Author: dorob

Tips to follow before choosing a College program 

Some say that deciding which career path to take is one of the first decisions of adulthood. Thinking about what you are going to do in the future so far ahead can be scary, but don’t worry, we have selected a few points that will help you make a more informed decision about your college choice!

At Algonquin we offer counselling for prospective and current students. David Glickman is one of the counsellors at the College and helped us putting some tips together:

1 Explore career options

Let your interests, questions and curiosity guide you. Some great ways to explore an interest you have can be volunteering, shadowing workers in different areas or even taking a class in a program. That way you are able to get more information about that program and test it out to see if the path really fits you. Click to hear more about how to explore career options.

2 Bust myths

“You only have one chance of picking a career – A lot of young people say that they want to pick a career for the rest of their lives. Glickman says statistically that is not the way it works for most people. Plan for the first years of you career.

“I want to have a guaranteed job – Some people whose parents have had the same jobs for over 20 years say that this is what they want for themselves. No program will give you that guaranteed job for the rest of your lives and that is ok!

3 Stay Connected

If you are not ready to pick a full-time program, don’t get disconnected with the College. You can take a few classes or even enroll in a part-time program. Experiment within the College environment and most important, come to our open houses! And here is a hot tip for you: at Algonquin you can book a session with a counselor that will help you look at career and program options.

4 Get information about the College

If you have 2 or 3 colleges in mind, do your research about them; what they offer, their programs etc. That will help you make a more informed decision of where you want to study. And again, one more reason to go to open houses! Here is where you can find out more about Algonquin College programs.

5 Get to know yourself

When choosing a career path, it is important to take into consideration the person who you are, your personality, your preferences. Think about your skills, values and non-negotiables. This video will help you make a self-assessment.

 

Five ways to earn money/AC Cash on campus!

1. Become a Secret Shopper

Imagine if you could eat a yummy lunch or pick up school supplies and get money/AC Cash to fill out a survey to share your experience? This is exactly what a secret shopper does! Campus Services uses feedback from students about their experience to continually enhance our services, making our campus a great place to be.

After applying to participate in the Secret Shopper program and participating in training, you will receive AC Cash on your AC Card to conduct your shop. After making your purchase in one of the locations on campus, you will then fill out a survey about your experience. Pretty sweet program!

Secret Shopper

2. Share your student routine with us!

If you follow @ACCampusServices on Instagram, you probably have seen students sharing their day on Instagram stories, right? What you probably don’t know is that they apply to do a takeover and as a thank you, they get $25 in AC Cash! Isn’t that cool? To apply to do a Takeover on Campus Services Instagram account, fill out this form!

Student routine

3. Sell you used textbooks

Textbooks can be expensive, and we know students are always trying to save money. Did you know The Campus Store buys AND sells used textbooks? You can save up to 25% when buying used books, and as an added bonus, used books are GST exempt!

You can sell back your books anytime, but you will get the most for your books during the buyback period at the beginning of each semester. When you sell textbooks back to The Campus Store, you may receive up to 50% of the current new selling price for your book! Not sure if you could get some money from your book? Visit thecampusstore.ca to search the list of books that are currently eligible for buy-back.

Library shelves

4. Answer our surveys

We want to hear how we are doing! There are survey units across campus to get your feedback. When you answer a survey, you can enter into a draw for a chance to win $100 in AC Cash which can be used at a variety of locations on campus. Easy peasy! Next time you see one of the survey units, take 30 seconds to fill out the survey!

Got 30 seconds, get a reward

5. Get a seasonal job

Balancing work and school can be challenging! Getting a seasonal job on campus can be a great solution to keep up with your studies and still make some money. If you are interested in working on campus here are some websites you should check out: Campus Services, Algonquin Employment Support Service and Algonquin Students’ Association.

Get a seasonal job

The new skills Algonquin students learned during self-quarantine

Don't waste your talent sign
From “how to train your cat to use the toilet” to “how to cut your own hair,” an article published by Los Angeles Times, listed 50 life skills people could learn during self-quarantine.

So, we were wondering about how our students were doing during this time. In a poll posted on our Instagram page, we got some interesting answers when we asked What skills our students have learned over the past few months.

Some students have learned more about themselves, how to be patient and have self-love. Others have learned some technical skills such as photo editing and a few have even started playing an instrument.

Karan Sharma, who is in the third semester of the Computer Programming program, is one of those students.

He said that learning how to play an instrument is something he has always wanted to do. He loves musical instruments, specially guitars (acoustic and electric), flute, and piano.

“Growing up, I never really got an opportunity to learn how to play those instruments. During the quarantine time, I had a lot of spare time at home. So, I decided to start checking off stuff from my bucket list and I went for an acoustic guitar.”

Social distancing also brought other lessons for Sharma.

“I learned that spreading positivity helps to cope with a situation like this. Also, I learned that it’s never too late to start learning something new, as I always wanted to learn how to play guitar but never thought I would start playing it at this age in the time of quarantine,” says Sharma.

“On a funny note, I also learned that we all should be careful what we wish for, because we always keep wishing for some time off from our busy lives, and now that we have a whole lot of time to kill, we all are dying to go outside and have fun.”

Check out what some other students have learned:

Things students have learnt

Online job interview. How can you ace them?

An American survey conducted in April showed that over 85% of companies are conducting online interviews during their hiring process. When making your first impression virtually, there are some tips to remember that can help you feel more confident, relaxed and make this experience go smoothly! One of our employment officers at Algonquin College, Lindsay Bortot, has shared some of these key tips with us.

1-Have your technology set up

Make sure that before your interview you have all necessary updates installed and, if possible, do some testing with the audio and the camera. Some companies will send you a link with an app or another platform to be downloaded, and it is important to not leave it to be done 5 minutes before the interview. The biggest difference between in person interviews and virtual interviews is the technology, that’s why we always start by making sure it’s set up correctly. When that’s out of the way, you can feel confident and perform at your best,” says Bortot.

2- Get your interview environment ready

Choose a quiet, tidy and well-lit space in your house. “If you have clutter all over your desk and your background is really busy, or there are people walking by and you are not in a quiet space, obviously all of these things can impact your flow and performance,” says Bortot. That will help you concentrate and will also avoid any distraction. If you cannot find a proper space, you can also use a professional looking virtual background.

Remember also too turn off your phone and computer notifications, so they don’t distract or interrupt you or the employer.

3- Dress properly

Getting dressed in a professional outfit, head to toe, will help you be in the right headspace. “You might have to get up or you might have to close the door. If you get up and you are wearing pyjama pants that might not be the first impression you leave the employer with,” says Bortot.

4- Watch your body language

Make sure you are engaging with you audience by making eye contact, which means, looking at your camera. “Your body language and your communication are still important,” says Bortot. Don’t be shy, be transparent and let the employer know in case you cannot hear properly, or you missed something because of the connection.

5- All of the basics still apply

You should still remember to research the company. Think of concrete examples and practice your answers ahead of time. The Employment Support Centre has many helpful tools. We have a tip sheet available to remind you of some of those important points and you can also access the interview module on the AC Career Platform to learn everything you need to know about the interview process.

Algonquin students and alumni can book a mock interview appointment by calling 613-727-4723 or by emailing employment@algonquincollege.com

There is also an online tool called Interview Stream that allows students and graduates to practice, record and review mock interviews.

Visit our website to find out more: www.algonquincollege.com/employment

 

Netiquette: The do’s & don’ts of online behaviour

working onlineWhen you’re studying online, your contact with peers and facilitators will be through web-based forums and discussion boards. It’s worth making sure that you’re coming across the way you intend to and that you’re a positive addition to your online community.

Here are a few Dos and Don’ts of “netiquette” — or online communication practices — to bear in mind the next time you log on or join in.

Do:

Watch your tone

Digital correspondence is notoriously vague and subject to (mis)interpretation. If you’re not careful, you could easily come across as rude, angry or sarcastic, even when that’s not your intention. Re-read your comments before posting them to make sure the tone isn’t negative.

Use emoticons as appropriate

Emotion icons, such as smiley faces, can help clarify your tone or intention. For example, if you want people to know that you’re joking or emphasize that you’re not upset, a smile emoticon can go a long way. Use them, but don’t overuse them. 

Be generous & collaborative

Don’t chime in only when you need help or advice. Be an active participant in your online community. Take the time to read and respond to other people’s posts, and provide encouragement and information when you can.

Include a subject line

When you post on a forum, use a brief header that clearly indicates the topic you’re asking about or commenting on.

Be friendly

Start your posts with a greeting, and sign off with your name — unless your username makes it clear who you are.

Use good grammar & spelling

No one likes wading through sloppy, incoherent sentences. Also, using proper diction helps make a good impression on your peers, who could well be your future references or colleagues.

Keep it short & sweet

Be clear and concise in what you post.

Don’t:

Use coarse, rough or rude language

It’s off-putting and unprofessional.

Overuse caps

Writing in all caps is generally frowned upon. You might want to use caps to draw attention to something, but many users interpret it as being yelled at or scolded. Instead, try using asterisks surrounding words you want to highlight.

Rely on first person

Using “I” when you talk in person is one thing, but when you do it too much online, it often comes across as self-centred. Make a point of using “we” or “you” whenever you can; they’re more inclusive pronouns.

Flame

Flaming is an online rant. People who flame don’t consider the opinions or feelings of anyone else on the forum. Presenting an informed opinion in a diplomatic way is acceptable; lashing out and forcing your preferences on others is not.

Send spam

Discussion boards, forums and online chat rooms aren’t the place to promote yourself, your products or your own agenda. Keep your comments focussed on topics that are relevant to your courses and program.

Overuse abbreviations

From texts to posts to instant messages, a lot of online communication is about conveying information as quickly as possible. But using too many abbreviations can be irritating, not to mention confusing. Algonquin College’s environment includes people from a wide range of backgrounds and ages who have varying degrees of familiarity with digital trends. A few common abbreviations, such as LOL (laugh out loud), are fine. Just try to minimize them and avoid obscure abbreviations.

Algonquin’s virtual classroom expertise gives learners an edge

desk

The first time that Tayyebe Seif took an online course, she initially thought the three-hour French class would be a bit boring, but she was surprised by how engaging it turned out to be.

“I found it even better that the actual class, because I had the opportunity to work with every single student in the class,” said Seif. “I found it even more interactive, because usually in the class you are always sitting at the same seat.”

Emma deWever took Autism and Behavioural Science, which is a program that is only offered online at Algonquin College. At the beginning, she wondered if she would still be motivated by just taking online classes. In the end, she was pleased with the experience.

“I found it easy to stay on track and stay motivated because the instructors were very helpful, and you are connected to other students,” said deWever. “I got a job in my field immediately after, because what I have learned in the program prepared me so well for my placement.”

Online learning at Algonquin

 

Due to COVID-19, many programs at Algonquin College will be delivered online for the Fall term. This might be a new experience for most students, but Algonquin has been delivering virtual classes for over 25 years. The college was actually one of the seven founding members of OntarioLearn, a program that was created to make education available to as many learners as possible.

Before the pandemic, Algonquin College was already delivering more than 800 online courses and had more the 17,000 students registered for virtual classes.

In 2019, the college was ranked first in Canada in online enrolments. The Dean of the Centre for Continuing and Online Learning at Algonquin, Patrick Devey, said that the college uses new technology, additional course-design specialists, more interactive elements and custom video content to enhance its online offerings.

For Seif, continuing with the online classes is an easy choice. “If I had to choose between an in-person class or a virtual class, I would choose the virtual class again,”she said.

Five movies Algonquin students enjoyed watching over the past few months

1-Contagion

This medical thriller came out in 2011 and made the top of the list for most watched movies on Netflix during the pandemic. While the virus in the movie is many times deadlier than COVID-19, the scenario shows enough to grab the viewer’s attention.

2-Onward

Onward is the first non-sequel Pixar movie since 2017’s Coco. In the film, two elf brothers go to an adventure when they are given the chance to bring their dad back to life for one more day!

The movie was based on the life of the director and co-writer of Onward, Dan Scanlon, who lost his father when he was just a year old.

3-I don’t feel at home in this world anymore

This American comedy thriller was release in 2017 and tells the story of a nursing assistant who returns home and finds out she had been robbed. Ruth reports to the police, but only to be chastised for leaving the door unlocked.

Ruth finds the location of one of the stolen items, her laptop, and starts a journey to try to get her items back.

4-The Lighthouse

This horror film is an international co-production of the United Stated and Canada. The movie tells the story of two lighthouse keepers who get stranded on the remote island where they work after a storm.

The Lighthouse received praise for its unique aesthetics and was nominated for Best Cinematography.

5-Once upon a time in Hollywood


The comedy-drama was release in 2019 and it was written and directed by Quentin Tarantino. The movie includes a star-studded cast, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie. Once upon a time in Hollywood received 10 nominations for the Oscar.

The movie takes place in the 60’s in Los Angeles and tells the story of a TV actor and his stunt double, in their search for making their names in Hollywood.

Some services Algonquin students can access online

We may be apart physically, but we are here for your, virtually. Check out this of services available online that can help and support you in your student journey!

Student Support Services

Student Success Specialist

Are you struggling in a course or are you having a tough time in your program? Maybe it is time to see a Student Success Specialist. At Algonquin College, there is at least one Student Success Specialist per faculty/school. The SSSs play a vital role in a student’s academic success, working closely with Faculty, Program Coordinators, Chairs and Academic Advisors, as well as other stakeholders around the College, providing support and resources during a student’s academic journey.

During COVID-19, students can access help from the SSS’s via phone, email or virtually.

Want to know more? Click here!

Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL)

The role of the CAL is to provide students with the academic accommodations and support required due to their disability.  During COVID-19 CAL services are being offered remotely, via Zoom.

“Students register for many reasons including mental health disabilities, learning disabilities, physical conditions, hearing impairments, whatever it is we help the student to determine their needs and then communicate that to their faculty or help them connect with the services we offer,” says CAL’s Intake Coordinator, Tim Comerford.

Click here to access this service.

Employment Services

The Employment Support Center is open to students as well as alumni. The centre offers one-on-one sessions for students that can help them with employment challenges such as resume, cover letter an even LinkedIn profile. During the COVID-19 closure, all services are being offered virtually.

Appointments can be booked by email or over the phone and there is also a list of online tools available. Students can practice, for example, their interview skills through an online platform and get feedback on it, or they can also book a mock interview in person.

Counselling Services

Whether it is something on a personal level, a mental health challenge, a relationship issue or any variety of things, counselling services is there to offer support to Algonquin College students.

On the academic side, students are also offered support if they are struggling with motivation to get their assignments done or if they don’t know if they are in the right program or career path.

Students can ask to speak to a counsellor by contacting the Welcome Centre by phone or by email.

In addition, the Spiritual Centre also has spiritual counselling available.

Connections: The Campus Store

The Campus Store is now offering a contactless Curbside Pick-Up option at the Ottawa campus to allow orders to be picked up in a safe and physically distanced manner.

Unable to pick-up? The Campus Store has extended free shipping within Canada and the U.S. until August 31, 2020!

For more details and to shop online 24/7, click here.

Health Services

Health Services is the medical clinic on campus, opened to registered Algonquin College students and staff. The clinic has a staff of family physicians and nurses.

During COVID-19, Health Services is still open from 10:00am to 3:30pm. They are not accepting walk-ins at this time, but appointments can be booked online. For more information, please visit here and here.

The Early Learning Centre

The Early Learning Centre (ELC) is licensed under the Ontario Ministry of Education. What differs the ELC at Algonquin from other centres is their role as a demonstration lab school for early childhood education students and also for other programs that study human development.

The Early Learning Centre is closed at this time but does continue to update the waiting list for the infant, toddler and preschool programs. If you are a student with a child on the wait list, please email elc@algonquincollege.com to provide an update to your file. Please include your child’s name, your program of study, indicate if you study full or part time, and your anticipated graduation date. We will add this information to your child’s file.

If you have any questions about the Early Learning Centre and the wait list please include your questions in your email.

Algonquin students’ top 5 playlist

Studies have shown that music can have many effects on humans. It can change the mood, lower stress levels and even combat depression, playing a therapeutic role. We have selected the top 5 names that came up when we asked our students what their go to music during physical distancing has been. Tune it!

1. Arcade Fire

Here is a Canadian choice for you. The indie rock band released their first album in 2004. All their studio albums have received nomination for the Grammys. They are known as a multi-instrumentalist band. In their concerts they play some unique instruments such as French horn, mandolin and hurdy-gurdy.

2. Radiohead

This English rock band was formed in 1985, but it was only in 1997 that they became well-known internationally. They were included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last year, with some of their influences including Queen, Bob Dylan, Pink Floyd and Elvis Costello.

3. Saint Motel

This American indie pop band is formed by ex-film students and they released their first album in 2007. Saint Motel was even featured on the FIFA 17’s soundtrack.

4. George Ezra

The English singer, songwriter and guitarist is the newest artist on the list. He started his career in 2013 when he played the BBC Introducing Stage at a music festival in England. Ezra has received several awards such as the Brit awards, the BBC music awards and the MTV video music awards.

5. Tenacious D

The American comedy rock duo was founded by the actors Jack Black and Kyle Glass. Before releasing their first album in 2001, the duo participated on a TV series released on HBO. The band has among their influences ABBA, The Who and Led Zeppelin. They received a Grammy Award in 2015 for best metal performance.

Cover letter: how to write one while making the best first impression

Student writing a cover letter

 

Writing cover letters can be tricky, right?! So, now that some of you have a bit more time, we thought we would help you improve your cover letter skills. Jessica Andrews works as an Employment Officer at Algonquin College and has helped us put together the following tips.

1-Tailor it

Just like the resume, the cover letter should also be tailored to each job you are applying for. We know that this seems like a lot, but it will show the employer how much you want the job!

2-Address it

Try finding out who is the person you would be working for! “If you can’t find the person that you’re applying to specifically, like their name, put “Dear Hiring Manager”, rather than “to who it may concern,” says Andrews.

3-Keep it simple

Four paragraphs, one page. “You don’t want to send this three-page essay to an employer,” Andrews advises. The body of the letter should highlight your education and the experience that is specific to the position you are applying for.

Instead of using the same words over and over to describe things that you have done, here is a resource with some powerful language that you can explore.

We have also put together a template that will help you out!

4-Research!!!!

A very important tip is to do research on the company you are applying for and write in your cover letter the main reasons why you want to work for that company. “Look at their about us page, their mission statement, values, and their services to find something that resonates with you,” tells Andrews. It does not need to be anything long, two or three sentences at most, to show that you are really interested in their company and to demonstrate how you would fit into their specific organization.

5-Always write a cover letter

Even if a job posting does not ask for it, always send a cover letter with your resume. The cover letter is your opportunity to make your application stand out.

“If there’s an employer who receives two applications and both have similar education, similar experience, but one of them has a super tailored cover letter that really demonstrates how they’re going to fit into the company’s team, the application with a cover letter is going to be more appealing,” says Andrews.

6-The more is not always the merrier

Like they say, applying for a job is really a full-time job, but if you follow those tips, chances are that you will soon get that job you want! Andrews also says that it is better to apply for a few jobs with a tailored resume and cover letter than applying for 50 positions with no tailoring involved.

“You would have better luck I think, than if you just sent a general resume that didn’t have any specific words or keywords.”