, centres like these will help you with every-
sion and joblessness. But let’s not be too quick to throw a pity
shops on writing your cover letter, crafting the perfect re-
party for ourselves, class of 2011. Sure the market is tough, but
upper year students getting ready to graduate are in a uniquely decent position to take this bull by the horns, says Sonny Wong, a career counsellor at Ryerson University in Toronto.
“Student time is prime time,” he explains. “Everyone will give
students a chance to build their skills. Even if that means reevaluating and choosing to do a four year degree in five years
— if that gives you time to work, do it.” If you’re still in school,
thing job-search related, getting back to basics with work-
sume, and practicing your interview skills. They can also help
with the more abstract aspects of your career dilemma, adds Blake. “A lot of times, people who are unemployed need career
inspiration,” he explains, suggesting young job-seekers find a
case worker to help them start off strong. “A case manager can address specific concerns on a person to person basis.
They’re also familiar with industry trends and who’s hiring. It’s their job to know.”
or even just getting ready to leave, you’re already poised to
Even after visiting with the professionals, all that white space
can’t — think unpaid internships, volunteering, or even ex-
employers aren’t as worried about your lack of experience as
take advantage of opportunities that full-time working adults change and work-study programs through your school.
“I don’t know why students are in such a rush to get out when they are often just not prepared,” Wong adds. For him, career
on your resume may freak you out. But Wong explains that you think they are. “New grads are not competing in the same
market or for the same jobs as someone with experience,” he says. That’s encouraging news, right?
planning starts at year one of your post-secondary journey.
It’s also a reality check. Though there are certainly fewer
work in, find a summer job in that sector,” he advises, clarify-
economy, there are a lot of steps between leaving school and
“At first year, if you have an idea of the sector you’d like to ing that while you probably won’t snag the job title of your
dreams right away — or even for a long time —any industry experience at all is extremely valuable.
But after two, four, or more years of school, sticking around for a victory lap is probably the last thing you want to do. And
it’s difficult not to slip into feelings of resentment about those freshly minted credentials now going to waste in a drawer somewhere while you schlep around at the bottom of the
career totem pole. “Many new grads, especially from the very practical programs, feel that if they have their degree, they
should just get a job,” says Wong. But it’s exactly that sense of entitlement that leads to depression, anxiety, and long nights spent awake in the dark wondering whether you wasted your youth on your education.
“Your education is never a waste,” reassures Wong. “But if you can’t remember why you wanted to get it in the first place, it’s time to talk to someone.”
We’ll trust that you were smart and visited your campus career centre early and often while you were at school. And even
if you’re graduating this spring, Wong says that most schools’ career centres are at their grads’ disposal for up to a year after you’ve gotten your degree or diploma.
If that bird has flown and you’re no longer eligible for on-cam-
pus assistance, you can likely still find professional guidance in your community. “There are employment resource centres
right across Canada,” offers Tim Blake, a coordinator and com-
munity liaison at one such place, the Cave Employment Resource Centre in Burnaby, BC.
jobs for a growing number of highly educated people in this
entering the corner office — steps that new grads seem determined to skip over. Many of us are way too quick to forget
that, in terms of seniority, experience, salary, and so on, we are firmly at the bottom rung of the career ladder, and your
first job just isn’t going to come with a benefits package and
a company car. “That $60,000 job is not for you, no — but it never was,” Wong sums up. In other words, while there are
some exceptional cases — investment banking and finance,
or tech bubbles, for example — where new grads have made it big straight out of school, most of the time a young job seeker will always start on the low end of their industry’s salary range. Self-evident? Perhaps, but it bears repeating.
“This is the reality of our economy, and this is the reality of the roller-coaster of unemployment,” Blake agrees. “Things go up, things go down. The situation always changes, and we need
to change with it. And instead of focusing on the negative, we can choose to be proactive.”
But the doubt and depression that stem from unemployment aren’t logical animals, and sometimes there’s nothing anyone
can tell you, no matter how true, that will make it easier to
keep forging on. In this case, Blake stresses the importance of both a personal and professional support structure: a cast of
family, friends, and colleagues that will help keep you applying to jobs, rather than throwing in the towel. Persistence, he
says, is a hugely important part of a successful job hunt. “If you stop looking, of course you’ll fall into a rut. It all comes down to knowing you can’t stop,” Blake emphasizes. “No matter what happens, keep moving forward. Be the Terminator.”
summer 2011 | jobpostings.ca
Source: Statistics Canada - Labour Force Survey, March 2011
you consider the disturbing and very real links between depres-
14.4
%
the unemployment rate among 15 to 24 year-olds
7.7
%
the overall unemployment rate?
“You have to get out there and make your own luck,” says Wong. “If you’re sitting at home on the couch feeling sad, opportunities will Like any big project, landing your first real job is best accomnot just comeplishedknocking.” by setting small, realistic, measurable goals that break the beast up into manageable pieces. “Have daily targets,”
Blake says. “Promise yourself that on a given day, you will send out ten new cover letters, or follow up with five leads, or recontact your hit list of employers.” That way, he says, you will
have accomplished something every day, even if you don’t get a job for weeks or months at a time.
Wong stresses that looking for a job is a full-time job. “If you
want to find meaningful work, it takes six to eight months to
But at this stage in your career — or lack thereof — what exactly can networking possibly entail? And if you’ve been out of
school and work for a long time, how do you even begin? “Just go out and enjoy the things that you do,” says Wong simply. “Get to know the people around you. Smile! The idea is to be
uncomfortable with the unknowns, the who-knows aspect of
the job search, and to keep exploring. Refine your idea of the term ‘networking’.” But beware of seeming needy, he warns.
“If you’re just there because you want something, a job or
whatever, people can smell that a mile away.” You need to
bring something to the table, he stresses — “it is so important to understand you need to give to get.”
Dana Bryce knows all this in theory, but it’s getting harder and harder to apply it to herself and her own job search. “I actually don’t know what to do any more. And I’m going to have to start
paying back my student loans next month,” she says ominously.
find it,” he says. And that doesn’t mean spending all day every
Wong has some tough love for Bryce and others like her.
seen again. “You have to get out there and make your own luck,”
went and got a degree doesn’t mean you’re above them,” he
day sending virtual resumes into online databases, never to be says Wong. “If you’re sitting at home on the couch feeling sad, opportunities will not just come knocking. The internet will not
introduce you to a real place, or show employers how charming you are.” And that means the N word. Yep: networking.
“There’s an opportunity to network in almost any situation,”
Blake advises. Consider it reverse-engineered nepotism: since
“There are always survival jobs available, and just because you
says. “But you can walk in to a call centre or a retail position and work a night shift, and leave the day to go on interviews,
to volunteer, to do whatever it is you need to do to get out there.” Because getting out there, agrees Blake, is the key to
finding that hidden job market made up of all the people you interact with every day.
your future boss is way more likely to hire someone they al-
For now, Bryce remains in a bit of a rut, but she’s trying to see
sector. Even spending an empty afternoon refreshing your
that does kind of mean I can do whatever, and not have it im-
ready know, make sure you know all kinds of people in your Facebook newsfeed could be fruitful if done properly, Blake
says, pointing out social media’s expanding role in the modern job search. “LinkedIn is an excellent resource, if you use it well,”
he adds. “It gives you access to business professionals. And
certainly check out LinkedIn’s ‘Groups’ feature. Look for organizations and associations that are related to the type of career you’re interested in.” And don’t forget the real world, Neo: you
can and should join clubs and groups offline too, priming you to meet the movers and shakers of your sector face to face.
it another way. “Yes, I’m over-educated and unemployed. But pact my non-existent career.” For her, that means looking at returning to school and enrolling in a practical program at a
college, or possibly working overseas “just to get some travel in, you know? I mean, if I did have a career, I wouldn’t have the luxury of being able to consider going somewhere totally new for a few months and just figuring it out.”
Wong recalls his days as a new grad at the bumpy start of his own career path. “I graduated into a recession as well,” he of-
fers. “I was always able to find a job, but none of them were
jobs I wanted to keep. Then I realized: I was doing it wrong.” He maintains that a willingness to explore his options, his
goals, and ultimately his self was crucial to finding meaningful work. “We have to explore the self before we can self-market,” he explains. “Narrow down your career identity.”
He shares a helpful exercise he often practices with the careerless students who come in to his office looking for guid-
ance. Picture yourself at your dream job. What are you wearing? Where are you? Up to this point, most people have a very
actually working on? What are you doing?’” Asked to picture themselves at work, working, almost everyone hesitates.
And if you don’t know either, well, it’s time to get out there and find out.
20
summer 2011 | jobpostings.ca
Image: © iStockphoto.com/WendellandCarolyn
clear image of themselves. “Then I ask them, ‘What are you
Sara Runnalls Broker
Where do you want your education to take you? Here’s a career path with unlimited potential. What are you looking for in a career? Earning potential? Security? Whatever you've learned in school and in life, you’ll have the chance to use it in the insurance industry. It’s hard to imagine a career choice where you’ll have the opportunity to use more of your skills than insurance. Why? Because insurance is already a part of everything you do. It protects homes, jobs, cars, property and the continuity of lives. And because insurance is all around us, the industry has a wide variety of careers to match your education and amazing flexibility to change directions along the way.
“A college diploma or university degree in any subject is helpful for entry into the profession, although those who have studied
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Gavin Mascarenhas Loss Adjuster
There are more than 110,000 Canadians working in the property & casualty insurance sector. It’s an industry that reflects the face and the values of Canadian society and has a constant need for talented, creative, motivated people.
“The best advice is to specialize in law or business-related courses.”
Are you a people person? Brokers work with clients to create a strategy to protect their assets. Gifted at math? You could thrive as an actuary. Good at listening? As a claims professional, you’ll help people who are coping with an accident, fire or theft. Strategic thinker? You could work as an underwriter and develop the products that keep people protected from unforeseen loss. As your career in insurance progresses, every day can present interesting new opportunities, new challenges, and the flexibility to pursue new goals.
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Michelle Snowdon Underwriter
“For a greater advantage and the highest placement value, I would recommend courses in law as well as successful completion of a business or insurance program.”
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industryinsiders
Andrew Williams spent a day shadowing two police officers. Here’s what he learned on the inside.
&
triumphs tragedies
Cooksville: Wednesday, 14:30 hours
Mississauga: Earlier that day, 10:02 hours
On a grassy area by an overpass, a German Shepherd
Inspector Manuel Rodrigues, a recruiter with Peel Regional,
sniffs around, its handler close behind with leash in hand.
disagrees with the idea that you should have a criminol-
A stabbing had occurred here earlier. Within minutes the
ogy degree, or a police foundations or a law degree to join
canine discovers a blue bandana. Was it gang related? I’m
the force. Although those are certainly helpful in showing
with Inspector Anthony Roselli of Peel Regional Police, the
a personal commitment to policing, what recruiters really
second largest police force in Ontario, and the third larg-
look for are those who can communicate well with others,
est in Canada. As a duty inspector, he’s responsible for all
educational background being an additional asset.
the major incidents and field personal in the region, he deals with these sorts of things all the time.
“We look for what every other employer looks for,” says Rodrigues. “We want someone who’s hardworking, intelligent, has integrity — someone who we can trust to go out and do the job for all the right reasons.” What puts you on the
by Andrew Williams
map is a passion for, and
daytime is busy, nights can
police because they want
at officers that don’t neatly
involvement within your
get pretty hectic, as distur-
someone to listen to them.
fit inside a text book. “Situ-
community. A well-stand-
bances tend to correlate
And sometimes that’s all
ations are dynamic,” says
ing school record is also im-
with the flow of alcohol.
it takes, someone to listen
Flameling,
to their problems and give
work in one might not
them advice. Interpersonal
work in another [...] You
dynamics are essential to
have to know your powers
this job.” Flameling adds
of arrest, and they’re very
that when people ask him
cut and dry. When you ar-
what they should do to
rest somebody, you need
make their resume stron-
to read them their rights.
ger, he suggests that they
Those things are black and
get a job where they talk
white, but the majority is
to people. Being a security
grey area.”
portant, but “It’s not a detrimental factor in your file that discounts you,” he continues. “It’s really how you compare to other people.” Rodrigues notes how there are all kinds of opportunities
available
within
policing.“In this department, every three or four years you have a new career,” says Rodrigues. “It’s still policing but its sufficiently different in that it feels like a brand new
“I have the best job in the world,”
says
Flameling.
P.C.
Daryn
“Obviously
have sergeants and staff sergeants who look over me, but essentially I’m my own boss. I get in my car, I do my own thing, I go at my pace. It helps if you’re the type of person who wants to get out there and do things. The main thing for me is that I’m not in a building all day. I can’t sit in an office, I need to get outside.”
career […] the very dif-
Each officer I spoke with
ferent
within
stressed the importance
the organization that feel
of communication skills in
like different careers, and
this line of work. “Interper-
I feel that attracts a lot of
sonal skills are the most
people to this job.”
vital component to being a
segments
police officer,” says Roselli.
Mississauga: That afternoon
“Treating people with respect and decency on a
The first call Roselli receives is about a warrant for someone’s arrest, but that situation is promptly dealt with. As we patrol parts of Brampton and much of Mississauga, we
daily basis is extremely vital.” Streets smarts are a must have — being perceptive and savvy enough to know the threat cues — and knowing how to prevent an altercation.
guard for ten years is all well and good, but having a sales or customer service background is much better.
as officers garner more exman nature, build on that,
frequent
and use their discretion
high risk situations would
when it comes to minor
naturally go hand in hand
things. The biggest thing is
with stress. “It’s hard not to
that we’re here to protect
take things personal some-
the public, and if someone
times,” says Flameling. “It’s
may be harmed, then our
very easy to become jaded
officers wouldn’t have dis-
if that’s all you see.” Even
cretion, they’d have to take
so, stress isn’t necessarily
the action to prevent any
from high risk calls; much
harm to the public.”
and
of it is work load. Flameling emphasizes the importance
Cooksville: 14:40 hours
of having a life outside of
Minutes into the investi-
policing. “You got to have friends who aren’t police of-
recently
and expected to be a good
fled the mall, and a sui-
shot, but “your words are
cidal patient who disap-
the best strategy you can
peared from a hospital, a
use,” says Flameling. He
taste of the things an offi-
explains how being able
cer might come across on
to pacify someone is much
a typical twelve hour shift.
more effective than being
Roselli
being
able to fight them. “Some
vigilant of hot areas with
might think that to be a
high crime trends: break-
cop you have to be 6’5”,
ins, loitering kids who
300 lbs — jacked. No, you
should be in school, van-
need to be able to talk.”
dalism, and trying to solve
Policing is about engag-
In police college, recruits
any
comes
ing people to understand
are taught the basics of
down the pipe. While the
their problems and miti-
adhering to outlined pro-
gate any hostile situation.
cedures. Nevertheless, real
“A lot of people call the
life often hurls situations
that
in their hands. I think that
problems
shoplifter
crime
has the power of discretion
perience, they can see hu-
Sure, you’re given a gun
describes
Roselli adds, “Every officer
that deals with people’s
keep our eyes out for a who
might
Of course, working in a field
ficers, and hobbies.”
jobpostings.ca | summer 2011
I
“what
gation, three plain clothes detectives along with additional officers including
There is also the Member
Roselli, have pieced to-
Assistance Program that
gether what transpired: A
helps troubled officers cope
drug deal gone bad. But be-
with any issue. Roselli also
ing a police officer isn’t as
recommends that opening
it’s depicted on television
up to others is always help-
— chasing down shirtless
ful. “Talk to your peers, talk
drug addicts while the song
to your supervisors. No one
Bad Boys plays in the back-
is going to criticize you for
ground. It’s serious work
letting feelings be known.
with serious triumphs and
If something is bothering
tragedies.
you, let someone know.”
to let everyone know that
Roselli
hopes
police aren’t only here to help, but are normal people as well. “When we take the uniform off we’re just like them.”
Inspector Anthony Roselli of Peel Regional Police prepares to start his shift.
23
How do I work for the police?
Michelle Lacroix Ironman triathlete Ski instructor Big sister Girl Guide leader Constable
I challenge myself to be the best
ottawapolice.ca
Our community, our inspiration
Career Opportunities in Underwriting & Claims
The insurance industry is already part of your everyday life, why not find your career with us? The Dominion – Canada’s Trusted Insurance Company since 1887, is one of the country’s largest property and casualty insurers. Long-term relationships are part of our success, and we work to earn and maintain the trust and loyalty of policyholders, employees, and brokers. Underwriting Trainee: Once fully trained, your goal will be to support regional objectives of profitable growth. You will underwrite new and existing commercial or personal business. Through regular broker visits, of an assigned field of independent brokers, you will build positive and successful relationships.
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We are searching for top quality candidates to join our team who are:
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OPPORTUNITY 24
EXPERIENCE
REWARDS
RECOGNITION
TRUST
summer 2011 | jobpostings.ca
e t o C
A e
evolution of the Claims by Jeff Sebanc
Adjuster jobpostings.ca | summer 2011
industryinsiders
“Desperate people do desperate things,” he says. “People will burn their cars for various reasons... vehicles will mysteriously disappear.” What these people may not realize is that by lying about or exaggerating one detail, a claim can be completely denied. “Sometimes you get claims where they start out legitimate but they exaggerate and end up getting caught.” Unfortunately, phony claims are directly responsible for the increase of premiums. Alcock states an example in which a woman reported a vehicle stolen from the Windsor area. After providing the date and time the vehicle went missing, he worked with customs officials to determine that the vehicle had crossed into Detroit three days before it had been reported stolen. Added to that, a lock expert was consulted and determined that the car could not have been moved without the keys.”We took her in for a statement... she quickly walked away from the claim.” Samantha Leclair, a claims representative in the Casualty and Litigation Unit with The Economical Insurance Group, seconds the sentiment that the industry is in a state of constant change. “There are always new things to learn,” she explains. “As case rules of civil procedure change from time to time, being able to adapt is very important.” Because she liaises with medical and legal professionals, law enforcement agencies and customers in her day-
In some careers, the educating never stops. For
Alcock specifically mentions the Chartered In-
to-day work, she stresses the importance of good
many, a job that offers a constantly evolving
surance Professionals (CIP) and Fellow Chartered
communication skills. Speaking with people who
learning process in which it’s necessary to keep up
Insurance Professionals (FCIP) programs, which
have been in the field for 30 years, she says, they
with the ever-changing industry is exactly what’s
are offered through the Insurance Institute of
always say they’re in a state of constant learning.
needed to keep both the job and the mind fresh.
Canada. According to the Institute’s website, CIP
As a casualty and litigation adjuster, Leclair
and FCIP are the industry’s standard of excel-
investigates, negotiates and settles potential
lence and professionalism. Their mission state-
claims for negligence against policy holders for
ment says it all: “The CIP Society’s mission is to
which they may be liable in civil law. She will
foster and promote the education, experience
occasionally request assistance from the SIU
and ethics of our members.”
department for the investigation portion of the
above and beyond the work required of them.
As to how Alcock came to work in the SIU at State
claim handling. “The results of their investiga-
The job is comparable to that of a detective: in-
Farm, he credits his strong interpersonal com-
tions give us the ability to make the correct cov-
vestigating cases and deciding whether or not
munication skills, and his analytical, detailed
erage determination, thereby reducing the cost
they’re covered under the claimant’s policy.
way of looking at things. After graduating with
of insurance for all policy holders.”
a B.A in Administrative and Commercial Studies
In an age where seemingly everything we own
from the University of Western Ontario, he no-
needs to be insured, from the obvious cars and
ticed a job advertisement for a claims adjusting
homes, to electronics and jewelry, it’s reassuring
position with State Farm. “I honestly didn’t know
to know that those working to protect our prop-
what a claims adjuster was,” he readily admits.
erty stay up to date, ensuring we get what’s owed
necessary to get into the field, if you don’t stay
After a year and a half as an auto claim repre-
to us after a claim is opened. They keep with the
competitive, and therefore marketable, you’re go-
sentative, Alcock realized his ability to recognize
times, and are constantly evolving. It might just
ing to fall behind. Alcock’s resume is astounding:
questionable claims. When a position in the SIU
be the perfect career for you would-be Sherlock’s
over 40 courses and seminars completed, as well
opened, he jumped on it. Currently, he works
out there.
as multiple memberships to different insurance
primarily in both auto and fire related investiga-
adjusters associations. Willingness to learn indeed.
tions, handling everything from staged accidents
To someone unfamiliar with the industry, an insurance claims adjuster might appear a seemingly unlikely candidate for the above statements to ring true. However, this multifaceted field has a lot to offer those dedicated to rising
“You’ve got to have a willingness to learn... a desire to learn,” stresses Derrick Alcock, a claims representative with the Special Investigative Unit (SIU) at State Farm. “You’ve got to be adaptable to change.” While a specific degree or diploma isn’t
to suspicious thefts and fires.
26
summer 2011 | jobpostings.ca
Image (this page and previous): iStockphoto.com/Thinkstock
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27
industryinsiders
RULE OF LAW
=
by Kevin Nelson
We’ve all seen those movies based on John Grisham novels, with the lawyer
For some, a career in law might be seen as a stepping stone on the way to
fighting the good fight, making clever arguments and ultimately laying the
a political career. Prominent Nova Scotia MP and current Cabinet Minister
judicial smackdown on some richly deserving criminal-types. The reality of
Peter MacKay did time as a crown counsel. While Lakshman concedes a
the Canadian Justice System might not be as dramatic, but there’s a lot to
correlation between politics and the justice system, he notes that these are
be said about being a crown counsel. As our representatives in provincial
special cases. “A more typical career path is for a crown counsel to make
and federal courts, they are our front-line defence against criminal and civil
applications to be a judge,” he points out. “It’s also possible for someone to
threats to our society.
step over to the other side and become a defence attorney.”
What’s in a name? When talking about the legal system in our country,
Of course, as a crown counsel, there’s also the matter of wearing a uniform.
there can be a lot of denominational discrepancy. “Across Canada, the pros-
“Oh, the robes?” laughs Lakshman. “They’re pretty hot — especially in Van-
ecutor’s offices have different names, and the lawyers that work there can
couver law courts. It’s like a greenhouse in there. The robes are only worn in
be known as Crown Counsel, though in Ontario they’re known as Crown
supreme court,” he reassures. “The rest of the time you wear a suit.”
Attorneys,” says Samiran Lakshman, a Crown Counsel himself, for the Ministry of the Attorney General of BC, and president of the BC Crown Counsel Association. “In BC, ‘crown counsel’ is also the title given to civil lawyers who work within the government, giving advice to and representing the government, but who have nothing to do with the criminal justice system.” There’s also a lot of variation in what tasks a crown counsel is responsible for, from position to position. Lawyers such as Lakshman spend the bulk of their time in court. “For most crown counsel, a typical day involves going to court,” he says. “If you’re dealing with trials as a crown counsel, you may have anywhere from two to five trials per day.” Dealing with police, witnesses and judges requires a lot of people skills, as well as a discerning mind. “We take
There are a variety of different paths to follow as a legal professional, each with their own pros and cons. To Lakshman’s mind, the benefit of being a crown counsel is not directly representing or taking instructions from a client. “That’s very different from any other job as a lawyer,” he explains. “As crown attorneys, we have everyone in society as our client.” We don’t have everyone on speed-dial, so we make decisions of what is in the public interest.” That’s not to say that freedom in the job is absolute, with so many checks and balances in place. “We’re accountable to the police, the public, the judge, the accused, etc,” he agrees, “but there’s a tremendous amount of freedom in how you do your job.”
files from police and decide if charges should be laid, based on our criteria of
The pay can differ from province to province, and from the provincial to feder-
whether there is a substantial likelihood of conviction, and if there’s a public
al levels. “Certainly there are jobs in the legal world that pay more, but crown
interest in going ahead,” he explains. “Prior to the trial starting, you would
counsel work allows you to advocate in a way that’s principled,” continues
interview witnesses in the morning — often that would be your first time
Lakshman. “It’s not like politics where it’s about compromise. It’s about doing
speaking to them — and then tell the judge what case you’re running first.”
the right thing at every stage and at every decision. We’re in charge of our
While prosecution lawyers are often in court, there’s also a lot of paperwork
own files, we get to do the right thing and earn a paycheque.” There’s also the
to do, and a lot of statements, police reports and notes to sift through. “De-
benefit of every day being unlike the last. “It’s always interesting stuff. How
pending on the charge, you have to know what to prove, and be aware of all
many Law and Order versions do we have now? It’s like that, but in real life.”
recent decisions relevant to the law and the case you’re dealing with.”
28
summer 2011 | jobpostings.ca
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senecacollege.ca 29
x Go Planet! With Captain
Planet long since retired, graduate
At the moment, our
The University of British Columbia (UBC) has a
In terms of careers, there are many areas avail-
be outgrowing this
different aspects of sustainability from forestry to
aren’t only looking into energy management for
species
seems
to
world at tremendous
programs in
costs. The villainous
sustainability are
The Matrix films put
continuing where he left off.
edu-ma-cation
Agent Smith from it best by distinguishing
humans
from
other mammals, ar-
guing that we don’t
live in equilibrium
with the environment. We are a cancer, he says. Sustainability as a practice, seeks to prove him wrong
by finding ways to restore harmony between planet Earth and human civilization.
Sustainability blends environmentalism, economics, and sociology to confront issues concerning con-
servation, industry, and prosperity. As land and resources begin to deplete, there’s increasing pressure for corporations, governments, and people to find
ways to cope with these changes. This alone opens
various career paths that you can take, and some schools have taken that extra step to offer complete
studies focusing on this field. Peterborough’s Trent University, for instance, offers a Master’s of Arts in
sustainability studies. Their curriculum looks at innovation in technology and policy, but also places
emphasis on economic and social implications that
may affect businesses and other institutions. Lon-
don’s University of Western Ontario (UWO) also has a Master’s in Environment and Sustainability
degree. Within this program are courses involving
engineering, consulting projects, and examining the
relationship between the health of a population (including humans) and its ecosystem.
number of graduate programs that deal with the mining. From a technological and energy perspective, their Master’s of Engineering and Clean Energy program aims to reduce environmental impacts.
At the same time, the university provides an MBA
for sustainability and business. This program examines responsibilities that business leaders have towards both the economy and the environment.
According to Dr. Eric Mazzi, an instructor at UBC’s Clean Energy Research Centre (CERC), the Master’s
of Engineering and Clean Energy program takes in about 24 students each year. “We focus on the
energy aspects of sustainability,” says Mazzi. “Sustainability is important because our use of energy
and other resources extracted from our planet is at a rate that’s not considered to be something we can continue indefinitely.” He explains that sustainability is also important because even if we
don’t exhaust our resources, the impact of such
prolonged use on the environment can still have unpleasant results, such as the atmosphere loosing its capacity to assimilate chemicals.
Mazzi stresses that students should have respect
for all disciplines and all fields of study, whether
it’s engineering or the social sciences. Although it’s nice for professionals to specialize in one discipline, it’s also important to appreciate and be willing to
work with those in other fields, since sustainability
encompasses so many areas. “[Politics] is certainly a critical area,” he points out. “The policies have
a big role to play, perhaps a bigger role than specific technologies. A healthy respect for politics and public policy making is essential.”
able. For engineering, Mazzi explains how students schools and government institutions, but are also
consulting positions with industrial operations, and various enterprises in alternative energy. Co-op
programs may have students work in consulting
firms, pulp mills, energy technology companies, including software, and government agencies.
By its nature, sustainability is interdisciplinary.
Along with required core courses, students may be encouraged to take electives in architecture, policy,
and economics. “Some students take commerce
courses for electives,” says Mazzi describing the
UBC program. “It’s not just the technical aspects of engineering, it’s the cost aspects.”
These programs aim to provide students with enough in-depth knowledge and fundamental training so they can enter the real world and find
solutions to environmental issues themselves, even the complex ones that have different view
points. “People have different attitudes and different priorities,” says Mazzi, “so we strive to help students appreciate the full spectrum of the challenge before us and give practical tools to get started.”
Nevertheless, all the sustainability programs or miracle technologies wouldn’t be enough to make
a significant difference. Real change begins with
how we live. “It’s a multifaceted thing,” says Mazzi. “Keep the options open and keep promoting new-
er technology; but at the same time, it’s important to make better use of the resources we have.” by Andrew Williams
more
What happens when inspiration strikes?
for y ou a t
Humber
POST GRADUATE PROGRAMS: Lakeshore Campus If you’re in the right place, one idea – your idea – can have a profound impact in far-reaching and unexpected places.
Set your ideas in motion.
Consider graduate studies in Humanities, Social Sciences and Law at Queen’s
Advertising Copywriting Advertising Media Sales - Accelerated Fundraising & Volunteer Management Public Relations Television Writing and Producing
CREATE AN IMPACT
www.queensu.ca/sgs 30
www.mediastudies.humber.ca summer 2011 | jobpostings.ca
graduate school directory
Brock University Brock is a rapidly growing University,
Canadian Automotive Institute The Canadian Automotive Institute at Georgian College has
offering 41 dynamic Master’s and PhD program within 6 academic faculties. With our strong sense of community and personal investment in our students, Brock is a great choice for your graduate education.
proudly boasted over 90% grad placement rate for the last 25 years! If you are passionate about business and love cars consider our Bachelor of Business Automotive Management degree or our Automotive Business diploma program.
Visit us at today at Brocku.ca
thecai.ca
Centennial College
Conestoga College
Centennial College is committed to successful
Conestoga has been the number one rated
centennialcollege.ca
conestogac.on.ca
Fanshawe College
Ithaca College
If you want to hit the job market with
Located in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of New York,
fanshawec.ca/gradstudies
ithaca.edu/gradprograms
Queen’s University
Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry
Queen’s 50+ graduate programs
The University of Western Ontario’s
www.queensu.ca/sgs
schulich.uwo.ca/gradstudies
Sheridan College
Trent University
Our one-year graduate certificate programs enhance your
Trent’s commitment to research excellence, innovation, and
sheridaninstitute.ca
trentu.ca/graduatestudies
career education. The college offers more than 120 diploma, post-diploma and certificate programs in business, communication and media arts, community and consumer services, engineering technology, health, hospitality and transportation.
advanced skills and stand out from the competition, check out Fanshawe’s Graduate Studies. In less than one year you could have the training you need. These programs complement your post-secondary education – so you land not just a job but a career!
provide students with world-class research opportunities and strong support to enrich your educational experience and advance your academic career. Expect an ideal environment to set your ideas in motion.
diploma or degree with a blend of theoretical knowledge and work experience that fully prepare you to launch your career. Choose from more than 20 programs in the arts, business, technology and community service fields.
college in Ontario for nine of the last twelve years. Our graduates get jobs with a job placement rate of well over 90%! We have campuses in Kitchener, Waterloo, Guelph, Stratford, Ingersoll and Cambridge.
halfway between Toronto and New York City, IC offers 20 graduate degrees, many of which can be completed in 1 year or less, leading to professional certification.
Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry provides state-of-the-art research facilities and mentorship by internationally recognized scientists. ZERO-TUITION incentive: find out how to get your grad degree for free.
collaboration has earned us a reputation as a progressive leader in graduate education. Whether we are talking about disciplinary or interdisciplinary programs, Trent is known for nurturing a vibrant intellectual community and scholars who are engaged, critical thinkers.
You slaved all winter, and made the trek to work each and every week,
through snowstorms and bad traffic, and you’ve got two or more weeks of vacation saved for the sun. So let’s get the most out of it! From what I’ve
noticed among my friends and colleagues, there are three definable types of vacationers. There are those that take long weekends, several through the year, those that take a week here and a week there, and there are those who do it all in one go. Each way has it’s benefits and each has it hurdles…
jlife
All-in-One-Goers
ob
How to take your vacation
These people try to make it something memorable.
They don’t typically stay in the city, in fact, they rarely stay in the same country. These vacationers
end up somewhere abroad, whether on a multi-
city/country cruise, backpacking through Europe, or traveling South America. Two weeks is too long
to sit on a beach; it requires more action and a little adventure. They take the kids, they spend a lot of money, but they are out and seeing things and defi-
nitely leaving their jobs behind. In a lot of private
businesses and fast-paced offices, this type of va-
cationer can rarely get the opportunity to take one
big holiday because the workload is too big or being away for too long will put them behind. And if they
with Ross Harrhy
can get the two weeks, they usually need to give their employers months of advance notice. Because
the time away is so long and the shifted task-load a little more onerous, they can’t take this time dur-
The Long Weekender
ing the height of vacation season (May-September),
This person likes short trips, and extra time on the
but will usually escape in late Fall or early Spring,
weekend, and typically can’t afford to be out of
depending on the type of office/industry.
the office for too long because of their responsibilities. By using a day here and a day there, they
aren’t gone too long and they feel they get more mini-vacations year-round. They do trips up to the
ski hill in the winter, and short camping trips in the
summer. They take a Monday off when Friday is a statutory holiday so that they get four days for the
price of one. Vacation companies are starting to offer more and more weekend getaway packages
for these types of travelers because they can afford short trips to not-so-far-away spots. Plus, es-
pecially here in Ontario, a lot of families have cottages where they can quickly escape for a cheap, quiet weekend away from the city. Many of these vacationers are also the type who don’t like to go
anywhere, but need to take the time. They don’t particularly plan a big getaway and mostly just like
to have an extra few weekends through the year
where they don’t have to get up early and can stay in their housecoat all day on a weekday.
32
The Week Here/There These vacationers know they need time off at dif-
ferent times of the year in order to make it all year or they can’t afford to take too much time off in one
shot. Maximizing their time away includes waiting
for a statutory holiday on a Friday and then taking the next Monday to Friday out of the office so they
get a combined ten days away. Doing so twice a year (based on the average two weeks allotted holiday a year) gives them the opportunity to take two
big trips and two separate times in the year to get a break. They can get enough time to travel abroad and really experience a big city, or just sit on the beach at a resort — and they could do it twice in one
year. For workaholics, there is a little prep in order to
Whatever type of vacationer you are, and whatever type your colleagues are, make sure
you get the most out of your time away. No matter how much money you make or how
much you love your job, it’s always important
to get away and experience something new or just break the cycle for a little bit — we all need a break and a chance to refresh to be better at what we do and how we do it.
be missing for a week but the extra tasks that your co-workers will have to cover are minimal.
summer 2011 | jobpostings.ca
Image: iStockphoto/Thinkstock
out of their vacation time because they can go on
ZAP AWAY BAD BREATH