Students explore job options during busy summer months

By Jessica McDonald

The end of semester for many students means the beginning of summer job searching —which could be as simple as a mouse click away.  

Joanne McDonald, acting manager for career services and student activities, said while some students have begun looking for a summer job, some could be doing it earlier.

"I think (students) get so caught up in their studies, they don't plan in advance for summer employment," she said. "Some do, but I think the majority don't."

Students can begin their search online by logging into their ACSIS account and view some of the 70 to 80 job opportunities that have been posted by employers.

For those students who are interested in not only making money during the summer, but also gaining experience in their field of study, the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) provides 8,000 students a year with temporary jobs in federal organizations.

"If they'd like work related to their field of study, then FSWEP is a good choice for them," said McDonald.
But Algonquin isn't the only place where students can find job opportunities online.

According to the Public Service Commission of Canada website, "the prime objective of FSWEP is to provide full-time secondary school, CEGEP, college, technical institute and university students with work experience related to their field of study and to provide them with learning opportunities."

Sophie-Marie Lamont, youth services officer for Service Canada, is a political science and public administration student at the University of Ottawa and said the benefits of working for the public service include solid hours and decent pay.

"(It's) definitely helping me pay for education and its very encouraging for students to complete your studies this way," she said.

Students can fill an application and update their job profile online every year on the FSWEP database, where employers will seek applicants who fit the sought skills.

According to the PSC website, "the number of summer jobs available is related to the overall hiring activity of a location."

"(Students) definitely don't need don't have to be in Canada's capital to get work," said Lamont.
Pay-rates for FWSEP jobs vary according to the field of work and education level.

"I do believe there is a difference between high school and post-secondary education not entirely sure between college and university," said Lamont.

Bilingualism is a strong asset for working in the public service, but it is not a requirement.
There are a wide variety of jobs which can lead to part-time employment once the summer work term is over.

"If you get in and you work hard and you are a good worker, then they don't want to lose you and you already have a foot in the door," added Lamont.

Other job opportunities for the summer entail more physical and outdoor work, such as summer camps, recreational jobs, and wilderness tours.

Marie-Josée Ryan, co-owner of Ottawa Rickshaws de l'Outaouais, explained how being a Rickshaw runner can be a rewarding experience as it can earn students money and make them fit.

Rickshaw runners run from May 1 until August 30, as the service is only available in the summertime.
All runners must be able to run 3 km in under 15 minutes, be motivated, independent, and having sales skills. Runners can make about $15 an hour, but pay-rate varies on their vending skills. Rickshaw runners make their own schedules, and rent the rickshaws on a weekly basis, and all the profits go directly to the runner.

"This is a job that will make you fit and very healthy," said Ryan. 

But before students begin searching for any type of summer employment opportunity, an updated résumé is needed, said McDonald.

"They need to have a good solid updated résumé that demonstrates their skills to an employer. If they need help, they can start here at the Student Employment Services in C226," she added.