Jobpostings Magazine: January 2014 Vol. 16 No. 4 by jobpostings Magazine

JAN 2014 | VOL. 16 No.4

special report on

agriculture Agribusiness, paper manufacturing, sustainability

Film and TV grad programs

3D printing: changing engineering Why you should care about LinkedIn

JOBPOSTINGS.CA

ACCOUNTING E-BUSINESS MARKETING FASHION MANAGEMENT FINANCE HOSPITALITY & TOURISM MANAGEMENT HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT STUDIES MARKETING PARALEGAL STUDIES SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT

business.humber.ca

TABLE OF CONTENTS

THE FRONT PAGES THE FRONT PAGES

05 Crunchin’ Numbers

The automotive industry opens up opportunity for many different jobs in Canada.

06 STARTUP

Samantha Chan, founder of Paintlounge, tells us what it’s like to start a new and innovative business and what it’s like to expand.

08 Success Stories

Erika Easton, financial services representative with Farm Credit Canada, talks time management and career advancement.

CAREER REPORTS 10 Automotive occupations

There are over one billion automobiles on the planet. We take a look at automotive engineering and careers at car dealerships to give you an inside look at one of the world’s largest industries.

12 Engineering your future

The field of engineering is changing rapidly. Find out how 3D printing is altering all forms of engineering and what new opportunities are available abroad.

14 Power up!

Fascinated with electricity? A career in energy could be right for you. We explore energy co-op programs and the many jobs that go into creating energy transformers across the country.

SPECIAL REPORT 14

17 Agriculture culture

This ain’t your grandpa’s farm anymore. We find out what it means to be in “agribusiness,” how paper manufacturing is helping farms, and what is means to farm sustainably.

FEATURES 22 Art versus design

Think you need pencils, a canvas, or some clay to be an artist? Think again. Web designers are making their own forms of art all over the web, with stunning websites drawing in visitors.

12 25

EDUCATION 25 THE ROAD TO A BETTER career

We look at automotive business programs to help drive your future in the right direction.

26 Careers on-camera

Film and TV offer excitement, entertainment, and employment benefits like no other industry. We look at programs to get you to the blue screen and beyond.

THE BACK PAGES 31 The salary report

This month, we examine wage growth and decline for all farm operators.

32 What is LinkedIn?

Despite being one of the largest social media sites, many young professionals still don’t know about LinkedIn. Our HR expert tells us why a LinkedIn profile is now a necessity in your job search.

JANUARY 2014 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

THE FRONT PAGES

AD INDEX

INDEX

Masthead

WHOSHIRING

publisher

Nav Canada

03 Target

Have what it takes to beco

me an

AIR TRAFFIC

CONTROLLER?

04 G&K Services 09 College Pro 21 Bayer Crop Sciences 30 Department of National Defence OBC The Home Depot

schoolINDEX Air traffic controllers combine quick thinking and foresight to keep aircraft at a safe distance as they take off and land at the country’s busiest airports and during the enroute portion of a flight. They do their job from airport control towers and area control centres across the country.

We’re looking for individuals who have good judgement, great information processing skills and who have an interest in aviation. We offer exciting careers with great pay, great benefits and a great future. No experience is necessary - we offer complete training.

Up for a challenge?

Learn more and take charge at www.takecharge.navcanada.ca

IFC

Humber, The Business School, Undergrad

16 University of Guelph 24 Georgian College, Automotive Business School 28

Queen’s University

American University of the Caribbean

28 UC Berkeley Master of Engineering 28

Sheridan College

University of Lethbridge

28 Vancouver Island University 28

Dalhousie University

28 Ross University, School of Medicine 28

Conestoga College

Brock University

GENERALADs 29 Canadian Youth Business Foundation 30 Insurance Institute of Canada IBC Rogers Wireless

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

JOBPOSTINGS.CA | JANUARY 2014

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

STAFF WRITER

MEGAN SANTOS msantos@jobpostings.ca @megnifisantos

DEVELOPER

Mishraz Ahmad Bhounr mbhounr@jobpostings.ca

contributors

Nailah King, Heidi Murphy

Senior national account manager Mary Vanderpas

national account manager Mirelle Shimonov

EDUCATION ACCOUNT MANAGER Shannon Tracey

Communications Coordinator JAMIE BERTOLINI

Photos from istockphoto.com are used throughout this issue; individual artists have been credited. Jobpostings Magazine is published eight times in the school year. 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. “All of us, every single year, we’re a different person. I don’t think we’re the same person all our lives.” — Steven Spielberg

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

Join our team. Expect the best.

THE FRONT PAGES

EDITOR’S NOTE

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

New year, new beginnings From the desk of

James Michael McDonald It’s January again which means snow, new classes, New Year’s resolutions, and chances to start anew. I’m sure a lot of that will be finished and melted away by spring, but for now it’s time to embrace change. Taking on new initiatives is good for the body and mind, no matter when it happens. What’s important is that you take on new projects, look for new career paths, and enrol in new classes that you’re interested in. Don’t jump into new endeavors just because it’s January 1st, unless you want to become a failed resolution story. It’s also a good time to reassess and look internally. Not happy with your classes? Switch your minor. Boss driving you nuts? Have a chat and look at other positions, or check job boards for new opportunities. Having trouble with the job hunt? Check

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our site for advice and go to a career counsellor to have your resumé examined. Attracted to your coworker? Well... you might be on your own on that one.

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

In any case, take some time for you and start the year off right. Once spring hits and the year is in full-swing, you’ll thank yourself for taking a moment to find out what you really want.

PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR A COMPLETE LISTING OF CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES @ WWW.GKSERVICES.COM

Happy reading!

WE ARE PART OF YOUR DAY. NOW BECOME PART OF OURS.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

crunchin’ numbers

THE FRONT PAGES

CRUNCHIN’ NUMBERS The automotive industry opens up opportunity for many different jobs in Canada from administration to engineering to mechanics. We’ve compiled must-know stats on the auto sector to help drive your career in the right direction.

Words Megan Santos // Illustrations Anthony Capano

THE AVERAGE WEEKLY EARNINGS FOR CAREERS IN THE MOTOR VEHICLE INDUSTRY

ALMOST 15.4 MILLION VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED IN NORTH AMERICA IN 2012.

TRAILER BODY MANUFACTURERS

$750

VEHICLE PARTS MANUFACTURERS

$850

VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS

$1,200

AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERS

$1,400

VEHICLES PRODUCED IN CANADA IN THE YEAR 2011

509,813 CARS

517,504 TRUCKS

3,894 HEAVY LOAD TRUCKS

PERCENTAGE OF THE LABOUR FORCE IN AUTOMOTIVE PARTS WOMEN 28 PER CENT

LABOUR PRODUCTIVITY IN THE CANADIAN AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY INCREASED FROM 2009–2012.

MEN 72 PER CENT

THE CANADIAN AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY EMPLOYS OVER HALF A MILLION PEOPLE ACROSS THE COUNTRY.

EMPLOYEES IN THE MOTOR VEHICLE INDUSTRY

4,676 IN ADMINISTRATION

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

22%

24,190 IN PRODUCTION

JANUARY 2014 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

THE FRONT PAGES

STARTUP

Splatters of success Samantha Chan paints her own picture with Paintlounge. Entrepreneurship is in Samantha Chan’s blood. Both her grandparents were self-starters in printing, packaging, and clothing, leaving sparks of innovation brewing in Samantha. She started in the arts, embracing her creative side. “I did water colouring when I was a kid,” she says. “I started when I was two or three years old and I took private lessons until I was 15 or 16 and I also did it in high school as well.” From there, Samantha enrolled in engineering in university, showing she wasn’t just an artist, and that she could use both sides of her brain. After graduation, she did investment banking in Asia. Little did

JOBPOSTINGS.CA | JANUARY 2014

she know that that’s where she would find her combined passion and inspiration for her future. “In Asia, that’s where I found studios where I could go and just paint,” she says. “I found that it was such a creative, fun way to just relax and express yourself in a way that you can’t really do when you’re working long hours; it was a really great way to just relieve stress.” When she brought her idea home, she started tailoring it to Canadian customs. “I wanted to make the concept a little more casual and social. Coffee and tea really bonds people so that’s

why it’s not just an art studio but it kind of merges two concepts together. You can have your coffee or your tea while you paint.” And just like that, the concept for Paintlounge was born. Through help from the Markham Small Business Centre and the Canadian Youth Business Foundation, Samantha was able to see her idea come to fruition. Her first location opened in Markham, Ontario in 2010, with a second location in downtown Toronto in 2013. Initially, Samantha’s greatest challenge was getting her unique business noticed. “Because it’s a new concept and we’re in Markham, it was a popular area and you had to drive in to see us, so in the beginning not a lot of people knew about us so it was tough just getting the word out. We didn’t have too much money to spend on advertising, so we had to think of creative ways to get the word out,” which include social media, special events, Google ads, print ads, signs in supermarkets, and website listings.

Now that there are two studios and Paintlounge is more wellknown in the community, Samantha’s encountering new obstacles. “I think the most challenging part is marketing and balancing your budget because you don’t want to spend too much money,” she says. “You can’t just open and wait for the people to come; you have to continuously market yourself all the time.” Samantha attributes her success to her unique idea and vision, as well as the rapid spread of information on social media. Most of all, she recommends all entrepreneurs to stick to what they know and never give up. “You need to start with a passion and once that’s set, don’t give up. You will face really good days and really bad days. You will get over the bad days. You just have to keep focused on your end goal and keep it up.”

JANUARY 2014 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

THE FRONT PAGES

SUCCESS STORIES

Erika Easton COMPANY: Farm Credit Canada Position: Financial Services Representative EMPLOYED: Three years Degree: Bachelor of Business done I can for the customer in the timeframe they require which can often mean long hours to get everything done. What is the most rewarding part of your job? Telling customers that we can finance the piece of equipment or land they are purchasing.

SUCCESS STORIES Wondering how to get to the top? Read on to find out how this young professional is succeeding in the business world. Where did you go to school? What program did you attend? I attended the University of Regina, enrolled in the Paul J Hill School of Business where I obtained my business degree with a major in accounting. I also was able to complete a certificate in economics as well. What drew you to your current field? I really enjoy working with numbers and analyzing financials which is what drew me to a lending role. I chose to be an agriculture lender as I have passion and love for the agriculture industry. How did you find your position? I found this position while looking for jobs online that were in agriculture and still allowed me to crunch numbers. I also attended a meet and greet at the university that Farm Credit Canada (FCC) was hosting where I met my manager.

JOBPOSTINGS.CA | JANUARY 2014

Tell us about your responsibilities. During a typical workday, I am responsible for being able to answer phone calls to our centre—typically we take from 8–10 a day. These calls involve customers wanting a new loan, information on their current loans, retailers wanting information and people wanting general information about FCC and their services. I would also typically receive at least two new loan applications to complete during the day. What is the most challenging aspect of your position? Time management is the most challenging. During the spring, we’re very busy, as most farmers are buying equipment for the new growing season. During that time, we can take up to 20 calls a day which can be hard to manage as there are a large number of loans that need to be done in a short period of time. We are very customer-minded so I want to get everything

What skills have you learned through your work experience? To be organized. During the busy season at the customer service centre, it is important to know what is on your desk and what needs to be done first so you can meet the expectations of the customer. What do you think it takes to be successful in this career? Ambition, work ethic, and passion to provide great customer service. Is there one accomplishment you are most proud of to date? Having reached ten perfect scores on FCC’s customer experience survey in the past year. Surveys go out to each customer after you complete a loan for them and I was one of the first to reach that milestone. What are your career aspirations? To become a relationship manager in one of FCC’s field offices. I also want to move back to the family farm and take a bigger role in the day-to-day operations. What advice do you have for students looking to land their first job? Attend events put on by employers that interest you, look for jobs online, and be proactive about searching them out. You may not land your dream job right away but you might land one that will lead you to your dream!

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CAREER REPORT

AUTOMOTIVE

Steering your own career Various roles in automotive dealerships means opportunity, growth, and passion for car lovers. We’re all familiar with the large lots, packed side-by-side with cars, the white building not far behind with floor-to-ceiling windows and small offices lined up in its interior. The number of vehicles might outnumber its employees but the career opportunities housed in car dealerships are far from few and only continue to grow.

corporate-level positions within the company. “You’re seeing a trend throughout the auto industry where corporate concerns are buying stores or larger dealers are buying a number of stores, so they need a corporate management level group to handle all those stores,” says Colleran.

The opportunities What keeps car dealerships operating is more than just sales and service. Though the largest bulk of employees are salespeople and technicians, there are also other opportunities that are often overlooked. “It starts at the grassroots level. When you think of the grassroots jobs, the dealership has to essentially have people that make things happen everyday,” says Michael Colleran, vicepresident of sales operations at Nissan Canada. “So you have lot people, administrative assistants, [and] car detailers.”

Having skills in mechanics, knowledge of cars, and incorporating different sales techniques with each sale are crucial to getting the job done everyday, but there are many more qualities that fit the description of a dealership employee. Car dealerships thrive on excellent customer service. “We provide superior service by making it as convenient as possible for all customers whether it’s purchasing or servicing a vehicle,” says RJ Cites, fixed operations director at Hendrick Honda Woodbridge. “We provide excellent communication and earn our customers’ business through trust, respect, and becoming a partner throughout their ownership.”

Salespeople and technicians are the next level up and, according to Colleran, “that’s your core entry-level and professional level jobs. Both of those jobs take a great deal of education and qualification.” Moving up in the industry as a salesperson or technician potentially means management and even general management opportunities. Dealerships are also starting to acquire

A good salesperson is not only a good talker, but also must be a good listener. And ultimately, selling a car is where the operations all starts. “When a dealership engages with the customer, that’s the first thing they want to do is get the customer interested in not only getting them into the right vehicle, but also getting them interested in the dealerships brand as well,” says Colleran. “You

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The skills

PHOTO © CHINAFACE

Take engineering for a spin What does it take to become an automotive engineer? Whether it’s a car, bus, motorcycle, or truck, every vehicle requires a group of engineering gurus to intricately design, assemble, and test before they hit the roads. Engineering is a broad industry; some choose chemical engineering as a profession, while others choose civil, mechanical, or electrical. But for car buffs, they’ll touch upon branches of many types of engineering as an automotive engineer.

have to find that right person that’s a really good listener, that’s compassionate, and could understand where a customer is coming from.” On the service side of all dealerships, Colleran says technicians almost always get into the business because of their passion for cars, “so they already have that initial knowledge of cars and they want to take it to the next level. We also look for someone who can work hard and fast because in the technician side of the business, speed is essential because of the way warranty is paid out and the labour costs.” For Cites, the ideal people for car dealerships are those with good attitudes. “Sales staff and mechanics should be positive and have strong communication skills with high morals and ethics.” The auto industry is booming and more jobs are being created within car dealerships. “There are some extremely high-paying jobs in the automotive business,” says Colleran. “Good salespeople can make a really good living and good technicians can make a really good living.”

control, stability, and also testing,” says Dr. Moustafa El-Gindy, an associate professor of automotive engineering at UOIT. “We have a facility here: the Automotive Centre of Excellence, in cooperation with General Motors.”

Dr. El-Gindy encourages students to maintain a high GPA to further their success when scouting for jobs. “To get into the industry, they need to be good students here first,” he says. “Usually the automotive “There are opportunities in everything companies like to hire students with a GPA from mechanical to thermal to software enover 3.0.” He also suggests that students gineering in the automotive world,” consider going into graduate says Michael Ihns, owner and school for automotive enpresident of Improved gineering to further inRacing Products crease their chances LLC. When in the of finding jobs process of hirWhen hiring and even highering engineers, paying salaries; employees, one Ihns says that master’s grads of the primary he looks for would likely be individuals things we look for well above the with specialin candidates is a average salary ized skills. of $66,271. “My advice Aside from the for maximizing acquired knowlyour success and edge through acaearning potential demics, Ihns says it’s is to focus on a spebeneficial for automocialty and a skill set that tive engineers to be flexible makes you unique among and able to fulfil multiple roles. other engineers.” “Skills not often found in engineers such According to Ihns, breaking into the inas excellent writing skills and great peodustry can pose as a challenge for new ple skills will give you an edge,” he says. grads, but he encourages young people to “These skills allow an engineer to double be persistent. “Try to show that you have as a product design engineer and a techknowledge and skills that are useful to the nical sales engineer, talking to customers employer, be it through a research project, and attending trade shows.” thesis, or even a hobby,” he says. Ultimately, those who choose a career in One way to ease into the auto industry is automotive engineering have an interto take your bachelor’s or master’s in auest and breadth of knowledge in cars. tomotive engineering. The University of “When hiring employees, one of the priOntario Institute of Technology (UOIT) mary things we look for in candidates is offers both undergraduate- and graduatea passion for cars,” says Ihns. “We have level automotive engineering programs found these kinds of candidates have a and is also one of the only automotive enmuch better inherent understanding of gineering programs in the country. our products, what we are trying to ac“Students are learning everything starting complish, and fit in very well with our from the components, design, dynamics, company culture.”

passion for cars.

JANUARY 2014 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

CAREER REPORT

ENGINEERING

The 3D printing revolution Reshaping the world of engineering.

Imagine having the ability to create functional, quality products like hand tools, kitchen utensils, and even jewelry in the comfort of your own home. Believe it or not, this technology does exist and is accessible to anyone who is tech-forward enough to know the latest developments in the 3D printing revolution. 3D printing is the process of turning a digital image into a three-dimensional object by laying down successive layers of material through a printing machine. While the functionality of objects created in at-home 3D printers have yet to be fully developed, the engineering industry has experienced breakthrough advancements in prototyping since it was first invented in the 1980s.

Time saving It’s difficult to argue against the fact that 3D printers play a crucial role in the advancements of the engineering world. Time effectiveness is the key asset of 3D printing in the engineering industry. “It’s much faster to do it with 3D printing,” says Tharwat Fouad, president of Anubis 3D, a Mississauga-based 3D printing company, “because now I don’t have to fine tune my design to the nitty-gritty before I start producing a mold or sending it to an elaborate manufacturing process.” The speedy printing process allows for more time to dedicate to iterations. “Earlier on in the stage when [engineers] first get their idea, they can prototype it and if it doesn’t work we can iterate it and try it again,” says Mark Barfoot, managing director of Hyphen Services, a prototyping and testing facility in Kitchener, Ontario. “It saves a lot of time and it makes the

JOBPOSTINGS.CA | JANUARY 2014

number of iterations to get to a fine-tuned and optimized product much faster,” Fouad adds.

functional products Since the invention of 3D printing, engineers have been introduced to a widerange of 3D printers in the market, as well as a plethora of compatible materials used for the prototypes. One of the more significant developments has been the improvement of materials used throughout the process. Barfoot compares the 3D printing today to his experience as an engineering student in university: “From when I graduated back then and we got a StereoLithography Apparatus part, they were weaker material. You had to be really careful,” he says. “They definitely made improvements in material choices. They’ve made the machines faster and a bit easier to use now, and there’s now a wider range of machines than there used to be.”

Moving forward With the continuous technological tweaks and improvements, both Fouad and Barfoot agree 3D printing will only progress from here. “3D printing was invented as a good prototyping tool,” says Fouad. “But the new and more exciting thing is becoming the technology used in the manufacturing process for production runs and for functional parts that are used in actual equipment.” 3D printing is growing, says Barfoot. “There’s definitely a lot of hype right now, but there’s also been a lot of new advances over the last while, especially a lot more companies getting into this 3D printing aspect of things.”

PHOTO © Baris Simsek

Engineering abroad Expand your career and culture by working in another country. You’re an engineering guru looking to break out into the world of engineering— literally. Your skills and youthful curiosity are eyeing a gig on the other side of the globe. Is this an impassable opportunity to not only bring your knowledge abroad, but also to be immersed in a new cultural experience?

To move or not to move? John Francis, managing partner of Canadian recruitment company Theonera, agrees with the latter. “If a young individual is going to be working overseas, now’s a great time to do it because, for the most part, you’re free to do it—you’re not married, you don’t have kids,” he says. Francis has worked with international companies looking to recruit engineers in Canada to bring abroad. “Any engineer that has gone overseas to the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Central or South America, and anyone who’s gone and done some preliminary work—not just on the position with the company, but the environment and the country—has loved it.”

Knowledge exchange There are also companies like US-based JTF Automation that provide engineering and technology services to its international clients. By doing this, they’re able to offer their engineering expertise to a number of companies abroad, exchange ideas, and ultimately become more educated in their field on an international level. “With so much opportunity outside your own country, thinking outside the box is thinking too small,” says James Ficarra, senior project manager and engineering manager at JTF Automation. “I believe

this is why more and more businesses are seeking help from international sources such as us.” For Ficarra, he believes “a good engineer thinks like a good engineer” despite their location on the map. “Fortunately, the engineering principles that a good idea is comprised of are universal and logical in any language,” he says. “So despite geographical, cultural, and even language differences, I have found that good engineering is good engineering, no matter where you are in the world.”

Making more abroad The demand for specialized skills is often sought after in any industry and, in turn, can result in a better income. Francis poses this example: “Let’s say you’re a piping engineer with some type of corrosion expertise; you will be paid much more than just a piping engineer because you’ve got that extra skill.” Furthermore, he adds, “[if] you’ve got any specialties in any profession, you’re much more marketable and companies will pay for it.” If you don’t have a specialization (and as a new grad, you’ll likely need more work experience to gain expertise), you shouldn’t worry. If companies struggle with hiring internally, they often look to hire overseas, says Francis. “They know to entice the people overseas, they need to pay more.” If your travel senses still tingle at the thought of taking your engineering career abroad, Francis offers this advice: “Do your due diligence. It’s important that if someone is going to work overseas, it’s transferrable skills and you’re not doing something that you can’t market yourself successfully with down the road.”

JANUARY 2014 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

CAREER REPORT

ENERGY

A tidal wave of possibility Get your feet wet in the hydro industry with these co-op programs and opportunities.

14 Co-op programs in any industry are gaining popularity because of the amount of valuable hands-on experience students receive and also the edge they get against competition when job hunting. In the energy industry, there are many companies that offer co-op and internship programs designed to educate and better prepare students interested in entering a career in this field. Hydroelectric power is just one sector that is interested in hiring young and experienced graduates. According to Nancy Shaddick, communications officer at Hydro One, past co-op students are often considered for future opportunities with the company. During their co-op term, “students work alongside engineers or other professionals to assist Hydro One with projects,” she says. “The work is usually drawn upon the knowledge students gain from their specific studies. The actual tasks will vary upon the role but students will have the opportunity to do meaningful, careerrelated work.” Hydro One offers two different types of training programs for students in college

JOBPOSTINGS.CA | JANUARY 2014

or university. The co-op is only open to students enrolled in a registered co-op program through their institution. However, they also offer developmental student opportunities for students interested in a summer work placement and who aren’t necessarily registered in a co-op program through their school.

and students who are interested in the energy sector,” he says. “Career prospects are very good in that sector.” And these prospects are directly related to the boom in employment in this field. With a global average wage of over $85,937 that is expected to increase, it’s no wonder talented young people are flocking to the industry.

Co-op programs can also be found at other provincial hydro companies such as Manitoba Hydro and BC Hydro.

In order to gain the interest of students and recent graduates, The Oxford Princeton Programme is offering two scholarships—one for Canadians and one for Americans—that will cover all of the costs associated with the 1–5 day training course plus an all-expenses-paid trip to Calgary or Houston, the energy hubs of North America.

Students should also be aware of other types of training opportunities offered in the energy sector. The Oxford Princeton Programme is a company that offers corporate training in this industry. According to Jobert Abueva, vice president of global sales and marketing, their organization offers public training courses around the world, onsite training for clients, and web-based courses available 24/7. Their courses cover a variety of energy topics including oil, gas, and renewable sources like hydro. “Although we are focused on professionals who are already in the energy sector, there has been explosive growth in programs

“What we wanted to do was kind of get involved in educating people about the energy sector and giving an opportunity for students to participate in our programs because they are highly regarded within the energy sector,” says Abueva. Taking advantage of opportunities like these allow you to stand out as an applicant and give you the added bonus of real work experience and the chance to network with experts in your field.

PHOTOS © Justine Latour

Constructing energy giants Building transformer stations powers cities, lights roads, and creates jobs.

15 It’s a project that involves large equipment, ample communication, and many hands. Transformer stations are the primary source of electricity to an area and can be found in cities of all sizes. We know that they exist and we may have even seen the fenced-off electrical giants in our own cities, but how are they constructed and who are the minds behind the project? Shaun Pinard, project manager for the Clare R. Copeland Transformer Station (Copeland TS) in Toronto, says that for projects of this magnitude, local distribution companies like Toronto Hydro hire contractors to aid in the construction process. “Once we received approvals to move forward with this project, we were very careful in selecting our contractors and suppliers for the job,” he says. “We went through a rigorous process examining all of the proposals submitted based on criteria such as budget and schedule and made our selections based on that.” Copeland TS is currently under construction in Toronto’s busy downtown core. With the rapid development of the area through the construction of new high-rises and tourist attractions, Copeland TS is designed to alleviate the energy load from

PHOTOS © Pinhole Graphics

the five existing stations in the city. “Our contractors are going to enable us to maintain our main goal, which is achieving inservice by the end of 2014 under budget.”

the construction process Ron Hicks, project director for Carillion, the contractor on the Copeland TS project, stresses the importance of constant correspondence between his team and the project managers at Toronto Hydro. “We have meetings twice a week and we’re in daily communication,” he says. “Communication on a job like this is paramount.” Carillion is an international corporation specializing in areas including building construction, facilities management, roads management, and energy services. For the transformer station, Hicks and his team have been tasked to perform the overall construction. “Toronto Hydro has purchased the transformers and switchgear and we are responsible for lowering the equipment into the building and positioning, assembling, commissioning and integrating it,” says Hicks. Once the transformers are lowered and positioned, pumps are used to vacuum out air before gas insulation is installed. The Copeland

Transformer Station equipment will be gas insulated to avoid the fire hazards that can be associated with oil-type equipment.

The challenges Undertaking such a large project can undoubtedly lead to different challenges, especially when it comes to looking for space to build a new station in busy, large cities. “I take a photo monthly from the CN Tower and we use it for logistics planning as this building goes from property line to property line,” says Hicks. “The logistics when you have no lay down area and you’re working in the middle of downtown are incredible—it’s space, planning, and scheduling to the extreme.” To account for the challenge of space limitations, the Copeland TS is designed to be built mostly underground. “We wanted to make sure that even though we’re developing the land, when finished, the station will be virtually undetectable to the millions of visitors who pass through this area every year,” says Pinard. “If you’re developing downtown, it’s generally best practice to be integrated; your solution is more integrated to the general fabric of the actual architecture of the city rather than sticking out like a sore thumb.”

JANUARY 2014 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

On-Line MBA in Sustainable Commerce www.uoguelph.ca/cme/mba-sustainable-commerce

For more information contact Patti Lago toll free at 1-888-622-2474 or plago@uoguelph.ca

Matters Sustainable Commerce

1 IN 8 JOBS IN CANADA ARE IN THE AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY.

AGRICULTURE

SPECIAL REPORT

A look at a growing industry This ain’t your grandpa’s farm anymore! The agriculture sector in Canada continues to thrive not only in farming but also in business to help build a sustainable future. | MEGAN SANTOS PHOTOS © numbeos

JANUARY 2014 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

AGRICULTURE

AGRIBUSINESS & PAPER MANUFACTURING

Getting schooled in agribusiness A closer look at the thriving business side of agriculture through education and experience. Agriculture is booming across the country, whether on the prairies of Western Canada or on the fields of Southern Ontario. However, it’s important to know that agriculture is more than just farming. The industry couldn’t survive without the businesspeople who run food and fertilizer production, equipment manufacturing, and even marketing. With agribusiness students landing two or three job offers post-graduation, agriculture undoubtedly is thriving not only in Canada, but worldwide.

Agribusiness MBAS “It’s an industry with a bright future because obviously everybody eats everyday and people will continue to eat. What’s changing is what people are eating,” says Sylvain Charlebois, associate dean of grad studies and research at the College of Management and Economics at the University of Guelph, on the current state of the agriculture industry. The university offers a two-year part-time MBA with a specialization in food and agribusiness management with an optional major research paper on a topical issue related to their field. “We

JOBPOSTINGS.CA | JANUARY 2014

train them on how to deal with uncertainty, deal with the new normal in these areas,” says Charlebois. “What I mean by that is how unpredictable some of the elements are these days … and executives have to make decisions very quickly based on little or imperfect information.” Charlebois says with the MBA, there are agribusiness opportunities in processing, distribution, and wholesaling, as well as the demand in the production side of nutrients, grain handling, and genetics. Additionally, he adds many students go into the service sector fields in marketing, advertising, and consulting. “The world of agribusiness and agriculture is becoming this big global mosaic, which needs better understanding,” says Charlebois. “In order to understand, you need data and you need knowledge, and to acquire knowledge you go through our program.”

Hands-on experience Alltech Canada is a leading company in the animal health and nutrition industry stationed in Guelph, Ontario and employs over

200 people nationwide. Their foundation is based on science and, in turn, translates to improved nutritional value to food and animal feed. In 2012, the company introduced the Alltech Career Development Program, a global competitive program, accepting only 20 graduates worldwide—two being Canadians—in its first cycle. The successful graduates take part in the 12-month paid mentorship program with extensive training on sustainable energy, marketing, and international business. “Our president, Dr. Lyons, is very education-driven so he’s always looking for ways to stay involved with the schools,” says Jeremy Thiel, Canadian marketing manager at Alltech Canada. “Of the 20 [graduates], 19 have signed on for additional contracts.”

The world of agribusiness and agriculture is becoming this big global mosaic, which needs better understanding. Alltech’s Career Development Program is designed to give graduates the opportunity to work with industry professionals in marketing, aquaculture, business and biotechnology, as well as other specialists in the field of science. “We’re always looking for sharp people who are interested in innovation and technology, so that’s where this program had come from,” says Thiel, “[to] give postgrads real-life experience and give them the opportunity to work for [Alltech], one of the leaders in this industry.” With the second annual Career Development Program set to commence in February, Thiel says it’s an exciting time for agriculture and agribusiness. “We focus on efficiency, profitability, and we focus on sustainability,” he says, mentioning Alltech Canada is looking to increase its dairy-focused sales force and hire young consultants. “The opportunities are endless.”

The paper revolution Putting agricultural waste to good use through wheat-straw paper. It’s 80 per cent wheat-straw, 20 per cent recycled wood fibres, and 100 per cent brilliant idea. Wheat-straw-based Step Forward Paper was an idea that came at random for environmental entrepreneur Jeff Golfman, and a nearly 14-year process from the idea to retail stage. “At the time, I was collecting newspapers and selling them to paper mills and that got me thinking about all the fibres the paper mills consumed,” says Golfman, the president and co-founder of Prairie Pulp & Paper and the Step Forward Paper endeavour. After seeing farmers burning their fields, he had the idea to transform those fibres into paper. That’s when Golfman envisioned making paper out of leftover agricultural waste. After over a decade of travelling, and research and development, Step Forward Paper was finally introduced into the market in 2012. “It took us a very long time to figure out how to do it in a cost-effective, ecofriendly, high-quality way,” says Golfman, “We were crisscrossing the globe trying to find research facilities and pilot-scale facilities and demonstration facilities.” In 2008, Golfman reached out to paper and printing supplier Unisource in an effort to market Step Forward Paper. “We worked through that process with him to the point where he actually had gone beyond just actually producing the product,” says Andrew Gustyn, director of sustainability at Unisource. “He was able to produce a product that was capable of being marketed and sold in the Canadian and

North American market.” While consumers in North America become more aware and interested in wheat-straw paper, the agriculture industry is thriving off of this endeavour as well. “We’re already creating value-added revenues for the farmers,” says Golfman. “Hopefully that will stimulate more investment into value-added agricultural revenue options.” Eventually we’ll begin to see more than just agricultural-based paper on the market, says Gustyn. “You’re going to see them in a variety of things from towels and tissue to hand towels and paper towels,” he says. “There’s an environmental consciousness and mental consciousness developing amongst consumers and there’s a demand for it.” Golfman believes their partnership with the agriculture industry is a win-win situation for all parties. “It’s really a great thing because you help the farmers, you reduce the forestation, and it’s also a sustainable business,” he says. “It’s a triple bottom line; we’re helping people, we’re helping the planet, and we’re running a sustainable business.” Long-term, Golfman says he hopes to build a paper manufacturing company here in Canada, as Step Forward Paper is currently produced overseas. “We’re working on the increase of our product offering,” he says, “so we can have more options available for people and as we release more and more products.”

JANUARY 2014 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

AGRICULTURE

SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES

Farming with the world in mind Improving the global food supply through sustainable agriculture. In a world that’s currently populated by just over seven billion people and expected to carry up to nine billion by 2050, farmers and governments around the world are becoming more aware of the importance of sustainability in their agricultural practices. Farmers in egg production pose as just one area of the agriculture industry adapting to sustainable practices. The Egg Industry Center released a study in 2013 showing that the industry lowered its environmental footprint substantially, while still experiencing an increase in egg production over the last 50 years. The study was conducted by a group of researchers through a life cycle assessment.

“For the study, we were excited when we got the results because … I can see the improvements since I started,” says Bob Krouse, chief executive officer at Midwest Poultry Services LP with 30 years in the egg farming business. “Feed conversion has improved by 50 per cent and the amount of g reenhouse gases that are being released in the atmosphere to produce a half-a-dozen eggs have gone down by 70 per cent.” As the amount of farmland is at a standstill, Krouse says we must account for all the food we’ll need, especially with a growing population. “We need twice as much protein with the same resources we have today,” he says. “We’ve got to become more efficient. There’s no other way to solve the equation.” It isn’t only the farmers that are getting involved, but some postsecondary schools in Canada are also integrating programs in sustainable agriculture. “It is our perception that there are a lot

JOBPOSTINGS.CA | JANUARY 2014

of young people that are very interested in this because they’re absolutely aware of what is going on, and they’re absolutely aware that we can’t keep doing things the way we have done them,” says Kent Mullinix, director of the Institute of Sustainable Food Systems at Kwantlen Polytechnic University in British Columbia. The program, introduced in the fall of 2012, is designed to prepare students to potentially build a post-industrial agriculture and food system. “By post-industrial I mean low-input, smaller scale, regionally and locally focused, and more fully integrated to the community and within itself,” says Mullinix. After graduation, Mullinix says he expects his students to find themselves in a range of professions within government, ministries of agriculture, and even entrepreneurship. “A full range of occupations, not just farmers,” he says. “Our degree program is extremely multidisciplinary, so it has basic ag riculture sciences, basic sciences, production agriculture, philosophy, ethics, political science, sustainability studies, geography—all focused on food systems and sustainable society.” In efforts to control global food supply and fight world hunger, Mullinix says it’s feasible but certainly a current challenge. “It’s really paradoxical because in the world there’s a billion people that are food insecure and there’s another billion people that overeat,” he says. “It needs to become less input and technologically intensive; it needs to be much more regionalized; it needs to be smaller scaled, and it needs to be about feeding people and not about profiteering.”

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FEATURE

WEB ART

The artistic interactions of web design The art of taking design from the canvas to an interface.

Words Megan Santos // Illustrations Anthony Capano What do you think of when someone says the word art? Perhaps the painting of the Mona Lisa comes to mind, or maybe names like Leonardo da Vinci, Pablo Picasso, and Andy Warhol. While art will eternally be a part of our lives—through paintings or photographs—it also exposes us to its different streams, especially with the evolution of technology.

When we look back just 15 years ago, it wasn’t often that every household in Canada had a home computer and every person owned a cell phone. Today, those numbers are significantly higher with the addition of new electronic gadgets like the tablet. With that, a part of the art world has branched off along with technology. More jobs are being created in Canada within the creative field in web design and, most recently, in mobile design with the rising popularity of mobile apps. Though web designers don’t paint pictures, they create visually appealing designs online and introduce a new form of art through interaction.

Design as an art

For Smith, he says his process is dependent on what works best for his client and their customers. “Our process is highly collaborative and places a high priority on user experience ... To ensure the designs are in line with user expectations, we involve actual users along the way to gather feedback and make adjustments.”

Design and the designer As technology continues to evolve and more design trends are introduced, designers are exposed to a plethora of creative capabilities apart from the visual aspect. Movement, spacing, and the overall interaction of a website are crucial components that all designers must develop and perfect throughout their careers. “This makes it unique to other more passive forms of design like photography and artwork,” says Smith. “There is an added layer to interactive design where a site or mobile app may look visually stunning, but if it’s difficult to use then it has failed in its design.”

I can become inspired for a design while travelling, having a cup of tea, or just walking my dog.

Web design and art share a similar trait: both require a significant amount of creativity. However, painting a picture and creating a beautifully designed website also have their differences. “I absolutely do believe design is art, and I believe art comes in many forms and is around us everywhere we go,” says Simon Jones, Ottawa-based web designer at SDJ Entertainment. “I can become inspired for a design while travelling, having a cup of tea, or just walking my dog.” For Jones, what sets design apart from art is the usability factor. “When creating a site, you need it to be usable, but you also want it to be beautiful. Web design is really about merging the two and making it work well while keeping the customer interested in the site.” According to Michael Smith, CEO of Raster Media, a web and mobile user experience design firm, he believes design and art are far from similar. “Design is intended to solve problems, to make our lives easier, to remove friction,” he says. “Art is interpretive, design is precise.” Ultimately, designers create visually appealing and interactive websites for the end users, while “art is for the artist.”

The process Web design is much more complex than opening up a new Photoshop document, constructing shapes, and incorporating typography. There’s a long process beforehand that requires interaction with clients, planning through wireframes, and lots of iteration.

JOBPOSTINGS.CA | JANUARY 2014

“I usually brainstorm and come up with a few different wireframes on a pad of paper,” says Jones. “Sometimes it takes ten to fifteen sketches before I get a layout I think will work well.”

Smith also distinguishes the differences between user interface (UI) design and the user experience (UX) in his article on Techbased.co, UX is not UI. While the UI design ultimately contributes to the UX, both are “different disciplines with different specialties,” he writes. The biggest difference is UI deals with how the page appears visually, while UX is focused on the feeling the end users get after interacting with the website. Smith compares the UI and UX of a website to the appearance and functionality of a car. “A car, for example, may look sleek and fast, and have a gorgeous paint job,” he writes, “but if that same car is uncomfortable, is sluggish, and breaks down all the time, the user’s experience is going to be sad and regretful.” It’s one thing to have to change as design evolves, but it’s also the willingness and interest to transition into new design trends that makes a good web designer. “To be a web designer, you of course need to have a good sense of design and understand design principles while also always being willing to try new ideas and concepts,” says Jones. “I believe you need to be passionate, creative, and most importantly motivated to continue learning and adapting with the industry, as it is ever-changing.”

Smith adds that attention to detail is the biggest trait designers should have. “Great designers have an intense focus on the minute details of their work and in life in general,” he says. “They see the details most do not.” Looking towards the future, the demand for web designers will only be on the rise, especially with the advances in mobile applications. “People have internet at their fingertips all the time; we are checking our phones and tablets while watching TV, on the bus to work, and before going to bed,” says Jones. “More and more people are wanting set up their own websites, whether it’s to share stories with family and friends or start an online business.” Jones says it’s important for young designers to know that Photoshop and other creative programs don’t create anything. “They are just tools to help you get the job done. It’s up to the individual to create the design and come up with the look and feel of the site with the clients’ requirements in mind.”

JANUARY 2014 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

ARE YOU DRIVEN? Study for your Automotive Business Diploma and Degree at the Automotive Business School of Canada.

Turn your passion for cars into a great career.

FORTHEDRIVEN.CA

AUTOMOTIVE

EDUCATION

THE ROAD TO A BETTER CAREER Studying business with an automotive twist. Would everyone with a business degree please stand up? As the second-most popular program in Canada offered to college and university students, it comes as no surprise that we can all likely name a few friends that call themselves business graduates. Business students can specialize in any sector, from accounting to marketing to global management, but what if you had a passion to work for one industry in particular? If you were that child who spent your days playing with Hot Wheels and model cars, a program in automotive business is for you. “If they like cars and have a bit of a fascination with the industry, it’s a bit of a no-brainer for a lot of those students because you’re learning transferrable skills that you could apply to any industry, but with a real focus and that engages students,” says Jennifer Sheremeto, marketing specialist at Georgian College’s Automotive Business School of Canada. Two of the most important skills that Sheremeto believes students should have are the ability to be both flexible and adaptable. “The industry changes a lot, so someone who is focused on relationship-building and working with customers is important,” she says. “Multitasking is very big and a lot of the soft skills that employers come to us and say they really need is that collaboration and team building.” At Georgian College, students have the option of working towards either a diploma or degree in automotive business, in addition to a paid co-op opportunity. “It’s a competitive process, so what happens is we provide the students with the tools they need to get a co-op,” says June Martin, cooperative education

consultant of employer development at the Automotive Business School. “So my job is to bring in those employers.” Students receive exposure to the industry, from an entry-level position to management. Entry-level jobs can include working as a car lot manager to marketing at a dealership, says Martin. “At the corporate level, you’ll see positions like public relations assistant, fleet assistant, sales assistant, product planning, marketing, so it’s kind of all over the map.” An education in automotive business doesn’t only benefit the students, but the employers as well. “If the employer is happy, the students are happy; why wouldn’t they hire them?” says Sheremeto. “It has opened a lot of doors for our grads in the higher level and corporate world.” She describes the student-employer relation as a win-win: “the industry supports the program and they ultimately win because they’re reaping the benefits of the grads who are passionate, knowledgeable, and really interested.” For Martin, she believes the college’s co-op program sets them apart from others. “We’ve had students come in with university degrees that are brilliant and they know how to think and how to research, but they don’t have any real world experience,” she says. “Co-op at any level, at whatever college or university, is a huge plus.” And whether it is striving towards a diploma or degree in business, Martin says having the automotive focus brings students together. “They come in with this hook called automotive, it really bonds them together and makes them more successful.”

JANUARY 2014 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

EDUCATION

FILM AND TELEVISION

Breaking into the film and television industry Grad school may be the secret to making it in this competitive industry.

Your dream is to become the next fresh face in television, or maybe you picture yourself behind-the-scenes as Hollywoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top director. It sounds like an exciting field, but film and television has been a tough industry to break into for many graduates. Hence why film and TV programs popped up across the country.

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the applied process, the producers run the show, the directors direct the show, and everyone does whatever they do in their own specific roles to complete a task within a specified timeline.” Breaking into the media industry after graduation wasn’t as tricky for Kristen McGregor. “I graduated in 2006 from Ryerson and I started working in children’s media immediately after in children’s television and web media,” says McGregor, producer at Sinking Ship Entertainment. As a graduate from Ryerson’s Bachelor of Arts, Radio and Television, McGregor soon found herself with the desire to gain more knowledge in her field. “I started to move up the job ladder and suddenly I’m in positions working for educational children’s media and making decisions about it, and I’m like ‘I don’t really understand how kids learn,’” she recalls. McGregor says she dedicated two more years to her academics, taking her master’s in cognitive development in children at Columbia University. “I think having the cognitive development master’s helped because it gives me the confidence when I’m making decisions, that I’m making them in an informed manner,” she says. “I want that knowledge that gives me the power to do that.” While McGregor continues to master her craft in children’s media, Desormeaux says students must “quickly learn whether they have the aptitude and the character to work in this incredibly competitive industry.” Drive is also an important trait, he adds. “One of the things I really like is the volunteerism and the connectivity with groups outside the controlled environment … I think that’s terribly important for both filmmakers and artists.”

“It had a very specific mandate,” says Jean Desormeaux, speaking of Sheridan College’s Advanced TV and Film program. “Industry came to Sheridan and said ‘you’ve got great graduates but none of them really understand how to engage and integrate into the industry and you need a program to do that.’”

PHOTOS © STEEX

As a professor and program coordinator for the college’s Advanced TV and Film program, Desormeaux says postgrad students have the opportunity to acquire more knowledge and hands-on experience in the industry. “Everything we do is premised on industry practices,” he says. “Once we get into

McGregor shows through her media career, and Desormeaux through his teachings in television and film, the truth to the saying the more education, the better. “We try to train them to educate themselves,” says Desormeaux. “We put them in situations where they must meet people in the industry, so they begin to speak the talk and communicate with people who are working filmmakers. They develop a confidence and we’ve had success with this approach.”

JANUARY 2014 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA

EDUCATION