Author: dorob

Graduate certificate vs master’s degree: here is what you should consider before making a decision

Liam Kelly started the scriptwriting program at Algonquin three months ago and hopes that the one-year program will give him the experience he needs to pursue his career.

“My dream since I was a kid was to make movies,” says Kelly.

After completing two years of post-secondary education in film and television, Kelly considered going to university, but the length of the program and the high costs were some of the reasons he ended up choosing a graduate certificate program instead.

“As valuable as a master’s degree might be for some fields, for mine, in scriptwriting, it is really the practical of having things written in hand that count.”

Faith Atwell went to university, but after graduating she realized she needed industry related experience to get the job she wants with human resources. She was excited to find out that the human resources management graduate certificate program at Algonquin would give her the practical learning in only a year.

“It is condensed, it’s very intense, but it is in one year and it allows you to graduate with that experience and hit industry right away,” says Atwell. “We learn the theory and we instantly implement it within industry. You gain more knowledge in that sense of not just knowing but doing it.”

Main differences

Graduate certificate programs at Algonquin are one to two years long, with each program having specific requirements. Some require experience, others will ask for post-secondary education. There is still theory involved in the curriculum, but the practical element is key in a graduate certificate program.

Master’s degree programs in Canada require an undergraduate or bachelor’s degree and are usually 2 years long. The cost of a master’s degree is higher, especially if you want to take an MBA. Some professions require a master’s degree and some students who take this path are aiming to get a PhD.

The Dean of Academic Development at Algonquin, Maggie Cusson, says what attracts many university graduates to Algonquin College is the work-integrated learning component of the graduate certificate programs.

“For some programs it is projects or applied research, but in most cases what it means is the co-op, it is a field placement, it is a clinical placement, which means that the student is already working with an employer as part of their study.”

Cusson also says that the practice element gives students more job opportunities.

“It is those skills that are needed by an employer, plus the experience, that actually make them that much more employment ready.”

The AC bucket list for first year students

You’ve accepted your offer and now you’re waiting for the fall to come so you can take the next leap towards your future – congrats! This is a huge deal, and while you may not know it yet, your life is about to change.

Despite the worries that you may have about the studying, assignments and exams, there are tons of experiences that are worth looking forward to.

Here’s a list of activities that you should take advantage of once you join us on Campus:

1. Take part in AC Day 1

The first thing to check off your bucket list is AC Day 1. The event is for incoming full-time, first year Fall students, and as the name entails, this is your first day of school. Don’t miss out on one of our biggest days of the year where the campuses comes alive with tons of fun activities, free entertainment, games and more.

2. Compete in Open Mic, Trivia Night or Dirty Bingo at the Observatory

The Observatory (or as most call it – “the Ob”) is the go-to place on the Ottawa Campus for a fun night out where you can enjoy excellent house-made food and drinks on a student budget. During the school year, they regularly put on events including Open Mic, Pub Trivia Night, and the ever-popular Dirty Bingo (what’s better than Drag Queens and fun prizes?)

3. Cheer on the Algonquin Thunder at one of several varsity games

Our men’s and women’s varsity teams compete province-wide in a variety of sports, including basketball, rugby, soccer, cricket, volleyball and even loggersports at our Pembroke campus. Whatever your jam is, come out and show support for your team at one of their many matches at our Woodroffe campus!

4. Give back and branch out by volunteering

Not only does volunteering help you meet new people, cultivate leadership skills and provide you with a meaningful experience, it’s also looks great on your resume! Our Volunteer Centre in the AC Hub is constantly updating their database with fun, local opportunities like Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival and larger, global projects in places like Kenya and Guatemala. Eligible activities can also be applied to your Co-Curricular Record to recognize the work you’ve done and increase your employment opportunities.

5. Get pampered at the Salon, Spa and Boutique

One of the perks of having Esthetician and Hairstyling programs at Algonquin College is that you get to take advantage of deals like $15 for an express mani-pedi, $20 women’s haircut and blow-dry, and $10 men’s cuts. The Salon, Spa and Boutique is open to everyone and is operated by senior students alongside industry certified instructors.

6. Join an intramural team

Intramural sports are the perfect way to keep off that freshman 15 and meet a bunch of new people. Our Ottawa and Pembroke campuses offers a wide variety of leagues, tournaments and off-campus activities throughout the academic year. Registration starts in September so keep your eyes peeled for sign-ups!

Algonquin Perth Campus students can enjoy free yoga, ice hockey, basketball and swimming available at local facilities.

7. Treat yourself at Restaurant International

Chef with culinary students around fiery frying pan

Guys’ night, girls’ night, date night, solo night – whatever the occasion, consider spending it at Restaurant International at Ottawa Campus. Chow down on a delicious three course meal for less than $25, provided by students and faculty from our School of Hospitality and Tourism.

8. Enjoy a show at the Algonquin Commons Theatre

Instead of scrolling through Netflix for hours trying to decide what to watch, head over to the ACT. Open to the entire community, the Algonquin Commons Theatre is home to our beautiful 700+ seat auditorium that hosts a variety of events including comedy shows, popular Broadway performances, live concerts, celebrity meet & greets, free movie nights and more.

9. Join one of over 100 clubs and communities – or make your own!

Whether you’re into dance, e-sports, coding, we’ve got a club or community for just about every interest. This is the perfect opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and make fast friends. And if by some off-chance that you don’t find one that you like, you can start your own!

Essential Tips for Online Learners

How many times a day do you think you check your phone? 50? 100? 200? With the countless distractions and notifications that are constantly popping-up, staying focused on your work and classes requires a lot of self-regulation. This is especially true if you are an online learner. Without anyone around to keep you accountable, it’s a challenge to avoid going down the internet rabbit hole. We’ve got some helpful tricks and tips to help you succeed as an online student.

Establish a schedule

While taking College classes online allows you to have a very flexible schedule, this unstructured time can lead to many challenges. To make things easier, try creating a weekly timetable for yourself like you would have in a real classroom setting. Dedicate certain days to specific classes and budget at least one hour of homework for every hour of class time. Try to spread out activities so you don’t get overwhelmed, and make sure you leave enough room in between for downtime.

Here’s a template you can download to make your timetable and instructions on how to create a weekly schedule using software like Google Calendar or Outlook.

Set blackout periods

Studies show that you can lose up to 40% of your productivity by task-switching. To prevent this, turn phone on Do Not Disturb mode and block distracting websites on your browser to avoid temptations for set periods of time throughout the day. Make sure to be realistic when you set your blackout periods so that you can actually stay committed. For example, tell yourself that after every three hours of studying you will reward yourself with one episode of your favourite Netflix show. If you are too strict with your rules, you are bound to crack and break them.

Find a dedicated study area

Whether it’s a coffee shop, your local library, a home office, or your kitchen table, it’s important to have a designated study area where you feel comfortable with limited distractions and a strong internet connection. Although it is tempting to do work in your bed or on your couch, your “quick power naps” can very easily turn into hour-long slumbers. Instead, pick one room or area to study in and stick with it. Over time, you will get used to the space and you’ll have less new stimuli for your brain to process.

Use a notepad

Taking notes by hand can seem cumbersome, especially when all your courses are on your computer anyways. But just because you can type faster than you can write, doesn’t mean it’s the best alternative. In fact, you will be more likely to absorb the material when you are taking notes by hand and summarizing as you go, rather than typing 100 words a minute and retaining none of it. Studying your handwritten notes can also help reduce the eye strain that results from too much screen time.

Socialize with peers

Just because you are studying online doesn’t mean that you should do it alone. To avoid isolation, try to participate in online discussion groups with other students who are in the same course or program as you. Make a conscious effort to plan activities and get-togethers with friends throughout the week. Socializing will help your brain engage in new ideas and can help reduce stress levels.

More resources

Check out more resources for online learners including our program guide and upcoming info sessions.

Remembering the moment they chose Algonquin College

One of the best ways of getting to know a college, is talking to people who have experienced life as student there, right? Well, we have asked a few of our students to share their personal experience with you. We took them back to the moment they started their journey with us.

At Algonquin, we want to make sure our students have not only the best education, but also an environment in which they can be themselves. Take a peek at what they have said.

Customize your viewbook just like you’d customize your burrito

You already personalize so many aspects of your life – the apps on your phone, your specialty coffee, your Instagram feed, your Ultimate Road Trip playlist. So why not customize your college program guide?

Algonquin’s CustomViewbook lets you explore the campuses, programs, and services that interest you. Scroll through the areas of interest to discover which programs stand out, then choose from a list of activities and services to learn about. When you’re all done, your CustomViewbook appears onscreen and in your inbox. Easy peasy.

As you keep exploring your options for school, your interests might change – and that’s why you can even edit your CustomViewbook later.

So whether you want to explore business programs with a side of athletics and financial aid, degrees alongside 2SLGBTQ+ resources, or graduate certificates with mature student resources and academic support — we’ve got you covered. Jump in to create your own.

5 TED Talks Every Student Needs to Watch ASAP

From stories of the Instant Gratification Monkey to multipotentialite superpowers, these TED Talks will teach students ways to lead a more positive, productive and empathetic life.

1. Inside the mind of a master procrastinator by Tim Urban

If you ever find yourself thinking “meh… I’ll do this tomorrow”; and then tomorrow turns into the next day, and then the next week, and then the next month… You may have a procrastinating problem. But you’re not alone. According to this speaker, we’re all procrastinators. Listen to how Tim Urban explains his problem and how it can affect your life.

2. The power of introverts by Susan Cain

Introverts have long been misunderstood. Seen by extroverts as being standoff-ish or anti-social, in reality introverts are just deeper thinkers and listen more than they speak. Understanding how different people think and share ideas is important for dealing with other students in group projects or living in residence. In this TED Talk, Susan Cain explains why the world needs introverts and how the loudest person in the room isn’t always the one with the best ideas.

3. The danger of hiding who you are by Morgana Bailey

At some point in all of our lives we have been scared to be ourselves – out of fear of being ridiculed or punished. In college and after graduating, you will encounter hundreds of people, each with a different story to tell and set of challenges they face. What’s most important is that we try not to judge others. In this brave TED Talk, Morgana Bailey makes the decision to finally reveal who she really is and why she urges everyone to take the leap of being more authentic.

4. The happy secret to better work by Shawn Anchor

In this hilarious and fast-paced talk, Shawn Anchor unveils the truth about our brains and how positive thinking is the secret to being a more productive and creative worker. Rather than thinking that once you are rich and successful then you will be happy, Shawn argues that instead you should focus on the reverse. Once your brain is able to think more positively, then you are able to be achieve far more.

5. Why some of us don’t have one true calling by Emilie Wapnick

Whether you are someone who tried university but it just wasn’t your jam or you’ve been working for a couple years in a job you don’t love, college is the perfect opportunity for you to follow a new dream. In this inspiring talk, Emilie Wapnick challenges society’s attempt to pigeonhole people into their “one true calling”. She encourages you to embrace your many passions and to pursue as many new interests as possible, as each one is a lesson that will help you on your next adventure.

How to spend your money and make it last

Tired of ending the month with no money? We’ve all been there, and when you are living off a student budget, making money last seems even trickier.

We’ve got some great advice for you from two money experts! They teach accounting at Algonquin College and they’ve watched very closely how students struggle to figure out how to handle money.

Professor Lee-Ann McDougal says she has noticed the line to get coffee in the morning on Campus has gotten shorter since the beginning of the school year. Her guess? Students start the term buying the expensive drinks, but soon realize that they cannot afford them every morning.

Professor Maria Belanger agrees. “I don’t think most students make the connection between the job they have at 15 dollars one hour and how that essentially just buys you two cups of coffee at Starbucks. It took you one hour to get this.”

So, here are some ways they think students can make better use of their money:

Create a budget

Yes, we know people don’t like restrictions, and professor Belanger says that on top of that many people have this theory of “living in the now”. But she warns: planning is needed!

“When you talk about budgeting it is a lot like other issues, like doing exercise and being careful about what you eat because you want your body to last and to be healthy, so, your finances are very similar.”

Don’t know where to start? There are some great tools online that can help you with budgeting but remember that monitoring your budget closely is what will guarantee your success with money.

And remember: The unforeseen should be included in your budget. Things go wrong and you do not want last-minute surprises. “It could be your computer that breaks, your boots start leaking. You don’t know what it is, you just know something is going to happen,” says Belanger.

Learn where to save

There are different ways you can save some money on your monthly budget. Many grocery stores offer student discounts and some clothing and technology stores also have student deals.

Saving is important, but the cheapest option is not always the best. For professor McDougal, rent is one example. Living far away from your school because it is cheaper can jeopardize your education. “It becomes demotivating to come for one class.”

Looking for roommates to share the rent is a good option and at the same time, you don’t feel lonely.

Avoid using credit cards

If you are good with money, having a credit card helps you build your line of credit, but if you aren’t, stay away from them.

“In terms of what is bad for you, credit cards are at the top of the list because the interest rates,” says Belanger. “The only way you should be touching a credit card is if you can pay it off when it comes in.”

McDougal makes another point: “Do not use it [credit card] as a line of credit, ever.”

You may want to have one credit card for emergencies. But remember to have a clear definition of what an emergency is.

Tap? Maybe not a good idea

Belanger calls tap and pay the “invisible money”. When you are not watching the cash leave your hands you don’t really realize how much you are spending. And if it becomes harder to see the money going with the use of debit cards, the tap function is even worst. In that case, her advice is carrying cash and taking to school only what you need for that day. This is also a way of knowing exactly how much you are paying for what you eat.

Student line of credit

Many of us need to borrow money to afford school. When talking about student line of credits, OSAP is your best choice (especially because you can get a portion of the money in grants). Banks also offer student line of credits, but the offers are different from bank to bank, so shop for the best one.

Save on your data plan

Here is an example of an expense that we can reduce and save. Data plans can be very costly. If you pay attention, you will realize that most coffee shops, restaurants, and malls have free wi-fi. Inside Colleges, students are also connected for free. Why do you need to get a large data plan, then? Choose a small or extra small, only for emergencies.

Misconceptions about College Life

We hear them all the time. Stories from students who say college is nothing like what their older brother told them it would be. Hollywood movies that portray college in an exaggerated, comical way. Because of all these stereotypes and false assumptions people make, it’s hard to know exactly what to expect in your first year. We’re here to bust a few of those myths.

“I’m going to be broke and I’ll need to eat KD/ramen noodles for every meal”

College is definitely not cheap, but it’s a worthwhile investment that is affordable with the right budgeting and financial aid resources. Last year, over 60% of our students had part- or full-time employment. Many programs also offer co-op which allow you to get paid to work while you study. Other forms of financial assistance include on-campus jobs, scholarships, bursaries and OSAP. Lastly, there are tons of discounts and deals available to students if you know where to find them (like 10% off at Loblaws, located right next to our Ottawa campus!) And if after all of this you still want to eat KD or ramen noodles for every meal, we won’t judge you.

“Everyone is going to be young”

With more than 19,000 full-time students across our three campuses last year, 23% were over the age of 25. In a previous survey, we found that half of all our first-year students came from either time off, part- or full-time employment, or other reasons. If you are a mature student who is nervous about returning to school or stepping foot in the classroom for the first time, know that you certainly won’t be alone.

“I have to live in residence to have a good time”

The truth is, the majority of our students live off campus — even in first year. Although residence can certainly enhance your college experience, you’ll still have plenty of opportunities to meet new people in your classes, at events or around campus, even if you live further away.

“Being waitlisted means I’m not going to get in”

Being waitlisted just means that the program you have applied for received more qualified applicants than there were seats in the program. Some individuals receive multiple offers but can only accept one. Once they decline their remaining offers, then additional seats become available and we contact applicants according to their position on the waitlist. This means that even if you don’t get accepted into your program right away, there is still a chance that you will be given an offer. That being said, we still encourage waitlisted applicants to keep their options open by applying to other similar programs or foundation programs if they have not already done so. Check out this helpful FAQ for more information on the waitlist process.

“I’m bound to gain the Freshman 15”

The stress of classes, deadlines and a new environment can certainly lead to some unhealthy habits, but there are tons of ways to keep off the infamous freshman 15 while on campus. For starters, we offer tons of healthy dining options for breakfast, lunch and dinner with nutritional refreshments and snacks. Students from our Perth, Pembroke and Ottawa campuses also have access to state-of-the-art fitness facilities. To give you an idea, at our largest campus in Ottawa we have 44 cardio machines, 40 resistance machines, dry saunas, certified personal trainers, aerobics, and much more.

“I can’t get a degree from College”

As the largest polytechnic institute in Eastern Ontario, we are able to grant diplomas and degrees approved by the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. We also have collaborative degrees delivered in partnership with universities. Lastly, we offer graduate certificates and apprenticeship programs.

Five tips on how to find student discounts

Yes, you heard right. Discounts! As a student, saving money can be hard, but believe us, there are ways to do it! Here is a list of a few tips for you:

1- Grocery saving

Who doesn’t like to save some money on food? Get your student ID ready (or your AC Card if you are an Algonquin student) and browse through this list.

Metro – every Tuesday, 10% on select days on select stores in Ottawa.

Bulk Barn – If you like to shop in bulk, Bulk Barn offers 10% discount for students every Wednesday.

Independent – Some Independent stores offer student discounts on select dates. Check if the store near you is one of them.

Sobeys – Usually, Sobeys that are located close to colleges and universities also offer a 10% discount on select days. Ask the cashier next time you go grocery shopping.

And here is an extra tip: Use the Flipp app to help you meal plan using what’s on sale.

2- Fun and affordable entertainment

The Bytowne (cinema) – Do you love independent and international films? This cool movie theater built in 1946 offers students discount on their annually membership. You will pay 6 dollars when you buy a movie ticket if you are a member and 12 dollars for the regular price.

Ottawa tourism events – Ottawa tourism website has a section of free or nearly free events in the city throughout the year. Check it out and mark them in your calendar!

3- Save on your textbooks – Here is the good news: you can save some money on this category as well

Visit a public library: Ottawa has 33 public libraries and in case the textbook you need is only available in another branch, you can request that textbook to be brought to a library that is closer to you! And they also let you borrow video games, eBooks, AudioBooks, Cookbooks and so much more! Get your hands on a card and browse the collection online.

Check out your school’s bookstore: Many college bookstores have great deals on textbooks. At Algonquin College, for example, students can purchase textbooks and eTextbooks (which can be a lot cheaper) at Connections: The Campus Store. The Campus Store also offers used books. Used books can save a student 25% of the cost of a new book and used books are GST exempt! You can also sell your textbooks back to the store (even if it’s a used copy) and you may receive up to 50% of the current new selling price for your book.

4- Student discount cards – Get reduced pricing on a variety of items around the city

SPC membership – It will cost you 10 dollars per year to get a membership card. There are over 450 brands involved and discounts can go be up to 30 %. Whether you want to say money when you eat out or when you go shopping for a new computer, there are many deals to take advantage of.

ISIC Canada Card: The International student discount card will get you discounts not only in Canada but also if you travel abroad. Over 100 countries accept the ISIC card. From visiting museums around the world to taking a Via rail train in Canada, there are many ways to save your money.

5- Check out buy and sell websites

We’ve all been to Kijiji once or twice (or even more times). The truth is that you can find good deals on buy and sell websites, and the number of website options has increased in the past years. Other than Kijiji, some other popular websites are: ebay, Amazon and Best Buy. You can also sell or buy used products by clicking on the marketplace icon on Facebook.

Free Apps You Need to Survive First Year

Food

Screenshots of Tasty Mealime Eat This Much

via Buzzfeed, Inc., Mealime Meal Plans Inc. & Eat This Much, Inc. June 2019 (Click to enlarge)

Tasty/Eat This Much/Mealime

If you’re someone who enjoys cooking, apps like Tasty are full of delicious and dorm-friendly recipes that you can easily whip up between classes. For a healthier alternative, Mealime and Eat This Much have a collection of nutritious recipes and meal prep ideas so you can avoid that famous Freshman 15.

Ritual/Skip the Dishes/Uber Eats/Foodora/Door Dash

For when you’re in the mood to #TreatYourself, you need to check out these apps that connect you to restaurants around Ottawa.

Ritual allows you to order and pay ahead of time so your food is ready for pickup as soon as you get to the store. The app also lets you make group orders and earn rewards with each transaction.

When you’re too lazy to even go to the store, Skip the Dishes, Uber Eats, Foodora and Door Dash all deliver your favourite meals straight to your home and/or campus. Perfect for long study sessions or when you don’t want to get out of bed.

Money

via Splitwise Inc. June 2019 (Click to enlarge)

Splitwise

Anyone who has ever lived with roommates knows how difficult it can be to keep track of who owes what. Tools like Splitwise aim to simplify this by allowing you input shared expenses and keep a running total over time. Now you can settle your balances in one big payment so you don’t have to feel petty chasing after people for $6 for laundry detergent.

Mint

If spreadsheets aren’t really your thing, then Mint is for you. The personal budgeting app connects your account to your banking institution(s) so you can have a better view of your finances. You can set limits for yourself and receive alerts when your spending habits are higher than usual.

Flipp

Flipp gets you one step closer to becoming an Extreme Couponer. You can explore weekly flyers at local retailers, find coupons to save on everyday items, sync your shopping lists, and much more. At first it may seem time consuming, but you’d be surprised at how quickly those couple of dollars in savings add up over time.

Groupon

Before spending money on any activity, the first thing you should always do is check Groupon. From exercise classes, to paint night, to three-course meals, you can always find a bunch of great deals on local goods and services.

School

via Trello, Inc. June 2019 (Click to enlarge)

Trello

As the popular saying goes, there is only one way to eat an elephant: one bite at a time. The same concept holds true when it comes to college. Between exams, placements and assignments, it can be overwhelming to keep your head above water. One way to overcome this is by breaking down each task step-by-step. Project management tools like Trello help you stay on top of your game by organizing your school work into to-do lists by subject or deadline.

Brightspace

Most professors use Brightspace to post digital material, allow communication between students and faculty and conduct assessments. Although you can use Brightspace on any laptop or computer, it’s a great tool to have on your mobile device so you can stay up-to-date on the latest assignments and access course material from anywhere.

WhatsApp/FB/Google Hangouts/Skype

No matter what you are studying in College, you are bound to have at least one group project where these apps will definitely come in handy. Whether you are #TeamiPhone or #TeamAndroid, you and your teammate can share files and have group text/video calls – even if you don’t share the same type of smartphone.

Grammarly

Grammarly helps correct your spelling and grammar while you work and makes suggestions on how to kick your writing up a notch. Although this tool is best used on desktop, you can use their keyboard integration on mobile to make sure you are always putting your best foot forward.

Getting Around

via BusBuddy – My Appatory June 2019 (Click to enlarge)

BusBuddy/Ottawa Transit/MyTransit/Route 613

Almost everyone in Ottawa can agree that waiting at a bus stop for five minutes in the middle of winter can feel like an hour. Two hours if you are also running late for a class or exam. Do yourself a favour and download one of these apps so you can track the location of your bus in real time. That way you can wait for the bus inside and plan your trip accordingly.

Lyft/Uber

If you are an international student coming to Ottawa for the first time, you may not know of the ride-sharing apps that the nation’s capital has to offer. Lyft and Uber both –offer discounts for first time riders and Uber allows you to split the cost of the ride with your friends to make carpooling easier.

College is a huge life transition, but you have the power to make it easier at the tip of your fingertips. By reading this list, we hope you discovered new ways on how to save money, time and stress. We’ll see you on Campus!

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