INTRODUCINGTIMELINE Our newest monthly feature will take you through every step of university and college life and finding a job. For our first edition, we dissect a typical semester—procrastination & panic included.
CAREERS. EDUCATION. IDEAS. ALL OF IT. | JOBPOSTINGS.CA
ELECTRIFYING OPPORTUNITIES | TODAY’S NEWEST CAREERS IN ENERGY ENGINEERING POSTGRADS | FOCUSED OIL & GAS EDUCATION FOR ENGINEERS plus the usual suspects
CRUNCHIN’ NUMBERS / INTERVIEW TIPS / STARTUP / SOFT SKILLS / SALARY REPORT / TIMELINE
Ready your spreadsheets, bang the oil drums, plough the fields—what you need to know about careers in accounting, oil & gas, and agriculture.
SEPTEMBER 2014 | VOL. 17 NO. 1
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
THE FRONT PAGES
THE FRONT PAGES 07 CRUNCHIN’ NUMBERS September means school is back! Here are some stats to ease you back into the school year.
09 INTERVIEW TIPS Josiane Hachem, recruitment manager at Nestlé Canada asks and answers “Tell us about a time when you challenged the status quo and were able to implement change.”
11 SOFT SKILLS: GETTING FEEDBACK
25
31
How do you take criticism? Our HR expert explains how to avoid awkward instances and eloquently handle constructive feedback from your employer.
12 STARTUP Accounting takes a new spin with LiveCA’s virtual approach. Co-founder Josh Zweig talks just how his remote team handles everyday business.
15 CAREER REPORT: ENERGY Who’s powering your city? We take a look at opportunity in the energy industry, both old and new.
SPECIAL REPORTS 17 OIL & GAS From pipelines to offshore operations, the oil and gas industry is continuing to do big things We explore the opportunities in the field, and even look at how to transition into the industry.
25 ACCOUNTING Were you the math-type in high school? We discuss what it’s like to work in the audit department, the advantages of landing a job outside the Big Four, and what it means to be a social accountant.
31 AGRICULTURE We discuss how an agronomist impacts crop production, how the field of horticulture is introducing new opportunities, and how viticulture is leaving you with a craving for a glass of wine.
17
EDUCATION 37 MASTERING IN NUMBERS Here are the grad programs that’ll help you get your designation quickly and efficiently.
39 OIL AND GAS ENGINEERING
15 39
09
THE BACK PAGES 45 THE SALARY REPORT Ever wondered what the highest paying entry-level occupations were?
47 TIMELINE Enthusiasm, socialize, stress, repeat: here’s what to expect this (and every) semester.
JOBPOSTINGS.CA | SEPTEMBER 2014
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THE FRONT PAGES
SEPTEMBER 2014 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA
PUBLISHER | NATHAN LAURIE nlaurie@jobpostings.ca
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER | MARK LAURIE mlaurie@jobpostings.ca
EDITOR | JAMES MICHAEL MCDONALD jmcdonald@jobpostings.ca @mcjamdonald
ART DIRECTOR | ANTHONY CAPANO acapano@jobpostings.ca
STAFF WRITER | MEGAN SANTOS msantos@jobpostings.ca @megnifisantos
COMMUNICATIONS AND PROJECT MANAGER | DAVID TAL dtal@jobpostings.ca @davidtalwrites
COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR | JAMIE BERTOLINI jbertolini@jobpostings.ca
DEVELOPER | MISHRAZ AHMAD BHOUNR mbhounr@jobpostings.ca
SENIOR NATIONAL ACCOUNT MANAGER | MARY VANDERPAS mvanderpas@jobpostings.ca
EDUCATION ACCOUNT MANAGER | SHANNON TRACEY stracey@jobpostings.ca
NATIONAL ACCOUNT MANAGER | MIRELLE SHIMONOV mshimonov@jobpostings.ca
CONTRIBUTORS: PANAGIOTA PANAGAKOS, KEVIN NELSON, MATT MOIR, BRANDON MILLER, DARLENE MORALES, SAMUEL DUNSIGER, KATE AENLLE, MAYA HAMOVITCH MEHREEN SHAHID
Photos from thinkstock.com are used throughout this issue; individual artists have been credited. Cover Photo: Vad Mary 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. “The are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” — CS Lewis
CONTACT: 25 Imperial Street, Suite 100 Toronto, ON M5P 1B9 | jobpostings.ca | 416.932.8866 ext. 221 | info@jobpostings.ca
WHOS HIRING
36 CPA of Ontario
43 Sheridan College
38 Baker Hughes
43 University of Lethbridge
43 American University of the Caribbean School oF Medicine
44 College Pro
43 Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine 43 Ross University School of Medicine
IBC Humber, The Business School, Postgrad
02 Target
16 Canadian Natural Resources
04 CSIS
20 Schlumberger
0BC The Home Depot
06 Loblaw
22 Nexen
SCHOOL INDEX
08 Teck Resources
24 BDO Canada LLP
10 Aecon
29 Grant Thornton
14 Ontario Power Authority
30 Bayer CropScience
14 SaskPower
35 Enterprise
42 Seneca College, Schoolof Accounting & Financial Services 43 UC Berkeley, Master of Engineering
43 Conestoga College 43 Queen’s University 43 Brock University 43 Dalhousie University, Corporate Residency MBA
GENERAL ADS 41 Canada’s Luckiest Student 42 Futurpreneur 46 Insurance Institute of Canada
JOBPOSTINGS.CA | SEPTEMBER 2014
IFC Accenture
14 The New England Center For Children
03
auscrs.ca - csi e r sc rie r ar e ca
carriereauscr s .ca s er
CSIS. SMART CAREER CHOICE SCRS. UN CHOIX DE CARRIÈRE JUDICIEUX -
carriereauscrs.ca
- csiscaree r s .ca .ca
csiscareers.ca
EDITOR’S NOTE | BACK TO THE BOOKS
THE FRONT PAGES
NEW PENCIL CASE I was always one of those people that was excited to get back to school. I guess that makes me a nerd, but school always excited me. In elementary school, although summer was fun, it didn’t have the same constant social aspect, the excitement of learning something new. I got a new pencil case, pencils, random goodies—does anyone remember Yikes! erasers?—and felt so ready to tackle a new year in a new way. When I hit high school, I always felt the summer was too long. Too young to get a job, too old to just run around and play. High school felt more grown-up and with each grade, I felt more like me, thanks to learning and socializing at school. Eventually I worked through the summers, so school became a way to relax and expand my mind rather than flipping burgers and working retail. In university, September was a time of rebirth (of sorts): new classes, new people, new experiences, becoming more of yourself with each passing semester. And September was a good opportunity to assess the coming year—the courses, the direction, the end goal. This is why we cram as much about top industries as we can into September’s issue, to give you some perspective into various careers. As one of Canada’s largest industries, we always cover oil and gas, as the opportunities flow like, well, oil! We look at the booming offshore industry, as well as working on the pipelines. Also, what is the work culture like in oil and gas? And is it possible to switch careers while staying in the same field? Everyone needs an accountant, so we’re checking out a life in numbers: the social and environmental responsibilities that accountants deal with, working for small firms over big firms, and the large task of auditing. We also chat to the founders of LiveCA, a virtual accounting firm, and look at accounting grad programs. One of the primary industries in Canada is and always has been agriculture. While many young people don’t think of working in farming, there is a more diverse array of jobs than ever before. In our special report, we look at agronomy, horticulture, and viticulture, to give you a sense of the agriculture landscape, (pun intended).
Happy reading!
JOBPOSTINGS.CA | SEPTEMBER 2014
Think of this time as a refresher. You have the chance to move forward, correct mistakes (and make some new ones), and re-evaluate, no matter what stage of life you’re in. Just buy yourself a new pencil case and look to the future.
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It’s back to school and we’re hiring
Apply today FRESH FUTURE FIND OUT WHERE YOUR CAREER CAN TAKE YOU
Loblaw.ca/careers @loblawcareers facebook.com/loblawcareers
CRUNCHIN’ NUMBERS | SCHOOL FACTS
THE FRONT PAGES
It’s that time of year again. The air’s a little cooler and we’ve seen enough back-to-school commercials to last us until next September. With a brand new school year underway, we provide some post-secondary numbers to help you get right back into the swing of things.
Words Megan Santos // Illustrations Anthony Capano
SHOULD I STAY OR SHOULD I GO?
OF UNDERGRAD PROGRAMS OFFER ON-THE-JOB, CO-OP EXPERIENCES.
HOT JOB MARKET!
IN 2011, THE EMPLOYMENT RATE FOR GRADUATES WITH BACHELOR’S DEGREES WAS
96.3%
UNIVERSITIES ARE A $30 BILLION ENTERPRISE.
Sources: cfsontario.ca, aucc.ca, cbie.ca, osap.gov.on.ca
CRUNCHIN’ NUMBERS
STUDENTS LIVING AT HOME CAN SPEND AS MUCH AS $5,000 PER SCHOOL YEAR, BUT STUDENTS LIVING AWAY FROM HOME CAN SPEND UP TO $11,000. 11,000
10,000
9,000
8,000
7,000
6,000
30% OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS IN CANADA ARE FROM CHINA.
MORE THAN ONE MILLION CANADIANS ARE IN AN UNDERGRAD PROGRAM.
5,000
4,000
800,000
JOBPOSTINGS.CA | SEPTEMBER 2014
OVER THE SPAN OF 5 YEARS THE NUMBER OF NEW JOBS FOR GRADUATES INCREASED TO OVER
3,000
2,000
1,000 2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
HOME DINNERS
TV DINNERS
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INTERVIEW TIPS | CHALLENGING THE STATUS QUO
THE FRONT PAGES
INTERVIEW TIPS
Our recruitment friends on the inside let you know what they ask and exactly what they want to hear.
JOSIANE HACHEM | RECRUITMENT MANAGER, NESTLÉ CANADA Tell us about a time when you challenged the status quo and were able to implement a change to improve a standardized process. We want to hear responses that describe how candidates were able to implement the suggested change to improve the process. The more detailed the response, the easier it is to fully understand the steps taken to implement the suggested change, the measurements used to identify the improvement, the organizational capabilities that were required to reach the end goal, and any cost implications.
When we ask candidates to “Tell us about a time when they have challenged the status quo,” we are looking for candidates to provide a specific example from their work, school, or personal experiences that demonstrates their ability to identify an opportunity for improvement. This shows that the individual is questioning a process that could be enhanced, changed, or revised to increase efficiencies. We also look to identify individuals who are willing to take risks and constructively challenge the why and ask the why not.
It is also important to hear how the candidate identified the opportunity for improvement, a description of their role in the process, insight into any challenges they faced when presenting the new idea, as well as how they handled these challenges, and if there is anything they would do differently looking back on the experience. We expect candidates to come prepared to answer behaviouralbased questions as it is a reflection of how they’ve dealt with similar situations in previous experience.
JOBPOSTINGS.CA | SEPTEMBER 2014
At Nestlé Canada Inc., we work in a fast paced environment that requires agility and the ability to adapt quickly. Individuals who have shown success within our company are those who generate ideas and challenge the way things are done. To move business forward, we expect our employees to continue to bring new ideas and process improvements to the table. Business becomes stale if we are not thinking and moving forward.
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START BUILDING YOUR CAREER TODAY AT AECON At Aecon Group Inc., our search for dynamic construction professionals never ends. We’re Canada’s premier construction and infrastructure development company and we have a reputation to uphold. We are committed and we deliver. Sound like you? If so, visit us today at aecon.com/careers/campus_events to kickstart your career. BIG JOBS. BIG LEARNING. BIG OPPORTUNITY.
aecon.com/careers
SOFT SKILLS | TAKING CRITICISM
THE FRONT PAGES
How to receive constructive feedback eloquently and why it’s important to your career.
The first time you sit down for a performance review can be terrifying. Most people want to avoid it at all costs, but you should view this as an opportunity. Performance reviews should consist of both positive and constructive feedback. It should also be an opportunity to discuss your career path.
for going through this process is a must.
No matter how much experience, you’ll always have an area to improve in; view these areas as growth opportunities. Recognizing that early in your working life sets you up for success today and down the road.
This is your opportunity to demonstrate self-awareness and talk about the things you believe you’re good at and the things you’d like to work on. If those things don’t line up with what your boss had to say, that’s fine as well; you can speak to how you plan to reflect on those things and create a plan of action around them. You should also use this meeting to discuss your career path and what actions you can take to move forward in your career or take on more responsibilities.
Show up prepared and listen
Take action
You should take some time before you receive your feedback to assess your own performance. If your organization does not conduct 360-degree feedback and you haven’t been given an opportunity to do a self-assessment, now is your time. Think about your positive attributes as well as your negative ones, (and be really honest with yourself). Also, think about your future and where you want your career to go and be prepared to discuss it.
Respond The first thing you should do once the other person is done speaking is thank them for the time and thought they put into their comments. It’s generally not easy for any person—even your boss—to assess the performance of others, so a thank-you
The best things you can do with feedback: keep doing what you’re good at and change what you’re not, quickly. Showing that you understood and acting appropriately will show that you’re not afraid of growth and change. As an example, say your boss thinks you don’t speak up enough. Make it your goal to say something (productive) at least once in every meeting; if you’re often in the conversation, it will become second nature. You’ll not only grow, but you’ll demonstrate that you’re committed to improving yourself. Even if the feedback is more informal than the process outlined here, you can still utilize these concepts, even with evaluation and comments that are sprung on you. The beautiful thing about feedback is you are in control of what you do with it. Sometimes your boss gets it wrong, but you should be honest with yourself before you determine this. Criticism should be taken seriously and constructively, regardless of the source. You choose where you need to spend your energy to improve and grow and, ultimately, this should be determined by how you want to advance your career.
JOBPOSTINGS.CA | SEPTEMBER 2014
As you’re receiving feedback, the best thing you can do is listen and make sure you take in everything that’s being said. You may want to consider taking a few notes, especially if this is your first time receiving feedback. You could forget half of what was said, but you’ll want to refer to it later.
Words Heidi Murphy // Illustrations Anthony Capano
TAKING CRITICISM
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STARTUP | LIVECA
THE WHY OF VIRTUAL ACCOUNTING Josh Zweig and Chad Davis manage LiveCA from anywhere and let the purpose drive their business.
JOBPOSTINGS.CA | SEPTEMBER 2014
“I had been working at an old, traditional accounting firm, dealing with most of my clients through email and phone,” says LiveCA’s co-founder Josh Zweig. “If I’m not even seeing most clients, I can do this online,” which pushed him to launch LiveCA with his partner Chad Davis in January 2014. The two created a model that works efficiently: Chad focuses on the tech side, whereas Josh focuses on the client side of operations, creating a package of both tech and tax. The two had very little startup costs, allowing them to get right to work. “There wasn’t much funding that we needed other than creating a good website,” which they’re still working on upgrading, Josh says. “The only thing we had to do was set up a website, we talked to people on Skype, so it was a very lean startup model.” The idea of remote accountanting isn’t new, but Josh and
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Chad have streamlined it and want to expand in the future. “When it comes through the website, one of us—either me or another CPA—hops on Skype and talks to them,” he says. “We talk about their business, get a bit of background, and then we get the detailed process—how they invoice, how many clients they have, are their invoice recurring, are they billing, how are they getting paid, what kind of expenses do they have, how are they keeping expenses … do they have inventory, do they have payrolls.” Essentially everything an accountant needs to know to properly help a client. The tech team, with a background in development, then takes over and reviews the information. From there, they recommend apps to use to streamline business, followed by a demo and implementing the strategies. There are different levels of support and plans the businesses can choose, which each cost
THE FRONT PAGES
Words James Michael McDonald // Images LiveCA
more time and money. More and more professionals like accountants are working remotely, seeing the advantages of working from anywhere. “We believe that there’s a lot of advantage in working online,” says Josh. “From a client’s perspective, it means we’re much more accessible. We have clients that will ask us a question at eight at night; we hop on a Skype call for 10 minutes and we solve the issue.”
“Our team can take workations,” he says. “I know we’ve had two guys go down to Florida for a month and they work down there. Tyler from our team is in PEI right now with his family, and we have Shelby working from the cottage, so we very much encourage people not to be confined to an office and to work from wherever they find inspiration to work.” Even the most forward-thinking owners and progressive worklife balance can’t avoid certain challenges in any business. Josh says that learning what clients work with can be problematic.
Essentially, LiveCA works for companies that are good communicators, have a positive attitude, have a willingness to learn, and know a thing or two about the web. “You don’t have to be tech savvy, but you need to be open to working in different ways,” he says. Josh and Chad’s goal is to push LiveCA to be the largest virtual firm in Canada by focusing on the why rather than the what, taking inspiration from Simon Sinek’s talk “Start With Why” and Apple’s innovation. “You know how we do it, what we provide as services—fixed price plans, unlimited tax and tech support, structured followup procedures,” he says. “Our why, now articulated, is that we’re challenging the traditional accounting and providing value to our clients to improve both their lives and our own. So that’s really why gets us up in the morning.”
JOBPOSTINGS.CA | SEPTEMBER 2014
Josh mentions that his staff travel and promote excursions, doing work from away. (When I conducted the interview with Josh, for example, he was in Tel Aviv while I was in Toronto.)
“As connected to the way we work, which is virtual, we’re not going to convince anybody why the internet is a good thing. This means if you’re not sure about using the internet, if you’re not sure about cloud accounting software, we’re not going to come and sell you on that. That’s not our job.”
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CAREER REPORT | ENERGY FOR EVERYONE
THE FRONT PAGES
Hundreds of different careers are available at the flip of a switch.
WITH THE HARSH WEATHER CONDITIONS AND THE REQUIREMENT TO PROVIDE ENERGY TO COMMUNITIES OVER A LARGE GEOGRAPHICAL SPACE, WORKING IN ENERGY IN THE NWT PRESENTS SOME UNIQUE CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES SOMEONE WOULDN’T NECESSARILY SEE ELSEWHERE.
Working in energy isn’t what you think. The women and men who work in the industry aren’t like Homer Simpson—surrounded by 500 buttons, not doing much work, in seemingly dead-end jobs.
ventures and alternative energy sources, like solar and wind,” he adds. This includes a whole new group of careers in sustainable efforts, such as environmental analysts, policy coordinators, and manager of energy services.
Energy is a vast field with a plethora of careers in all areas. From working in plants to dealing with clients and customers, from engineers to tradespeople, there is a position for every type of individual.
“There is a real opportunity to help the environment, as well as help people by ensuring that those who need access to energy are provided with access.”
“The energy field encompasses a variety of roles,” says Richard McGuire, human resources specialist with Northwest Territories Power Corporation. These roles include: engineering, design, and asset management; project management; health, safety, and the environment; human resources; finance and accounting; diesel mechanics; electricians; plant operators; and power linespersons and other tradespeople.
That said, energy is changing, therefore so are its careers. As priorities shift and energy demands increase, the industry is expanding in a number of directions. In the Northwest Territories, ecology and sustainability are now more important. “We have been putting a lot of focus on renewable energy—wind and solar—and understanding and minimizing the environmental impact of our business,” says McGuire. “We also have a specific group that conducts research into new
In Saskatchewan, SaskPower is embracing their ambition. “We are commissioning the world’s first commercial-scale coal-fired power station,” says Dion. “Unit Three at our Boundary Dam Power Station located near Estevan, SK is being rebuilt with a state-of-the-art turbine and a fully integrated carbon capture system capable of cutting CO2 emissions by up to 90 per cent—approximately one million tonnes a year. This may result in new opportunities for individuals with a chemical, process, or petrochemical background.” And these opportunities are coming up everywhere, for those willing to relocate for the betterment of their careers. “With the harsh weather conditions and the requirement to provide energy to communities over a large geographical space, working in energy in the NWT presents some unique challenges and opportunities someone wouldn’t necessarily see elsewhere,” says McGuire. “We also partner very closely with our communities to understand their concerns and ensure we keep power rates as low as possible.” No matter your field, it’s worth checking out energy careers across the country. As this industry evolves, it will only be more exciting and rewarding to jump on board.
JOBPOSTINGS.CA | SEPTEMBER 2014
“We pretty much have positions for any type of background,” says Yvonne Dion, recruitment specialist with SaskPower, noting that there are many professional positions, including IT roles, finance, and communications.
Words James Michael McDonald // Images Hramovnick
ENERGY FOR EVERYONE
15
Explore Your Future in Energy Who We Are
We are an industry leading oil and gas producer based out of Calgary, Alberta with operations in North America, the UK, and West Africa.
Who We Hire
Accounting and Finance Engineering Environment Communications Geology and Geophysics Human Resources Information Systems Oil and Gas Marketing Operations Petroleum Land Management Stakeholder Relations Supply Management
Apply Online at
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OIL & GAS | BOOMING CAREERS
SPECIAL REPORT
Words Megan Santos // Illustration Anthony Capano, Luerat Satichob
OIL & GAS: A SLICK INDUSTRY
The offshore industry is fit for the adventurous—a chance to work in challenging conditions with a rewarding career.
UNDERGROUND OPERATIONS Pipelines move oil and gas from here to there, and move people into rewarding and challenging careers.
FOCUS ON TEAM ENERGY Steel-toed boots and sophisticated software aside, the oil and gas industry focuses on work culture.
TIME FOR CHANGE 297,120 people are employed in the oil & gas industry nationwide.
Add oil & gas to your resumé: use the career skills you already have for a fresh start in the industry.
JOBPOSTINGS.CA | SEPTEMBER 2014
Whether you like to get your hands dirty or work behind a desk, Canada’s oil and gas industry continues to grow with career opportunity for young people.
EAST COAST EXPLORATION
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OIL & GAS | OFFSHORE & PIPELINES
EAST COAST EXPLORATION The offshore oil and gas industry is fit for the adventurous—a chance to work in challenging conditions with a rewarding career. Although most known as an economic boost for Western Canada, the oil and gas industry isn’t only limited to the oil sands in Alberta. Eastern Canada, particularly the coasts of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador, are rich in exploration and in job opportunities. According to a recent article published on LeaderPost.com, the offshore industry directly employs close to 6,000 people, (more indirectly employed), and hundreds of “supply and service companies” are also involved in the multibillion-dollar, east coast industry.
Offshore opportunities Much like the on-land drilling opportunities in Western Canada, Atlantic Canada also has an oil and gas drilling industry of their own located offshore. The goal of working in offshore rigs can be described in simple terms: using seismic and geological research, oil companies drill to see if there is oil or gas located beneath the ocean floor’s surface. The job, however, is anything but easy.
JOBPOSTINGS.CA | SEPTEMBER 2014
Offshore oil and gas engineers get the brunt of the most challenging conditions. Rough waters and unpredictable subsea terrain are just two of the obstacles offshore workers face day-to-day. In addition to the obvious technical skills required, enthusiasm and stamina are major components to the success of offshore employees.
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According to the Careers in Oil and Gas website, produced by the Petroleum Human Resources Council of Canada, offshore oil and gas engineers may specialize in fields like drilling, robotics, marine corrosion, and subsea processes, just to name a few. With backgrounds in a gamut of engineering branches and, at minimum, an undergraduate college or university degree, a license is also required for offshore oil and gas workers to work and practice.
Safety first Now that you’ve checked all the boxes to determine you’re a match for the industry, it’s important to be re-
minded of two simple words we’ve all heard dating back to our adventurous childhood years: safety first. The oil and gas industry is committed to protecting its workers and is regulated by the federal and provincial governments, regardless of whether you’re stationed in Calgary or off Newfoundland’s shores. Safety training is a requirement in Atlantic Canada’s oil and gas industry offshore. The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) states that basic survival training, hydrogen sulphide awareness, WHMIS training, and regulatory awareness training are mandatory. Emergencies can happen at any time. According to CAPP, all employees and offshore workers are trained to be familiar with emergency response procedures, and also designate teams that focus on fast rescue, fire, first aid, medical evacuation, and survival. Travel is also a critical player in subsea exploration. The industry is pushing to continue to strengthen helicopter safety by introducing a search and rescue hangar in St. John’s to accommodate emergencies, by improving the design of helicopter fleets, and by changing operating procedures. And if you’re wondering about compensation, entry-level positions are impressive, starting around $50,000 annually, with specialized positions paying as much as $220,000 per year. So aim high in the deep; you could find the career you’ve been looking for.
SPECIAL REPORT
UNDERGROUND OPERATIONS Pipelines move oil and gas from here to there, and move people into rewarding and challenging careers. A lot goes on right under our feet. In fact, part of a multi-billion-dollar industry is being constructed and maintained, and its product is being transported right below us. Pipelines have been transporting oil and gas for over a century, zigzagging across Canada and throughout the rest of North America, but who are the minds (and hands) behind such a huge operation? It’s not just pipe-layers and engineers that make up the entire pipeline body, but a whole gamut of opportunities from business and project management to field operation and procurement—all with the goal to maintain the pipelines operation. But before it all starts and prior to its construction, a significant amount of research and field work is required. “As a surveyor, you’d be out in the field taking measurements and telling companies that have contracted us where they can legally put their pipelines,” says Lauren Isherwood-Baingo, HR advisor at McElhanney, a Calgary-based surveying and geomatics company.
She explains that surveyors need an affinity for the outdoors, must be technically and mechanically inclined, and also have the ability to work quickly and precisely. “Our crews are working in two-person crews, and the survey assistant is supervised by a party chief, who is basically responsible for the instruction and ensuring their safety.” For Nathan Sikkes, project land surveyor at McElhanney, he takes on two distinct roles in pipelines work—one being business-related and the other with more of a technical focus. In the office, he manages field work and oversees quality control which includes collecting data, finding other potential projects, and sending proposals.
The mapping department starts off and ensures the work to be conducted is aligned with the clients’ requests. “That could be pipeline routes, land owners, and land types,” lists Sikkes. “Once the client has come up with the best route from a paper perspective—because there’s only so much you can do in an office—we’ll go to the field.” He organizes survey crews who are responsible for preliminary assessment of the placement of potential pipelines to determine the best location in terms of cost, environmental impact, and construction. “We have a lot of moving parts,” says Sikkes of work both in-office and on the field. “The real challenge, I’d say, is to make sure everything is moving collectively towards your end goals.”
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“After you win any particular contract, that’s when the real work starts,” he explains. “From the surveying side of things, that means lining up your personnel and, typically, pipeline projects have a lot of exploration.”
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careers.slb.com
85
years of
innovation >120,000 employees >140 nationalities ~ 85 countries of operation Who are we?
We are the world’s largest oilfield services company1. Working globally—often in remote and challenging locations— we invent, design, engineer, and apply technology to help our customers find and produce oil and gas safely.
1Based on Fortune 500 ranking 2011. Copyright © 2014 Schlumberger. All rights reserved.
Who are we looking for?
We need more than 5,000 graduates to begin dynamic careers in the following domains: n Engineering, Research and Operations n Geoscience and Petrotechnical n Commercial and Business
What will you be?
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With lengthy projects taking years to complete, Isherwood-Baingo explains that while the job market in pipelines is very strong, they’re constantly in short supply of workers. “I would say the number of people that are graduating out of geomatics programs in Canada is very low and that occupation notoriously suffers lack of enrolment,” she says. “It’s an engaging job in that you get to see different things everyday and you’re not doing the same thing day in and day out. You get a chance to travel a lot which can be really great.”
FOCUS ON TEAM ENERGY Steel-toed boots and sophisticated software aside, the oil and gas industry focuses on work culture for the people behind its operations. Browsing through any company’s “About Us” section of their website will almost always lead you to a common place: the company mission statement. At this point, you learn about the business’ professional beliefs, values, and purpose. In the oil and gas field, this is no different. Aside from the oil rigs and, at times, challenging conditions, the oil and gas industry has always maintained one thing: a work culture that boasts both safety and positivity for all of its workers.
The people “I think my simple answer is that they’re fairly unlimited,” says Rick Davidson, manager of talent acquisition at Cenovus Energy, when speaking of the landscape of career opportunity. He explains that although the oil and gas industry is made up of the obvious technical- and labour-based positions like engineering, geology, geophysics, and skilled trades, “because we are a major corporation, we have opportunities in all areas whether it’s communications, human resources, accounting, finance, community relations, stakeholder relations, or legal.” For new grads excited to launch their careers in the industry, Stephanie Ryan, manager of talent acquisition strategies at Suncor, says there are many areas within the company where fresh-faced oil and gas hopefuls can get their starts. Depending on the field you specialize in, Suncor offers rotational programs for young engineers, marketers, and people in finance.
The culture Vibrant, fast, and full of new and improving technology are the words Davidson uses to describe the oil and gas industry. “There’s a high degree of focus on the environment and on social responsibility,” he says. “There are a lot of things people don’t realize happen within the oil and gas industry because on TV they typically see a drilling rig and some people working around the rig.” But work culture is much different from what it looks like on the surface. “First thing that pops to mind is that I think Cenovus, overall, has a respect and appreciation for its people,”
JOBPOSTINGS.CA | SEPTEMBER 2014
“You come into an industry or organization where you can really contribute the skills that you’ve learned in the different disciplines that you’re studying,” says Ryan. “There’s also a good infrastructure set up to help grow and develop your career.”
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WHY WORK FOR NEXEN? Because you value innovation and seek opportunity. At Nexen we offer challenging careers and the chance to pioneer new technologies. Your contributions are rewarded with a highly competitive compensation package and a healthy work-life balance. We’ll help you along with career development and training that will open doors for your future.
The Nexen Student Connection
@nexencampus
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says Davidson. “That contributes to a very healthy culture when people know they can come to work and their work has their back.” Rewarding high performers is also an important aspect to the overall culture of the industry. “We do offer rewarding compensation and benefits,” says Ryan. “We believe it’s the opportunity to provide stimulating work and really make a contribution that makes us a bit of a different organization.” Team members benefit from training and safety programs, in addition to mentorship and the ability to work with world-class experts. “We have leadership teams that are engaged and respect those that work for them, want to hear the ideas people have, and want to know them,” adds Davidson. “Although we’re a big company, we like to think we have a small company feel in the way that we work together and operate.”
TIME FOR CHANGE Use the career skills you already have for a fresh start in oil and gas. Going through a career change is like experiencing a breakup. You question where it went wrong, why things changed, and where you go from here. Luckily, the oil and gas industry is booming with job opportunities to ease your career change woes—no bad breakup required. “They offer a lot of on-the-job training. There’s often rapid career advancement, especially noted in the case of anyone working in the drilling rigs,” says Carla Campbell-Ott, executive director of the Petroleum HR Council, when speaking of the industry. “These are generally long-term positions and long-term opportunities.” A number of professionals with existing skills and experience could transfer to a career in oil and gas—for instance, engineers, health and safety workers, and those in the medical field. As an example, she uses the career as an equipment operator, which is used in many different industries. “When we look at them, we know that those with industry-specialized occupations are harder to find and there are fewer of them, but those that are broad are highly sought after in the industry so there’s more competition.” As an industry that is constantly changing, Campbell-Ott also explains that oil and gas is also experiencing a rise in environmental job opportunities that could be advantageous for individuals coming from that field. “There are a lot of environmental advisors, technicians, inspectors, and a whole lot of new occupations in stakeholder relations and communications,” she says. “If people have experiences in other industries, that’s a good opportunity for transferability because those are big growth occupations.” Campbell-Ott does caution, however, that many occupations are industry specific to oil and gas, thus requiring field training or certification. Monika Bhandari, senior program coordinator for the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS) Oil and Gas Training Programs, explains that with industry demands, CCIS took charge and developed training programs in a number of oil and gas specializations to help new immigrants find employment in Western Canada. These programs include training in drilling and service rigs, seismic work, and power engineering.
With programs ranging from 8 to 37 weeks, CCIS screens, shortlists, and interviews applicants to find the most suitable candidates; the success of the program is evident through their numbers. “The ones who have ever taken our programs have completed it and we’ve always had 100 per cent training completion,” says Bhandari, with 95 per cent of them successful. “They have this ultimate drive and motivation in them that you wouldn’t be able to tell off of any paper,” explains Bhandari. “You could see a resumé but you don’t see that motivational level and that level to want to succeed and be able to provide for their families.”
JOBPOSTINGS.CA | SEPTEMBER 2014
“A lot of people are coming with varying backgrounds,” she says. “They’re coming with engineering, teaching, accounting, as construction workers, business owners, and when they come here they’re not working in the same level of expertise.”
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“I figured it’d be a couple years before I got this kind of responsibility.” Career Opportunities at BDO.
BDO. Because relationships matter. There are many world-class accounting firms. Far fewer that offer a culture so rich in professional opportunity, personal fulfillment, and long-term growth. At BDO, we understand that exceptional service to our clients begins – and ends – with exceptional regard for our people. Because at its core, our business is not about numbers or spreadsheets, dollars or pence, but about people working with, for, and in service of others. In short, because relationships matter.
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BDO Canada Limited is an affiliate of BDO Canada LLP. BDO Canada LLP, a Canadian limited liability partnership, is a member of BDO International Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, and forms part of the international BDO network of independent member firms. BDO is the brand name for the BDO network and for each of the BDO Member Firms.
ACCOUNTING | CALCULATING CAREERS
SPECIAL REPORT
Words Megan Santos & Mehreen Shahid // Images Shironosov, Andrey Popov
ACCOUNTING: IT’S A NUMBERS GAME
OUTSIDE THE BIG FOUR Wear all the accounting hats you wish. A mid-size firm offers career growth and unique training.
THE AUDITING BREAKDOWN ENTRY-LEVEL $51,437
SENIOR LEVEL $79,229
Median salary for entry-level and senior accountants
A career in audit requires understanding the business, managing risk, and examining data.
SOCIAL VALUE IN MONETARY ASSETS A look at how social accounting and corporate social responsibility work.
JOBPOSTINGS.CA | SEPTEMBER 2014
Number lovers! How do you take your accounting? We have the recipes to accounting success that’ll complement your career.
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ACCOUNTING | MID-SIZE FIRMS & AUDITING
OUTSIDE THE BIG FOUR
Wear all the accounting hats you wish. A mid-size firm offers career growth and unique training. Big-time clients and big-name accounts: the prestige of working for one of the world’s big four firms can leave a starry-eyed, 20-something-year-old eager to get their degree and start their accounting careers. But before the stars lead you to the front lobby of a big four firm, it’s important to look at your options.
Going small
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Small- to mid-sized firms can offer the best of both worlds for an entry-level career. “We have small firm relationships, large firm resources,” says Lindsay Grigor-Tiberia, senior director of human capital in the Ontario region at MNP, a mid-sized Canadian accounting firm. “That’s typically a tagline we’ve been using most frequently.”
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Having worked for a big four accounting firm in addition to over six years of experience at MNP, Grigor-Tiberia suggests that students take advantage of the opportunities with midsized firms. “You have the opportunities to work in a variety of different areas. Oftentimes you get exposure to tax, as well as
assurance, which oftentimes is not the case in a larger firm at one of the big four.” For Paul Peterson, national talent resource manager at Grant Thornton, team members are required to work in different industries and with a broad range of clients. “We want people that want to be much broader in outlook and approach,” he says. “We offer people greater variety in terms of clients and the size of the clients in the industries.” And with a mid-size firm, teams are generally smaller and client engagement is usually much shorter than at a big four.
Room for growth Your first day on the job can have you looking like a fish out of water: lost, uncomfortable, but admittedly, a little thrilled. But rest assured, you’re not alone and your company won’t leave you on your own either. “The firm spends a colossal amount of money on training and development,” says Peterson, adding that the learning doesn’t
WE GO WHERE YOU GO You have the magazine, now find us online. Visit Jobpostings.ca today to surf our job board, apply for the coolest jobs, and read up on industry happenings. (You’re on your laptop all day, anyway!)
SPECIAL REPORT
“YOU HAVE THE OPPORTUNITIES TO WORK IN A VARIETY OF DIFFERENT AREAS. OFTENTIMES YOU GET EXPOSURE TO TAX, AS WELL AS ASSURANCE, WHICH OFTENTIMES IS NOT THE CASE IN A LARGER FIRM AT ONE OF THE BIG FOUR.” end after your first month on the job, but it’s covered throughout all levels of your accounting career. “We’re working hard on really developing a strong coaching culture, so that people are coached on a personal level. One kind of training doesn’t work for everybody in every situation; your goals and aspirations can be different and you might be really good at something, but want to get better in a different area.” At MNP, Grigor-Tiberia highlights the company’s very own program, the MNP University. “There are internal courses through MNP that can actually cover off the professional requirements for professional designation hours,” she explains. “People who specialize in different niches take courses that are specific to that niche. There’s a whole series of management courses on how to become better team managers and we also have a series of courses that align to business development.”
The decision
Understanding the business, managing risk, and examining data.
They crunch the numbers and you check it twice. With a career in auditing comes the responsibility of examining and managing a company’s financial documents and records for any errors. For new grads, a start as a staff accountant can lead to valuable training, work experience, and mentorship for a future in audit.
The role “As a staff accountant, there’s two main parts to the job: client engagements and personal development,” says Garrett Moore, Queen’s University graduate and firstyear staff accountant at Deloitte. In client engagements, Moore lists that some of his responsibilities include “enhancing the reliability of information” for relevant stakeholders, and speaking with clients on a regular basis on “gaining an understanding of a controlled environment of an entity—so looking at its operational inefficiencies, errors on the draft financial statements, and the potential for fraud within the company.” On a more personal level, Moore works with a mentor at Deloitte, who guides him through his professional journey as a staff accountant. “You’re consistently working with your coach to set and achieve your goals,” he explains. “Some examples of the goals you set as a staff accountant would be to pass all your necessary examinations which make you eligible for the designation,” adding that organizing additional roles within the firm are also discussed. Owning your own personal development is encouraged at Deloitte, says Moore. “Take charge of your own career, know what you want to do, do your research, and go after it. Take time to understand both your client and your industry before you start on any client engagement.”
What firms want As a first-time staff accountant, you’re tasked to work in a number of industries, which includes working on small audits in addi- tion to bookkeeping and tax preparation.
JOBPOSTINGS.CA | SEPTEMBER 2014
So what will it be? Where you start your accounting career can’t be decided by a flip of a coin, but rather a personal evaluation of your interests and aspirations. “We’re not a fit for every single person and I’m okay with that, so I’d rather someone find that out right now than a year in,” says Peterson of Grant Thornton’s campus recruiting hook. “We just try to say: here’s who we are, here’s what we have to offer, and you decide if this really works for you.”
AUDITING BREAKDOWN
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ACCOUNTING | CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
“They will receive the experience of preparing an entire file that they will see through to completion,” says Mandi McCutcheon, manager of human resources for BDO Canada’s southern and mid-western Ontario region. “Our staff accountants have the opportunity to work in teams of various sizes in direct working relationships with partners, clients, and other professionals in the firm.” Some qualities McCutcheon and BDO’s team looks for are responsibility, self-esteem, sociability, and time management. Inhouse, she says teaching ability, client service, and negotiation are important traits, in addition to leadership and diversity. “We place significant emphasis on training in the accounting
profession,” she explains. “In order to ensure that staff are appropriately trained to do their job, we provide internal and external programs that will enhance their skills and propel their career development.” Staff accountants have the chance to earn competitive starting salaries. “Individual salary increases are determined each year based on multiple factors,” says McCutcheon, “including experience, performance, and market data.” While permanent staff is reviewed annually, co-op students are reviewed by term. “A person working for our firm can expect to have gradual movement through our salary ranges as they progress throughout their career.”
ADDING SOCIAL VALUE TO MONETARY ASSETS
including York University. Similarly, the MBA program has some mandatory CSR courses with specialization in business and sustainability. In order to become a CSR manager, there are different methods, but experience in the industry is crucial. He adds that entry-level positions require report making and research skills but as experience within the company piles up, chances of becoming a CSR specialist increase.
A look at how social accounting and corporate social responsibility work.
Anshula Chowdhury, CEO at Social Asset Measurements Inc., says a focus on quantitative and qualitative research methods is needed, but a more natural fit would be accounting or economics.
JOBPOSTINGS.CA | SEPTEMBER 2014
Measuring a company’s social performance is called social accounting. While corporate social responsibility (CSR) is about what the company does, social accounting measures how much it does.
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“People don’t necessarily agree on exactly what social accounting is, but the basic element is that it’s about how firms contribute to the societies in which they operate,” says Andrew Crane, director of Centre of Excellence in Responsible Business, Schulich School of Business, York University. Social responsibility is assessed on multiple levels, one of which is by social reporting. “If firms are producing social impact reports, it’s an opportunity to tell the world about what they’re doing and what their performance is in this area.” Reports are prepared on specific issues such as carbon footprint, and a variety of CSR indicators are used to rank firms
“Social accounting is a growing field,” she says. “Exact numbers on jobs available are not known, however there is a clear shortage of impact analysts.” according to their performance, some of them being difficult to assess because of their qualitative nature. “We have to think about the net impact on the community within which it operates and across the whole span of its operations, not just in relation to local community initiatives it has or the amount of money it gives to charity,” says Crane. “Most MBA and undergraduate degrees have courses in CSR,” he says. “Also, other types of degrees which may have a CSR element include development studies, international relations or even geography. Courses in ethics and responsibility in business are taught as part of many undergraduate business degrees,
Among crucial non-academic skills for becoming a CSR specialist is the ability to communicate and negotiate. Within a company, you’re often talking to people in marketing, finance, and operations, hence knowing how to convey your idea across all platforms is important. “For those considering this field as a possible career choice, this is an incredibly exciting time,” says Chowdhury. “It is dominated by professionals who are committed to finding better ways of demonstrating social and environmental value. Joining this field today opens up many career opportunities for entrepreneurial individuals who are willing to work with an array of stakeholders in order to create a better world.”
YOUR YOUR CUBICLE CUBICLE
Bayer CropScience is now looking for summer associates – a job that promises to be Bayer CropScience now looking for summerAsassociates a job that promises to be unlike anything is you’ve ever experienced. a leader in–the agricultural community, unlike you’vetoever As a leader theentire agricultural community, it isanything our privilege help experienced. our grower-partners feedinthe world and now it it is could our privilege to help our grower-partners feed the entire world and now it be yours. Visit BAYERCROPSCIENCE.CA/CAREERS for more details. could be yours. Visit BAYERCROPSCIENCE.CA/CAREERS for more details. IN ADDITION TO PERSONALIZED TRAINING AND MENTORSHIP, IN ADDITION TO PERSONALIZED AND MENTORSHIP, WE ALSO OFFER OUR SUMMERTRAINING ASSOCIATES: WE ALSO OFFER OUR SUMMER ASSOCIATES:
Competitive wages Competitive wages Referral bonus Referral bonus work-life balance Exceptional Exceptional balance Corporatework-life social events Corporate events Full-timesocial career opportunities Full-time career opportunities Company truck* Company truck* Company cell phone* *Where required. Company cell phone* *Where required.
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AGRICULTURE | NOT YOUR GRANDPA’S FARM
SPECIAL REPORT
Words James Michael McDonald & Jamie Bertolini // Illustrations Dorling Kindersley
B:11”
S:9.75”
T:10.75”
AGRICULTURE: HARVESTING YOUR FUTURE
THE VAST FIELD OF HORTICULTURE Landscape, business, chemistry, greenhouse management, engineering—meaning endless career possibilities.
WHAT THE HECK IS AGRONOMY? Agronomists work in the field of agriculture researching more effective ways to produce crops.
GRAPE EXPECTATIONS The agriculture and agri-food system in Canada employed 2.1 million people in 2012.
The wine industry in Canada is booming. Is your career in making merlot and chardonnay?
JOBPOSTINGS.CA | SEPTEMBER 2014
Between crops and livestock are thousands of job opportunities you wouldn’t expect. Read on to find out about careers in the fields.
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AGRICULTURE | HORTICULTURE & AGRONOMY
THE FIELD OF HORTICULTURE Landscape, business, chemistry, greenhouse management, engineering—meaning endless career possibilities. From crop production to landscape design, the range of work available to horticulturists is extensive. According to ECO Canada, “Horticulturists are agricultural scientists whose focus is finding a better way to develop, grow, harvest, store, process, and ship fruits, vegetables, and decorative plants.” “Occupations include [plant growers], design of the landscape, urban forest management, pest management, landscape construction, and sales and consulting support for all aspects of horticulture,” says Ken Fry, instructor and coordinator of horticulture at Olds College. “Essentially, a person can pursue any specialty they want in the field of horticulture,” he says. “You can be an engineer, chemist, plant physiologist, botanist, business entrepreneur, entomologist, pathologist,” among other roles. Depending on your specialty, horticulturists can expect to work in an office environment analyzing data and researching new technology or in the field inspecting plants and conducting experiments. Getting qualified to work in this field, on the production side at least, is fairly simple. Obtaining a technical diploma is recommended yet not required. With a certificate or a degree, the likelihood of finding “year-round employment and opportunities for advancement” significantly increases, says Fry. “Most [horticulturists] today tend to have a degree in either agronomy or agriculture economics or some type of formal education to blend with whatever hands on experience that they may have,” says Anne Fowlie, executive vice-president of the Canadian Horticulture Council.
JOBPOSTINGS.CA | SEPTEMBER 2014
At Olds College, students can get a number of different certifications in the field of horticulture. You can acquire technical certificates in arboriculture or horticulture or even continue your education by getting a bachelor of applied science in horticulture if you’ve already completed a two-year diploma program.
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Fry says “a graduate can expect to encounter opportunities to rise to management, diversify their skill set, or own their own business” in this highly diverse industry. They currently have a graduate working as a landscape maintenance supervisor at Google in San Jose, California, and “another manages the research greenhouses in the faculty of agriculture, life sciences, and environment at the University of Alberta.” Working in this field also has many rewarding aspects, says Fry. “There’s the connection to the environment, work that’s outdoors, [and it’s] work that’s creative and contributes to healthy lives and enriched experiences.”
“For any supporting roles in the sector, it’s very dynamic [with] people who are very committed and passionate to it,” says Fowlie. “There are challenges, but there are [also] a lot of opportunities.” Fry says students looking to pursue a career in this field need to be open-minded. “Do not be reluctant to expand your horizons... You can move from production to construction or maintenance to design.” “I cannot stress enough the flexibility of the field of horticulture or the rich variety of opportunities. The community of horticulturists is welcoming and creative. I can’t think of a better vocation.”
WHAT THE HECK IS AGRONOMY? Agronomists work in the field of agriculture researching more effective ways to produce crops. With the mounting need to find better ways to produce food to feed the planet, the skills and expertise of agronomists and others in the field of agriculture are greatly needed.
SPECIAL REPORT
“That pressure is continuing to grow,” says Cheryl Probert, recruitment partner for Bayer CropScience. “Expertise in the area of plant science, crop science specifically, and agronomy falls into that—those skills are going to be more and more critical to the food chain over time.” “Approximately three per cent of the surface of the earth is arable land,” says Probert. “Think about an apple that you buy at the grocery store and the little sticker that comes on the apple. That little sticker is about the proportion of [arable land] on the globe.”
As an agronomist, you can either focus your work on the research and development side of agronomy or work directly with farmers by helping them identify problems with their crops. Research and development agronomists test the growth of plants using trial plots, says Probert. “They might apply a fungicide to one group of plants and not apply that to another and then compare how they grow, what they look like, how they produce by the end of the summer.” For the agronomists who work with farmers, they’re able to ob-
Probert says that one of the most rewarding parts of the job is when they can make a difference to the farmers and help with the overall success of their businesses. “If someone provides advice that helps save a crop, that’s a real thrill! That means that that farmer is going to have income where they might not have otherwise.” Some of the challenges of the job include dealing with bad weather. Since crop production depends on certain optimal conditions, it can be hard work for agronomists working in provinces like Saskatchewan, for example, who have been experiencing massive flooding this year, says Probert. Students interested in becoming an agronomist must enroll in an agriculture program such as a bachelor of agriculture. Probert recommends participating in the many summer opportunities available like co-ops or internships in order to get a feel for the company and industry. A career in agriculture doesn’t automatically mean becoming a farmer. “There are lots of other things that [you] can do in the industry that will be challenging, rewarding, and impactful,” says Probert. Students wishing to enter this field just need to do a little research to find the career that best suits them.
JOBPOSTINGS.CA | SEPTEMBER 2014
Agronomists work within this problem by determining new and more effective ways of crop production. Probert describes the job of an agronomist as similar to that of a pharmacist. A pharmacist understands how different drugs affect the human body, while an agronomist “understands how external influences like fertilizer or an herbicide affect a plant or seed,” she says.
serve their fields and provide advice or assist with “troubleshooting” their crops and determining whether they’re having a problem with insects, disease, or something else.
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AGRICULTURE | VITICULTURE
GRAPE EXPECTATIONS The wine industry in Canada is booming. Is your career in making merlot & chardonnay? When you think of wine production, do you picture a French guy jumping into a bucket of grapes, stomping the juice out of them with his feet? The wine industry in Canada is a $6.8-billion industry, responsible for 31,000 jobs in manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, transportation, research, restaurants, and retail. Essentially, having that glass of red each day is allowing thousands of people prosperous careers.
JOBPOSTINGS.CA | SEPTEMBER 2014
“There are a lot of different roles,” says James Cluer, founder of Wine Jobs Canada. “People can work from the production side, often in a new position as a so-called cellar hand: someone who’s just working in the winery helping with all kinds of production tasks. There are also jobs in sales and marketing. Then you have sales, you have a ton of retailers, distributors, importers.” Essentially, there is a job for everyone, if you want in.
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There are several avenues to get into the field, the most direct being an education in wine. At Brock University’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute, for example, students can obtain a bachelor of science in oenology and viticulture, a four-year bachelor of science that gives a student a tremendous foundation in wine production and distribution. “They would take wine chemistry, wine microbiology, grape wine biology, cultural practices—a course that involves different practical procedures that can be done in vineyards to maximize the levels of the grapes,” says Gail Higenell, senior laboratory demonstrator and OEVI advisor, academic and
admissions. “There’s reevaluation of wines, introduction to wines, wine equipment and processing,” among many other courses. There’s also a mandatory co-op program consisting of three work terms in different parts of the industry, allowing students to get a foot in the door and determine which area of wine is for them. Within six months in the field, 97 per cent of grads find employment, in wine regions all over the world. There are also master’s and PhD programs in both oenology (the study of wine making) and viticulture (the study of grape growing), in case a student wants even more expertise. Higenell notes that wineries are crying out for trained people to employ, not only in Niagara, but in BC, Quebec, Halifax, and around the world. Cluer also started a company called Fine Vintage Limited, offering in-person full-day courses to the general public, to beef up their wine resumé. “If you pass the exam, you receive a formal certificate from the Wine and Spirit Education Trust in the UK,” he says. These courses are quick, affordable, and would only add to a connoisseur’s expertise. There are plenty of reasons to dive in to wine, so to speak. “It’s a very friendly, very social industry,” says Cluer. “It’s very dynamic. Things are constantly changing. And it’s worldwide.” For many, a career in wine is taking something they love and building a life around that. “It’s great to be able to enjoy a glass of wine—in moderation, of course—as part of your career, or part of your industry.”
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WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A PRO. What does it mean to become a Chartered Professional Accountant? It means building the knowledge, skills and confidence to succeed in business. Expanding your network. Elevating your prospects. And opening the door to exciting opportunities, across the country and around the world. Join the ranks of Canada’s top strategic and financial decision-makers.
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ACCOUNTING | POSTGRAD
EDUCATION
Get the know-how on securing your accounting designation.
Words Megan Santos // Illustration Anthony Capano
LEARNING BY NUMBERS
Accounting hopefuls can now look forward to their sole Chartered Professional Accountants (CPA) designation. And since the recent merge of the accounting entities into the CPA, post-secondary programs have also made the shift in preparing their students for their final certification exams. Graduate diploma in accounting Students in the graduate diploma in accounting at Queen’s School of Business endure an intensive 13-week program that covers topics in income tax practice, information systems control, business combinations accounting, and audit effectiveness. The end result is the completion of a majority of education required to enter the professional accounting field and successfully secure the CPA designation.
Students in the program study from May to July allowing them to immediately continue their graduate education following their undergrad. “It also means that when they enter the workforce in September, they will not be forced to follow a rigid education process during their first year of working in the accounting field,” explains McConomy, “which they would have to do if they were following the professional bodies’ administered modules.” With the graduate diploma, McConomy says his students have seen success in acquiring their CPA designation. “Qualification as
Master of accounting Shifting to Western Canada at the Edwards School of Business at the University of Saskatchewan, the master of professional accounting program equips accounting hopefuls with the knowledge to work in the competitive field. With the program running over two summers from May to August, students also take part in a research project focusing on “financial accounting and reporting, management accounting and control, auditing, professional practice, or taxation,” says Travis Rotenburger, program and marketing coordinator of the master’s program. In teams of two, students identify problems, create a literature review and research design, and prepare a presentation. “It is an innovative graduate degree program that attracts topnotch accounting students from across Canada and internationally,” says Rotenburger. “MPAcc provides a proven alternative route for students who are seeking the CPA designation in Canada with a first time pass rate of the UFE exceeding 90 per cent. The program also gives students an opportunity to develop an appreciation for the academic research process and academe as a career choice.”
JOBPOSTINGS.CA | SEPTEMBER 2014
“With the graduate diploma, the students are able to bypass the four modules offered by CPA Canada, through its affiliates, and immediately enter the two capstone modules,” says David McConomy, assistant professor, secretary to the faculty board, and director for the graduate diploma in accounting program. “The students can enter the capstone modules one full year ahead of students who must take the modules.”
a CPA is the ultimate objective and at Queen’s we have enjoyed a pass rate of first-time writes of the final professional exams in excess of 90 per cent for the past nine years. We estimate our fiveyear rolling average to be about 94.5 per cent.”
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GRADUATE CAREERS
BECOME PART OF THE BIGGER PICTURE Baker Hughes is a leading supplier of services, products, technology and systems to the worldwide oil and natural gas industry. Our 60,000-plus employees work in more than 80 countries to help customers find, evaluate, drill, produce, transport and process hydrocarbon resources. Find out more and apply at bakerhughes.com/graduate
We offer a variety of amazing opportunities for talented graduates, with structured training programmes designed to help you build a rewarding career in field engineering, geoscience and R&D, technology, and supply chain. We also offer a range of roles in commercial and business functions, as well as local internships in some countries. If you are interested in working in a team environment that “challenges you every day, emphasizes continuous improvement
> Innovative technologies > Global operations > Career prospects > Diverse teams Visit the website to see where you might fit into the bigger picture of our global operations.
through learning, and rewards ingenuity and hard work, Baker Hughes is the right company for you. © 2014 Baker Hughes Incorporated. All Rights Reserved. 34517
Yemi, Area Engineering Manager, USA
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ENGINEERING | PETROLEUM & CHEMICAL
EDUCATION
BUBBLING WITH OPPORTUNITY AND RICHES Various education streams allow students with different backgrounds to jump into oil and gas engineering. Words Mehreen Shahid // Images Worac & Doel Jin
After the dot com boom came the new oil boom. In fact, the industry is still booming and is only likely to surge in the next few decades.
The program enables motivated engineers to pursue graduatelevel training within a shorter time than traditional master’s of engineering programs which take up to 24 months to complete.
“We’ve got a fairly dynamic graduate program,” says Ian Gates, head and professor at the department of chemical and petroleum engineering. “There’s a lot of research going on here, and we network with companies. We have a lot of clubs and do field trips to go see the results of the previous research.”
Applicants to graduate programs in petroleum engineering should ideally have an undergrad in chemical or petroleum engineering. However, for applicants with related but nonengineering backgrounds, Schulich at Calgary has equalizer courses to bring students up-to-speed.
On the east coast, Dalhousie University offers an even quicker route. “We offer a one-year course-based petroleum engineering program,” says Adam Donaldson, assistant professor at the
Both universities collaborate with leading energy companies giving students the opportunity to experience an engineer’s role at close quarters.
JOBPOSTINGS.CA | SEPTEMBER 2014
A variety of undergraduate and graduate programs offered across Canada will help youth buy into the anticipated growth in the industry. The Schulich School of Engineering at the University of Calgary, for example, offers two master of engineering and one master of science degree and a PhD in chemical and petroleum engineering.
department of process engineering and applied science. “It focuses primarily on subsurface operations and fundamental petroleum engineering concepts but is expanding to include more surface-based operations and the regulatory and management aspects of this industry.”
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ENGINEERING | PETROLEUM & CHEMICAL
“We’ve worked with all major and small companies: Exxon, Shell, ConocoPhillips, BP, Cenovus. The list is endless,” says Gates. “And it’s not just Alberta; some of us have links with China National Petroleum Comapny; Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A; Petrobras, Brazil; Pemex, Mexico; and ONGCIndia.” Gates says opportunities in the energy sector are limitless. The demands of a rising population push companies to try harder to achieve a more sustainable future. A large number of senior petroleum engineers will soon be retiring, creating space for youth to fill the gap between the very experienced and those at entry-level. One way of filling this gap is by hiring internationally educated persons. Equalizer courses can help localize their education and experience. As a global industry, it is one of the few career paths that involve professional development at an international level, embracing cultural diversity, and the application of international standards for human health and environmental protection on a global scale. “We’re producing a generation of engineers who are very aware of these issues,” says Gates. “In my generation, environment was important, but often we focused on economics. Now a large part of our courses focus on environment, safety, health, engineering, and economics.”
JOBPOSTINGS.CA | SEPTEMBER 2014
Moreover, Gates says, this is a wealthy sector and incomes of folks in this discipline are better than those in other fields. It is factors like this that help make this a field-of-choice for the next generation of Canadians.
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SCHOOL OF ACCOUNTING & FINANCIAL SERVICES
Accounting at Seneca Seneca offers flexible options to suit your time frame. One Year Two Years
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All programs pathway seamlessly to our Bcomm,
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requirements for the CPA designation.
which is recognized as meeting the degree
Three Years | Accounting & Finance diploma Four Years | Bachelor of Commerce – International Accounting and Finance jobpostingadd_update.pdf
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ROSS UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE ROSSU.EDU Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (Ross Vet) offers a veterinary program focused on educating tomorrow’s leaders and discoverers in veterinary medicine. RUSVM is dedicated to providing academic excellence for students as the foundation for becoming sought-after, practice-ready veterinarians for North America and beyond.
Founded in 1978 and located in Dominica, West Indies, RUSM is a provider of medical education offering a MD degree program. RUSM graduates have attained more US residencies annually than those of any other medical school in the world over the last five years.
CONESTOGA COLLEGE CONESTOGAC.ON.CA Conestoga College, located in Waterloo region, is Ontario’s fastest growing college and a leader in polytechnic education. Our career-focused programs – from apprenticeships to diplomas, degrees to graduate certificates, continuing education and part-time studies – all reflect Ontario’s changing job market and will help you build the skills and knowledge that today’s employers are seeking.
QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY WWW.QUEENSU.CA 100+ graduate programs with world-class research opportunities and strong support to enrich your educational experience and advance your career. Set your ideas in motion. Consider graduate studies at Queen’s.queensu.ca/sgs
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ROSS UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE ROSSU.EDU
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SALARY REPORT | ENTRY-LEVEL SALARIES
THE BACK PAGES
Below are ten careers that have above-average starting salaries, just to give you some food for thought. While some take more education than others, these and other similar careers are worth researching, to ensure you have a bright and successful future.
Not all entry-level positions are created equal. There are many factors to consider: salary, work life, challenge, opportunity for growth, among many others. The job market is also key, as there are certain degrees employers are not looking to see right now.
90K
HIGHEST SALARY: DENTIST $90,000/YEAR
80K 70K 60K
FINANCIAL CONTROLLER $70,000/YEAR AVERAGE STARTING SALARY $43,119/YEAR
Mobile app developer Website developer Data security analyst Petroleum engineer Dentist
Degrees are tricky things. You feel empowered by the information you’re taking in, but it’s also important to look at the long-term goal. There is a benefit to the pursuit of knowledge, yet even more in applying that knowledge in a realistic, career-oriented way.
According to a Workopolis study, hiring managers are uninterested in people with education in architecture, latin, music therapy, theology, English literature, social sciences, Canadian studies, puppetry, poetry, and art history, (although a degree in puppetry sounds hilarious. Can I work for the Muppets?). While there is inherent value in each of these, and there are surely some careers in these fields, it may not be wise to dive head-first into a crowded job market or an academic path with little career payoff.
Words James Michael McDonald // Illustration Anthony Capano
Average starting salary Business management Nurse Accountant Lawyer Financial controller
Source: Workopolis.com
TOP ENTRY-LEVEL STARTING SALARIES FOR NEW GRADUATES IN VARIOUS FIELDS
It’s back-at-it time and students across the country are eager to jump in, buy fancy new school supplies—who doesn’t love a shiny new pen?—and learn all the things. Before the enthusiasm wears off, students should also be thinking about the larger picture and questioning their decisions: Where are these courses taking me? What do I hope to gain from this degree? What career do I actually want?
50K 40K
20K 10K
JOBPOSTINGS.CA | SEPTEMBER 2014
30K
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TIMELINE | YOUR TYPICAL SEMESTER
THE BACK PAGES
Ups, downs, and everything in between: what to expect (or avoid) this semester. WEEKEND BEFORE LABOUR DAY Buy school supplies. (Don’t forget to buy new everything. All that half-used stuff from last year won’t help you get anywhere, right?) “Recycled notebooks will help me gets A’s!”
FIRST WEEKEND Let loose! All that collecting of syllabi and underlining things is tough. Reconnecting with friends and filling them in on your summer adventures is needed. “I love school. And beer.”
THIRD WEEK Finished some of your papers, but decide this is the perfect time to binge-watch Game of Thrones. It’ll only take... a while. Day planner is collecting dust on your desk. “Just one more episode.”
MIDTERMS So tired. Running on some sort of exhausted pizza-fuelled adrenaline. Everything you write down seems to make sense, but then again, it could be delirium setting in. “Just keep writing. Write anything. Words are marks.”
WEEK AFTER MIDTERMS Resolve to always stay organized. Remember the times that you used your day planner, things were so neat. Go to the library for a few days to play catch-up on assignments. “I can do this.”
FINALS
Be as keen as possible! Stay over-organized by using different colours of pen, your day planner, and post-its on your bulletin board at home. “This semester’s gonna be different!”
SECOND WEEK Work harder than you’ve ever worked before. You already have four papers due and you’re ready to tackle them all. Colour-coding an elaborate work chart, then sleep early. “Colours help me think!”
DAYS BEFORE MIDTERMS Panic. Read all the books. All of them. All-nighters are needed, even if you spend half of it wandering Reddit. (At least you know everything about Game of Thrones?) “How is it midterms already!”
DAY AFTER MIDTERMS Sleep for 18 hours. “Zzz.”
TIME BETWEEN MIDTERMS AND FINALS On track. Occasional late nights Everything seems fine, except running low on student loan funds. Spend the next week eating only pasta. “Carbs are like fuel!”
WEEKS AFTER FINALS Sleep. Final marks are decent. Eagerness for next semester begins to build. Start cycle over again. “Next semester’s gonna be different!”
JOBPOSTINGS.CA | SEPTEMBER 2014
Brain no longer has enough energy to care but you persist through the daunting challenge that is final exams. Begin celebrating in your head while you’re writing them. “I did it! Congratulations, me.”
FIRST DAY OF CLASSES
Words James Michael McDonald // Illustrations Anthony Capano
TIMELINE OF A TYPICAL SEMESTER
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