for applicants

7 things to consider when selecting a college!

Once you’ve figured out which college program(s) you’re interested in, it’s time to choose a college! Part of selecting the right college is figuring out what your biggest priorities are. We’ve compiled a list of potential things to consider when making your selection. Every item will matter differently to each individual, so figure out which areas are most important to you and make sure to be investigating and comparing those aspects between your colleges of interest.

Cost

Finances are super important to keep in mind when selecting a college. What’s the difference in cost between the colleges that offer your program of choice? Are there extra fees to consider? Is it worth selecting the one that would be significantly more expensive?

Reputation

Get to know the colleges you are considering! Do some research and see what others have to say about their experience with the college. Does this match with your expectations for college?

Campus Vibe

Feeling like you belong can make a big difference in your college experience. What kind of vibe are you looking for? Do your potential colleges match that feel?

Grades

While requirements vary between colleges and programs, you need to make sure to consider your high school grades. Some programs can be very competitive and it’s important to make selections for colleges where you meet the requirements or would be competitive in your application.

Learning Format

How do you want to learn? In class, hands-on, online, virtually. There are a variety of ways to learn and to attend college, knowing which one works best for you can help narrow down the best college option based on what it offers.

Work Experience

Many jobs are looking for applicants to have job experience in the field they are applying to, even after graduating college. If you don’t yet have work experience, especially in your field of study, consider applying for a program that offers co-op experience. Co-op ties directly into your learning but also helps you build connections in your field, get experience for you resume, and sometimes it even leads to employment after graduation!

Location

Are you interested in living in a big city or do you prefer a smaller one? Do you want to stay closer to home or are you looking for opportunities to explore somewhere new?

Selecting a college can be a big decision, so take your time and figure out what the best choice is for you.

For more information about Algonquin College and its programs, visit our Explore page https://www.algonquincollege.com/future-students/explore

4 Questions to ask yourself when choosing a college program!

So, you want to go to college but maybe you’re a little overwhelmed by the options and the idea of choosing something specific. Some people know exactly what they want to do, and that’s great, but many of us struggle in figuring out what we want to study and work at in the future. If you’re one of those people (I definitely was, and let’s be honest still kind of am) we have some questions that might just help you figure out what you want to do next and what areas you should look at when selecting a college program.

What do you like to do?

Think about your favourite subjects in school or work/ volunteer experiences you have really enjoyed. What do you love learning about? What do you want to know more about? What would get you excited to enter the workforce?

When you’re selecting a college program you want to find something that ticks those boxes so that you’re motivated to keep going and learning. If you’re not interested in something before you even get started it’s going to be a big struggle to motivate yourself through your program.

What are you good at?

Take some time to identify your strengths. Try out career quizzes, talk to guidance counsellors, teachers, friends, and family; the people around you can help you identify where you really shine and can offer up suggestions of areas you might want to pursue.

If you’re having trouble with this take some time to try new things; join clubs, get a part-time job, volunteer, try new hobbies or activities and see if anything comes really easily or if there is something that you really enjoy doing.

What would you like to do in the future?

Do you have a clear vision of what you want to do? Stellar, that can really help you focus on finding the perfect program to get you there! Not completely sure what you want to do in the future? That’s completely okay (I’m not sure either). You don’t have to know what you want to do for the rest of your life, or even five years from now, but think about what you would be happy doing for the next year in school and then what you think would make you happy to do the year after. You are not stuck in one job or career forever, and with most programs they can open a wide variety of doors that can offer you lots of opportunities to explore.

If you are interested in applying to Algonquin College but want some career guidance and support selecting a program, the college offers Career Advising Meetups for prospective students.

What kind of potential is there in this area of study once you graduate?

You want to be thinking about what happens after college when you’re selecting a program, that’s the whole point, right? Explore what the job market looks like and what kind of career opportunities and earnings potential could be available after you graduate. Do those things sound interesting to you? Does this align with your goals for the future? Many college program websites will offer up some information about what areas of work their graduates have gone into after graduation, check those out and make sure it’s a good fit for you.

For more information on college programs available in Ontario, check out the Ontario Colleges website. For more information on programs available at Algonquin College, head over to the programs page.

5 reasons to register for the Fall Open House

It’s that time of year! Time to think about where you want to pursue your post-secondary education and check out various colleges to see what is the best fit for you. This year we are back again with our Virtual Open House which offers prospective students a chance to attend a live event from the comfort of wherever you’re located in the world. This great event allows you to ask questions, meet professors, students, and coordinators, as well as get a feel for the AC community. If that alone isn’t enough to convince you to register for our upcoming open house check out these five reasons why we think you should attend!

1)Learn How to Apply

Applying to college can be challenging or disorienting, but don’t worry, we have you covered. During the AC Open House, recruitment officers will be demonstrating how to navigate the Ontario Colleges application process and will be available to answer any questions you may have about applying to Algonquin College.

2)Talk Money & Admissions

Do you have money on the mind? Representatives from Financial Aid, Admissions, and other Student Support Services will be running a session to answer all your questions about paying for school, what kind of supports are in place, and what the process is like to becoming an AC Student. This is a great chance to connect and get all the answers to those pesky financial questions.

3)All Your Questions Answered in One Evening

Instead of having to set up multiple meetings with representatives from each area of the College to get your questions answered you can just attend the Open House! Representatives from a wide variety of areas will be available to speak with you directly, all in one convenient virtual space. It’s a “one-stop shop to talk directly to representatives from all of our programs, services and student life” says Recruitment Officer, Erik Franz.

4)Meet Faculty, Students, and Representatives from your Program of Interest

Want to learn more about specific programs? Representatives with first-hand knowledge of the programs will be available to answer all your questions. Want to check out several different programs? It’s easy through our Virtual Open House to jump back and forth between sessions to learn everything you want to know to make an educated choice for your future.

5)Learn about the College Experience

Whether your program is online, hybrid, remote, or on-campus, we’re still connecting as a college community. Representatives from the Student Association, Clubs, and Athletics will be hosting sessions during the evening about the great opportunities Algonquin College has to offer to make sure we’re all staying connected and maintaining that (school) work – life balance.

Don’t delay! Register for the Open House today!

How to prepare a great admissions portfolio

We’ve heard that many students are intimidated by portfolios, their requirements and by not knowing exactly what they should do or how to get started. Sometimes students are even opting not to apply to their preferred program because it required a portfolio, and they were overwhelmed by the idea of putting it together. We want to help!

I spoke with ACX Team Member, Julia Pinto, a third-year student in the animation program at Algonquin College and got some advice from her about pulling together a portfolio which will hopefully assuage some of your concerns and help you feel excited and motivated to create your own.

What types of programs require a portfolio?

Typically, arts and design programs are the ones that require a portfolio for the application process. At Algonquin College the Graphic Design, Illustration, Animation, Interior Design, and Interior Decorating programs all require a portfolio. Programs that require a portfolio usually call for demonstrations of understanding of some techniques and practices that are very common in the study of various art fields.

What are the typical portfolio requirements?

Portfolios, whether for a job or for school, showcase your ability to work within constraints; illustrate your process; feature your problem-solving aptitude, your communication skills, and your creativity — not only your raw talent. They help the college determine if you are the right fit & can accomplish the work that you will encounter in your program of study.

1)10 – 15 pieces of original creative work. Originals can include things like pen & ink or pencil drawings, sketches, drafting, collages, as well as photographs of larger mediums (oil, acrylic, watercolour, sculpture, pottery, jewelry, rooms, etc.). Depending on the program it could also include multimedia presentations, sketches of ongoing work showing your ideas, observations and imagination, AutoCAD drawings, hand drafted architectural drawings, artistic photography, graphic design, 3D models layout, typography, painting, drawing, web design, interface design and sketches. Try to include a variety of pieces that will demonstrate your ideas, skills, and interest in a variety of mediums.

2)An at home testing of sorts that is specific to each program. This will basically demonstrate your ability to follow directions, your attention to detail, and your creativity.

3)2-5 optional pieces of your choice. These don’t have to be related to your program but can demonstrate your skills, passions, and ideas. These are pieces you feel proud of and that you can use to show more of your personality and creativity. Aim for showing different things from the requirements. Do you like working with watercolours/ oil/ charcoal/ digital/ photography? Awesome! Maybe that’s a unique thing that can help you stand out from other candidates!

Steps to tackling your portfolio!

1)Check which programs you’re applying to that require portfolios.

2)Make a list of the requirements for the portfolios. If you’re applying to multiple programs and need to compile multiple portfolios see if there are items that you can use for both to cut down on the number of new pieces you need to create or collect.

3)Look up the terms and requirements for your submission pieces and you may not already know. “Some things required in these portfolios may already be known to you and others that may not be, but you don’t need to despair. With organization and planning, you can build a good portfolio in a matter of weeks”.

4)Compile and create your required pieces.

5)Double check all the guidelines for submission, make sure you are not missing anything and are submitting in the desired format so that you can make sure you are considered.

6)Submit it and celebrate!

Advice for unknown techniques!

There are three items that are required in many portfolios: 1. Self portrait 2. Live model drawings 3. Drawings with 1 vanishing point and drawings with 2 vanishing points.

For the self portrait, take a photo of yourself, print it and have it near you while you draw yourself. It is also a good idea to have a mirror around, because depending on the quality of the photo you may find it difficult to draw some parts. With the help of the mirror you can have a better look and see more specific details than if only using a photo.

If you are not able to find a live model session where you live, you can always check out CroquisCafe on YouTube. They have hundreds of high-quality videos of art models for drawing. It’s also a good idea to watch some videos about Gestural Drawing from Proko before starting your own sketches!

Drawings that require perspective are usually one of the things that scare people the most, but it shouldn’t scare you! If you don’t know the first thing about perspective, you can start by watching some videos, like the Perspective Drawing for Beginners from Brad’s Art School on YouTube. Start at the beginning, and in no time you’ll understand the technique and will be able to draw anything that you want with 1, 2 or even 3 vanishing points.

Remember that for portfolios, quality will always be more important than quantity! You can (and you should) draw lots of pieces, but only choose to add in the ones that you really think demonstrates you understand what was asked of you. The portfolio is a way of presenting yourself, so, present the best pieces that you can!

Want more information and to have your questions answered about portfolios at Algonquin College? Check out these upcoming free information sessions.

5 reasons why you should apply for co-op!

At Algonquin College there are a wide variety of programs that offer co-op semesters to amplify the learning experience! Here are 5 reasons why we think you should consider applying for a Co-op semester during your time at AC.

1) Get a hands-on learning experience in your field of study.

You learn and practice the skills for your future career in class, but putting those skills into practice in the real world can really enhance your learning. There are certain things you won’t learn in class because they are specific to the niche work of specific companies, or because they are new practices that haven’t yet made it into the textbooks. Learn directly from industry professionals who are working with the latest practices, technologies, and industry standards.

2) Add relevant experience to your resume.

Depending on your industry of study it could be difficult to get job experience before college. Co-op gives you the chance to get that job experience that could make the difference when it comes to employers deciding between you and other graduates in the job market.

3) An opportunity to network in your industry.

Co-op gives you the chance to work in your preferred industry, or in an area related to your studies, which means you are going to get the opportunity to meet lots of professionals who are already working in your areas of interest. Building relationships with these professionals can help you in a variety of ways. You can find mentors, learn more about the industry from a variety of perspectives, and network with people who could potentially help you in your future job searches. There are many companies who offer referral programs to their employees when they are looking for new hires, the larger your network and the stronger your relationships, the easier it could be to land that dream job out of college!

4) Earn money between semesters.

All Co-op work placements are paid employment opportunities, with students typically earning approximately $10,000+ per work-term (between minimum wage – $18+/hour). That money can go a long way to helping pay for school and bills.

5) AC offers unique Co-op offerings!

Communications and Marketing Officer, Gabrielle Poulin, also shared that Algonquin College has a unique co-op opportunity for students, an Entrepreneurship Co-op (eCo-op)! This is an AC “initiative that provides students who are also aspiring entrepreneurs the opportunity to work full-time on their business idea under the guidance of an industry mentor”. What an amazing offering!!

Have questions? Want to learn more? Visit the Cooperative Department’s webpage for full details!

Are you an International Student interested in co-op? That’s great! Check out the requirements for International Students & co-op work permits.

Please note that applying to co-op programs happens when applicants are initially submitting their College applications. Students apply to a co-op version of their program of choice if interested in the co-op experience.

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

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

Dirty Bingo

 

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

Algonquin Thunder

 

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

Volunteers with kids in Kenya

 

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

AC Salon Spa and Boutique reception

 

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

Gymnasium

 

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

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!

students hanging out in AC Hub

 

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!

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.

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

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

Trello preview

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

Bus Buddy preview

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!

How to Prep For a Career While in College

Starting Early: Make it A Habit, Setting Yourself Up For Success

You’ve found a profession you’re passionate about, and you can’t wait to dive into the industry? Glad to hear it! Attending college is the first step to success, but it’s never too early to prepare yourself for your future career. Here are a few practical tips that are sure to help you go far in the future.

Learn to study

Good study habits can make a huge difference in the workplace. Your future employer will be impressed at your organizational, and time management skills. You’ll be sure to wow them with how quickly you learn new things.

Studying doesn’t have to involve a busy library and countless hours of taking and memorizing notes. If that works for you, more power to ya, but don’t be afraid to get creative. Keep it interesting, get more study tips here.

Have fun with it, write up some flash cards, compose a song, draw pictures, get your friends involved, make it a game. There are so many ways you can make studying a more enjoyable and effective use of your time. If you tailor your study sesh to meet your specific learning needs, you’ll retain information way easier.

If you really hate studying, try summarizing your notes after class. It’s a great way to ensure that you understand everything you were just taught. Pro-tip: this is super helpful for meetings too. You’ll spend less time studying because you’ll be more familiar with the subject matter. Bonus!

Osmosis – Probably not the best study tool.

Studying teaches you how to find and focus on the important aspects of a project. Studying will help you become more reliable, focused, and responsible. It hones your ability to think critically, work efficiently, and remain organized. These are all excellent qualities that’ll make you stand out in a crowd. Become a good worker before you even start working.

Get involved

Nothing looks better to a potential employer than genuine passion. Getting involved in your industry before graduating is a great way to get an early start on your career. If you’re an English major, attend some writer workshops. If you’re studying advertising, check out some agencies or participate in the Ontario Colleges’ marketing competition. If you’re in the trades, go to a home and garden trade show to network and hand out resumes to potential summer employers. Try to go out and experience the industry and develop real interest in the things you’re studying.

If you have questions about life in the field, who can answer them better than someone who actually works in it? Try to snag some informational interviews. Interviews don’t always have to be about getting an internship or a job. A simple conversation over coffee, picking someone’s brain for 15 minutes, or even just a phone call can make all the difference. Get the As to all your Qs. It shows that you’re hungry for knowledge, and it makes the person you’re interviewing feel important. Win-win, right?

Not only does all this show that you care about the field you’re going into, but it’s a great way to start networking. Make lasting connections with people in your industry. Having friends in your field is a great tool to have in your belt. Who knows if you’ll need a favour one day?

Get to work

Get your name out there. Start looking for internship opportunities during the summer. Don’t let yourself forget anything you learned. It might be tempting to chill out during the summer, and forget about school for a bit, but getting a head-start in your field will look better on your CV. Gain real-world experience. Improve your portfolio. Set a goal and do whatever it takes to achieve it. Potential employers will recognize your efforts and you’ll be rewarded for it. It’s hard work but, it’ll be well worth it when you have a job straight out of college.

Not sure where to get started? Talk to an AC career advisor. These councilors can point you in the right direction. They’ll show you countless possibilities, and help you lay out your options. Career advisors can tell you how your CV looks, how to network with people, what kind of jobs are out there, and what to say during an interview. This is a powerful tool you shouldn’t forget to use.

Speaking of CVs, is yours looking a little drab? Revamp it. It might seem like a tiny detail, but this is the first thing your future employer will see. It represents your brand and it embodies who you are. If you take the time to make it look nice, it shows that you put care and effort into everything you do. Need help? Try resume.com. This site has dozens of free, stylish templates perfect for your resume.

Change it up

Sometimes we stop caring. Sometimes we forget why we do things. We lose track of our goals, or we lose inspiration. It sucks, but it’s normal. You can counter this in a few different ways.

Have you lost motivation in class? Is it getting harder to take notes? Switch up your note-taking method. Buying a new notepad and pens, or even starting a new Google doc can refresh your brain and help you think more clearly. If you’re having trouble paying attention, sit at the front of the class. You’ll feel worse about watching cat videos if your prof catches you doing it. While you’re at it, make eye contact with your teacher. You’re more likely to pay attention to something if you’re already looking at it.

This will train your brain to be more alert in the workplace, too. You’ll use these skills in future endeavors and it’ll pay off big time. From taking notes in meetings, to asking pertinent questions, your performance will improve. If your boss sees how alert and attentive you are, you’re golden.

Keep at it

Your future career might seem like it’s far away but the best time to get into the swing of things is now! It’s never a bad time to build good habits. Become a better you, and never settle because there’s always room to improve. Your future self will be grateful that you did. You’re going to do great!

Studying Tips: How To Do It Right

Studying is the key to success but man is it hard. It takes discipline and focus to actually commit to the task. Or does it? These super, duper helpful tips will make studying a little less painful. You’ll be doing it like a pro in no time!

Learn to study

Find a good study spot

You don’t always have to camp out in the library. Find a spot that you feel comfortable in. Whether this is your bedroom, a coffee shop, or your mom’s couch; it works if you’re comfy. This will put your mind it as ease. You retain information more easily when you’re relaxed. That’s what studying is all about.

Lady doing DJFind what works for you.

Learning habits

Now that you’ve found a good spot, you need to find a good method. If furiously jotting down notes and memorizing them is your thing, cool. If that technique is getting stale, maybe switch it up a little. Changing things around keeps your brain from getting bored.

Take how you learn into consideration. You know what learning habits work best for you. If you’re a visual learner, draw some pictures, and make it a game. If you’re more an auditory learner, try writing a song or poem to help you memorize things better. Make things more interesting for yourself.

New stuff

Your brain likes shiny, bright colours, the smell of ink on paper, the sound a notebook makes when you crack it open for the first time. Keep this in mind when you’re studying. New stuff is refreshing and you will want to use them. You can check out Connections for any on campus deals.

Taking notes

Taking notes is a great idea, but it’s easy to miss something important if you aren’t paying attention. Try taking point form notes and expanding after class is done. If you summarize your notes later, you’ll spend more time listening in class. Active listening is great way to properly retain information.

You can easily improve your active listening skills in a few different ways. Try facing the speaker and making eye contact. You don’t have to stare them down (that’s weird). Eye contact is a good way to focus on what the speaker is saying. Pretend you’re having an interesting conversation with them. Don’t understand something? Ask pertinent questions. Not only will this show the speaker that you were listening, you’ll also get the answers you need.

When you’re jotting something down, make it count. Cater your note-taking to your learning style. If you’re a visual learner, quickly sketching something you can refer to when studying may work for you. Pictures are an easy way to remember something. You don’t need to be an artist either. Use the sketch as a reminder.

Need some help practicing these tips? The Student Learning Centre holds workshops on study skills and more!

Explain it

If you want to test if you were really listening, try summarize the lecture after class to a friend or family member. Not only will be sure to thoroughly understand what you just learned, you’ll know what to ask about if there are gaps.

Try explaining the lesson to yourself or some friends from class. You should have them explain it to you, too. If all of you are vague on a subject it will be worth bringing it up to the instructor for them to revisit.

Practice

It takes a while for something to become a habit. Studying is no exception. If you need an extra hand, Algonquin College is here to help. There’s a ton of Student Support Services you can take advantage of. This includes studying workshops, tutoring, and lots of other things. You’ll go through a lot of trial and error before you find the right method for your learning habits. Don’t give up. You’re killin’ it, friend! I believe in you.