For Canadian career Post-seCondary students Career Fair ... · institution offers a work-study program. Work-study positions are usually only available to students with student loans,

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career optionsFor Canadian Post-seCondary students

www.careeroptionsmagazine.comFall/winter 2010 / Volume 24 no. 2

toP 5 Career Fair tiPs

to Change your Program or not

myths and realities oF working For goVernment

12

19

22

the right fitmultiple career patHS

in government

SPECIAL SECTION

pUBLic

serVice

page 20

Download a free 2D barcode reader for your mobile at www.i-nigma.mobi

Career OptiOns fall/winter 2010 1

07NavigatiNg to the Perfect fitBy Carol Evenson

12toP 5 career fair tiPsBy Linda Gully, Melissa Higson and the University of Alberta Career Centre

14tactics for telePhoNe iNterviewsBy Anne Markey

16it all adds UP: five insights into the chartered accountant recruiting ProcessBy Stefano E. Picone

19to chaNge yoUr Program or Not: Be open to Possibilities!By Hana El Kaissi and Elena Pizzamiglio

34PreParatioN is Key for career fairsBy Kerri Zanatta-Buehler

37JoB iNterviews: conversations, Not examinationsBy Cathy Keates

41PersUasive NetworKiNg: four steps to maximum resultsBy Philippe Desrochers

42career assessmeNt: there’s No “magic test”By Jennifer Browne and Paula Strickland

44eNtrePreNeUrshiP:the Path of change makers By Vinod Rajasekaran and Despina Sourias

47some PoiNts to coNsider wheN startiNg yoUr owN BUsiNessBy Dan Humphries

20the federal PUBlic service: countless career avenues to exploreBy Luana Mirella and Cindy Clark

22myths aNd realities of worKiNg for goverNmeNt By Jane MacDonald

29mUNiciPal goverNmeNt: make a differenceBy Gail Isles

31exPlore the PossiBilities… careers with the government of albertaBy Jenn Guzzwell

career oPtioNs fall/winter 2010

« maKe the most of NetworKiNg oPPortUNities and convince employers that yoU are the solution to their workplace problems—in just four easy steps! page 41

SPECIAL

PUBlic

service


editor’s letter

welcome to the start of a brand new year! For many in

post-secondary education, September, not January, is

the time for that feeling of new beginnings. On campus,

there’s a surge of energy as new students dive into

orientation, returning students move on from summer employment or

internships, and those in their final year prepare for on-campus recruitment.

Your number one back-to-school activity as a career seeker? Visit your

campus career centre. Find out when career fairs will be held and

what information sessions are scheduled. Arrange to have your résumé

critiqued or to conduct a mock interview with a career counsellor. Your

career centre will also have a full schedule of workshops on career

planning and job search skills—best to attend these early in the term,

before assignments, projects and mid-terms pile up.

If you are looking for part-time employment on campus, find out if your

institution offers a work-study program. Work-study positions are usually

only available to students with student loans, and they are filled quickly.

If you are eligible to apply, a work-study position is a great way to earn

some extra income. You may also want to think about working as a tutor

on campus and in the surrounding community. Your skills in math,

sciences and languages can be easily turned into part-time employment.

Fall also brings deadlines for professional and graduate school

applications. Preparing a strong application for a teacher’s education

program, medical school or graduate degree takes time. You’ll need to

work on a letter of intent or personal statement indicating why you want

to pursue this course of study. Sourcing letters of recommendation or

references will also take some work. Select your references wisely. Choose

people who know you, your goals and your strengths well.

Those who are new to post-secondary life should explore opportunities to

get involved in campus clubs, groups or activities. When you are applying

for jobs after graduation, employers will want to hear about your activities

over the past three or four years that aren’t related to academics. They

will want to see experiences where you’ve shown leadership abilities and

interpersonal skills.

Once again, this issue of Career Options – Post-Secondary edition is filled

of information to help you achieve your life goals, as well as advertisements

from potential employers who want to connect with post-secondary

students. Check us out online at www.careeroptionsmagazine.com.

Best wishes for a successful 2010–2011 academic year.

Anne Markey,Editor

career oPtioNs

maNagiNg editor

Anne Markey

ProJect maNagemeNt | gordoNgroUP

Kita Szpak

art directioN / PriNt maNagemeNt | gordoNgroUP

Leslie Miles

desigN & layoUt | gordoNgroUP

Kelly Read-Lyon

advertisiNg sales directioN | gordoNgroUP

Thomas Krayer

advertisiNg sales | gordoNgroUP

Kirill Kornilov Andrew MooreSean Guenther

coNtriBUtors

Jennifer Browne Cindy Clark Philippe Desrochers Hana El Kaissi Carol Evenson Linda Gully Jenn Guzzwell Melissa Higson Dan Humphries Gail Isles Cathy Keates Jane MacDonald Anne Markey Luana Mirella Stefano E. Picone Elena Pizzamiglio Vinod Rajasekaran Despina Sourias Paula Strickland Kerri Zanatta-Buehler

Career Options is published bi-annually in January and September by the Canadian Association of Career Educators and Employers (CACEE),

720 Spadina Avenue, Suite 202, Toronto ON M5S 2T9.

for sUBscriPtioN iNformatioN, coNtact aNNe marKey: Tel: 416-929-5156 ext. 223 Fax: 416-929-5256

E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.careeroptionsmagazine.com

for advertisiNg iNqUiries, coNtact thomas Krayer,

director of sales, gordoNgroUP:

Tel: 613-288-5362 Fax: 613-722-6496 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.gordongroup.com

ISSN: 1712-1183

The Canadian Association of Career Educators and Employers (CACEE) is a national, non-profit partnership of employer recruiters and career services professionals. Our mission is to provide authoritative information, advice, professional development opportunities and other services to employers,

career services professionals and students.

Career Options is distributed to students at post-secondary institutions across Canada. Career Options is available free of charge through

campus career centres.

NOTE: The opinions expressed within are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect CACEE policy. No part of this magazine may be reproduced

in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher.

The National Student Resource of: Canadian Association of Career Educators and Employers

720 Spadina Ave., Suite 202 Toronto ON M5S 2T9

www.cacee.com


08, 48 ATB Financial

ii ATCO Group

27 BC Hydro

04 BioTalent Canada

48 Bruce Power

32 Canadian Payroll Association

47 Cangene Corp.

50 CGA Ontario

40 CMA Canada

45 Communitech

09 Concordia University College of Alberta

36 Enterprise Rent-A-Car

17 Halliburton

48 Halton Regional Police Service

25 Home Depot

49 Humber College Business School

28 Insurance Brokers Association of Canada

10 Insurance Institute of Canada

48 Imperial Oil

30 MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd.

11 McGill University

26, 48 National Energy Board

38 Nexen

01 Ontario Real Estate Association

46 Ottawa Police Service

24 Public Service Alliance of Canada

13 Queen’s University

39 Rio Tinto

02 Schlumberger

18 Sun Life Financial

06, 48 Talisman Energy

48 Wood Manufacturing Council

we woUld liKe to thaNK oUr advertisers…

[eveN more] career oPtioNswhat’s on at Careeroptionsmagazine.Com »

as always, you can check out the latest issue of Career Options online, or browse the archives for more great feature articles from past issues. But there’s a lot more in store at our all-new website, careeroptionsmagazine.com

coNNect ZoNe The Zone brings students and employers

together for a unique interactive Q+A forum—it’s

virtually the best career fair around! To get started,

just register and then submit your questions to

industry professionals from some of Canada’s

most successful organizations. It’s a great start

to your career conversation.

http://careeroptionsmagazine.com/connect-zone/

oPeN yoUr miNd…There’s no such thing as a “right” career path.

Each job you take teaches you new skills and

experiences that help shape the kind of worker

you’ll ultimately become. Read about how our

profile subjects found on-the-job happiness and

success by following unexpected career paths.

http://careeroptionsmagazine.com/employment-

planning/open-your-mind/

BlogsPot Blogspot is a shared space where

guest bloggers share their thoughts

about post-secondary education,

entering the workforce, finding the

“right” job and getting a career on

track. Submit your own blog ideas at:

http://careeroptionsmagazine.com/

blogspot/

KeeP UP with the latest career advice, News aNd views: Visit the site to follow Career Options

on Twitter, join the Facebook page

and subscribe to our RSS feed


in this economy, jobs aren’t as plentiful as

they once were, but that doesn’t mean you

should “take what you can get.” Deciding

where to steer on the road to your future

career isn’t always simple, but if you remain

open to possibilities and focus on doing what

you love, your perfect career fit could be just

around the corner. Here’s the story of how I

navigated to my perfect fit.

All my life I have been surrounded by powerful

women who overcame many obstacles to find and

follow their paths. My grandmother took herself

from rural Manitoba through nursing school

and two Master’s degrees, to becoming Director

of Nursing at Women’s Hospital and earning a

Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on

Nursing. My mother completed her Education

degree, but decided to stay home and raise

her family—while running my grandfather’s

lumber yard. She rejoined the work force when

we were older, found herself phased out of

multiple positions, and has now found her perfect

fit working side-by-side with my father in his

contracting business.

Following these two women who persevered was

never overwhelming; instead, I learned from them

NavigatiNg to the perfeCt fit By Carol Evenson,

B.Comm. Honours, Ag-Quest, Inc.

8 fall/winter 2010 www.CareerOptiOnsmagazine.COm

that I could choose whatever life path I imagined.

From a young age I knew I wanted to help people.

I was a good listener and everyone seemed to

share life’s struggles with me. In high school,

when everyone was just starting to think about

careers, I already knew that Child Psychologist

was on my list.

In grade 12 my grandmother asked if I wanted

to meet with her advisor at the University of

Manitoba, who taught Psychology. I decided I

would get a sneak peak at what I thought was

my future path. So one evening I went to the

advisor’s home with my grandmother and a list

of questions. The first thing he said to me when

we sat down was, “If there’s anything else in the

world you think you might want to do, do it. Child

Psychology is a tough road: very few get in and still

want to continue after eight to ten years of school.”

I thought that wasn’t a very good endorsement

for the field, but I listened and picked up an intro

Psych textbook as he suggested.

After reading about all the various areas of

Psychology I could specialize in, I realized

that I wanted to help “fix” companies and the

people who worked for them. My grandmother

suggested that I consider a Business degree with

a focus on Human Resources, since it was a

four-year degree. I would be able to get out into

the workforce and do essentially the same type of

work years sooner than if I majored in Psychology.

My life’s work had so far consisted of being a

skating coach and a server. So going to business

school was a bit of a leap to the left, but nothing

I couldn’t handle. I started my journey at the

Asper School of Business at the University of

Manitoba. My goal was to fix the companies of

the world (or at least of Manitoba). In my second

year of university I joined the Human Resources

Management Association of Manitoba (HRMAM)

and networked. During first semester I received

an email from HRMAM asking students to apply

for their internship program. I did, and earned

an internship with St. Amant Centre. Working

there opened my eyes to the power of non-profit

organizations and my passion for recruiting.

After second year and discussions with grandma

and mom, I decided it was time for a summer job

that was in line with my future career aspirations.

So I applied to various positions and ended up

joining the Start@U1 team on campus, helping

new students settle into university life. With

Start@U1 I honed my organizational skills, learned

office procedures and experienced a completely

new organizational culture. After enjoying the

summer working with the team, assisting at the

Start@U1 sessions and helping to host Orientation,

I began another school year.

I then rejoined St. Amant Centre part-time as a

staffing clerk for their group homes. The team

was an incredible group of individuals who truly

from a yoUNg age i KNew i waNted to helP PeoPle. i was a good listeNer aNd everyoNe seemed to share life’s strUggles with me.


cared about their work. I learned that scheduling

was a strength of mine, one I drew upon in

future positions. And while I’d never thought of

administration as a glamorous career option, it

suddenly seemed exciting—the organization that

made everything fall into place gave me a thrill.

After enjoying my time in health care, I decided

to head into another internship to broaden my

horizons. My position as a coordinator at the campus

Womyn’s Centre gave me the flexibility and financial

freedom I needed to do this. I applied again to the

HRMAM internship program and was accepted

into a position working for the HR Manager of

Kitchen Craft, a cabinetry company. I rediscovered

my love of recruiting, was opened up to the world

of benefits and worked on a job analysis project.

I learned about job creation and how that fits with

recruiting the right person for the right position.

Traveling in Europe the summer after third year

further opened my eyes to other cultures, workplaces

and ways of doing business. Then my final year

of school began, and I became co-president of

the University of Manitoba Human Resources

Students Association, which opened more doors

and created more networking opportunities.

After graduation I was offered a position with

Credit Union Central of Manitoba. Although I

was only there a short time, I learned a great

deal about myself—what I still needed to learn

and what type of opportunity I was looking for.

I learned that workplace culture was the most

important factor in choosing my career path.

Today, the thing I stress the most when talking

with anyone seeking a new path in life is to

make sure they know what they value and what

is most important to them. Most of us spend

our waking hours at work—we better make sure

that we are in the right seat on the right bus.

After leaving my first “career job,” I went back to

school to upgrade and complete an HR certificate

and figure out where I was supposed to head next.

After applying for many positions I decided to go to

PeopleFirst and see if the recruiting agency would

be able to help me decide my next move. I was in

a rut. After a few months of applying for jobs and

studying for my courses, I found an opportunity

that didn’t jump out at me—as a benefit/pension

assistant with Cargill Limited—but again, grandma

and mom encouraged me to apply.

Working in agriculture technology was a turn to

the right. Sure, I grew up in a small town, but it

was close to the city and recruiting had always

been my passion. After a two-hour interview and

a few long days of waiting for a call, I finally heard

back, and my new path began. At Cargill I quickly

took on additional roles, becoming the Human

Resources Assistant and working with multiple

groups of people in the HR Shared Services

Department. I also grew to enjoy the pension work

after leaviNg my first “career JoB,” i weNt BacK to school to UPgrade aNd comPlete aN hr certificate aNd figUre oUt where i was sUPPosed to head Next.


I was doing—this came as a shock since I never

thought I was good with numbers, but organization

and follow-up were part of my skill set. It was here

that I found my passion for process improvement,

which I have brought to my current position.

At Cargill I worked on a wide range of HR projects

but always came back to recruiting. The U.S.

Talent Recruiting Department decided that

they would create a Canadian team, and I was

suggested by the Director of HR Shared Services

to work on this project. We hired a fantastic

candidate to lead the initiative and I was asked to

join the team as the Canadian Campus Recruiting

Coordinator to assist the Campus Recruiting Lead

with the recruiting functions. The first year was

a whirlwind, trying to adapt each other’s work

style, learning how to build a new department

from a model, and creating credibility with clients,

schools and students. Looking back on that

first year, it was truly crazy, but I wouldn’t have

changed a thing. We doubled the team in the

second year and although we were successful,

deep down I wanted more. I was ready for the next

crossroads in my path.

Although I haven’t yet “fixed” the companies of

the world as I’d planned, I have made changes in

my world and know that I am in the same league

as the women in my family. I wouldn’t be where

I am today without the people I have connected

with and the experiences I have gained.

So where am I now, after working in hospitality,

health care, manufacturing, financial services and

agriculture? In July of 2009 I moved to

rural Manitoba to take on a position as the

Assistant to the President and visionary of

a group of agriculture companies. I can say

that before this job, I wasn’t truly aware of the

impact and change that could occur through

people who have vision, determination and

passion. I feel highly valued in this position

and have had so many new experiences:

combining, working in the hog barns, learning

how to build a wheat breeding program, and

many others. I have been able to contribute to

the team with the skill set that I have built over

the years. I have enjoyed lot of support and

met fantastic new friends, and it feels like the

sky is truly the limit.

I hope my story shows that—despite the

occasional bump in the road—navigating to your

perfect fit may take you to the left and then to the

right, but the journey is worth it. co

desPite the occasioNal BUmP iN the road, NavigatiNg to yoUr Perfect fit may taKe yoU to the left aNd theN to the right, BUt the JoUrNey is worth it.


toP

5 career fair tiPs

liNda gUlly director, B.comm career services, hari B. varshney Business career centre, University of British columbia

1 research the comPaNies participating

beforehand and prepare good questions so you

can differentiate yourself from the rest of the

students during your conversations.

2 PrePare yoUr 15–30 secoNd iNtro

using the “past, present, future” formula (e.g.,

“Hi, my name is… Last year I… Now I am…

Someday I’d like to…”).

3 show geNUiNe iNterest in the

companies you approach. Ask a question

that you are truly interested in knowing the

answer to, based on your research. Make sure

you are listening and, if time permits, ask a

follow-up question.

4 watch yoUr Body laNgUage. Shake

hands firmly and make eye contact. Ensure you’re

dressed appropriately.

5 oBserve aNd listeN to the qUestioNs

others are asking when you’re waiting in line to

speak to a company representative, so you don’t

repeat the same ones.


melissa higsoN, chrPcampus Program specialist, corporate human resources, manulife financial

1 research the comPaNies that you

are interested in speaking with so you can ask

questions of employers at their booths.

2 learN all yoU caN about any job

opportunities you might be interested in so you

can ask questions that relate specifically to

those opportunities.

3 Practice yoUr “elevator Pitch” so

you are comfortable using it in a networking setting.

4 doN’t Be NervoUs about approaching

employers—remember, that’s why we’re at the

career fair!

5 dress ProfessioNally and have your

smile and your handshake ready!

caPsyour U of a career centre, University of alberta, www.caps.ualberta.ca

1 distriBUte yoUr BUsiNess card. If you

are a student, you probably don’t have a business

card. However, giving employers a business card

(or your résumé, if they are accepting résumés)

is a great way to make a connection and ensure

they have your contact information. With today’s

technology it is easy enough to make your own

business cards. Just get some card stock (office

supply stores even sell “ready to cut” business

card stock) and print it with your basic contact

information, faculty, year of study and a sentence

or two about your skills and work interests. It

doesn’t take a lot of time and it’s a memorable

and professional way to leave your information.

2 do yoUr research. Career fairs provide

you with a wonderful opportunity to speak one-

on-one with employers from fields related to your

degree or interests. You want to make sure you

impress them. One thing that always impresses

employers at career fairs is students who are

knowledgeable about their organization. Take

a look at your campus career centre’s website

before the fair, as they will often have a list of

the employers attending. Pick out employers of

interest and visit their websites to find out a little

more about them (e.g., types of goods or services

they provide, career opportunities available). This

way, on career fair day you won’t be approaching

them “cold.” Use the information you gather

to develop a short list of questions to ask each

employer you plan to meet at the career fair.

3 Be strategic. Once you have your list of

organizations to speak with, arrange them in order

of priority, from highest to lowest. On the day of

the fair, pick a couple of the organizations on the

low end of your list and speak with them first. This

gives you the opportunity to practice introducing

yourself and asking questions, which will help

build your confidence. As well, if there are a lot

of students at the booth of an employer you want

to speak with, move on to the next one on your

list and go back to that employer when there are

fewer students vying for attention.

4 follow UP. Every employer is different

in their hiring process and will have different

instructions on how to apply for jobs in their

organization. Some employers take résumés at

career fairs; some employers ask you to apply

online (this is becoming common practice—don’t

let it discourage you); some employers may even

interview you on the spot. Whatever the case, after

your initial meeting at the career fair, it is a good

idea to follow up with the employer via e-mail or

phone call to thank them for meeting with you,

to ask any questions you may still have, and/or to

forward your résumé if they don’t yet have it. The

follow-up is an opportunity to show those busy

recruiters that you are very interested in working

for their organization.

5 missed the career fair? Don’t fret. You

still have opportunities to connect with employers

who attended the fair. Most employers don’t hire

on the spot at career fairs, so don’t hesitate to

contact them after the event. Make use of the

list of employers who attended the career fair,

do some research about their organization and

contact them by telephone or e-mail. You don’t

need to include a lengthy excuse as to why you

weren’t at the career fair; you just need to let

them know you are interested in working with their

organization, explain what you have to offer, and

find out the next steps you need to take to be

considered for any available positions. co

career fair tiPs



i don’t enjoy telephone interviews, because

I need to be able to see my interviewers’

faces to gauge how I’m being received. Are

they bored or engaged? Paying attention or

zoning out? But phone interviews are unavoidable

in the job search process—employers often use

them as a pre-screening tactic or as follow-up to

an initial interview. This article will help you make

the most of a phone interview.

KNow what to exPect oN the call When someone calls you to arrange for a phone

interview, get all the information you can. You

need to know when and, more importantly, who

will be conducting the interview. It’s also useful to

know how many people will be interviewing you

and their roles within the company. You may want

to ask if there is a more complete job description

that could be emailed to you, and if there is

anything else that you need to know about the

interview beforehand. It’s amazing what people

will tell you if you ask.

Use the right PhoNe for the JoBIf at all possible, use a land line. If you’ve been

asked to call an organization hundreds of miles

away, it’s tempting to save money by using Skype

or another web-based communication tool—try

to avoid this. (A serious employer should be

calling you, not asking you to call them.) You

don’t want to risk a call breaking up or being

dropped, or as one person said to me about

Skype, “You sound as if you’re in a submarine.”

These are distractions that could undermine the

interview. The same thing applies to using a cell

phone—avoid it if possible. A land line is always

best. If you are using your cell phone number on

a résumé, an employer will use that number to

call you. Screen your calls before answering. If

you’re on public transit, in a bar, in class, let the

message go to voice mail. Answer an employer’s

call only if you are in a space that will allow you

to manage the call in a professional manner. One

final point on technology: even with a land line,

different areas of your home may have better

reception. If you have a cordless phone, don’t

walk around while talking to an employer. Pick

one location and make it your home base for all

telephone interviews.

PrePare yoUr iNterview sPaceOnce you’ve chosen your home base, organize

that space. You’ll need a desk or table so you

can lay out your résumé and cover letter, the

job description of the position you applied for,

any company research, point-form notes of your

qualifications for the position, and any questions

you may want to ask. Make sure you print out any

electronic versions of job descriptions, résumés

and cover letters; it’s easier to use a hard copy

when you’re on the phone. You’ll also need a pen

and paper for notes. Finally, your calendar or PDA

should be beside you, so that when you’re asked

about availability for a second interview you’ll be

able to respond immediately.

maKe sUre they caN hear yoU!If you can’t hear the interviewer(s), say so right

away. They may be on speaker phone and may

need to move closer to the equipment. There

may be a problem with the line and they’ll have

to call back. They may be speaking too quietly.

Don’t continue with the call hoping that things will

improve. Ask the interviewer(s) if they can hear

you clearly, too—you may not be as loud as you

think you are (especially true if you are using a

speaker phone). This question also indicates your

ability to be proactive and ensure that all group

members’ needs are met. If you can’t understand

the interviewer’s question, ask for clarification. If

you guess at what he or she is asking, you may

guess incorrectly.

slow dowN aNd smileSpeak slowly and clearly—without sounding like

a robot. Slowing down your normal rate of speech

takes practice. The first couple of times this will

feel quite unnatural. Try recording your voice

answering mock interview questions, and then

play it back. What impressions do you get from the

voice and the responses? Also, conduct a mock

interview with campus career centre staff. What

feedback do they offer? One final tip: smile while

you speak. Try it—you really can hear a smile and

it makes you sound friendly!

have qUestioNs readyPrepare both answers to sample interview

questions and questions that you would like to ask

the employer, and have these in front of you during

the interview. Ask smart questions based on

your previous research of the employer and their

business. Questions that demonstrate your unique

skill set or outstanding personal qualities are great

ways to show the employer that you are the best

candidate for the job. co

taCtiCs for telePhoNe iNterviews

By Anne Markey, Editor, Career options

smile while yoU sPeaK. try it—yoU really caN hear a smile aNd it maKes yoU soUNd frieNdly!


every September brings a new school

year, as well as the start of the employer

recruiting process at universities.

For graduating students interested

in becoming Chartered Accountants (CAs), the

experience can be particularly nerve-wracking.

Firms compete for top talent, and students are

eager to prove themselves worthy candidates.

These five insights into the CA recruiting process

may improve your chances of receiving an offer,

and help you feel more confident and prepared

throughout the process.

1 referrals > résUmés A major misconception is that firms look at

all applications in deciding which students to

interview. Actually, firms may prefer to look at

résumés from students with referrals! Referrals

generally come from two sources: a) other

students hired by the firm who are asked to

recommend classmates; and b) partners,

managers and senior associates in attendance at

recruiting events and campus info-sessions. So

it may not be worth taking much time to polish

your résumé if you have not invested time in

networking and building connections.

2 No exPerieNce Necessary... Firms may not expect students to have previous

accounting work experience. Public accounting

is a “people profession,” and in order to be

successful, a new recruit must have the social

skills necessary to be able to comfortably interact

with clients and co-workers. Most entry-level

accounting positions involve data processing and

very little human interaction, and therefore are

not ideal as background experience. Instead,

experience working closely with others or helping

customers—in positions such as camp counsellor

or retail sales associate—is generally preferred by

recruiters.

3 doN’t talK aBoUt the fUtUre!During an interview or info-session, some

students make the mistake of announcing their

intent to transition to another area of public

accounting (e.g., tax, valuations, forensic

accounting, etc.) once they qualify for their

it all

adds UPfive iNsights

into the Chartered

aCCountant reCruiting

proCess

By Stefano E. Picone, [email protected]


designation. CA firms are arranged as “partnerships within partnerships,”

and although different service groups operate under a single firm name,

they are essentially different businesses. So the audit department is not

looking to hire students who are already planning their exit strategy, even

if it is technically within the same firm. If a recruiter asks you where you see

yourself in five years, answer by saying that your current focus is on finding

a position in audit and being a productive and contributing member of a

firm, and that once you gain some experience in the industry, you will be

in a better position to assess your long-term career prospects.*

4 Beware the Big 4 BiasMany students believe that the work experience offered by the so-called

“Big 4” firms— PricewaterhouseCoopers, Deloitte & Touche, Ernst & Young

and KPMG—is superior to that of mid-sized and local firms, as well as other

approved training offices. The reality is that all CA firms offer an exceptional

experience, and the key is to select a firm based on the work culture and

clients that suit you individually. In fact, of the four accounting firms recently

named to the list of 75 Best Workplaces in Canada by the Great Places to

Work Institute, only one was a Big 4 firm. Recruiting is all about options, and

by only applying to Big 4 firms, you drastically decrease the likelihood that

you will receive an offer.

5 what if yoU do Not receive aN offer?The stress of recruiting is compounded by the possibility of not receiving an

offer. If you are not successful in your search for a co-op or summer internship

position, don’t despair: firms hire about twice as many students for full-time

positions, so the odds of eventually receiving a job once you graduate are still

very good. If you are not successful in your search for a full-time position, there

are a number of alternative CA job search strategies you can use:

» Applying to small/local firms in your city that hire outside the normal

recruiting process

» Applying to small/local firms in rural areas

» Applying for positions in IT Risk & Assurance with large firms

» Applying to a graduate program like the UBC DAP or U of T MMPA

program that also lets you pursue the CA designation

» Accepting an industry accounting position, studying for your CA exams,

and then re-applying to firms once you pass the UFE (note that only some

regions, such as Ontario, allow you to write your CA exams if you do not

work for an approved training office)

The key is to be persistent. Good luck! co

*editor’s Note: This article represents the opinion of the author and

discusses job search strategies specific to the chartered accounting field.

Career Options shares the opinions of many career experts and all are

valid. In any interview situation, you may very well be expected to discuss

your plans for the future openly and honestly.

stefaNo e. PicoNe, CA, is the founder of myCAsite.com, an online

community dedicated to helping university students and recent

graduates interested in becoming CAs. For other recruiting insights, be

sure to check out the site, or email Stefano at [email protected].


maybe you’re just starting university,

or already in your second year, or

even close to graduating, when you

realize that the academic program

you chose is “not for you.” At this point, you might

think: “Oh no, I’m stuck! What am I going to do

now? I have no idea what else to study!” But don’t

fret: it is far more common than most people think

for students to change academic programs and

to reconsider career paths. It’s not the end of the

world! In fact, making a change may open up a

world of possibilities.

Many students change programs while in

university because they come to a better

understanding of their educational interests and

career options. Their choice of program can be

based on many factors: they enjoyed specific

classes in high school; they did well in particular

subject areas; they wanted to pursue a certain

career and believed the program to be the best

preparation for it; or other reasons. Whatever your

chosen program, your education offers you the

chance to learn more about yourself, find

out what areas of study suit you best, build

skills that are valued in the workplace, and gain

awareness of how academic programs relate to

occupational choices.

If you are trying to choose a new academic

program, it is important to try different things and

get to know what you like most. So ask yourself:

what interests me? What skills do I have, and

what skills do I want to develop? How do I like

to connect with people? What are the important

qualities I want my career to have? With these

questions in mind, you have started the process of

self-assessment. An academic or career counsellor

can help you take this process even further.

It is also important to understand the value of your

program and degree in relation to occupations.

Does an English degree mean that your only

career options are to become an English teacher

or a writer? Not at all! There are many more

careers that you can secure with this background.

According to a recent Ontario University Graduate

Survey, 46% of graduates don’t work in fields

closely related to their former program of study.

The reason graduates are able to move into other

fields is because they are able to leverage the

transferable skills they developed through their

studies, as well as the skills they fostered outside

their academic work. A list of these might include

working collaboratively, communicating well in

a variety of formats, analyzing information and

thinking creatively.

What you should know, as your enter and progress

through your university career, is that graduating

from your program of study should be just one of

your many accomplishments. Getting involved in

a variety of activities outside of your program is a

great way to expand your career prospects while

completing your studies. These activities can

include participation in campus clubs, paid

work, unpaid internships or volunteer work.

There are many benefits to getting involved in

extracurricular activities. First, you are adding

value to your degree and following up on your

interests—and in case you need to change direction

from the current program of study, you can acquire

many transferable skills. Second, employers will

view you in a more positive light in hiring decisions,

because they look for well-rounded candidates with

a range of work and life experiences. Third, your

participation in a variety of activities will contribute

to understanding yourself as a person, which is a

key component of making the best choices

for your education as well as your future career.

One last thought: when faced with the question

of changing direction with educational programs,

make sure that you tap into the resources

available to you at your university, such as

academic and career counselling services. These

can help you in countless ways during the process

of choosing the academic path that’s right for you.

Good luck in your adventure at university! co

to chaNge yoUr Program or NotBe open to possiBilities! By Hana El Kaissi

and Elena Pizzamiglio

haNa el Kaissi, M.Ed, and eleNa PiZZamiglio, M.Ed are Career Counsellors

at the University of Toronto Career Centre.


AccountAnt

Diver

HeAltH inspector

JuDge

MecHAnic

registrAr

trAnslAtor

AstronAut

ecologist

Meteorologist

reseArcHer

urbAn plAnner

beekeeper

eDitor

notAry

politicAl AnAlyst

viDeo eDitor

civil engineer

FireFigHter

illustrAtor

lAwyer

occupAtionAl tHerApist

surveyor

web Developer

copywriter

geogrApHer

interpreter

librAriAn

press oFFicer

test pilot

Zoologist

the federal PUBlic serviceCountless Career avenues to explore

By Luana Mirella and Cindy Clark


y our school days are winding down.

It’s time to put into practice all you’ve

learned and join the work force.

Where to go? What to do?

Have you considered the federal public service?

Yes, there is job security and stability. But the

bigger picture IS the bigger appeal: you can serve

the public interest and make a difference in the

daily lives of fellow Canadians while exploring your

chosen profession.

maKe a differeNce. Be part of a non-partisan,

professional team delivering programs and services

aimed at improving quality of life for all Canadians.

Whether you work in an office or outdoors, in the

far North, in a rural area or in a large urban centre,

the public service offers you the opportunity to

contribute to your country’s future.

exPlore coUNtless career Paths. With more than 250,000 employees, the size

and diversity of the public service create an

unmatched variety of employment opportunities

in areas such as psychology, communications,

law, health care, biological sciences, economics,

chemistry, forestry and human resources.

Never stoP learNiNg. The public service offers

excellent learning and development opportunities:

programs and e-learning opportunities with the

Canada School of Public Service, organizational

learning and leadership opportunities, language

training in group or one-on-one settings, mentoring

and coaching, and much more!

Be Part of a commUNity. You can become

an active member of professional networks,

functional communities and councils based on

the job you do and your professional interests.

In these networks and groups you’ll find support

from mentors, coaches and colleagues who share

your goals and interests.

yoUr way iN: JoBs.gc.ca The largest recruitment program for graduates

is Post-Secondary Recruitment (PSR), which

provides entry-level job opportunities to

university and college graduates in myriad fields

and work environments across Canada, and

sometimes abroad.

“Students and graduates remain an important

source of talent for the federal public service,

especially as it continually renews itself now and

for the future,” says Joanne Lalonde, Director

General, National Client Services, Public Service

Commission of Canada.

it really worKs. During the 2008–2009

fiscal year, approximately 1,700 students were

appointed to positions across Canada as foreign

service officers, human resources officers, legal

counsel, junior communications officers, policy

analysts, epidemiologists, conservation architects,

IT programmers—the list goes on and on.

“The variety of careers is extraordinary,” says

Lalonde. “The opportunity to make a difference and

the potential to leave a legacy draws high-quality

graduates every year.”

so doN’t miss oUt. get iN oN oUr iNveNtory. The Fall 2010 PSR campaign

is ramping up now. Visit jobs.gc.ca for more

information on the PSR campaign and to view

current job opportunities.

teN thiNgs to KeeP iN miNd wheN aPPlyiNg to the federal PUBlic service

1 start looKiNg Now! The time to look for

a job is while you are still in school, usually in your

last year. Most positions advertised through the

PSR program will indicate that degrees/diplomas

obtained by a certain date are accepted to allow

for upcoming graduates to apply.

2 exPlore careers at the oNliNe JoBs hUB. Jobs.gc.ca is your hub for exploring

career opportunities within the federal public

service. Opportunities are posted daily, so visit

the site regularly.

3 read JoB advertisemeNts carefUlly! Ensure that you meet all of the

essential qualifications and that these are clearly

demonstrated in your application.

4 sell yoUrself! Make sure to reflect

experiences gained through volunteer work,

student activities and work experience gained

through summer employment, co-ops, etc.

5 PrePare, PrePare, PrePare! Avoid doing

essential steps at the last minute when the job you

want comes up. Keep an up-to-date CV on hand,

and complete and regularly update your Public

Service Resourcing System profile online.

6 KNow the deadliNes. Late applications

will not be accepted, so make sure to check

the website often for new job opportunities and

respect the closing date and time on the job ads.

7 let the JoBs site worK for yoU By creatiNg a JoB alert. Receive e-mail

notifications whenever new job listings are posted

that match your search criteria.

8 UNderstaNd the assessmeNt Process. Many positions advertised through the

PSR program require testing. The Public Service

Commission website and jobs.gc.ca provide useful

tips, sample test questions and FAQs to demystify

the process for you.

9 PrePare for the iNterview! Read up

on the specific organization to understand their

business/mission, and review the original job

advertisement and statement of merit criteria.

These can provide insight into what questions may

be asked at the interview.

10 UNderstaNd the laNgUage Profile of the PositioN. Many government

positions require a certain level of bilingualism.

There are three second-language skills associated

with each bilingual position: reading, writing and

oral interaction. Visit www.psc-cfp.gc.ca for more

details and to see sample questions.

Join the federal public service. Innovate! Create!

Move it and shake it! co

SPECIAL

PUBlic

service

lUaNa mirella is Communications

Advisor, Communications Division at the

Public Service Commission

ciNdy clarK is Program Manager,

Post Secondary Recruitment,

National Client Services Directorate

at the Public Service Commission



whether you want to be a

carpenter, researcher, librarian,

beekeeper or human services

professional, you can find

employment within government. Collectively,

the federal, provincial and municipal levels of

government recruit many people for a wide

range of careers. However, some job seekers

harbour misconceptions about the recruitment

process and the workplace environment within

government. This article should shed some light

on a few of the common myths.

myth 1 | qUalificatioNs “i will Never get a goverNmeNt JoB with JUst my arts degree.”

federal: The Federal Government of Canada

offers over 1,000 different types of jobs located

nationally and internationally. There are also

numerous opportunities for skills training,

professional development, mentoring and

advancement. Many senior management

positions simply require a university degree—

some with specialization or study in a specific

area. Although a degree is important, the job

requirements for senior positions typically focus

on the Public Service of Canada core leadership

competencies, values and ethics, and how to

effectively carry out the duties required. More

focus is placed on experience managing within

the Federal Government framework in various

areas, such as procurement, finance and/or

program delivery.

ProviNcial: Qualifications are dependent upon

the role and the department. For example, if the

province’s Transportation Department seeks to

hire a mechanic, then the successful candidate

will have the proper credentials to be a mechanic.

However, there are numerous positions that

simply require a degree, some with a specific

specialization. Once hired, the candidate would

“learn the ropes” and then apply for promotions.

When looking at government, job seekers should

be thinking in terms of “career” instead of “job.”

myths aNd realities of working for government

SPECIAL

PUBlic

service

By Jane MacDonald, Manager, Student Career Centre and Co-operative

Education Program, St. Francis Xavier

University


mUNiciPal: Similarly, at the municipal level,

the qualifications required depend on the job.

Some positions require specialized training or

certification—for example, building inspection

or financial operations—while others are not so

specific. Often, entry-level positions are designed

so that the new employee has an opportunity

to learn the specific job required as well as the

organizational structure. Once an employee

has demonstrated competence, other training

opportunities and promotions may follow.

Despite some specialized training required

for specific positions, jobs at each level of

government require individuals who possess core

competencies. You may be surprised to know

that holding an Arts degree shows that you can

manage your time, work individually or as part

of a team, conduct research, analyze information

critically, present oral and written summaries,

and communicate effectively with others. These

are all valuable skills that transfer easily to many

government positions.

myth 2 | laNgUage aNd locatioN reqUiremeNts “i Need to Be BiliNgUal aNd live withiN x NUmBer of Kilometers from the JoB.”

federal: Most entry-level positions that are

advertised through the federal Post-Secondary

Recruitment Campaign program will have a variety

of language or location requirements. Language is

usually determined based on the type of position,

and where in the country its duties are to be

fulfilled. For example, a manager position located in

Quebec is likely to have a French requirement; the

same type of position in the National Capital Region

might be serving both English and French parts

of the country. If the posting indicates “bilingual

imperative,” you must meet language requirements

based on a language proficiency scale that ranges

from A to C (C being most proficient) in order to

apply. However, there are also bilingual non-

imperative positions where you are given a set

time to learn and meet the language requirements

of the job. As well, there are positions with mixed

or various language requirements. Canada is a

multicultural nation, so remember that language

61% of PUBlic service emPloyees Based iN caNada are located across the coUNtry, while the other 39% are iN the NatioNal caPital regioN sPecifically.


qualifications may not be limited to our two official languages.

As for location, the Federal Government offers numerous positions across

Canada from rural areas to urban centres, even abroad. When considering

employment with the Federal Government, remember this statistic: 61% of

public service employees based in Canada are located across the country,

while the other 39% are in the National Capital Region specifically. If the

posting indicates that you must live within a certain region, this means that

the government is not willing to pay your relocation costs if you live outside

that region. Apply anyway and indicate that you will relocate, especially if you

are willing to learn another language—you never know.

ProviNcial: This myth is not true for all provincial governments. For

example, if you wanted to work for the Government of Nova Scotia, language

would be important if you were working in a department that offered

services or programming in a second language (e.g., the Office of Acadian

Affairs, French Language services, etc.). However, if you wanted to work

for the governments of New Brunswick or Quebec, then having both official

languages would be essential no matter the role.

As for location requirements, most provincial government positions still

tend to be located in urban areas (often in that province’s capital or seat of

government). Depending on the career choice, a job seeker may be limited

to working in an urban centre.

mUNiciPal: Similar to provincial governments, language and location

requirements may be specific to the region and its population.

When applying to positions at any level of government, always be sure

to report your proficiency in languages other than English or French, as

this could be an asset. Canada’s population is diverse, and the languages

spoken here are many. As well, exploring job locations away from your home

community may open new doors of opportunity for you. Be adventurous!

myth 3 | worK eNviroNmeNt “i’ll Be Paid well aNd i woN’t have to worK too hard, BUt there woN’t Be mUch oPPortUNity for growth.”

federal: Many jobs within the Federal Government are as demanding,

or in some cases—because of the rules, regulations and policies—even

more demanding than private sector jobs. It is a myth that government

employees are lazy and overpaid, and could not do anything else. The vast

majority in the Federal Public Service are hardworking and committed to

success. The Federal Government also values work/life balance. Some

departments (depending on the job) will allow employees to work a

condensed week or flexible hours.

All employment opportunities are advertised on the Public Service

Commission of Canada website: jobs.gc.ca. Reviewing job postings will help

job seekers to learn what types of work are available and what qualifications

are needed to be successful. The work environment can be quite different

from the private sector, thus making for something of a culture shock.

ProviNcial: Provincial government offers challenging and diverse jobs.

Government is evolving and so are the positions. Over the years, the work load


has increased and the type of work has changed.

Many management-level positions are well paying.

For example, the Province of Nova Scotia is the

largest employer in Nova Scotia, with over 10,000

employees in 19 departments and approximately 75

agencies. Job seekers can find careers in diverse

areas such as: Information Technology, Maintenance

and Trades, Regulation and Enforcement, Education

and Training, Natural Sciences, Energy, Fisheries

and Agriculture, Communication and Information

Management, Health and Social Sciences, Tourism,

Culture, Recreation and Heritage, Management and

Administration, or Executive Leadership.

mUNiciPal: Municipal government has a

mandate to serve its local population—that

could mean your neighbours, friends and family.

Thus employees work hard on behalf of their

communities and regions. As with any large

organization, expect to work at a number of tasks

in various departments before finding your niche.

Because of the current economic climate,

and public and private pushes towards fiscal

responsibility and tighter budgets, government

organizations and departments overall are leaner.

Employees are required to work harder and

demonstrate commitment to the organization

before being promoted. Have realistic expectations

for starting salaries and initial job responsibilities.

It may take time to prove your worth and

commitment to the organization before being

rewarded for your efforts.

myth 4 | PersoNal coNNectioNs “i Need to KNow someoNe.”

federal: The Federal Public Service has

several different programs to help students find

jobs in the government, including the Federal

Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP),

Co-operative Education, the Research Affiliate

Program (RAP) and internships. The reality is

that you must apply to the job via jobs.gc.ca

and meet the statement of merit criteria to

get screened into the competition. Once that

happens, you must go through an evaluation

process that may include a written exam, a

presentation and/or an interview. If you pass

all these stages, you are placed into a “pool”;

managers then select the best fit for the position

from the pool. So there is a lot of rigor and

transparency involved in the staffing process

at the Federal level, making it one of the fairest

processes in Canada.

The help you might receive from someone already

within the Federal Government is in understanding

how to effectively apply to jobs. Many departments

actually offer training. If you get your foot in the

door, as a part of your experience you should take

the opportunity to learn how the process works

and potentially apply to jobs. For managers or

supervisors of co-op work programs or casual

employees, there are also options to offer what

is called a “bridging program,” which enables

students to transition to full-time permanent

employment once they graduate.

ProviNcial: If you are looking for a provincial

government position, think about building your

network. You need to know the specifics of the

position, how to access the jobs and how to

perform in an interview situation. Being successful


at the interview requires the job seeker to be

informed about the department, the position

on offer, and the interview and hiring process

itself. Governments often use a scoring system

with numerous checks and balances that make

it difficult for someone to be hired based on

“who they know.” Most provincial governments

also operate in unionized environments and

must abide by collective agreements. Fair

hiring practices ensure that hiring is based

on the principle of merit, and are designed to

promote transparency, consistency, equity and

accountability in the hiring process.

mUNiciPal: Often hiring practices at the

municipal government level are less rigorous than

at the federal or provincial levels; however, the

same standards of hiring policy still apply. Often

the myth of “it’s who you know” stems from how

some individuals move from summer student

positions to full-time employment. In these cases,

often the individual is known to one department,

but their continued employment is in another

department or division. Thus the hire is based on

a proven track record of work, not on connections.

In hiring policy and practice, all levels of

government want to develop a workforce that is

representative of the populations they serve. If you

are a member of an under-represented population,

consider noting this on your application. Be

prepared to put time and effort into the application

process. The first impression you make with your

paper or online application is important. Complete

your application based on the instructions given,

not on what you think they should be.

advice for stUdeNtsIn conclusion, any job seeker who is looking for

employment should review the opportunities within

all levels of government. Knowing what positions

are available and when they are typically advertised,

creating a relevant and targeted cover letter/résumé,

and building solid interview abilities will increase

your chances of being hired. Talk with people

who are working in any level of government. One

effective way to learn if the civil service is right for

you is to work in government as a summer student.

This will help you build your network, expand your

skills and learn about the workplace culture. Being

informed will help you make better career decisions.

credits/resoUrcesFederal information sourced from the Public

Service Commission website, along with personal

connections and knowledge of federal recruitment

processes. http://jobs-emplois.gc.ca/centres/

faq-eng.htm#psr and http://jobs-emplois.gc.ca/

centres/presentation/r2-eng.htm

Provincial information sourced from the Nova

Scotia Public Service Commission website, and

from selected individuals within government and

outside consultants. http://www.gov.ns.ca/careers/

Municipal information sourced from various

municipal websites and from conversations with

individuals with experience working in various

government positions as regular staff and as

consultants. co

JaNe macdoNald is the Manager

of the Student Career Centre and

Co-operative Education Program

at St. Francis Xavier University.


years ago, government was considered

the place to work if you wanted

stability, a pension and regular hours.

Those same benefits still exist, but

it’s a different world working for government

today, especially at the municipal level. In

municipal government, you deal directly with

the people you are serving as a public sector

employee. You can really make a difference

in your own community.

As the times change, so too does the work

environment. The Halifax Regional Municipality

(HRM) knows that workers want more than just a

paycheck—they want to feel they are giving back

to society. By providing services in the community,

they can directly benefit the place where they live.

There is room to grow, try different jobs, enjoy

flexible hours. Today’s municipal government

allows for a workforce that is as diverse as the

people it serves.

HRM offers a range of employment. Remember

when, as a child, you heard the siren of a fire engine

and you ran to the window to see the truck zooming

by your house? The excitement you felt back then

can translate into a career helping people today,

whether as a firefighter, or as an engineer working

on a plan for development that will change the city

for the better, or in lots of other ways!

toP 10 reasoNs to worK for the halifax regioNal mUNiciPality?

10 it’s hiP!Working in the capital of Nova Scotia, you’re at the

heart of the action. East Coast live music nightly,

donairs, mollusks, art...

9 great lifestyleYou can live downtown by the harbour, in a

suburb by a lake, or in the country by the sea, and

walk, bike, bus, or drive a short distance to work.

8 year-roUNd sUrfiNg!Yup, that water’s cold but refreshing! For other

exercise options, you can join a gym or take an

HRM recreation program for a reduced rate.

7 edUcatioNYou want more education? HRM will pay half

of your tuition while you are employed with

them (at one of the seven degree-granting

universities in the city).

6 flexiBilityEarned days off, job sharing—work-life balance

is key at HRM, so flexibility is a given.

5 frieNdly folKs Live in an urban setting where you still get to know

your neighbours.

4 democracyThe direction for your work comes from elected

officials, councillors for the region.

3 great salariesWhatever your work aspirations, you can earn

a good living doing what you love!

2 oPPortUNities aNd oPtioNsYou can have completely different careers while

working for the same employer. There is room

to move up the ladder of success.

1 give BacK to yoUr commUNity Live HRM’s partnership of Good Neighbours,

Great Neighbourhoods—government and its

citizens working together to make a difference. co

SPECIAL

PUBlic

service

muniCipal government: maKe a differeNce

“the excitemeNt yoU felt [as a child] caN traNslate iNto a career helPiNg

PeoPle today, whether as a firefighter, or as aN eNgiNeer.”

By Gail Isles, Manager of Client Services, Halifax

Regional Municipality


whether yoU’re JUst emBarKiNg oN yoUr career or looKiNg for meaNiNgfUl worK exPerieNce while iN school, taKe some time to learN aBoUt the alBerta goverNmeNt aNd the worK of the alBerta PUBlic service.

For students, new graduates or experienced

workers, the Alberta government hosts a

dynamic and diverse work environment where

there are on-the-job opportunities to learn and

grow. There are 24 ministries and 500 different

types of work.

Employees within the Alberta government

hold positions in a variety of fields including

finance, agriculture, recreation, health, social

sciences, policy, engineering, legal, corrections

and enforcement, and communications. While

most jobs are located in Edmonton, Alberta’s

capital city, there are many Alberta government

employees who work in cities, towns and

municipalities across the province. Generally,

jobs are permanent, full-time positions; however,

part-time, seasonal and temporary employees are

also part of the provincial government workforce.

Through leading-edge resources support and

ample learning opportunities, employees have the

ability to reach their full potential. Students can

take advantage of summer employment, work

experience and co-operative education placements;

internships give graduates hands-on experience in

the field of their choice, challenging and rewarding

work as well as professional development and

networking opportunities. To learn more first-hand

from two students, read on below.

The Alberta government is one of the largest

employers in Alberta, with over 27,000 employees

throughout the province. As an award-winning

organization, the Government of Alberta values

respect, accountability, integrity and excellence.

Provincial government employees share a

common vision of proudly working together to

build a stronger province and make a positive and

lasting difference in the lives of Albertans. The

Government of Alberta offers a competitive salary

Alberta legislature building, edmonton

SPECIAL

PUBlic

service

toP five reasoNs why emPloyees JoiN the goverNmeNt of alBerta:» Job fit

» Opportunities for advancement

» Learning and development opportunities

» Secure/stable employment

» Good/better compensation

By Jenn Guzzwell, Public Affairs Officer,

Alberta Corporate Human Resources

explore the possiBilities… Careers with the goverNmeNt of alBerta


and benefits package, and diverse and rewarding

employment opportunities in an environment that

encourages continuous learning and career growth.

To learn more about the Alberta government’s

programs and services, visit www.alberta.ca/home.

To explore the diverse career opportunities, visit

www.chr.alberta.ca. Discover where a career with

the Alberta government could take you!

oNe emPloyer, lots of choices!tamara colomBiNa | Policy Intern,

Alberta Energy

When asked if she would consider a career

with the Alberta government once her 16-month

policy internship was complete, Tamara said:

“Definitely. This is a great place if you’re

thinking about a long-term career. The Alberta

government is one employer but there’s a lot

of room for movement.” Tamara speaks from

experience. Twelve months into her placement,

Tamara has worked for both Alberta Energy and

Alberta Seniors and Community Supports—quite

a change in subject matter and a rather steep

learning curve. Moving from social-based policy

to one of a more technical nature has been an

invaluable learning experience. So has been

the support received from her colleagues and

peers. With monthly development sessions and

mentoring groups, Tamara has a community

of interns and a network of policy specialists

she can rely on for knowledge and expertise.

“The Alberta government invested in us when

we started,” said Tamara of the government’s

dedication to policy interns, “and it continues

to be committed to our future as we near the

end of our placements.”

For more information on the Alberta government’s

Policy Internship Program and other internships

offered by the Alberta government, visit: www.jobs.

alberta.ca/students/program_descriptions.html

yoU doN’t learN this iN schoolliNdsey macdoNald | Administrative Support,

Alberta Corporate Human Resources

Obtaining employment through the Student

Summer Employment Registration Service,

Lindsey is well into her second summer placement

as an administrative support for Alberta Corporate

Human Resources. “Perhaps what’s most

valuable is simply learning how an office works,”

said Lindsey. “That’s not something you can learn

in school.” Lindsey attests that her experience

with the Alberta government has helped hone all

of her skills, from expanding her knowledge of

computers, to being better organized and even

refining her people skills. Lindsey has also drawn

on her colleagues for insight and experience.

“The staff here keep me involved in all upcoming

projects,” she said. “I’m always learning.” Upon

graduation, Lindsey says, the Alberta government

will certainly be an option as an employer.

For more information on the Student

Summer Employment Registration Service,

visit www.jobs.alberta.ca. co

JeNN gUZZwell is the Public Affairs

Officer at Alberta Corporate Human Resources


PreParatioN is Key for Career fairs

By Kerri Zanatta-Buehler


in your job search, career fairs, both at your

school and in the community, should be one

of the many avenues you explore. Career

fairs provide you the opportunity to meet

with a number of employers in one location, to

gather information about their organizations and

what they are looking for when hiring.

There are a number of things you should do

before attending a career fair in order to ensure

you are well-prepared and present yourself as

professionally as possible:

» Be sure to confirm the date, time and location

of the career event.

» Review the list of employers attending the

career event and thoroughly research those you

are interested in meeting.

» Prepare a résumé tailored to each employer

you’re planning to approach.

» Create a business card and have copies ready.

» Prepare and practice your 30-second

networking (introduction) statement.

» Decide what you will wear to the career event prior

to the day (professional business attire is a must).

NetworKiNg You’ve often heard the expression “You never

get a second chance to make a first impression.”

There is no better venue than a career fair to

demonstrate this, because employers may meet

hundreds of job seekers in a matter of hours.

Making a strong first impression with a number

of employers will go a long way in helping you to

create a solid professional network.

Networking is about communicating your unique

selling points in a memorable way. You can do

this by creating a personal “pitch” or networking

statement that highlights your skills and

experience in an interesting way.

In order to create an effective networking statement,

and thereby make a strong first impression, you

have to be aware of a few key things:

KNow yoUr target marKet:Research each employer attending the event

and review current industry trends in your

chosen field. Use this information to impress the

employers you meet at the career fair.

KNow what yoU have to offer:It is important you not only know what skills,

knowledge and experiences you have to offer a

potential employer, you also have to know what

skills, knowledge and experiences employers are

looking for.

KNow the foUr elemeNts of aN effective NetworKiNg statemeNt:

1 Be sPecific: Employers are looking for

people who want to work specifically for them,

in the role they have to offer. You need to make

them feel that theirs is the only company you are

targeting, so do your homework and be prepared

to tell them why you want to work for them.

2 Be relevaNt: As you research a company,

seek to understand the types of backgrounds,

skills and attitudes they look for in their

recruitment strategy. When communicating

your selling features, make sure you focus on

information that is relevant to them.

3 Be ProfessioNal: You will be nervous.

In fact, you should be nervous. If you are so

cocky that you don’t feel any job search jitters,

then you need to re-evaluate your attitude—this

is serious business!

You may be worried that you’ll stammer, but your

nervousness can actually give you an edge in

performance. Preparation is essential, because

when you are nervous being face-to-face with the

recruiter for the job you really want, you have a

higher chance of messing up your pitch. Practice

what you are going to say in advance. Learn to say

it naturally without notes. It should sound like you

did not write it down and memorize it.

4 Be Brief: You only have about 30 seconds to

make a first impression. When constructing your

personal networking pitch, you need to keep it to

about 70 words or fewer.

Your networking pitch should answer three questions:

1. Who am I?

2. Why do I want to work for you?

3. Why should you hire me?

good qUestioNs for emPloyers» What skills and abilities do you need to be consid-

ered a strong candidate to work for your company?

» What kind of employment experiences are you

looking for?

» What additional skills, such as language or

software skills, does your organization consider

to be particularly valuable?

Best of luck! co

fiNal tiPs! »

Kerri ZaNatta-BUehler, B.A., B.Ed,

MA, Employment Development Specialist,

The Career Centre, Sheridan Institute of

Technology & Advanced Learning

aPProach emPloyers oN yoUr owN, not as part of a

group. If an employer

is talking to someone

else, wait patiently. Make

sure you’ve got their full

attention when you make

your first impression.

Bring a pen and paper with you

in case you need to make notes

during the conversation with

the employer (strategy: after

each meeting with an employer,

immediately go to a quiet area to

record the discussion—you won’t

remember the details of each

conversation at the end of the fair).

Follow the rules of good hygiene and

dress ProfessioNally! Dress

exactly as you would for a job interview.

Place your documents in a professional zip-up Portfolio or twin

pocket portfolio. You want to be able to easily access your tailored

résumés when passing them over to employers, and to easily collect

any company information/business cards employers offer you.

When you are conversing

with the employer, listeN

more than you speak! Ask

questions to help you to

understand their needs

and priorities.


y our very last exam is on the horizon,

and you can’t wait to graduate. But

then you realize you are faced with

what feels like a whole new round of

exams: job interviews. The relief of being finished

your academic studies is replaced by déjà vu

all over again—and the butterflies return as you

prepare for the next big test.

But is a job interview really a test? Interviews are

no walk in the park, but thinking of them as “like

exams” can lead you astray and cause you far

more anxiety than necessary.

An interview is much more like a conversation

than an examination. Sure, the interviewer is

going to ask you a series of questions to determine

JoB iNterviews Conversations, not examinations

By Cathy Keates, Career Counsellor and Author,

www.careerconsiderations.ca


what you bring to the table as a candidate. And your task as the candidate

is to show that you’re right for the position (see “Top 3 Tips for a Great

Interview Conversation” below). But unlike many exams, which require

very specific answers, there are multiple ways to answer most interview

questions depending on your own unique history and perspective. Too often,

candidates spend time worrying about composing the right answer for every

possible interview question. Once you realize there is no “right” answer, you

can relax and focus on saying what you most want to say.

An interview is also more like a conversation because conversations are

about interaction, not just answers. The relationship that is formed between

you and the interviewer can be just as important as your actual responses.

Why? Two reasons. First, interviewers are trying to get a sense of whether

you will fit into the organization—so who you are, your personality and ability

to connect with people, are highly important. They are not interested in

meeting a test-taker who is reciting prepared answers—they want to meet

the real you. Second, interviewers are human: they may be trying to maintain

an objective hiring process, but they are still hoping to make a genuine

connection with a good candidate.

Finally, interviews are more like conversations because they are meant to

be a back-and-forth, give-and-take exchange. Exams don’t offer you the

chance to ask questions of your professor—they are a one-way street. But

interviewers want you to interact with them, and ask them questions that show

you have spent some time thinking about whether the organization is a good fit

for you. So don’t make the mistake that many new graduates make by thinking

of the interview as a test and coming unprepared to ask their own questions.

Remember, your role is to be a good conversationalist, so be ready to show your

interest with some questions.

Thinking of your job interviews as examinations can have you sweating

about crafting perfect answers, and can leave you more passive than

active in the interview process. Choosing to think of your job interviews as

conversations—dynamic exchanges of information and relationship building

between people—will help you feel more confident, be more prepared, and

make a better connection. No more exam anxiety needed! co

cathy Keates is a career counsellor with a decade of experience

working with university students and new graduates, is the author of

the job search manual Not for Sale!, and shares her thoughts about job

searching with authenticity and integrity on her blog, “Transform Your

Job Search,” at www.careerconsiderations.ca.

aN iNterview is also more liKe a coNversatioN BecaUse coNversatioNs are aBoUt iNteractioN, Not JUst aNswers.


toP 3 tiPs for a great iNterview coNversatioN »

Be really clear aBoUt what sKills aNd exPerieNce yoU BriNg to this ParticUlar PositioN. You

can never know exactly what questions

you will be asked. But no matter what

questions you get, if you know yourself

really well and have thought about what

makes you a good fit for this position,

you will be ready for almost any question

that might come up.

have examPles for each of yoUr sKills. It’s one thing to say, “I have great

communication skills.” It’s another thing

entirely to be able to back this up with solid

evidence. Ideally, that evidence comes

in the form of interesting stories about

times you successfully used that skill in

the past. These examples can come from

paid work, volunteer work, school

or other relevant settings. Have lots ready.

PrePare some qUestioNs that yoU woUld liKe to asK the iNterviewer. Usually after finishing all of their questions,

an interviewer will give you a chance to ask

questions. This isn’t just to be polite—this is

acknowledging that the interview conversation

really is a two-way street. Not only is the

interviewer assessing how well you would fit their

organization, you as the interview candidate are

assessing how well this job, at this organization,

fits what you are looking for. So think about

what you want in a job, then ask about those

things—for example, organizational culture, level

of responsibility, opportunities for growth—that

will help you learn more about whether this

position is a good fit for you.


N etworking in 2010 is about offering and receiving value. No

matter how young or inexperienced you are, you can offer

value because of your own unique perspective. People can

always learn from a new perspective. Offering value, then, is

about sharing your viewpoint. On the other hand, to receive value you must

motivate others to offer it to you. The best way to do this is to be persuasive.

Communications expert Daniel L. Plung wrote a famous article entitled

“Writing the Persuasive Business Letter” in The Journal of Business

Communication (1980) in which he presents the idea of the “motivated

sequence.” The article explains that you can persuade someone to do

something if you arrange your ideas “in a pattern that corresponds with the

reader’s decision-making process.” Plung’s fours steps are:

ProBlem: Identify the problem. Make sure the reader understands that

the problem is “real and immediate.” Make sure the reader understands

it is his or her problem.

solUtioN: State what needs to be done. State how the “solution you offer

is the right one, and how it will eliminate all facets of the problem as you

identified it.” Prove that your suggestion has worked in similar situations

before. Show how other solutions are less attractive than yours.

visUaliZatioN: “Portray the results that will occur if the reader doesn’t do

what you have suggested… then show the benefits that will accrue from the

reader’s decision to follow your advice.”

actioN: Spell out what the reader must do next.

These steps are extremely effective in business communications, and can

be adapted to apply fruitfully in your job search networking. When attending

your next networking event with employers, use Plung’s four-step model as a

basis and ask the following questions in this order:

ProBlem: The goal of networking with a contact is to build rapport by asking

good, persuasive questions. Step one is to identify a possible problem your

contact is facing in his or her business. What are some of the challenges you

face in your business? How has this problem impacted your business? How

long do you foresee being able to go before needing to make changes?

solUtioN: Once you have helped your contact see that there is an urgent

problem, he or she will be very motivated to start talking about a solution.

You now want to ask a series of questions that will help your contact think of

solutions. Are you doing anything now to address the problem? What have

you been doing to solve this problem? What has worked in the past? What

has not worked in the past?

visUaliZatioN: Now that your contact has thought of possible solutions

and alternatives that have not worked in the past, it is now time to help

him or her visualize both a negative and a positive outcome. If you were

not to make any changes to your business, what do you think would be the

impact? If you were to address these issues, can you imagine the impact it

could have on your bottom line?

actioN: Your contact will now be primed for your action recommendation.

You have set the stage perfectly to present yourself as part of the solution to

the problem. I have faced similar challenges in a previous role and would

be interested in sharing with you how I accomplished this. Would you be

interested in discussing this? co

PersUasive NetworKiNgfour steps to maximum results

PhiliPPe desrochers, Global Career Development Facilitator,

Lecturer (Career Management) and Manager, BCom Careers at the

Hari B. Varshney Business Career Centre at the Sauder School of

Business, University of British Columbia (UBC). The career centre

works with both employers and students in connecting the community

with future business leaders. Sauder’s business career centre

provides students with a variety of career management services

and offers employers a variety of high-impact recruitment services.

Recruiting from Sauder gives organizations access to skilled, motivated

individuals with fresh perspectives and new ideas.

By Philippe Desrochers


Career assessment:

there’s No “magic test”

By Jennifer Browne and Paula Strickland


a third-year student who recently visited the

Career Centre exclaimed: “Just give me the

test… the test that will tell me what career i shoUld choose!”

This is not an uncommon request from students as they

attempt to choose an academic program of study or the

career path they want to pursue. The bad news is, there’s

no “magic test” that will provide a definitive answer. But

the good news is, there are a number of things students

can do to determine their ideal career options.

No one knows you as well as you know yourself, so

taking the time to actively reflect on your interests,

values, abilities and personality is very important. What

do you consider important in life? What do you enjoy

doing? What are your hobbies? What are you good at?

It is also imperative to reflect on your likes and dislikes

in a job situation. By identifying what you do not want

out of a career, you will in turn get more clarity about

what you really do want. This can be very helpful in

narrowing your search for that elusive career path.

Answering some of these questions can really serve to

spark your thinking about your options. If you love history,

why not look at careers for history buffs? If you hate the

shift work in your current part-time job, then perhaps

you can rule out careers that involve shift work. Knowing

yourself is a critical first step in the career planning

process. The more effort you put in at the start of this

process, the happier you will be with the outcome.

So how do you discover what you like and don’t like?

What you are good at and not-so-good at? Where your

personality and values fit? Much of this self-discovery

comes from real-world experience. All those summer or

part-time jobs and volunteer positions can provide you

with valuable insights into yourself. Teaching may have

been on your radar as a potential career, but after the

summer you just spent working at a children’s camp, you

may feel differently about being surrounded by 20 to 30

eager little faces every day. Considering a certain career

is one thing, but actually being immersed in that field is

quite another, offering the kind of insight that only comes

from hands-on experience. Reflecting later on what parts

you did and didn’t enjoy about these experiences can be

powerful indicators of your future career.

There may not be a “magic” career test, but there

are a number of useful career assessments available.

Career tests are interesting, but they are just one of

many options available to you on your exploration. Your

campus career centre or counselling centre will have

a variety of tools and resources that you can use. Try

taking more than one career assessment to see if the

results are similar; if they are, this may indicate that

you’re on the right path. Schedule an appointment with

a career counsellor to discuss your results and where

you are in the career planning process, as oftentimes

talking it out can help clarify your thoughts. The career

counsellor will also be able to suggest additional

resources. It may also be beneficial to connect with

people who are working in professions that interest

you, as this will provide practical insight about this type

of work. In addition, taking initiative to work part-time

or volunteering in a field of interest will provide you with

a valuable career exploration opportunity.

When exploring your career options, consider how they

match your:

iNterests: Things you enjoy doing and are

passionate about can provide important clues about

work or career interests.

valUes: The motivation or personal incentives needed

for job satisfaction are unique to each person. By

examining your work values, you can then determine

what is important to you and prioritize what role work

will play in your life.

aBilities: Talents and natural abilities often indicate

potential in a particular area. People often take for

granted the skills that come easily to them, yet those

are precisely the areas that you should explore. With

training, natural aptitudes can turn into career options.

PersoNality: Your unique combination of emotional

and behavioural characteristics constitutes your

personality. Different careers align with different

personality types. Knowing your personality can enable

you to enhance your career choices and ultimately your

career success.

As you grow and develop personally and professionally,

your needs and interests may change over time, so

take the time to reflect on your interests and values on

an ongoing basis. Staying in touch with yourself will

ensure you are taking a proactive approach to your

career planning. co

JeNNifer BrowNe is the Director of Career

Development & Experiential Learning at Memorial

University of Newfoundland and regularly

administers “the tests.”

PaUla stricKlaNd is the Manager of the

Centre for Career Development at Memorial

University of Newfoundland and loves talking

to students about their test results.


Passionate, creative and highly

independent, he set out to discover the

world and the performing arts almost

40 years ago, not knowing where this

path would take him. Today, he runs a multi-

million-dollar business renowned for delivering

unique and cutting-edge circus shows that few

would even dare imagine, let alone create. Guy

Laliberté, the founder and head of Cirque du

Soleil, is one of Canada’s leading entrepreneurs

and visionaries, who revolutionized the very idea of

what a circus could be. Guy is an example of how

far a little dreaming and risk-taking can take you.

The personal qualities that Guy Laliberté used

to found his company—risk-taking, drive and

creativity—are the same qualities needed by young

job seekers today to counter the ebbs and flows of

the job market. In the last decade, the Organization

of Economic Cooperation and Development

(OECD) has endorsed entrepreneurship as the best

means for youth to adapt to a changing and highly

competitive job market in both rural and urban

areas around the world.

so what is eNtrePreNeUrshiP? A term generally related to starting a company,

entrepreneurship encompasses a lot more than

the act of business creation. Entrepreneurship is a

set of attitudes and skills, as well as a need to take

charge of one’s own future by creating meaning

through a sustained effort that brings change to

the world and meets a given need in society. Even

when working for someone else, individuals who

put their creativity and devotion to use help the

company to grow and give themselves a chance

to fulfill their potential.

Canada’s National Youth Entrepreneur Social

Attitude and Innovation Study (January 2008)

showed that close to 50% of youth between the

ages of 16 and 24 would like to start their own

business. Many, however, said they did not want

to risk venturing into such projects because they

feared that the time and money they put in would

not lead to success. Jobs that could bring them

immediate financial security prevailed over their

interest in starting a business.

Although statistically Canadian youth tend to

favour working for others as their primary means

of employment and financial security, the reality

is that there are no guarantees they will remain

in the same job or achieve financial security

over the long term. Entrepreneurs must work

entrepreneurshipthe Path of chaNge maKers

By Vinod Rajasekaran, Public Policy Forum,

and Despina Sourias, Carrefour jeunesse-emploi

Notre-Dame-de-Grâce


hard to establish themselves but generally have

the capacity to enjoy long and financially stable

careers, while contributing to the social and

economic growth of their communities.

So how can more Canadian youth pursue their

interest in entrepreneurship? We think that the

solution lies in two areas: motivation and access/

awareness. To cultivate a culture and practice of

youth entrepreneurship in Canada, we have to

motivate young people to become entrepreneurs

and provide access to and awareness of the

opportunities and supports that exist. But

whose role is it to do these things? We believe

that government, colleges and universities,

education boards and the private sector all have

an important role to play in shaping the next

generation of Canadian entrepreneurs.

gettiNg motivatedIf you are yet to experience the vigor of

entrepreneurship, here are some initiatives

that can motivate you, help you discover your

entrepreneurial spirit and connect you with

like-minded peers.

With ten programs for 2010, Impact

Entrepreneurship Group (www.impact.org)

is Canada’s largest non-profit, student-run

organization dedicated to encouraging the

entrepreneurial spirit among youth and to

becoming a starting point and catalyst for

youth interested in entrepreneurship. Impact

consists of university and college chapters

across Canada, and teaches and fosters

entrepreneurship through hands-on experience.

Youth Canada (www.youthcanada.ca), now

an initiative of Impact, is Canada’s top online

resource on entrepreneurship for students.

ACE (www.acecanada.ca) is a national

organization at over 50 college and university

campuses across Canada that is teaching

young Canadians to create brighter futures for

themselves and their communities by delivering

experience-based programming that challenges

university and college students to address

economic, social and environmental issues

through entrepreneurial ventures.

Young Social Entrepreneurs of Canada (YSEC)

(www.ysec.org) looks to ignite a movement of

young people toward social enterprises that align

people, planet and profit.

In Quebec, the Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge,

a provincial government-led strategy to promote

entrepreneurship, employs over 100 youth

working in local employment centres, to help

promote and support entrepreneurial inititiaves.

Find your local Carrefour-jeunesse employment

and Entrepreneurship Awareness and Promotion

Officer, or test your entrepreneurial potential by

visiting www.cjereseau.org.

gettiNg sUPPortIf you’re excited about entrepreneurship, you’re

three-quarters of the way there! Where can you

find financing, mentorship, workspace and other

supports to turn your idea into a business?

One-stop shops called “incubators” exist in

many cities across Canada. Incubators help

entrepreneurs with things like business plans,

accounting, marketing, business training and


legal services until they have the revenue and

organizational structure to run on their own.

The Canadian Business Incubators Association

(www.cabi.ca) has a comprehensive list of

incubators for industries ranging from IT to

fashion—check to see if there is one near you

and what services they provide. Some colleges

and universities also have incubators on campus:

examples include Ryerson University’s Entrepreneur

Institute, University of Waterloo’s VeloCity, University

of Manitoba’s Eureka Project and University of

Victoria’s Innovation and Development Corporation.

While some incubators can assist you with

funding, access to capital can be one of the most

challenging aspects of starting a business for

young entrepreneurs. Depending on the business

model, different types and sources of funding exist.

They can range from small business loans from a

bank, to grants from foundations or governments,

to angel or venture capital investments. Incubators

can help you determine which source is right for

your business. Let’s touch on some of the types

of funding types and sources available.

An example of a venture capital funding source

is Lemonade Ventures (www.lemonadeventures.

com), an early-stage capital and consulting firm.

Lemonade Ventures assists young entrepreneurs

by providing funding, mentoring and business

consulting resources.

Business Development Bank of Canada’s

(www.bdc.ca) business startup financing is an

example of a small business startup loan provided

by a Crown corporation. BDC provides young

entrepreneurs with startup tools, financing and

consulting services.

The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business

(www.ccab.com/links_youth.html) is an

independent, non-partisan organization that

provides programs and resources to create

economic opportunities for Aboriginal people

across Canada.

The Canadian Youth Business Foundation

(www.cybf.ca) also provides loans of up to

$15,000 to aspiring young entrepreneurs who are

likely to succeed in creating a business and for

whom financial assistance is critical.

If you’re interested in an enterprise that seeks to

address a social problem, you could also consider

the Laidlaw Foundation (www.laidlawfdn.org). The

Foundation invests in innovative ideas and

advocates for change in support of young

people becoming healthy, creative and fully

engaged citizens.

Contests are also a great way of getting

funding and visibility for business ideas.

The Quebec Entrepreneurship Contest

(www.concours-entrepreneur.org), for example,

supports and highlights new businesses and

entrepreneurial projects in schools with prizes

of up to $10,000.

gettiNg eNtrePreNeUrialGiven that youth do show an interest in starting

a business and that support is available, there

is a need to rethink and rebuild Canada’s

entrepreneurial base—and youth have a role

to play. Government, colleges and universities,

education boards and the private sector can all

help to shape and encourage Canada’s next

generation of entrepreneurs. Even at the elementary

and high school levels, we have to create more

practice-based learning environments so that

youth can explore their skills and build their entre-

preneurial potential. There are organizations inter-

ested in making the link between all these different

actors. For example, the Public Policy Forum

(www.ppforum.ca) is committed to engaging youth to

generate approaches to building a supportive and

cutting-edge entrepreneurial ecosystem for Canada.

gUy laliBerté, the foUNder aNd head of cirqUe dU soleil, is oNe of caNada’s leadiNg eNtrePreNeUrs aNd visioNaries, who revolUtioNiZed the very idea of what a circUs coUld Be.

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Youth can do their part by spreading the word

about entrepreneurship—they can chat about it,

Tweet about it, write on Facebook about it, and

talk to friends and parents about it.

So, are you up for the entrepreneurial challenge?

Test your entrepreneurial profile by visiting:

http://www.bdc.ca/en/business_tools/

entrepreneurial_self-Assessment/Entrepreneurial_

self_assessment.htm co

Many people start

a small business in

order to enjoy the

perceived rewards

of freedom and

independence.

The reality of small-

business ownership can be quite different. Many

small business owners will tell you they work more

hours than when they worked for someone else.

a few qUestioNs to coNsider:» Do you like to make your own decisions?

» Do you enjoy competition?

» Do you have will power and self-discipline?

» Do you plan ahead?

» Do you get things done on time?

» Can you take advice from others?

» Are you adaptable to changing conditions?

» Do you have the physical stamina to handle a

business?

The Canada-Ontario Business Service Centre (www.

canadabusiness.ca) provides free government

information for small and medium-sized business in

Ontario. You can also find a wide variety of business

planning information, online sample business plans

and business plan templates to help you develop a

professional business plan.

The Canada-Ontario Business Service Centre also

offers a limited business research service free of

charge. Research requests can take up to five

business days to complete and results can be

returned to you via Canada Post, fax or e-mail.

The information you can access includes:

» business associations

» Canadian demographics

» company data

» consumer spending

» industry news and trends

» international trade data

» sample business plans

» suppliers, manufacturers and distributors

Business information officers are available to

assist you in English or French when you call the

Business Info Line toll-free (1-888-745-8888 or

TTY: 1-800-457-8466) weekdays between 8:30

a.m. and 6 p.m. EST.

for iNformatioN aBoUt yoUth eNtrePreNeUrshiP Programs, visit: Summer Company:

http://www.canadabusiness.ca/eng/summary/2409/

CYBF:


CFDC:


other valUaBle liNKs iNclUde:A step-by-step guide for starting a small business:

http://www.canadabusiness.ca/eng/guide/2550/here

This link has important information for anyone

thinking about becoming an entrepreneur:

http://www.canadabusiness.ca/eng/125/107/

Free specialized business research service:


Business planning tools:

http://www.canadabusiness.ca/eng/86/

some PoiNts to coNsider wheN startiNg yoUr owN BUsiNess »

By Dan Humphries

daN hUmPhries is the Regional Business

Officer at the Canada-Ontario Business

Service Centre

viNod raJaseKaraN, Research

Associate, Public Policy Forum (www.

ppforum.ca). desPiNa soUrias, Regional

Entrepreneurship Awareness and Promotion

Officer (Montréal), Carrefour jeunesse-emploi

Notre-Dame-de-Grâce (www.cje-ndg.com)


Documents

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