HOW TO SURVIVE ENTRY LEVEL
&
THE NEW MEDIA FUTURE: SHAPING HOW WE LIVE
10
internships in 112 days
E H T G N I FIND HT FIT RIG
Find your passion
The inside track
Millionaire inventor
Be passion persistent
Jobs are hot in rail
Shares his business experience
| february 2012 |
BUSINESS DEGREES 4-YEAR DEGREES THAT ARE BUILT FOR BUSINESS. Accounting e-Business Marketing Fashion Management Human Resources Management International Business International Development Tourism Management
business.humber.ca
2
INSIDE THIS EDITION
INDEX
who’s
hiring
Hey. Did you know that these companies have lots of entry level positions? Visit their websites to see a full list of positions available. 1 5 13 15 26 26 26 29 31
10 INTERNSHIPS. 112 DAYS.
33 OBC
Sun Life Financial The Home Depot The Source PwC NAV CANADA Chair-man Mills MPAC College Pro The Home Depot, Merchandising Execution Team CN College Pro
yay! more school
Many people are satisfied with having any old job, but what about finding the one that makes you happy? We follow Maeghan Smulders as she delves into Project ONE12, a self-initiated endeavour to complete ten internships in 112 days. It all comes down to one goal: finding a job she’s truly passionate about.
industry insiders Communication Breakdown — The communications field is all about unpaid internships now. But there are still ways to eventually land a job. We give you the inside scoop.
The Classy Side of Retail — Students already know part-time retail gigs can help pay for school. But did you know that high-end retail can actually offer you a career?
some cool jobs available in rail, one of the hottest sectors within the supply chain industry.
IMAGE: © PATRICK LOR
3 11 21 25 34
6 Success Story — Miranda Verney shares her success as a production engineer with Shell. Brought to you by Rogers Wireless. 10
Interview Smarts — Rodney Larmand, President of College Pro, asks you the tough question: where do you need the most development?
12
Career Cupid — If you have a passion, you’re already using it because a true passion is unavoidable.
14
Soft Skills — Learn how to be passion persistent.
23 Surviving Entry Level — Long hours. Crap pay. No social life. But an amazing experience. Entry level is where you pay your dues, but you want to use this time to learn quickly. Ten tips to not just survive entry level, but excel in it! 34
The Inside Track — Learn about
IFC
Edu-ma-cation — It’s a new age with new career
opportunities in technology. Here’s an update on the things you need to know about a degree in New Media arts.
36 Start Up — Moshe Lokshin, a 26-year-old, millionaire inventor, talks about his latest venture and shares his business strategy secrets.
34 35 35 35 35 35 35 IBC
Humber, The Business School (Undergrad) Humber, The Business School, Event Management Humber, The Business School (Undergrad) Algonquin College Humber, The Business School (Undergrad) Humber, School of Media Studies and Information Technology Centennial College Brock University Niagara College Queen’s University Ross University Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry Sheridan College Humber, The Business School, Global Business
showcases 8
Humber, The Business School
who else? 13
22
Students Offering Support ACE Canada
stuff to buy 7 11
Rogers Wireless Lipton Brisk
FEBRUARY 2012 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA
EVENT MANAGEMENT POSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE From trade shows to cultural festivals; from sporting events to fashion shows; from conferences and meetings to weddings: this program offers the unique skills you need to launch your career as an: • • • • • • • •
Event Coordinator Marketing Assistant Special Events Organizer Promotion Coordinator Account Representative Trade Show Planner Conference Coordinator Corporate Meeting Planner
business.humber.ca
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EDITOR'S NOTE
MASTHEAD
jobpostings on the cover:
PUBLISHER Nathan Laurie nlaurie@jobpostings.ca
IMAGE: © AMANI ZEIN. WWW.AYZEEPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Mark Laurie mlaurie@jobpostings.ca
Image: © Patrick Lor
DISCOVER YOUR PASSION. This issue is all about passion! Specifically, it’s about finding your passion. But for those who don’t yet know what theirs is, don’t fret. It took a while to figure that out for myself. That’s why I put this issue together. Here’s some backstory about yours truly. After graduating from high school, I had no clue what I wanted to do. I took a year off, did a bunch of part-time gigs, then came across a newspaper ad that caught my eye. “Become an EXTRA on movie sets!” it said. I figured, why not? I spent the next year working as an extra on film and television sets, falling hard for the industry. After
networking with some of the crew between takes, I eventually found work as an assistant video editor for a year, then worked as a lighting technician for a year. The 12 to 16 hour days were rough, but the money, the people, and the job, were amazing. I thought I’d found my calling. But alas, three years in and the bottom fell out of the film industry. A few months later, I found myself heading to university — still as clueless about my passion going in as I was when I graduated from high school. This was evident in how I switched
majors so often. First it was sociology — a subject I loved, but one I wasn’t overly confident I could build a career around. So I shifted to marketing. Again, enjoyed the major, but being an introvert among a classroom filled with shall we say "natural marketers" made me second guess myself a little. And so that’s why I ended up graduating with an honours in human resource management. "An HR degree?" you say. "How the hell are you a magazine editor then?" Funny you should ask! You see, I’ve always had a bit of a penchant for writing. I started to take it seriously after my grade 12 creative
writing class; became hardcore while I wrote my first novel between the ages of 18 to 22; got burnt out after my two book deals fell through; got back on the wagon reluctantly by writing for my university newspaper; got my groove back completely by founding the Arbitrage Magazine in my senior year; used my school newspaper and magazine experience to land a government PR job; and finally used all that experience to get my current gig: editor of jobpostings magazine. Whew, that was a mouthful. So there you have it. That’s what passion is. It’s that something you naturally gravitate to. For me, it was writing, and it opened many wonderful doors for my career. It’s my hope that the next few pages will help you find that same special something that you can’t help but gravitate to. Enjoy!
SUE
S IS IN THI
pg. 14
pg. 23
pg. 30
pg. 32
Learn to be passion persistent
Learn to survive entry level
The classy side of retail
The inside track on rail jobs
EDITOR David Tal dtal@jobpostings.ca Twitter: @DavidTalWrites ART DIRECTOR Sonya van Heyningen svanheyningen@jobpostings.ca WEB EDITOR Simone Castello scastello@jobpostings.ca Twitter: @jobpostingsca CONTRIBUTORS Lua Emilia, Christine Fader, Michelle Hampson, Rodney Larmand, Ofelia Legaspi, Ariadna Levin, Allison Mitchell, Liana Shlien ASSISTANT SALES MANAGER Sarah-Lyn Amaral NATIONAL ACCOUNT MANAGER Mary Vanderpas INTERNS Jake Babad, Michelle Hampson, Shannon Tracey
Published by Passion Inc. 25 Imperial Street, Suite 100 Toronto, ON M5P 1B9 jobpostings.ca 1-877-900-5627 ext. 221
jobpostings is published eight times in the school year. Issue dates are September, October, November, January, February, March, April, and May. Copies of jobpostings are distributed to over 105 universities and colleges across Canada. Contents of this publication are protected by copyright and may not be reprinted in whole or part without permission of the publishers. "Purpose directs passion, and passion directs purpose" - Rhonda Britten
FEBRUARY 2012 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA
We believe even small projects
have huge potent al. Because working here is about more than helping customers choose the right product. It’s about tapping into our inner potential to help people create a space worth calling home. It’s called “unleashing your inner orange” and it’s about our ability to make a difference in customers’ lives where it matters most. Through extensive training, tuition reimbursement and more, The Home Depot gives us the support we need to expand our knowledge, develop new skills and build promising futures. In turn, we have the confidence to contribute to home improvement projects— both large and small.
That’s the power of The Home Depot – Jordan, Ashley, Sonia, Home Depot Associates
A variety of part-time and seasonal opportunities are available for college and university students.
We are committed to diversity as an equal opportunity employer.
Learn how tapping into your inner potential has the ability to help yourself and others.
Apply online at homedepotjobs.ca/3125 and discover how you can unleash your inner orange!
successstories
Miranda Verney Production Engineer @ Shell Canada WHERE DID YOU GO TO SCHOOL? WHAT PROGRAM DID YOU ATTEND?
TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES.
I went to Queen’s University for a degree in mechanical engineering.
As a Production Engineer, my job is to optimize the production of gas wells and keep them safe to produce. Our team manages projects with the aid of other disciplines to find technical solutions when we encounter wells that are not performing as expected. We project manage the implementation of proven and new technologies to best optimize well production, from choosing the technology, to getting approvals, to organizing the execution on budget and on time.
WHAT DREW YOU TO YOUR CURRENT FIELD? I chose to study engineering because I liked physics and math in high school. Then I chose mechanical engineering because you didn’t have to become an expert in anything specific, but rather you could study various topics to understand enough technical details to support the experts who delve into them. Choosing production engineering was an extension of that. You get to be a jack-of-all-trades, interacting with people of more expertise in different disciplines, and putting the pieces together in the end.
HOW DID YOU FIND YOUR CURRENT POSITION? Shell was hiring summer students through the university career website. After having a great summer working at Shell, and by talking to mentors there, I was placed as a production engineer when I started working full-time after graduation. Since then, I’ve had the chance to work in fields ranging from heavy oil, to tight and sour gas.
WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF YOUR POSITION? I think the trickiest part of the job is balancing a wide variety of projects at the same time. It
WHAT SKILLS HAVE YOU LEARNED THROUGH YOUR WORK EXPERIENCE? My work has allowed me the opportunity to gain technical competence (how to operate, optimize, and repair wells, and how to do it all safely), as well as how to be effective at communicating and project planning.
WHAT DO YOU THINK IT TAKES TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS CAREER? It helps to be organized, communicate well, and understand what impacts your work, and how your work impacts others. Learning how to influence people, in such a way that you’re all happy working towards the same goals, gets the job done and makes the work rewarding.
“It helps to be organized, communicate well, and understand what impacts your work and how your work impacts others.” requires a lot of coordination with people that have different priorities. There’s a large range of technical problems that come up unexpectedly, so you’re always kept on your toes.
WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING PART OF YOUR JOB? It’s a pleasure to work with a team of talented people of different skills, and in different locations, to come up with solutions to new problems we haven’t encountered before. The teams I’m a part of are proud of what they do, and always bring their best to the table, so it’s a very positive atmosphere to work in. I’m grateful to have had excellent mentors, and it’s very rewarding to be able to start doing the same for others.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR STUDENTS LOOKING TO LAND THEIR FIRST JOB? You probably won’t end up where you originally intended in two, five, or ten years from now. So keep an open mind, be brave, and take some chances to try new things. If you don’t like it, you can change it, but no matter what you’ll gain some great experience and open new doors to jobs you didn’t even know existed. Opportunities come to those who work hard, are open to change, and keep a good attitude. As well, surround yourself with people who know what they’re talking about and want the best for you, so you can learn from them and establish a trustworthy network.
LENGTH OF EMPLOYMENT: 5 YEARS DEGREE: BSC. APPLIED SCIENCE, MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
Sponsored by
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world. It incorporates a four-week work placement that gives you the opportunity to gain valuable work experience with international companies located throughout the GTA. Marketing Management. Humber’s Marketing Management program is one of the most comprehensive available. It covers all of the key areas: branding, product development, advertising, distribution, sales, direct marketing, planning, budgeting, strategy, and more. Plus, it includes a four-week work placement to give you the practical experience that employers demand. Prepare for management roles in the exciting world of advertising, promotion, public relations and brand marketing. Public Administration. This is the only program of its kind in Canada. It provides all of the knowledge, skills and experience graduates need to start successful public service careers. In three semesters you will receive advanced training in communications, policy analysis, project management, information technology, public finance, governance, leadership and human resources management. These studies are anchored by an eight-week work placement program.
Career Ready The Business School at Humber gives you ten ways to launch your career. All of Humber’s Postgraduate Business Certificates prepare degree holders from any academic disciple for management and business careers. They all emphasize practical skills and knowledge and feature a work placement to make you career ready as soon as possible. Most are delivered in less than a year. Postgraduate studies at The Business School at Humber include: Financial Planning. This program provides a pathway to lucrative careers in financial planning. It prepares you for the exams required to obtain the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation, and to become licensed to sell stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and a variety of insurance products. And its four-week work placement will help you to connect with the financial heart of Canada. Global Business Management. The Global Business Management program prepares you for a wide choice of careers and gives you the time to decide which is best for you. Besides providing you with knowledge and skills in virtually all of the major functional areas of business, this program covers skills every business wants in every manager: leadership, communications, numeracy, creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork. Two flexible work placements – one in each year – give you the hands-on practical experience that employers desire. International Development. This program is designed for people who want to see the world and make a difference within it. It gives you the skills and knowledge required to coordinate and manage international socio-economic development projects and humanitarian and disaster relief initiatives. And features an eight-week work placement that often takes place overseas. International Marketing. This unique program applies the concepts that drive successful product development, advertising, promotion and distribution to the arena of international businesses in Canada and around the
Human Resources Management. Humber’s Human Resources Management program prepares graduates for careers that link organizations to their most important assets – their people. It covers all the bases in this diverse field, including: recruitment and selection, compensation, training and development, pensions and benefits, health and safety, and labour relations. And it includes a four-week work placement. Plus, it is accredited by the Human Resources Professional Association (HRPA) and prepares graduates for their Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation. NEW! Event Management. This is one of the most comprehensive event management programs available. You will learn to develop, coordinate and manage events, sites and facilities; implement financial initiatives, program events, and apply marketing, human resources, operations and business management principles. Additionally, you will gain hands-on experience in event management practices such as planning, design, marketing, sponsorship, budgeting, risk management, evaluation and much more. Plus, it includes a four-week work placement to give you practical experience. NEW! Fashion Management and Promotions. This program prepares graduates to work in the dynamic fashion industry. It focuses on new product development and branding, fashion buying and retailing, cosmetics and fragrances, multi-channel sales, promotion, merchandising, colour theory skills and trend forecasting. Graduates may find employment in companies that develop, manufacture, market, import, wholesale, distribute or retail fashions, accessories, fragrances and cosmetics. NEW! Alternative Dispute Resolution. This program is for students with a keen interest in negotiation, mediation and arbitration, whether as part of their current job responsibilities, or to acquire these skills for career advancement. The curriculum includes insurance law, labour law, family law, commercial law, system design and community mediation, together with intensive workshop training in the foundations of negotiation, mediation and arbitration. Graduates may find employment as conflict resolution facilitators and agents representing parties participating in the mediation or arbitration process in the areas of legal practice, human resources, health care, education, social work, real estate and insurance. Humber’s postgraduate business programs are offered in the intimate setting of the Lakeshore Campus, which is a study in contrasts. The surroundings have retained the Old World charm of 19th Century buildings, but they have also been updated to boast the latest advances in electronic classrooms and computer labs. There are also a fitness centre, student centre, cafeteria, coffee shops and performance spaces that will further enhance your experience. In addition to holding postgraduate degrees, The Business School’s instructors are actively working in the fields that are associated with their classes, bringing a real-world relevance to your studies. They all know the business skills that graduates will require in the workplace. Humber graduates know the value of the skills that are developed through The Business School. After all, they use them every day.
Sponsored by The Business School at Humber
8
10 launch ways to
YOUR CAREER
POSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATES IN: Alternative Dispute Resolution Event Management Fashion Management & Promotions Financial Planning Global Business Management Human Resources Management International Development International Marketing Marketing Management Public Administration
business.humber.ca
10
Q&A Find more intervew Q&A online at jobpostings.ca/interview_smarts
*
*
with Rodney Larmand President
@ College Pro
interview
SMARTS
So you screwed up in the interview, huh? They asked the ol’ “What’s your greatest weakness” question and you responded with “cupcakes,” hoping to get a laugh. Awkward. Lucky for you we have friends on the inside – recruiting friends (the people who’ll be interviewing you). It cost us a few favours, but they finally agreed to explain why they ask what they ask, and what the best answers are. It’s a cheatsheet for interviews. Good luck!
}
WHAT EXPERIENCE CAN YOU CONTRIBUTE TO THIS POSITION, AND WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU NEED THE MOST DEVELOPMENT?
Asking a candidate about their strengths and weaknesses in an interview is a typical approach and highly effective. This question can reveal the candidate’s insight their into past experience, their research on the position, and their willingness to develop within the company.
view questions you’ve heard before. Keep your answers between 40 to 65 words, and practice verbally. For example, to answer the question — what experience can you contribute to this position, and where do you think you need the most development? — you could say the following:
The common pitfall when answering this question is claiming that your weaknesses are also your strengths. For example, “My strength is that I am detail oriented. It is also my weakness because some tasks take me longer to complete.” This does not say enough about the candidate to the employer, and appears less genuine.
“I have four years of experience working in the field of sales. Based on my understanding of the training program here, including the sessions on selling, I feel I can benefit from the personal assistance of a General Manager. Although I was effective in generating interest from prospective clients, I believe I can improve my efficiency to achieve better results.”
The other common pitfall is not using specific examples or referencing details about the company you are applying for. A strengthsand-weaknesses question is an opportunity to showcase an understanding about the company, including where you can fit in the picture. An employer is looking for someone they want to work with and fits into the company culture. Understanding where you can improve demonstrates insight from the candidate. Use specific details about the company: the people, projects, and positions that apply to areas of interest for the future. The first step when preparing for this question is to write your answers down before the interview. Try to anticipate other common inter-
IMAGE: © ANDREW WILLIAMS
Know as much about the company, and the interviewer as possible before the interview. This means researching the company’s website, Facebook page, Twitter, newspaper articles, parent companies, partners, and the career path of employees. Once you have an understanding of the company, be clear on your experience. Understand the results you’ve produced, and the accomplishments you’ve made. When asked a question, provide concrete examples to illustrate your point. Every question is an opportunity to communicate your fit for the position. My advice is to be clear, honest, concise, and prepared.
FEBRUARY 2012 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA
Ž – Unilever Canada Inc. Used under license.
12
CAREER CUPID
please PASS THE passion by Christine Fader
Find your passion. Follow your heart and you’ll live happily ever after. You’ve grown up with that dream… but now what? For some people, just hearing the word passion conjures up a kind of “ick” feeling that I can understand. Let’s face it, passion isn’t something we associate with moderation or restraint. It’s not just about interests and things that catch your attention. No, no, passion is a fire burning inside you. It’s unstoppable. It’s visceral. It’s all-consuming. You might not even be able to control it! Sounds exciting, doesn’t it? Or perhaps, kinda hot and uncomfortable?
Please pass the passion
Passion paralysis
So what if you have some moderate interests, but you don’t have a passion? What then? You might feel like you’re not in the club. Or maybe you worry you won’t have a successful career, since there’s so much talk about how important finding your passion is for a satisfying job/life.
The encouragement to “not settle” and to “find your passion” seems like a wonderfully supportive sentiment. But it can sometimes manifest itself as a huge pressure on you. Sometimes, it can end up stalling or paralyzing you from taking valid career steps out of fear that you’re not choosing the right thing.
“Finding your passion” does sound appealing. After all, it’s enjoyable (and often easier) to do work you find interesting and rewarding. Sometimes this comes about as a result of a passion that can be connected to an occupational area. However, the reality is not everyone has a passion that’s transferrable to their career, even while you may enjoy your work or be successful in life.
Whether or not you can articulate a passion, instead of waiting for the perfect thing to float by, try active exploration. Attempting new things, developing and practicing skills, and gaining a variety of (paid or unpaid) experiences, will help you investigate your interests (or passion, if you have one). These experiences will also help you continue to develop your skills, opportunities, and new interests… which can sometimes lead to an as yet undiscovered passion! Even if you can articulate a passion right now (and you’re not abnormal or alone if you can’t), it may not be the same passion that you have in ten or 20 years. Interests evolve and change, so there’s lots of time for you to figure this out.
Passion is only part of the picture I sometimes get fed up with the narrow “find your passion” quest, because the reality for most people is that passion will be only one of many spokes on a career wheel. Other important ingredients are income, geographical location, and work-life balance, just to mention a few. You may think it’s necessary to sacrifice passion for these other things, yet that might not be the case. These other ingredients are also very key to your career happiness. There’s nothing like having dinner every night with your formerly long-distance sweetie to make you appreciate prioritizing or balancing location with passion.
Pack passion for lunch
Passion in your pocket
We often talk about passion as something we get from work. It feeds our soul or energizes us. But what about passion as something we bring to work? No matter what work you do — whether it’s related to your passion or not — you can bring your passion to it. Perhaps your passion for baking doesn’t apply to your job as an office assistant, but your weekly brownie delivery to your colleagues allows you to indulge in your passion and share it with others. You can use your passion to find more enjoyment in your work.
I believe that if you have a passion, you’re already using it because a true passion is unavoidable. It’s oozing out your pores, it’s often unconscious, and you’re engaging in it all the time because it’s just so much a part of who you are. In which case, instead of suggesting that everyone find their passion or follow their bliss, how about this method for a while? Stop looking for your passion. Stop seeking your bliss. Instead, do what you do — whatever that happens to be at the time — with all your heart and your passion. Do that and your “happily ever after” career will find you.
CHRISTINE FADER WORKS AS A CAREER COUNSELLOR AT QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY AND IS THE AUTHOR OF “CAREER CUPID: YOUR GUIDE TO LANDING AND LOVING YOUR DREAM JOB.” VISIT HER WEBSITE AT CAREERCUPID.COM
FEBRUARY 2012 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA
Volunteers teach exam review sessions, raising money for schools in Latin America - BUILT by volunteers. Gain great local and international leadership experience.
“SOS provides the leadership experience we are looking for!”
- KPMG Hiring Manager
GET INVOLVED:
StudentsOfferingSupport.ca Since 2004, 2,000 volunteers have helped 25,000 students on 26 university campuses, raising $800,000 for schools.
JOBPOSTINGS.CA | FEBRUARY 2012
13
SOFT SKILLS
BEPASSION
PERSISTENT
by Allison Mitchell
Can you picture waking up each morning pumped to go to work? People who are passionate about their career path are fortunate enough to experience this feeling. Most people strive for that feeling in their careers — who wants to dread work every single day? The reality is that finding your career passion is hard! It takes time to find your passion, it can change over time (so you may feel like you’re in a constant game of passion hide-and-seek), and you can have multiple passions. For example, while you’re encouraged to pick a career path while you’re in high school, chances are your career passion won’t even be clear the minute you take your college or university cap and gown off. It’ll take some time. While you’re on your passion seeking journey, you may have to take jobs that aren’t ideal, but use the opportunity to your advantage and determine how that job can take you one step closer to your passion. In fact, explore different career paths while you’re in college or university through internship/co-op programs or summer jobs. Take advantage of those opportunities! They will help you determine the career path that’s right for you. Also, finding your passion isn’t a one-and-done exercise. We’ve established that it can take time to find your passion, but once you’ve found it, you
shouldn’t stop looking. The longer you work and the different experiences you have will influence your passion, maybe even change it. As you begin the journey on your career path, be on the lookout for other passions that you might develop. Take me for example. When I started on my career, writing articles wasn’t part of my plan. But passions can evolve, and through my experiences I have developed a passion for writing. Writing is not my fulltime career, it’s a side gig that allows me to fulfill one of my passions. This is just one example of how my career passion has changed over time and will continue to evolve over the coming years. You’ll need to be passion persistent and regularly selfreflect to ensure you feel fulfilled in your career, so don’t be afraid to explore! In the end, finding your passion is not a spectator sport! You need to be patient, realize that your passion can change over time, and understand that you may have more than one passion (and that’s totally okay). Keep an open mind about your career passion and constantly reassess your passion regularly. Be passion persistent and one day you too will have a career that fulfills and energizes you!
TAKE ACTION NOW! Don’t wait until you graduate to start thinking about your passion. Whether you’ve already found your passion or if it is still a mystery to you, take action now!
Brainstorm — Make a list of anything that interests and energizes you. Think of your previous work and volunteer experiences, hobbies, and activities – keep an open mind!
Review — Review your ideas and look for themes or similarities. Is there anything that surprises you? Don’t discount anything; you may not be able to fulfill a certain passion now, but you never know what will happen in the future.
Do — Try to get experience in an area that relates to one (or more) of your passions. Options to consider can include: joining a school club or association related to your interest, volunteering, and even starting (or working for) a start up related to your passion. We’ll call this process your ‘Professional Passion Profile.’ Keep it accessible and frequently review and update it.
FEBRUARY 2012 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA
IMAGE: MARIA TEIJEIRO/ PHOTODISC/THINKSTOCK
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www.pwcbrilliantfutures.ca
Come grow with us PwC fastest growing Big Four rm in Canada Over the past ve years we’ve experienced the highest average growth rate of the Big 4, growing to almost $1.2 billion.
If you’ve got the initiative, we’ve got the opportunities. Come join us, your brilliant future awaits. To nd out more, visit www.pwcbrilliantfutures.ca
© 2011 PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. All rights reserved. “PwC” refers to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an Ontario limited liability partnership, which is a member firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited, each member firm of which is a separate legal entity. 2338-01-12.19.2011
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Finding the right fit by Michelle Hampson
MAEGHAN SMULDERS WASN’T GOING TO SETTLE FOR ANY OLD JOB. INSTEAD, SHE DECIDED TO DO TEN INTERNSHIPS IN 112 DAYS, TO MAKE SURE SHE FOUND A JOB SHE’S TRULY PASSIONATE ABOUT. WE TAKE YOU ON HER JOURNEY WITH PROJECT ONE12.
IMAGE: © PATRICK LOR
FEBRUARY 2012 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA
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Gorgeous, turquoise-blue waters and white sand is what attracts most people to Hawaii. As a 15-year-old, Maeghan Smulders was keen for her family to take their vacation at the tropical paradise, but not for the palm trees and warm sun. She was a fish fanatic, with three fish tanks in her bedroom and dreams of becoming a marine biologist. Thrilled to be at the Maui Ocean Center, the teen shared her fish knowledge with other tourists, who mistook her for an employee at the aquarium. She just laughed and told them she was a 15-year-old from Canada.
IMAGE: © PATRICK LOR
ATTITUDE DOES WONDERS IN THE WORKFORCE, ESPECIALLY FOR FIRST IMPRESSIONS AND LEARNING. IT’S HUGE.
Nearly a decade later, Maeghan reflects, “If you’re interested in learning something and have a curiosity about it, do whatever you can to learn all you can, then make the decision on whether you want to continue with it. Or maybe it leads you in another direction altogether.” Maeghan didn’t end up going down the marine biology road. Instead, she studied business at Mount Royal University. But her same passion for finding the perfect career is still alive and thriving. By the time she graduated last June, she had 29 job offers. FEBRUARY 2012 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA
She loved the company, loved the people, and was comfortable with the responsibilities her job entailed. “But I knew if I stayed, I would always be considered the kid, because I grew up with that company. Which is a really difficult, and as my boss says, mature observation at my age. “Most people are happy with that security and that sense of being comfortable with where you’re at. For me, I know that if I’m comfortable, I’ll never grow as a person. And so when I told [my boss] that I was leaving and that I have this crazy endeavour I was embarking on, I was so afraid to tell him about it because I didn’t want to upset him. And I, truthfully, wasn’t sure if I even wanted to go.” But Maeghan pressed on, deciding to start the next stage of her life. A rather busy stage. She asked the community and Mount Royal University to sponsor her. While contacting various companies and pitching the idea of Project ONE12, she also asked them if they’d be willing to sponsor a portion of the trip, if they knew of a place that she could stay, or if they could donate some money to the work she was producing for them.
She didn’t take one of them. “A lot of my friends were taking jobs, and it just got to the point where they weren’t happy with the ones they were given,” said Maeghan. “I didn’t want that for myself.” Wanting to pick the job that was right for her, Maeghan vented to her personal mentor, Patrick Lor, president of the stock photo and video company, Fotolia, saying that she wanted to try out all the jobs. Patrick replied, “Why don’t you?” The ambitious grad decided
JOBPOSTINGS.CA | FEBRUARY 2012
to do just that. She created Project ONE12, a venture to complete ten internships in 112 days. Undertaking the project was especially difficult because it meant Maeghan had to leave the job she had since she was 14-years-old, when she started working parttime for Calvert Home Mortgage Investment Corporation, a company in her hometown of Calgary. This decision to leave the comfort and security of her guaranteed job, Maeghan shared that it was the second hardest day of her life.
After calling more than 20 companies, she lined up the initial seven internships. First stop: Fotolia in Calgary, her mentor’s company. On September 26, 2011, she woke up really early – 6 a.m. – and was one of the first people in the office building. “The first day was overwhelming, especially because I didn’t know how things were going to work out. A week seemed like a good amount of time. I knew it was short, but I didn’t realize how short it was. “On day one, when you’re given all this information on the company, you’re on high adrenaline all day because not only are you trying to fit in, learn everything, keep an open mind, but you’re also trying to work on stuff too. So by the end of the day I was exhausted.” Day two is when Maeghan actually started getting the work done. Day three? Panic.
“Day three was terrible because that’s when I was like: oh my god, I’m halfway done and I still have so much to do! I started doubting myself.” Maeghan approached her boss at Folotia and told him she was a bit overwhelmed, but was going to try and work through it. He told her she was doing a great job, and to keep up the good work. And she did, by the end of the week, Maeghan says “They were really, really impressed with the stuff I did, which gave me confidence that I could do this.” That adventure and learning experience was only beginning though, as her second internship was in Los Angeles. Maeghan says travelling is one of the most difficult aspects of Project ONE12. The ten different internships were in six different cities. For each new place, she figured out a new transportation system and accommodations. “It’s challenging,” she says, being away from the things she was comfortable with, but at the same time, she noticed how much she grew throughout the experience. The project’s obvious challenge is the fast turnover between internships. “Every Monday I start over and it’s challenging, but the reward I’m getting from it surpasses any challenges I’ve faced so far,” says Maeghan, just past the halfway point of Project ONE12. Her longest internship was two weeks, but most were one week. Her advice for young employees adapting to a new workplace is to keep a positive attitude. In a new job you can get overwhelmed, nervous, disoriented, and uncomfortable. But with a positive attitude, people want to be around you and it’s easier to ask questions, says Maeghan. “I find that as soon as I have a negative thought, you almost shut down. But just having that positive attitude and working toward what you’re capable of, that really stands out. Attitude does wonders in the workforce, especially for first impressions and learning. It’s huge.”
20 work for a start up, medium, or large-sized tech company. When she graduated from Mount Royal last spring, she was “dreading” her career. Now, Maeghan says she’s not only confident in the direction she’s going, but excited to find a career.
YOU NEED TO GO OUT AND CHOOSE THE JOB, NOT HAVE THE JOB CHOOSE YOU.
Maeghan isn’t the only person to say attitude is what helped her on her journey. “If you think you can’t be Maeghan and you don’t have the smarts, then you’ve got the wrong message,” says Patrick, Maeghan’s mentor. “The message should be: look, you can do this. All you have to have is the right attitude.” While Maeghan learns the ropes of a variety of different industries — media advertising, non-profit, business consulting, website design, and more — she has also been edging closer and closer to the whole purpose of Project ONE12: to find a job she’s truly passionate about, that’s perfect for her. Halfway through the endeavour, she says this process has largely helped her figure out what she’s not interested in, which allows her to focus her energy on what she does like. Hopefully, this will help Maeghan narrow down her career path — especially since she was offered a new job almost every day of the project. She says companies have been contacting her to discuss Project ONE12 and say they really admire it. Some of them asked IMAGE: © PATRICK LOR
her to quit the project to come work for them, while some of the ONE12 companies she worked at offered her a full-time position once she’s done.
Patrick meanwhile points out three distinct lessons recent graduates can take away from Maeghan’s experience with Project ONE12. “You need to go out and choose the job, not have the job choose you.” Employers tend to hold most of the power, and as Patrick points out, many people will take whatever job is offered to them. There’s a small percentage of people who get to choose their job, but they’re basing their decision on minimal information about the organization. “People spend, let’s say, five or ten years at a job,” says Patrick. “Would you want to make that five or ten year decision based on a one hour interview? And that’s essentially what’s happening out there. So I think that this is an absolutely fantastic thing for [Maeghan] to sink her teeth into, so that she can make an informed decision.” The second lesson Patrick identified from Project ONE12 is to get specific about what you want to
Along with her new career passion and skills, Maeghan says she has learned even more valuable lessons from Project ONE12. “When things get tough and scary, it’s so easy to just quit and go with something that’s easy and comfortable. I’ve learned that I can work past that and can go beyond that. I think that little tidbit within itself is probably one of my biggest takeaways from this project. If I really really, want it, I can get it. And even if I fail the first time, I can make it work the second time. I wouldn’t trade that for anything.” do. He says a student telling him he or she wants to be business person is the same as a 6-yearold telling him they want to be a fireman when they grow up. “Get specific and show that you’ve done some research, that you care about the next thirty years of your life, and that you care enough to put some research into this.”
Now she has another project in mind. She hopes to talk with students about the opportunity of thinking bigger than just a degree and thinking about what they’re truly capable of — and interested in — doing. “My hope is to create a mentorship program that does what I’m doing now, but in a more realistic time zone,” she said.
The final lesson? Be passionate about what you do. Maeghan had 29 job offers upon graduation. She says she’s been offered a job every day during Project ONE12. Her most important goal however, was to find something she’s passionate about.
“It would allow students to meet with people who have the same degree as them and see the job path they have taken. It would also allow them to establish connections so that they are able to work in industries they are interested in, rather than falling into the first job they are offered.”
Project ONE12 ended on January 20, 2012. It took Maeghan seven internships to find the field she’s truly passionate about. In her blog, Maeghan highlights the fast pace and creativeness of the technology industry as very appealing to her. And no line ups for the women’s washroom is definitely a plus. In fact, her last three internships focused in the technology industry, to figure out if she’d rather
“It shows a lot of ambition and a lot of credit for the students who are willing to put in the effort to say, ‘this is really what I want to do,’” says Maeghan. “And it’s a value for employers because they have people who want to be there and love what they do. And so I hope I can really push toward making a project like that.” Project Mass Happy Workers? There’s probably a decent market for that.
Check out the rest of Maeghan's adventure at: MaeghanSmulders.com
FEBRUARY 2012 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA
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23 Every time you do anything, even as small as sending an email, always ask yourself if the information is completely correct. Would you stake your life on it?
SURVIVING
ENTRY LEVEL
TOP 10 TIPS TO ESCAPE THE INTERN LABEL by Lua Emilia
My friend once summed up the newbie work experience in one sentence: “Long hours, crap pay, no social life… but an amazing experience.” It’s pretty true.
IMAGE: © ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/DOODLEMACHINE
Entry level is where you pay your dues, but you want to use this time to learn, quickly. A VP who I previously worked for at a marketing agency once referred to a team of interns we hired for a project as “the marketing bozos.” Yikes! This is NOT a group you want to fall into. You should work hard and stand out, and soon you’ll go from newbie to being the managing partner’s Right Hand. Follow these tips and you’ll soon find yourself championing key projects and working with a team of allies.
JOBPOSTINGS.CA | FEBRUARY 2012
1
2
HEALTHY WOULD YOU PARANOIA IS STAKE YOUR TOTALLY LEGIT. LIFE ON IT? While working on a recent project, I noticed a detail that I suspected might be inconsistent in different communications. I looked into it, and although it was only a minor tweak, I took steps to make sure we created a standard to follow for all future projects, not just the ones immediately affected. If you’re unsure about something, look into it more. If you’ve done all you can but it’s still unclear, talk to a member of your team. If it turns out to be nothing, great. If not, then you’ve nipped a potential issue in the bud, and people will take notice of your effort.
This is a question you should always be asking yourself when you prepare to submit a piece of work. Critical self-review is often the only thing you can do to guard your professional reputation. Every time you do anything, even as small as sending an email, always ask yourself if the information is completely correct. Is it really? Would you stake your life on it? If not, go back and check it. Do what you need to do to submit perfect work every time.
3
MANAGE UP… Always remember that the only reason you were hired is because your superiors needed your help. I send out a status report at the end of every single work day, including a todo list for each of my directors to know what my upcoming priorities are, and what I need from them in order to get these tasks done.
4
…BUT BE COVERT ABOUT IT! I’ve been lucky to enjoy great management at the places I’ve worked at, but I know a lot of people have dealt with less-than-competent superiors. Never, I repeat, NEVER communicate with your higher-ups in a way that might show them you feel this way. Always use a kind and helpful tone.
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ASSERT YOUR AUTONOMY WITH HUMILITY. Don’t ever fool yourself into thinking that you can charge in like a bull and suggest that you’re the hero the company needs. DO take steps to show your team that you’re capable of handling a range of responsibilities. DO set up a time with your team leader to discuss a process that just isn’t working. And DO suggest implementing new solutions backed by well-researched plans. Individual initiative will make you stand out and will prevent your managers from feeling the need to breathe down your neck.
6
KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR HAIRCUTS. I’m serious. Take notice of a person’s new cut or style, and compliment it. You’ll not only be in that person’s good books, you’ll be on the front page.
IMAGE: COMSTOCK IMAGES/THINKSTOCK
7
KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON. We’ve all had one of those days that are downright ugly. I’m talking about an endless to-do list of high-priority jobs, more stress than a room full of students about to write an exam, and by the end of the day you haven’t had a bite to eat. To top this off, you’ve been walking around with a giant ink stain on your sleeve since 10 a.m., and someone a few desks over keeps clicking their pen. You want to seem like you’ve got everything under control, but right now you’re a ticking time bomb. STOP. Close your eyes. Take a deep breath. Remember that funny thing your friend said last week that made you laugh until your sides ached. Now open your eyes, stay cool, put on a smile, and power through like the champ you are.
“It’s already done and on your desk.” This is music to any manager’s ears, and one of the fastest ways to make yourself indispensable to the company.
8
9
It’s not a competition (at least is shouldn’t be), but it’s important to make your accomplishments known. There are some great ways to do this.
Interns are sometimes sent out to get coffee. That’s just how it works. But if you want to be treated less like a coffee-runner and more like one of the team, hop out for an afternoon coffee and call the office to ask if anyone wants a latté while you’re there. You won’t feel ordered around because the coffee was your suggestion, and people will appreciate your thoughtfulness.
DON’T LEAVE THE CREDIT UP FOR GRABS.
Frame it as a compliment to someone else. “When I brought up my solution to the development issue, Tommy was really great about getting me in touch with the IT team.” Be the first to bring it up with a superior. “Hi Linda, I was just talking to the team about a great idea I had for the new product launch and I’d like to know your thoughts on it.” Own your success, even if someone else tries to take it. Jill says, “We’re happy to report that we’ve resolved the budgeting issue and are doing well moving into the next phase of the project.” Then YOU add, “It’s great news for the whole team! I worked closely with accounting to find out how the estimate was built and to ensure that we use the same standards moving forward. We’re all very excited about Phase Two and can’t wait to dive in.”
AVOID FEELING LIKE THE COFFEE RUNNER.
10
“IT’S ALREADY DONE AND ON YOUR DESK.” This is music to any manager’s ears, and one of the fastest ways to make yourself indispensable to the company. If you want your managers to see you as an asset rather than a burden, say this and say it often. Even if your work needs some serious tweaking, it’ll be greatly outshone by your initiative and pro-activity.
FEBRUARY 2012 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA
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FEBRUARY 2012 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA
INDUSTRY INSIDER
27
Communication by Ofelia Legaspi
How to take advantage of your unpaid stay at a company to break into the communications field * THOUGH MEANT FOR
INTERNSHIPS IN COMMUNICATIONS, THE ADVICE HERE CAN APPLY TO INTERNSHIPS IN ANY FIELD.
Internships in one of the toughest job markets out there — the communications field — are affectionately known by More magazine intern, Mary Levitski, as a “labour of love.” For the former Journalist for Human Rights (jhr) intern, Laura Bain, they are a baptism by fire. The latter is perhaps the most notoriously echoed, especially in journalism. A post-internship job offer has become rare as a candidate’s chance of landing employment is no longer dictated by mere performance anymore. Internships, in communications or elsewhere, have become a game of stamina and, curiously, timing. The perfect storm of today’s economic crisis and the digital shift in journalism has devastated the newspaper industry. Not only are job openings scarce, existing jobs are being slashed. In November of last year, Canada’s largest newspaper, the Toronto Star, offered voluntary severance packages to more than 1,000 employees. That same month, Canada’s largest newspaper publisher, Quebecor’s Sun Media Corporation, offered the same thing to 400 employees.
JOBPOSTINGS.CA | FEBRUARY 2012
Despite this, people do still go to journalism school. Journalism schools continue to stay relevant by evolving with modern demands. And journalism veterans, like Kelly Toughill, director and associate professor at the School of Journalism at the University of King’s College in Halifax, remain optimistic. “It’s a really fun way to make a living,” Toughill attests. She would know, she has 20 years of reporting and editing at the Toronto Star under her belt. Still, she prefaces with a reality check: “Journalism has always been a really tough market, and always will be a tough market.” Toughill also finished university in the middle of a recession, much like those graduating in today’s dire job market. To get an advantage over her competition, Toughill worked at the Mill Valley Record in California while in university. To juggle the workload, and resolve a scheduling conflict, she gave up sleeping on Monday nights for two years. Armed with a degree and job experience in her field, she was a desirable candidate for a reporting job, but employment remained
elusive. Toughill spent three months calling the editor of the paper she wanted to work for in Florida, every morning at 6 a.m., to see if they had any jobs yet. This persistence landed her the job and earned her a strong portfolio that later won the Toronto Star over. “At the Star, I did the regular crap work that new people do,” she said. It was still an uphill battle for Toughill, especially when work for her at the Star ran out two years later. But as it turned out, two days after leaving, someone quit and she was immediately re-hired. For Alexandra Birukova, a former Flare Magazine intern, sticking around doing the grunt work paid off as well. After Flare, she went on to intern at Rouge magazine. When her term came to an end, Rouge asked her to stay for another month and it was during her extension that she crossed paths with the editor of Pulp magazine. Birukova now works part-time at Pulp as their associate editor, in charge of the magazine’s social media campaign and representing the company in industry events.
IMAGE: © GETTY IMAGES/ COMSTOCK/ JUPITERIMAGES/THINKSTOCK
INDUSTRY INSIDER
In the communications field, it’s best not to pigeonhole oneself. This, advises Sandra McLean, YFile’s communications officer at York University, opens up more doors for students who could acquire new skill sets that all tie in to the interconnected web of career opportunities in communications.
“What you have to do is grab the opportunity while you’re there,” Birukova advises. “Make connections because once you’re gone, that’s it. Nobody remembers your name.” When all else fails: go where the job is. In the case of Laura Bain, who finished her undergraduate degree in professional writing at York University in 2010, deciding to delay her post-grad education to move to a different country and get her hands dirty proved just the ticket. “We didn’t have any experience in radio going in. It was a very underfunded radio station,” said Bain, speaking of her internship experience at Kapital Radio in Ghana through jhr. During her radio internship, Bain was offered an internal position through jhr as a human rights education officer at the African
Communications Internship Insider
1
Connections: make them, maintain them.
2 PERFORMANCE
If you did make connections, but you didn’t perform well at your internship, you won’t be getting a recommendation.
University College of Communications in Ghana. This position opened even more doors for her. She got an acceptance and a scholarship from the University of King’s College School of Journalism, and she scored an interview for the prestigious Joan Donaldson CBC News Scholarship. Similarly, This Magazine’s new editor-in-chief, Lauren McKeon, started out as an intern at the magazine. But right of the bat, she warns there’s no job opportunity at This Magazine post-internship, just like it was for her when she was an intern there five years earlier. After her internship, she moved to where she could find a job — to the Northwest Territories at the award-winning magazine Up Here Business. Her experience there and the connections she made at This Magazine came in handy when she came back to Toronto to become a section edi-
3
PERSISTENCE The communications field will eat you alive. Suffer the indignities and have stamina, because when it’s hard, it’s really hard. But when you get a taste of success, it becomes exponentially easier to work your way up.
tor for This Magazine. Timing, in this instance, was on her side. When the editor-in-chief position opened up, she went from working at the magazine for free to getting paid to run it. Mary Levitski, who interned at the Canadian literary magazine Descant and More magazine, is now in the same position of chasing after a job that isn’t there post-internship. “These monthslong internships I had, they’re not huge companies looking for you to prove yourself and then they give you paid work,” Levitski said. The value of internships is not lost on her though. “A person who works high up at Rogers said it’s all about who you know. And I spoke to someone at Canadian Living and she said it’s all about who you know. It’s like a snowball effect. You keep rolling and you keep acquiring connections.”
4 Treasure your internships
Stay a while longer if given the opportunity, because that’s more time to make even more connections, and a job might even open up during your extension.
5
Act as if you’ll one day run the place: You just might.
McLean started off with a postgrad and extensive experience in print journalism. She added to her skill set by going back to school to learn radio broadcasting, then branched out to internal communications at York University. She also predicts that “strategic communications” is where the jobs are right now. “I was able to take my diverse skills with me to York because, now, communications has such an emphasis on multimedia and social media. It’s not enough to be able to write,” said McLean. “I think what a lot of places are looking for right now is someone who’s able to plan out and execute a message.” The good news is that jobs may be picking up, at least in some parts of the country. Toughill, who is based in Halifax, reports: “We’ve had recruiters calling us unsolicited to come meet with students and recruit students. That hasn’t happened for quite a few years until this year, so there are media organizations that are actually not getting enough applications right now.”
EVOLVE WITH THE TIMES AND UPDATE YOUR SKILLS
6
Take multimedia classes, learn about social media tools and strategy, and be smart about marketing yourself and your work. Exploring other areas, like radio broadcasting and PR, will make you that much more valuable in places that are downsizing on specialized employees, and are replacing them with jack and jills-of-all-trades.
FEBRUARY 2012 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA
IMAGE: © GETTY IMAGES/ COMSTOCK/ JUPITERIMAGES/THINKSTOCK
28
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INDUSTRY INSIDERS
Don’t Get Stuck at the Mall by Liana Shlien
A SALES JOB IN HIGH-END RETAIL CAN OFFER BOTH FINANCIAL AND CAREER BENEFITS. For many students, part-time work at a mall ringing up jeans and hoodies provides their first, sorely needed paycheque. But if one has a flair for customer service, fashion, or merchandising, a job at an upscale clothing store could be the first step toward a rewarding career. Aside from prior sales experience, self-confidence, and a professional demeanour that wellheeled customers come to expect, high-end retail sales jobs carry no formal education requirement. What started as a summer job after high school recently became full-time work for Eli Zeldin, 23, who has worked for nearly five years at Over the Rainbow, an independent boutique in Toronto’s upscale Yorkville neighbourhood. “I didn’t want to work at a mall and I was always very impressed with the customer service here,” he says. Zeldin, a history student at the University of Toronto, is currently taking a semester off to work and save up. He revels in the teamwork and camaraderie among staff. “Some of my best friends work here.” Besides building relationships with co-workers and clients, Zeldin says he has gained “emotional intelligence” and “learned the art of sales” — no doubt valuable, transferable skills that apply in many business settings. Since a high turnover rate, particularly among graduating students, means sales associate positions are always opening, big-name fashion chains seek to sweeten compensation schemes in order
to retain staff. Larry Rosen, CEO of designer menswear clothier Harry Rosen, says his firm provides many benefits for employees who treat their job as a career. The key to maintaining a longterm workforce is fostering a feeling of commitment to a company. “We believe our sales associates are the most important people, as they are a direct link to the customers,” says Rosen. Since the store depends on a loyal clientele, Rosen stresses training, coaching, and skills development. This could be why Harry Rosen has a dozen associates across Canada with more than 25 years of service. “They earn good money. They’re able to pay their mortgage, and send their kids to university.” Naturally, staff merchandise discounts, which can range as high as 40 to 50 per cent, are an especially powerful hiring incentive for students. Since image maintenance can often equate to customer service, this reflects most stores’ requirement for their salespeople to embody the overall brand as ambassadors.
“My potential salary motivated me to work efficiently. Compensation by commission holds you accountable to both your employer and yourself.”
IMAGES TOP-BOTTOM: PIXLAND/THINKSTOCK; © ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/KELVINJAY
Another dimension is commission. In place of earning only a base hourly wage, commissioned associates can take home a percentage of their sales. With the built-in protection of a minimum day’s earnings, this is where true earning potential is unlocked. “A commission job with your draw as your overhead is an opportunity to make quick money, pocket money,” says Matthew Rutchik, 24. Rutchik’s one year as a menswear suit specialist at the Bay helped financially, while completing his Masters degree in English at the University of Toronto last year. “What kept me coming back to work, after I knew that my Masters and all the related costs for the foreseeable future were taken care of, was that this job presented an opportunity to grow, to be more personable. To decide what people want, to manage and market for a department. From all of this, I developed a lot.”
in fact: In 2009/2010, the retail industry accounted for MORE THAN ONE THIRD of all student employment: 32 per cent for males and 38 per cent for females, with clothing stores providing half of all retail jobs.
Now in his first year at law school, he recalls: “My potential salary motivated me to work efficiently. Compensation by commission holds you accountable to both your employer and yourself.” In his last few months at the Bay, Rutchik looked into moving up within the retail industry by interviewing for buyer positions with department stores and distributorship sales representative jobs — something he never would have considered without his high-end retail experience.
Sales of luxury goods in Canada, including fashion and accessories, are holding steady, recession or no recession. Remember the common maxim: the rich will always buy.
FEBRUARY 2012 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA
My decisions
help make yours easier. Because working here is about more than helping customers choose the right product. It’s about making a difference in their lives and their homes. We call it “unleashing your inner orange” and it’s my ability to tap into my inner potential to help customers create a space worth calling home. Working at The Home Depot lets me showcase my attention to detail by allowing me, and my co-workers, to display all of the cost-effective, trendy, and attractive products that sell—in the best way possible. When I tap into my inner orange, I know that I’m helping to provide a neat store that makes it easier for customers to find the things they need, when they need them. That’s the power of The Home Depot. Genina, Home Depot Associate
We are committed to diversity as an equal opportunity employer.
Learn how tapping into your inner potential has the ability to help yourself and others.
Apply online at homedepotjobs.ca/7515 and discover how you can unleash your inner orange!
INDUSTRY INSIDERS
THE INSIDE TRACK by Michelle Hampson
As globalization increases, products often travel halfway around the world before reaching their final destination, making supply chains as important as ever. However, the sheer volume of goods and the distances they travel these days means supply chains are extra sensitive to a crucial factor: rising fuel prices. “The reality is fuel prices affect everything,” said Bob Armstrong, president of the Supply Chain and Logistics Association Canada. “It makes people decide the rationalization for inventory, or where to have a distribution centre, and where to manufacture a product.” When it comes to transferring goods over longer, domestic
distances, Armstrong says supply chains are going to use rail because it’s cheaper and more efficient. And there are a lot of things that need to be transported across the country: petroleum, chemicals, metals, minerals, grains, fertilizers, automobiles, and more. Rail in Canada handles the fourth largest volume of goods in the world, and moves about 75 per cent of surface goods (by weight) across the country. What does this have to do with you, a soon-to-be grad? The rail industry is hot with jobs right now. Currently, more than 32,000 people are employed in the rail industry in Canada, and a further 60,000 people are directly or indirectly employed through rail supplier jobs — with a bunch of baby boomers about to retire. But let’s talk about what you really want to know. The average annual earnings in the rail business is about $75,500, although salaries vary by specific occupation. In 2010, CN announced it will be hiring 2,000 workers each year for the next five years. Mark
IMAGE: © ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/TOMAS SEREDA
Hallman, director of communications and public affairs at CN, says the company is hiring people all across the board.
the train on the locomotive, and once you have sufficient experience, you can move up to being a locomotive engineer.
Railway occupations requiring a post secondary education involve finance and economics, supply chain logistics, civil engineering, information technology, sales, marketing, and supply management, as well as specialized skills required for signal technicians and heavy equipment mechanics.
To be a conductor, Hallman said, “You also have to be mechanically adept, because you’re dealing with machinery in motion. It’s a very safety-sensitive job as well, so you have to be extremely mindful of where you are and to be able to communicate with others, because you are dealing with moving machinery that you can’t stop on a dime.”
Since Canada’s Class 1 freight railways have cut greenhouse gas emissions by more than 20 per cent since 1990, there are also jobs to cut rail fuel costs even more. Hallman said, “We also have internally developed analysis tools we’re going to be advancing, so that we can profile and monitor fuel by train run and other specifics. We’re going to be getting much more concrete and individual pieces of metrics in terms of fuel performance.”
This means more jobs for people with mechanical engineering or locomotive experience who will develop that technology. While CN is looking to hire a wide range of people, Hallman notes the highest demand will be for conductors and operating crews, which requires a high school education. As a conductor, you’re responsible for managing
Conductors must have good teamwork skills, be physically fit, know signals, have good reading skills, and technology and computer skills that apply to the job. They are required to be available to work shifts 24/7, and sometimes be away from home in excess of 24 hours. Conductor positions with CN are primarily available in western Canada. Peter Dicks, who spent the past 20 years as a beekeeper, recently completed the four-month Railway Conductor Program at George Brown College. He says he has always been interested in trains, and the brevity of the program attracted him. “Plus I did some research on the industry and found it’s both a growth industry, and one with a lot of people retiring. So there’s an awful lot of opportunity in it.” While Dicks can highlight the benefits of rail — the potential for advancement, good pay, and benefits — he is well aware of the challenges of being a conductor. “You get a two hour warning as to when you’re called to work. And that can come at any time of the day or night.” All in a days — or nights — work. All aboard!
FEBRUARY 2012 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA
Stats courtesy of the Railway Association of Canada: http://www.railcan.ca/education/facts; Statistics Canada, CANSIM, table 202-0603 and Catalogue no. 75-202-X
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FAST TRACK YOUR CAREER CN is one of North America’s leading freight railroads and is widely regarded as the most efficient rail carrier on the continent. It is the only railroad which crosses the continent east-west and north-south, spanning over 20,000 route-miles of track, and serving ports on the Atlantic, Pacific and Gulf Coasts.
A career in SUPPLY CHAIN is about being an integral part of the big picture. “As a supply chain enabler, I find it rewarding to be involved in every stage of a product’s transformation, from the delivery of its primary components through to the transport of the final product. We move goods that people need and use on a daily basis. I feel a great deal of pride in knowing I play a key role in ensuring those products reach their final destination as safely and efficiently as possible.” James Kornas - Chief Dispatcher
At CN, we provide “first-mile/last-mile” services with a supply chain perspective that emphasizes an end-to-end view of handling customer loads. Through this focus, we are in a better position to improve shipment deliveries while enabling greater fuel efficiencies. For supply chain professionals, our continued success means: •
A number of rewarding opportunities are available for Fleet Managers, Trainmasters, Supply Chain Managers, and many other positions
• You can gain experience in the shipment of a variety of goods including automotive, bulk commodities, coal, consumer products, forest products, grain, metals and minerals, and so much more • You can advance your career in a collaborative environment where you will work with many talented people from different backgrounds Follow us on LinkedIn
JOIN CN AND DISCOVER A REWARDING CAREER. Visit jobs.cn.ca and see where you fit in.
EDU-MA-CATION
*AHEAD by Ariadna Levin
Media Arts: be part of shaping how we live, learn, and communicate. The rise of the Internet and New Media has enhanced the quality of our life on many levels, adding new dimensions, colours, and excitement that we could only fantasize about before. The Digital Revolution has driven productivity and innovation, and has dramatically altered the way we think and interact with each other. Global exposure has changed the dynamics of the market; universal interconnectedness allows for easier and faster communication; social media sites helped us increase our networks and became a powerful tool for social activism. If the digital space is something you want to be a part of, then the field of Media Arts offers unlimited potential. A college certificate in Media Arts is a great fit if you graduated with an arts or technology degree. This is because while universities focus on teaching theoretical foundations, a college degree provides the hands-on, practical skills and experience necessary to secure employment in this field. To get your college career off to a flying start, it’s essential you prepare for what lies ahead. One of the glaring challenges is the speed at which technology evolves. Once you stop updating your skills, you are bound to lag behind. “You definitely want to be current, and you always
of the GAME want to look for that next software or technology (that the media industry gravitates to),” adds Blair A. McMurchy, director of professional & continuing education, placement & promotion, at Humber College’s Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning. “Also, the institution where you obtain your education, the quality of the education, and the quality of the faculty, they all play a factor in your future success. And making sure an internship component is built into your curriculum — like Humber has — that’s huge.” Katia Savelieva, a recent graduate from Sheridan College’s animation program, agrees, “You have to love and be good at what you’re doing. Also, remember that the industry has a lot of incredible talents. If you’re not one of them, you won’t survive. You should be able to compete and offer an employer something different.” So what does it take to succeed in Media Arts studies? Jones says, “Passion is important but besides passion, I really think a commitment to life-long learning is another important characteristic, as well as a kind of never-ending curiosity of where the technology is going, and how it’s being used by people.” The booming media and entertainment industries in Canada present a wealth of opportunities for Media Arts graduates. Marc Aubanel, academic director of Media Arts at the Art Institute of Vancouver, says, “If a student is really committed and passionate about making games, making movies, or making animated entertainment, there is a growing industry in Canada that faces an aging workforce.
The games industry in particular is a young person’s workplace where it takes a tremendous amount of youthful energy to make large complicated games.”
CHOOSING A SCHOOL What are the important issues to consider when choosing a Media Arts program? According to Jim Lamarche, a composer, writer, and educator who runs a blog on Media Arts education in Canada, you should take heed of the following criteria: CURRICULUM — What relevance does it have to today’s media arts industry? REPUTATION — How is the school received in terms of the strength of the qualification? PRACTICE TIME AND STUDIO FACILITIES — Do students get ample workshop/practice time to develop their craft? INDUSTRY INVOLVEMENT — How connected is the school with the industry in which it serves (practicums, co-ops, industry forums, discussion groups, etc.)? HISTORY — How long has the school been successfully in business? INSTRUCTOR REPUTATION — Who are they and what have they done?
Check out jimlamarche.wordpress.com for more tips on Media Arts programs in Canada.
What Do be want to
You
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centennialcollege.ca
The Future of Learning FEBRUARY 2012 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA
graduate school directory
Brock University
Niagara College
Brock is a rapidly growing University, offering 41 dynamic Master’s and PhD program within 6 academic faculties. With our strong sense of community and personal investment in our students, Brock is a great choice for your graduate education.
Top-rated for student satisfaction, Niagara College provides outstanding applied education for a changing world. With stateof-the-art facilities on newly redeveloped campuses & responsive cutting-edge programming, we offer students real-world experience before graduation.
Visit us at today at Brocku.ca
NiagaraCollege.ca
Queen’s University
Ross University
100+ graduate programs with worldclass 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.
Ross University is a provider of medical and veterinary education offering MD and DVM degree programs, and has over 11,000 successful physicians and veterinarians practicing in the US and Canada. If you are interested in a career in medicine, contact us today.
queensu.ca/sgs
RossU.edu
Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry
Sheridan College
The University of Western Ontario’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry provides state-of-the-art research facilities and mentorship by internationally recognized scientists. We offer 15 graduate programs. Create tomorrow’s discoveries today. uwo.ca/schulich/gradstudies
Our one-year graduate certificate programs enhance your diploma or degree with a blend of theoretical knowledge and work experience that fully prepare you to launch your career. Choose from more than 20 programs in the arts, business, technology and community service fields. sheridaninstitute.ca
SCHOOL eez TUFF (Need some helpz!)
careers. education. ideas. all of it.
JOBPOSTINGS.CA | FEBRUARY 2012
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START UP
Moshe LOKSHIN Interviewed by David Tal
“From day one,” Moshe revealed through his thick Russian accent. “From way back I knew I was going to be an entrepreneur. When I thought about choosing a career path, every kid has ideas. ‘I want to be a doctor’ or ‘I want to be an architect.’ Me, I just knew I wanted to do business. I wanted to deal with many things, in many industries. I figured business is something that changes over time and gives you variety in what you do. So I think probably when I was 13 or 15, I really knew this is my path in life.” Growing up in Israel, Moshe developed a strong background in computers— so much so that by the age of 17, he started his own business, M.n.B. Computers Ltd. To his surprise (and a great deal of luck, he adds), his business grew over three years to generate annual sales of approximately 3.5 million shekels (approx. 750,000 CAN). Now, while finishing up his economics degree in Canada, Moshe decided to start a new venture, Max TV. For Max TV, Moshe programmed and built a new television screen system for condo elevators that will show building messages and advertisements to riders. The key innovation however, is that he created a cost effective and innovative solution to place screens inside the elevator (exact details are a trade secret). This means smaller residential buildings can now afford to install these screens in their elevators, thereby creating a business niche all his own. And for advertisers, this provides them with a new and very local advertising medium that ensures a captive audience made up of a specific demographic. “There are plans for an expansion to office towers as well,” Moshe adds. After running Max TV for more than a year and a half, Moshe relates the challenges he’s overcome. “Well, a lack of initial capital is a challenge for any entrepreneur. But then there’s another obstacle: it’s called a business plan. We spent so much time planning things out in
the beginning. But once we hit the streets, we quickly learned how nothing turned out the way we planned. You realize how much the business plan is just a piece of paper. Real life forces you to plan on the go. “I’ll give you an example. When I planned out our entire expansion, I believed I could get building owners to accept my screens easily. I would tell them, ‘Listen, I’m going to put a TV screen inside your elevator free of charge; it will enhance your building’s appearance; and it will allow you to more easily communicate with your tenants.’ Who would expect them to say no?
26-YEARS-OLD; SOON TO GRADUATE WITH A BACHELORS IN ECONOMICS FROM YORK UNIVERSITY, IN MID 2012. WHILE LIVING IN ISRAEL AT 17, HE STARTED HIS OWN BUSINESS, M.N.B. COMPUTERS LTD, WHICH GREW OVER THREE YEARS TO GENERATE ANNUAL SALES OF APPROXIMATELY 3.5 MILLION SHEKELS (APPROX. 750,000 CAN). WHILE STUDYING IN CANADA, HE FOUNDED MAX TV, A NEW VENTURE OPERATING OUT OF THE GREATER TORONTO AREA THAT SELLS ADVERTISING AND DISPLAY SCREENS TO BUSINESSES AND RESIDENTIAL BUILDING OWNERS.
“Well, it turned out that because I didn’t have an established name starting out, building owners weren’t comfortable taking a chance with my product. I heard many stories of people who tried and went belly up, and left the building owners without the expertise to maintain such monitors. And here I thought getting advertising would be the difficult thing. So getting those first few buildings, that was a big challenge starting out.”
When asked how things have progressed, Moshe seems optimistic. “Well, today is a whole new situation. Sometimes you just have to stick it out. I mean, after I was able to get the first few buildings to take a chance and install my screens, I was able to start selling ads, which allowed me to afford to install more screens in more buildings, and sell more ads, and so on. Today, the amount of buildings we have is al-
lowing me to start negotiating with larger brand advertisers. It’s not easy, it’s a hard process that requires a lot of dedication, patience, and a great amount of persistence.”
With all this development, it can be difficult to find balance. Asked how he balances work with his personal life, Moshe sighed. “Listen, it’s a challenge for sure. You obviously want allocate as much time as possible to your business. It’s your baby. But at the same time, your friends, your girlfriend, your family, they want to spend time with you. So in order not to lose everyone around you and remain sane, you have to actually allocate time to (your personal relationships). “This is something I really recommend to all those starting out. In my business life, I have days and evenings where I force myself not to work and schedule it with a friend, or I have specific days that, no matter what, I will see my girlfriend, and so on. This is important because work never ends, but relationships can, so you have to be careful to keep the ones you care about.” FEBRUARY 2012 | JOBPOSTINGS.CA
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