paralegal

The Right Choice

Although most students are completing their study break and returning to the half-way mark of the winter semester, prospective students are beginning to decide where they want to go in the fall and what programs they need to take.

Given the variety of programming offered by Algonquin College and the School of Business, the options can be diverse and sometimes confusing. For that reason, the web site is constantly being updated to give current information and the School will be hosting a series of info sessions throughout the spring and summer to answer any questions and a opportuity to meet some of the professors and staff.

Whether you are a college or university graduate looking to develop specific skills sets and preparation for a specific industry through our graduate certificates, a person who is returning to school and wants the hands-on experiential training that we offer or a high school student looking at the next step in their career, we are pleased to answer any and all questions or concerns.

We would prefer that you choose other options that are right for you than mistakenly register for a program that you then realize is not right for you. If you are interested in a business career (which is a cornerstone for most careers) from professors who are from industry and care about your success, we have the programs. If you are interested ins studying in an institution that provides leading edge technology while providing classroom where the professor actually knows your name, we have the programs.

But to make sure we are right for you, check out information on upcoming information sessions or tweet your questions to @deandaved or @ACBizschool. We want to make sure you make the right choice!

Dean Dave Donaldson

How to Get Real Experience for Real Life Careers

Business theory is one thing. Business reality is our thing at Algonquin College. As a student, you’ll go beyond theory and gain the practical skills employers want.

At Algonquin, we believe in providing our students with practical education and experiences that set them on the fast track to career success. We do this a number of ways:

  • Hands-On Experience
  • Internships and Field Placements
  • Co-op Program
  • Opportunity to Qualify for Professional Designations

Hands-On Experience

Learn how people think, how and why people purchase items and what motivates people in our Marketing and Business Intelligence Research program. To hone your skills, you’ll work with real clients in real time and conduct market research from start to finish.

If you’ve ever thought about starting your own business, our Management and Entrepreneurship program gives you the knowledge and skills you need. In fact, in the final semester you’ll develop a detailed business plan that you can use to start your own business!

Many of our programs teach you how to master key Microsoft Office programs and other industry-standard software packages. You’ll be prepared to jump right into a job with no need for extra training on these programs.

Our Office Administration students participate in office simulations to help gain an understanding of day-to-day office operations and develop problem-solving skills.

Internships and Field Placements

A number of the School of Business programs provide the chance for students to participate in an internship or field placement. Qualified students studying Human Resources Management have the opportunity to complete an internship in their final semester.

Paralegal students complete 15 weeks of coursework in their fourth semester and then gain real-world experience with a four-week unpaid field placement.

Marketing Management students complete a field placement that involves developing a marketing plan and strategy for a real-world organization.

Do you have a passion for sports? Turn that into a dream career with our Sport Business Management program. You’ll also work a minimum of 16 hours per week within the sport industry, gaining valuable skills and professional connections.

Co-op Program

We also offer students in certain programs the chance to take part in a co-op placement where they turn their knowledge into on-the-job experience.

Learn the unique procedures and practices of health care offices for a career as a Medical Office Assistant. In the third and fourth semesters, our students participate in field assignments to help develop their practical skills.

The Bachelor of Applied Business (e-Business Supply Chain Management) program includes industry-related team and individual projects, as well as three mandatory co-op placements. Combined with part-time work, you could graduate with 1.5 years of professional experience, making for a seamless transition into your full-time career.

Opportunity to Qualify for Professional Designations

Getting a professional designation shows future employers that you are legally qualified to do the work you were trained for. Usually there are specific courses you need to take in order to get your professional designation. At Algonquin, we’re making sure you’re getting the most out of your program.

Graduates of the International Business Management program meet the academic requirements for the Certified International Trade Professional (CITP) designation.

Our Paralegal program prepares you for a professional career in this industry. It is accredited by the Law Society of Upper Canada and when you graduate you can to apply to the Society to become licensed.

Organizational Quality Management graduates meet the educational requirement needed to write the certification exams for a number of designations sponsored by the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

If you are looking for an institution that cares, gives great hands-on learning and provides you with opportunities for careers and continuing your education then you have found just that. — Sebastien Lylyk, Marketing Graduate

Like Law and Order? Check Out a Career as a Law Clerk!

One of the main reasons someone chooses to get post-secondary education after high school is to increase the chances of getting a good job. You want to do something you love and get paid well for it.

In a previous post we outlined a number of ways College is a great investment in your future.

One of the ways was a lower unemployment rate. In 2011, the unemployment rate in Ontario for 25 to 29-year-olds with a college or trade credential was lower than for all other groups, including those with a university degree.

college employment

One of our programs where students are finding much success is our Law Clerk program – an Algonquin College School of Business program.

Do you have some of these characteristics?

  • Interested in legal matters.
  • Enjoy reading and doing research.
  • Have excellent interpersonal and human relations skills.
  • Are organized, detail-oriented and flexible.
  • Work well under pressure.
  • Have a strong literacy and communications background.
  • Able to work on a team.
  • Able to synthesize information, analyse and solve problems.
  • A sense of responsibility and independence.

If so, a career as a law clerk may be for you!

Law clerks work under the general direction of a lawyer or paralegal, perform routine legal and administrative duties and also assist lawyers and paralegals by conducting a variety of legal functions.

The job prospects for this career are good. The Service Canada website states:

“Over the last few years, employment in the paralegal and related occupations has increased significantly. Constant changes in legislation and related regulations, the requirements of the rules of evidence, and good economic growth can explain this major increase. As these trends are expected to continue, employment in the paralegal and related occupations is expected to increase significantly over the coming years.”

Students in the two-year Law Clerk program graduate prepared for employment as law clerks. Students learn about real estate practices, maintenance of corporate documents and filings, drafting of court documents and correspondence, techniques for interviewing clients and witnesses, preparation of briefs, compiling evidence for trials and general office procedures.

There are many industries a law clerk can work in, including law offices, private sector corporations, government legal departments, financial institutions, and court registry and land title offices.

There’s still time to register for the Law Clerk program! It starts in January 2013…apply today!