Be Your Own Boss - Summer Jobs for Students

Don't want to spend your summer working long hours? Why not be your own boss this summer, nothing is better than makig your own hours, doing something you like and making money. Take a look at a few options for your summer business.

1) Lawn Care/Landscaping
- People who care for their own yard the rest of the year may not want to keep up with it in the summer. Gardens need to be weeded and lawns need to be cut every week, and full-time professional yard maintenance services want to set up regular contacts. Offer a low price and don’t try to push ongoing contracts. Drive through neighborhoods looking for yards that need moving and weeding and leave a flyer.

2) Exterior House Cleaning
- Window washing, gutter cleaning, power washing exteriors – start your own business dong the home care chores that others hate to do. You could even offer services such as painting an old fence or touch ups on the house. Once you have established your business it, it should get you great carry-over potential and excellent word of mouth advertisement.

3) House/Pet Sitting
- Summer is family vacation time, and someone has to watch the pets and take the mail and newspaper in when everyone leaves for a week or two. If you can target your marketing to families, that will be most effective. The going rates on pet/house sitting ranges from $5 to $15 per visit depending on the number and type of pets, frequency of visit and expectations.

4) House Call Specialist
- If you’re technologically savvy, you have expertise that a lot of people still don’t. Start your own business making house calls troubleshooting computer problems and/or showing people how to do what they want to do with their computers. This is not only a good summer job, but can be carried on into the new school year as a part time job.

5) Rubbish Pickup
- There are lots of people with lots of junk that they would like to dispose of. Late spring/early summer is the season of the highest demand as people do their spring clean ups. If you have access to a truck, this could be a money making small business idea for you. Keep in mind you can get additional money from scrap metal, instead of just taking it to the dump.

6) Nanny/Babysitter
- For working parents of school-age kids, summer presents a real challenge. Summer camp may take care of a few weeks, a family trip another week or two, but then what about the rest of the summer? Find two or three families or one with several kids and take care of the kids during the day. You could make $8 - $12 an hour, depending on the number of kids you have. It’s less money than some other options, but it’s generally easier work.

7) Tutoring and teaching
- Opportunities abound for the entrepreneurially-minded person with the knowledge to share. Some kids need help catching up on one or two subjects, homeschoolers usually school year ‘round and many parents put their kids in summer classes on a fun topic like science, drama, or creative writing. You can tutor individual kids, or put together a group workshop or week-long class. You can make $10 - $20 an hour for one-on-one tutoring, depending on your qualifications. Classes vary widely in price, but even with a small turn out you should be able to make $50 - $100 per teaching hour.

8) Mobile car detailing
- People love convenience, and the idea of having your car cleaned while it’s already sitting there at their home of office sure beats taking it someplace and having to wait on it. Luxury car owners may be reluctant to use machine washes and especially owners of high-top vans and pick-up trucks may not even be able to. You can make between $20 - $30 per ca for basic wash and interior on up to $100 or so for complete detailing (engine cleaning, etc.)

9) Keep people cool
- There are plenty of public places that don’t have snack bars and the convenience store’s just not convenient enough. Bottled water, sports drinks, visors, cheap sunglasses, and battery-powered fans will sell anywhere there’s sun. Try parks, the beach, baseball practice field or busy street corners near popular destinations. **Permits may be required at beaches, parks, or other public areas.

AM

10 Ways for College Students to Spend Summer Vacation

1) Doing an Internship

A wonderful way to spend your summer vacation is doing an internship. Internships can give you an extra boost on your resume when applying for jobs post graduation; it will give you the experience that companies are looking for after graduation. Make it fun and look for internship in another province! Check out the following link for internships across Canada.
http://www.jobbank.gc.ca/res_eng.aspx?ProvId=99&Keyword=Internship&Student=No
2) With Family and Friends
Students who attend Loyalist from another city, province or country should spend summer vacation in their hometown with their family and friends. When you’re in college you rarely have time to go home and visit these people.
3) Catching up on Movies
With the stress of school and money what college student has time to watch movies during the fall and spring semesters? This summer spend your summer vacation catching up on all the movies that did so well in the theatres. Make it a fun friend night, have a potluck and a movie marathon.
4) Camping
Spending all your time inside for classes and working on projects is normal for college students. With all the free time you’ll have on your hands it’s a great idea to spend as much time as possible outside in our gorgeous Canadian summer weather. Organize a group of friends or family members for a camping trip! Check out the links below for Canadian camp grounds as well as camping tips.
Canadian camp sites: http://www.campcanada.com/
Camping survival tips: http://www.essortment.com/in/Travel.Camping.Backpacking/index.htm
5) On the Beach
The beach is a wonderful place for college students to spend their summer vacation. If you are really interested in spending your whole summer there, line up a job so that you can afford an apartment for three months. Check out MacLean’s top 10 Canadian Beaches:
1. Sandbanks Provincial Park, Ontario
2. Long Beach, British Columbia
3. Parksville and Qualicum, British Columbia
4. Sauble Beach, Ontario
5. Good Spirit Lake, Saskatchewan
6. Basin Head, P.E.I
7. Kouchibouguac National Park, New Brunswick
8. Grand Beach Provincial Park, Manitoba
9. Sylvan Lake, Alberta
10. Boyce Gyro Park, British Columbia
6) Working
Obviously this isn’t the most enjoyable way for students to spend their summer vacation, but working during the summer and saving your wages will allow you to concentrate on school during the fall, rather than working. Or could allow for a very exciting trip south during reading week!
7) Volunteer
There is nothing more rewarding than making a difference with your time. Not only will it give you self fulfillment, but employers also look for volunteer work when reviewing resumes which set you aside from your fellow candidates. Check out Volunteer and Information Quinte, or your hometown website for opportunities.
http://www.viq.ca/
8) Taking Fun Classes
College students don’t have an option of what classes they would like to take; because of this the idea of “Fun learning” is lost. Take a look at your hometowns website for listings of classes and workshops available which may include: scrapbooking, dance classes, creative writing workshops, video editing, landscaping/garden workshops and volunteer opportunities.
9) Losing the Freshman 15
Your first year of college can be stressful and hectic, spending your time getting used to a new environment and trying to do the best you can. Because of this you rarely have time to eat and when you do eat, the food is far from healthy. And you can forget about having time to exercise. All this combines for what many call “the freshman 15”. This summer spend your time getting rid of those extra pounds and enjoying the outdoor life.
10) Being Lazy
College is hard work! You have to work hard to get good grades, get your assignments done on time and still have a life outside of college. All of this stress really takes a toll on your body; that is why the most perfect way for college students to spend their summer vacation is being lazy.

AM

End of the year is approaching fast!

The end of the Most of us busy with final assignments, presentations and the stress of life; we haven’t had time to think about a summer job let alone look for one. It is important to set aside an hour and start your search, summer job positions are filling fast. Bring your resume and cover letter into the Career Centre for review and adjustments.

Check out the sites below for additional help:
1) Job Connect: http://www.jobconnectontario.org/newsite/html/autogen.html?page_id=2&schild_id=14
2) Small Business Centre: http://smallbusinessctr.com/youth/summer-company.html
3) Quinte Student BlogSpot: http://www.quintestudentjobs.blogspot.com/
4) Job Bank: http://jobbank.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/srch_eng.aspx?ProvId=06&OfferpPage=50&Student=No

AM

Career Matchmaker

Not sure what program suits you or what career suits you?

http://www.careercruising.com/ will help you.

Career Matchmaker is an interactive survey to help you find what careers match your interests.

Come into the Career Center and get the user name and password. Feel free to do it on one of the many computers they offer and don't hesitate to ask any questions.

Where to look for a job?

Loyalist College Career Center provides access and information to both current students and graduates to assist with job searches. You can search hundreds of job postings on Workopolis Campus or check out our blog. We also provide resources to help you create a professional résumé and cover letter and prepare for interviews.

Keep your eyes peeled for upcoming on campus job opportunities. Don't wait until the last minute to have your resume and cover letter ready. Be prepared. Come into the Career Center.

Your Peer Employment Advisor,
Leah Smolders

10 Tips for Successful Career Planning

Career planning is an activity that should be done several times, and is a rewarding and positive experience.

Here are 10 tips to help you achieve successful career planning.

1. Make Career Planning an Annual Event
Find a day or week once a year (more often if you’re planning a major career change) and schedule a retreat for yourself. Block out all distractions and truly focus on your career and what you want out of your life; doing this will make you feel more secure in your career choice and direction.

2. Map your Patch Since Last Career Planning
Take time to review and reflect on your current and past paths, this will help you plan for the future. Examine the following questions: Are you happy with your path? Could you have don’t things better? What might you have done differently? What can you do differently in your future?

3. Reflect on Your Likes and Dislikes, Needs and Wants
Change is a huge factor in life; everyone changes, as do our likes and dislikes. Make a two-column list of your major likes and dislikes. Then use this list to examine your current job and career path. If your job and career fall mostly in the like column you know you’re still on the right path.

4. Examine Your Pastimes and Hobbies
Examine your non-work activities when career planning. Many times your hobbies and leisurely pursuits can give you great insight into future career paths.

5. Make Note of Your Past Accomplishments
Making note of your past accomplishments is not only useful for building your resume, but also for career planning. Sometimes reviewing your past accomplishments will reveal forgotten successes. A career shift so that you can be in a job that allows you to accomplish the types of things that make you most happy and proud is truly rewarding.

6. Look Beyond Your Current Job for Transferable Skills
Some people get so wrapped up in their job titles that they don’t see any other career possibilities for themselves. Every job requires a certain set of skills, and it’s much better to categorize yourself in terms of these skill sets than focusing just on job titles.

7. Review Career and Job Trends
Having information about career trends is vital to long-term career planning success. A career path that is expanding today could easily shrink tomorrow.

8. Set Career and Job Goals
Develop a roadmap for your job and career success. A major component of career planning is setting short-term and long-term career and job goals.

9. Explore New Education/Training Opportunities
Information leads to power and success. Never pass up chances to learn and grow more as a person and as a worker; part of career planning is going beyond passive acceptance of training opportunities and finding new ones that will help enhance or further your career.

10. Research Further Career/Job Advancement Opportunities
Where will you be in a year? In five years? A key component to developing multiple scenarios of that future is researching career paths. Look within your current employer and current career field and don’t be afraid to look beyond to other possible careers.

Source: http://local.quintcareers.com

AM

7 Phone Interview Tips

1) Use a land line
Don't risk having problems with your cell phone connection, use a solid line. You want this to run as smooth as possible.

2) Keep relevent materials near by
Lay everything out in front of you including your resume, notes about career objectives, and your cover letter

3) Don't get distracted
Keep a good atmosphere, by removing any sounds or television. Have a quite enviroment for your interview

4) Speak slow and clear
You want to speak loud and clear enough to fully communicate to the employer. You may recognize that you need to change your volume if the employer is asking for you to repeat your answers.

5) Remeber you can't be seen
Beware of what your saying because it can be misinterrpreted because of lack of body language.

6) No eating drinking or chewing gum
Everyone knows this rule, but as creatures of habit it is easy to pop that potatoe chip in at the wrong time

7) Prepare questions ahead of time
Just like a regular interview, it is really important to prepare a few questions to ask your potential employer

How To Find A Placement

How to find a placement

The key to getting a placement is to start applying early and to stay motivated and determined with your application - there are placements out there but you must be willing to search for them.

What to do:

1. Start researching and looking 6 months in advance to ensure you have time to communicate with your potential placement
2. Put together a top ten list. You can do this by doing research and gathering information about potential opportunities.
3. Gather information about organizations through asking people or call them and finding out what they do to see if it matches your skills.
4. Make a list of your desired jobs, your skills, assets and when researching find out what organizations match you the best
5. Contact your program coordinator as they are typically the ones who are to set up the placement; however, it’s never a bad idea to call on your own. You never want to leave something like this in the hands of someone else, just in case they can’t get to it in time.
6. Write a cover letter and resume specific to the organization you are hoping to place with
7. Write down a goals, objectives and desires for the organization to give yourself and your potential supervisor an idea of what your hoping to accomplish
8. Get in contact with your organization and make sure to develop a good rapport and keep the lines of communication available
9. Hopefully, your next step will be a placement interview

Professional Email Etiquette

1) Mind your manners – use please and thank you; address people you don’t know as Mr., Mrs., or Dr.
2) Watch your tone – “accent or inflection expressive of a mood or emotion” this is very difficult to do in writing. Try to come across as respectful, friendly and approachable.
3) Be concise – Get to the point of your email as quickly as possible however, be sure not to leave out important details.
4) Be professional – Stay away from abbreviations and don’t use emoticons. Always use a professional email address.
5) Use correct spelling and grammar – Use a dictionary or spell checker and pay attention to basic rules of grammar.
6) Ask before you send an attachment – Because of computer viruses, many people won’t open attachments unless they know they send. Before you send an attachment, ask the recipient if you may do so.
7) Wait to fill in the “to” email address – Doing this will keep you from accidentally sending an email prematurely, giving you time to proof read your email and make sure it is exactly the way you want it.

Source: www.careerplanning.about.com

A.M.

How To Make A Professional Portfolio

How to Make a Professional Portfolio

What better way to introduce your skills, achievements, recommendations and qualifications to prospective employers than with a perfectly designed professional portfolio?

Here's How:

1. Create a file folder in which to file and save all professional documentation (flyers from conferences, test scores, photos, anything!)
2. Visit your nearest office supply store and buy the nicest faux leather three ring binder they offer.
3. Also, buy some plastic non-glare page protectors.
4. Sort through the papers and documents you've been saving.
5. Begin placing the items into your page protectors in a logical order, starting with your cover letter and resume first.
6. Your current job description
7. The objectives for the current year, identified by your supervisor and yourself
8. Your certificates, diplomas and training documentation
9. Continue by adding references letters, volunteer experience letters, and program outlines in the front of your portfolio.

Tips:

1. This is the time to strut your stuff, so include anything that demonstrates your skills and experience.
2. You might also like to add a brief, typed explanation of your educational philosophy.
3. Carry this portfolio with you to all interviews, job fairs, etc

Letters of Recommendation

Hello Everyone,

Now is the time of year when school is coming to a close, with only 5 weeks left. For all you second or third year students moving on to a summer job or moving on to University, this is the time we should be asking our teachers for letters of recommendations.

Asking your teachers for a letter of recommendation is always a good habit to get into. Not only will it make your portfolio look better having a range of letters, but you never know what job will come up that letter suits.

At this point in our lives, you might not be sure where you will be in five years from now, whether it be school or another job, these letters will come in handy.

Over the course of your term here at Loyalist, you have had the opportunity to cross more than just a few different teachers. Take the time to address a few favorite teachers and ask them for a favor.

It’s a good idea to get 2 or 3 letters, but you never know how many teachers you will have to ask in order to get 2 or 3 letters. The more time you give yourself and the more options you have, the more likely you will be successful.

Good luck and get that ball rolling.

Your Peer Employment Adviser,
Leah Smolders

Master the art of Studying

· Have a special place that is set aside only for studying.

· Make sure your study environment is equipped with all the necessary study supplies.

· Reduce external distractions, such as turning your phone to silent, getting away from background noise and asking others to take time out from talking to you.

· Accept internal responsibility for your study activities.

· Avoid daydreaming.

· Take sides on issues you read able to help create interest in what you’re studying.

· Study small sections at a time to help you master specific ideas.

· Take planned, short breaks as a relief of reward.

· Work on the most difficult material when you are the freshest.

· Eat appropriately and sleep enough so your study time is focused and used most profitably.

· Study with others, when possible, in small, focused groups.

A.M

Student Safety Tips when Studying & Traveling Abroad

1) Be aware of your surroundings
· Take note of out-of-the-ordinary people or events happening around you
· Make changes to your route to avoid a dangerous circumstance

2) Blend in
· Learn what is acceptable to wear by the cultures standards
· Don’t speak loudly or obnoxiously
· Speak the native language as much as possible
· Be aware of differences in table manners and actions what would make you stand out

3) Travel in groups
· There is safety in numbers
· Tell someone where you are going, especially if travelling alone

4) Locate the Canadian Embassies and Consulates
· Know where the Canadian Embassies are
· Know how to contact them and carry the information with you at all times

5) Photocopy important documents
· In case your wallet or backpack is lost or stolen keep a copy of all your important documentation
· Store this information in a safe place, not in the same place as the original

6) Don’t flash money
· Do not wear a wallet exposed
· Secure your backpack with a lock
· Do not flaunt large quantities of cash

7) Check maps before you go out
· Looking lost or confused can make you vulnerable
· Plan where you are going before you leave

8) Just say no
· Depending on the country, possession or transportation of drugs is a serious offense resulting in jail or even execution; for this very reason don’t leave your baggage unattended under any circumstances

9) Avoid scam artists
· Beware of approaching strangers who are over friendly, offer you bargains or want to be your guide.
· Be aware that pickpockets tend to work in groups to try and distract you.

10) Stay aware of current events
· Be aware of current events in your host country, as well as Canadian political hostility, and international affairs.

A.M

Alternative Youth Center for Employment

Alternative Youth Center for Employment can help you find a job, get training or upgrade your skills. They have great a great resource centre, employment counselors, workshops and more.

There are a variety of different opportunities for all kinds of students ranging from those who are now not in school and unemployed or for those students returning to school in the fall.

Check out their website http://www.ayce.on.ca/youth for more information on the programs and how to apply!

Summer Jobs Service 2010

Looking for Summer Time Employment and can't seem to find it.

Loyalist College Career Center is providing you with Summer Jobs Service information. Listed below are links regarding Summer Jobs Service 2010.

For local students we are referring you to the Job Connect website and blog.
- http://www.loyalistc.on.ca/jobconnect2/student_services/summer_jobs_service.asp
- http://quintestudentjobs.blogspot.com/

For students returning home we are referring you to the provincial MTCU website.
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/tcu/jobseekers/sjs.html

There are numerous opportunities throughout the College and throughout the community. Keep your eyes open and don't forget to check back here as we are always posting jobs as well as the links listed above.

Good luck!

Students can Make Money Too!

It has been a challenge getting through all of our courses, assignments, and presentations. Here are a few tips so that money doesn't have to be such issue.

1) Be mentally prepared to invest and manage your time for some extra activity other than studies

2) Figure out what interest you

3) Don't choose something that will completely upset your education

4) Don't go for a get-rich quick scheme, they will waste and consume your time

5) Go with things most relevant and helpful to your studies

6) Do something you have skills for

7) Choose work based on your research and interest

8) Join online free jobs (i.e. online data-entry)

9) Joining marketing /advertising duty- enhance your communication skills

10) Car-washing, house and pet sitting, animal caretaker, landscaping etc are all not bad ideas for making money

A.N.

Student Money Saving Tips

1. Overestimate your costs rather than underestimate


2. Grocery shop with a list and stick to it


3. Compare prices


4. Pack a lunch/eat out less


5. Buy used textbooks


6. Pass your course the first time


7. Be aware and understand all of your debt load


8. Shop for clothes out of season


9. You will save if you can get by without a car


10. Pay your bills on time


11. Take advantage of campus activities

A.N

Making a Budget

It is every students nightmare that they will run out of money before their semester is over. Making a budget will not only keep you on track but help you to achieve your financial goals. Here we highlight tips and suggestions to help you create the perfect budget for your needs.

Setting Goals
When creating goals it is important to consider your personal goals, financial goals and career goals. Make sure to create short term and long term goals. (i.e. and amount to be saved by the end of the term)
Keep in mind that your goals need to be realistic with the amount left over after this formula as a guide.

Income - Expenses = Potential Savings

Assessing Your Financials
First you will need to see where your money is from and where it is going. It is recommended that you save any financial documents such as pay stubs and receipts. Then you will need to organize them into three categories,income, variable costs, and fixed costs.

Variable costs - This you don't purchase or pay for on a regular basis (Groceries, Clothes)
Fixed costs - What you purchase on a regular basis (Rent, Cable, Phone)

You can then direct your money where it needs to go first. Once you have figured out where all your expenses go, then calculate your potential saving by subtracting your income. You may need to find more funding such as bursaries, scholarships, awards and student loans.

Once your total expenses are equal to or less than your income, you can begin to ration and start planning your budget.

Motivation and Discipline
This is the hardest part about budgeting is to stop impluse shopping. Make rewards for yourself to keep you motivated and on track.

A.N

Interview DOs and DON'Ts

DO

• Take notes


• Tell yourself you deserve the job and convince the employer you do to


• Describe your strengths and how they align with the position


• Be alert and curtious throughout the whole interview


• Sit calmly and slightly forward to show your interest


• Ask for a business card


• Be prepared

DON'Ts

• Bring a friend or child


• Be insincere


• Wear flashy jewlery


• Speak negativly about previous employers


• slump, yawn, chew your nails, or slouch


• Don't panic if you make a mistake - Show how you can work under pressure

A.N

Ruining an interview: Three easy mistakes

1) Not having anything prepared – Avoid using the words “umm” and “ahh”. Using “umm” makes people sound inarticulate and short on things to say. If you are at a lack of words repeat the question they just asked you. It makes them think you are listening and gives you time to formulate a response.

2) Not talking about you – When looking to hire a person employers check credentials, and what you’re able to do but also who you are as a person. The only way they will gather that information is by you telling them.

3) Not doing any research - Know the company name, look up their goods/services and know a bit about the company history.

AM