grad school planning guide (winter 2012)

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Grad School Planning guide | winter 2012 | jobpostings.ca6

laneHours spent pouring over cases, muddling through chapters of endless legal jargon, and hallways brimming with eager students dressed in suits. Are you ready for law school?

it’s a small world

money managementAt grad school, everything is amplified — from your workload to your extra-curricular responsibilities and, yes, even your financial obligations.

the hard lookIs post-grad right for you?

By strategically planning your education now, you’ll avoid major reversals down the road.

learn flyExperience a new style of learning. How an MBA can take you higher.

frenzyMed school is a tough nut to crack, but you’ll increase your chances of getting in by planning ahead.

Grad School Abroad: What you need, what to expect, and what you should prepare for.

application processApplying to grad school last minute usually means forgetting important documents. Dotting your T’s and crossing your I’s in a mad rush is not how to make your deadline. A break down of nearly everything you’ll need for almost any program.

what’s inside

fast trackWorried about spending your 20’s locked up studying? Here’s how you can save time.

23

edu-ma-cation We compiled the best of our Edu-ma-cation section from our monthly jobpostings magazine. From post-grads in sustainability to cyber campuses and internships abroad, we focus in on a few things you may have not thought of.

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more than one?Well, aren’t you the popular one. It’s not about the prettiest school, but the whole package.

From courses on horses to becoming a brewmaster, Canada’s schools offer something for everyone.


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Fader, Caroline George,

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Papavasiliou, Ingrid Phaneuf,

Andrew Williams

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Opportunities to

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14 Humber, The Business School 28 Niagara College 32 Ross University

school index IFC Centennial College 2 Humber, The Business School, Global Business 3 Humber, The Business School, Event Management 5 Vancouver Island University 7 Cambrian College 8 Harris Institute 8 Humber, School of Social & Community Services 11 HULT International Business School 11 Medill School, Northwestern University 12 Ross University 16 Durham College 16 National University of Health Sciences 19 Carleton University 19 University of Lethbridge 21 Great Northern Way Campus 21 University of Medicine and Health Sciences 22 Middlesex University 31 Seneca College, School of Accounting & Financial Services 34 University of Western Ontario, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry 36 Queens University 39 University of Ontario Institute of Technology 39 Sheridan College 42 Brock University 45 University of Waterloo, Stratford Campus IBC Humber, School of Media Studies and Information Technology

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Grad School Planning guide | winter 2012 | jobpostings.ca

The Hard Lookby Kevin Nelson

So you’ve been to univer-sity, earned your B.A, worn the square hat and moved the tassle from one side to the other. Now what? For some people, this marks the start of their career, for others it’s the green-light to start family planning. Then there are those who decide to pursue even higher edu-cation. I’ve had plenty of friends and family who’ve gone the post-grad route, and it’s worked to their advantage. However, it’s no stretch to say that it’s a decision that will affect the rest of a person’s life, per-sonally and professionally. Before taking another trip up the ivory tower, maybe it’s time for some pre-pon-dering pondering.

occupational Haz-

ards

Of course, some profes-sions require a post-grad, so the decision is a no-brainer. For everyone else, the job a person can ultimately ob-tain through pursuing ad-vanced education is going to vary. Investigating what doors having a masters or doctorate in a certain field can open up is paramount, as is the availability of jobs in that field. The Canadian Association of Graduate Students issued a report in 2006 that found that “full-time employment op-portunities for [bachelors and masters graduates] are about the same for both levels of study, although it is slightly higher for mas-ter’s graduates.”

Even if the masters puts you slightly ahead in the job market, who’s to say

there’s a dream job waiting for you at the end of the academic tunnel? “For me, it would be great to study what I want,” says Chris Fri-esen, a recent BA grad who always thought he’d pursue his masters in History. “It’s great for academia to nibble on all of these niche sub-jects, but at what point does that translate into a job?”

tHe domino effect

When the job market starts to shrink, the conventional wisdom is to weather the rough economic seas in the safe port of academia. The trouble with this line of thinking is that every-one tends to think the same way. With so many people returning to school to pursue higher education, maybe that masters won’t make you stand out as much as you’d like. The old cliche that “experience is the best teacher” might not always be true, but starting your career earlier means you’ll be earning money and paying off debt sooner and getting more hands-on training than your peers that will be knocking on the door, resume in hand, in a few years.

tHe elepHant in tHe

room

Grad school is expensive! There are lots of financial paths to obtaining a mas-ters or Ph.D. Scholarships and grants are a possibility, but due to the increased competition to get into grad school, it’s harder to qualify. “I’d love to apply for grants and funding, but I mostly wouldn’t get them because I don’t have straight A’s,” says Friesen. “If I were to go for my masters, I’d have to apply for stu-dent loans.” An alternative

for lots of students is work as a teaching assistant. “I think you’re supposed to TA around 72 hours a se-mester and it works out to around $25 an hour,” says Friesen, who has investigat-ed the possibilities. “You’re only getting paid for time that you’re TA’ing seminars and classes, and not for time spent marking first year students’ papers or read-ing articles so that you can facilitate a seminar.” That spells a lot of homework, and if you’re taking a full course load, perhaps work-ing a little on the side to afford the whole endeavour and still planning on eating and sleeping occasionally, work-life management be-comes a little tricky.

A 2009 report written by the Canadian Council on Learning shows that the average university grad owes approximately $26,680. That’s nothing to sneeze at for a young adult, and the more debt a person has, the more likely they are to put off travel, starting a family or other worthwhile goals that are equally good indicators of a life well-lived. “I’ve already done my undergraduate degree and racked up a $40,000 student loan,” says Friesen. “Now I have to do another two years of grad school? That’s two years that I’m not making money and putting off big things like working at a lucrative job or smaller things like going fishing.”

tHe BiG pay-off

The argument for tackling a masters and taking on more debt is that the ulti-mate rewards will make it all worthwhile. That may

be true of some fields, but it’s not necessarily true of them all. The same report from the Canadian Associ-ation of Graduate Students offers the following tidbit: “a comparative analysis of the earnings of higher education degree holders from 2001 Census of Can-ada data shows that the greatest benefits of having completed masters studies versus bachelor-level stud-ies in terms of increasing income levels were in com-merce, management and administration and health professions. The advan-tage was marginal in engi-neering, applied sciences, mathematics and physical sciences, humanities and related fields.”

For die-hard academics, none of these arguments will matter, which is laud-able. The pursuit of higher education can be ben-eficial on multiple levels given the right circum-stances. Just don’t make the leap head first.

jobpostings.ca | winter 2012 | Grad School Planning guide 11

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jobpostings.ca | winter 2012 | Grad School Planning guide

early. In addition to your achievements, aca-demic goals, and career goals, you will need the time to think about and identify interest-ing and distinctive topics about yourself. For example, significant personal influences in your life, compelling learning, overcoming loss, meaningful travel and volunteer work. Sched-ule time where you can focus on your written statement and give yourself a few months to complete it. Have a couple of people read your written statement to make sure your final draft is clear, concise, error free and tailored to each school and program you are applying to.

Writing your own statement can be quite chal-lenging. Consider enlisting the services of a pro-fessional to write your written statement(s). It’s definitely worth the investment.

TranscriptsOfficial transcripts will be required as part of your application. However, you will not send your official transcripts along with your appli-cation. Instead, the Registrar’s office will send them. This means you will need to request your transcripts from the Office of the Registrar from each school you attended. Do so well in advance as schools will need time to process your request and send the transcripts. The last thing you want is for your graduate school application to be rejected because your transcripts were late or never arrived. It is your responsibility to make sure each graduate school and program receive your transcripts. By beginning this process early, you will have the time and opportunity to do the necessary follow-up and request additional transcripts if necessary. Keep in mind that there is also a fee related to ordering transcripts.

Letters of RecommendationGraduate and professional programs require applicants to submit 2-3 letters of recom-mendation. A recommendation letter provides the admissions committee information about you, your accomplishments, personal quali-ties and experiences that are not found in the rest of your application, explaining how you are unique and why you are the perfect candi-date for the program you are applying to. Your recommendation letters should cover your academic skills, research abilities and work ex-perience. Consider asking a faculty member, ad-ministrator, internship educator and/or supervi-sor to be your referee. Remember that writing a thoughtful and meaningful letter of recommen-

dation takes time. Be sure to give your referee at least a month’s notice. Provide your referee with the information that is required in the recom-mendation letter. This way, you have covered all your bases and make it easier for your referee to create a well-crafted recommendation letter.

Curriculum Vitae (CV)A CV is an academic résumé that highlights your scholarly accomplishments. Writing a CV is similar to writing a résumé. Just like a per-sonal statement, writing a CV is a tedious and time-consuming process. You can always have a professional write one on your behalf to save you time and frustration.

Standardized Test ScoresMost graduate schools and professional pro-grams require standardized exams, such as the GRE, LSAT, MCAT and GMAT. Each of these exams is standardized allowing students from different universities and programs to be com-pared meaningfully. Being properly prepared for these exams is crucial. Many options are avail-able including: exam preparation courses, ma-terials and computer disks. Take your relevant standardized test early. It is recommended you write your exam in the Spring or Summer be-fore you apply to help guide your program and school selection, as well as to make sure your scores arrive to the schools before the applica-tion deadline. Note that the registration dead-lines for these exams are well in advance of the actual exam date and some are only offered a few times a year. Make sure you are well aware of these dates.

InterviewsInterviews are becoming an increasingly popu-lar part of the application process for profes-sional programs such as law, dentistry and medicine. Preparation for these interviews is key. Many of these programs have specific types of questions they ask. Do the necessary research for the program you are interviewing for to find out the types of questions you will be asked. Make an appointment with an advi-sor at your Career Centre to set up a mock in-terview. This way you will have an opportunity to have a practice run and receive feedback on your performance.

If you are thinking about graduate school or pur-suing a professional program, begin the process early to ensure you are a competitive candidate.

by Panagiota Panagakos

Applying to graduate school or a professional program is oftentimes tedious and overwhelming. The key is to familiarize yourself with the process and prepare your application early. Doing so will help you become a competitive applicant. In ad-dition to your general application, the following are required as part of your application.

Written StatementGraduate schools and professional programs re-quire a written statement, commonly known as a “personal statement,” “letter of intent,” or “state-ment of purpose,” as part of the application. Your written statement is what is going to differentiate you from the competition. Your statement will give the admission committee an idea of who you are as a person, separate from your grades and test scores. Requirements for the written statement vary from school to school and pro-gram to program. Make sure you are aware of the specific components required from each of the programs and schools you are applying to.

I cannot stress enough the importance of beginning to write your personal statement

**Because this stuff is important. It’ll save your academic life, really.

14

Career Ready product development, advertising, distribution, sales, direct marketing, plan-ning, budgeting, strategy, and more. Plus, it includes a four-week work place-ment to give you the practical experience that employers demand. Prepare for management roles in the exciting world of advertising, promotion, public rela-tions and brand marketing.

Public Administration. This is the only program of its kind in Canada. It provides all of the knowledge, skills and experience graduates need to start successful public service careers. In three semesters you will receive advanced training in communications, policy analysis, project management, information technolo-gy, public finance, governance, leadership and human resources management. These studies are anchored by an eight-week work placement program.

Human Resources Management. Humber’s Human Resources Management program prepares graduates for careers that link organizations to their most important assets – their people. It covers all the bases in this diverse field, in-cluding: recruitment and selection, compensation, training and development, pensions and benefits, health and safety, and labour relations. And it includes a four-week work placement. Plus, it is accredited by the Human Resources Pro-fessional Association (HRPA) and prepares graduates for their Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation.

NEW! Event Management. This is one of the most comprehensive event management programs available. You will learn to develop, coordinate and manage events, sites and facilities; implement financial initiatives, program events, and apply marketing, human resources, operations and business man-agement principles. Additionally, you will gain hands-on experience in event management practices such as planning, design, marketing, sponsorship, budgeting, risk management, evaluation and much more. Plus, it includes a four-week work placement to give you practical experience.

Humber’s postgraduate business programs are offered in the intimate setting of the Lakeshore Campus, which is a study in contrasts. The surroundings have retained the Old World charm of 19th Century buildings, but they have also been updated to boast the latest advances in electronic classrooms and com-puter labs. There are also a fitness centre, student centre, cafeteria, coffee shops and performance spaces that will further enhance your experience. In addition to holding postgraduate degrees, The Business School’s instructors are actively working in the fields that are associated with their classes, bringing a real-world relevance to your studies. They all know the business skills that graduates will require in the workplace. Humber graduates know the value of the skills that are developed through The Business School. After all, they use them every day.

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All of Humber’s Postgraduate Business Certificates prepare degree holders from any academic disciple for management and business careers. They all emphasize practical skills and knowledge and feature a work placement to make you career ready as soon as possible. Most are delivered in less than a year. Postgraduate studies at The Business School at Humber include:

Financial Planning. This program provides a pathway to lucrative careers in financial planning. It prepares you for the exams required to obtain the Certi-fied Financial Planner (CFP) designation, and to become licensed to sell stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and a variety of insurance products. And its four-week work placement will help you to connect with the financial heart of Canada.

Global Business Management. The Global Business Management program prepares you for a wide choice of careers and gives you the time to decide which is best for you. Besides providing you with knowledge and skills in virtually all of the major functional areas of business, this program covers skills every business wants in every manager: leadership, communications, numeracy, creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork. Two flexible work placements – one in each year – give you the hands-on practical experience that employers desire.

International Development. This program is designed for people who want to see the world and make a difference within it. It gives you the skills and knowl-edge required to coordinate and manage international socio-economic devel-opment projects and humanitarian and disaster relief initiatives. And features an eight-week work placement that often takes place overseas.

International Marketing. This unique program applies the concepts that drive successful product development, advertising, promotion and distribution to the arena of international businesses in Canada and around the world. It incorpo-rates a four-week work placement that gives you the opportunity to gain valu-able work experience with international companies located throughout the GTA.

Marketing Management. Humber’s Marketing Management program is one of the most comprehensive available. It covers all of the key areas: branding,

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by Ingrid Phaneuf

Consider carefully… You’ve decided to continue your education after you graduate, but you’re not sure where. No wonder – the number of programs out there is enough to make any-one lose focus. If your chosen field requires you to ob-tain a graduate degree in order to continue, your decision is fairly straightforward and comes down to comparing university programs. But if you don’t necessarily need to have a post-graduate education to get work in your field, you should be asking yourself some tough questions be-fore starting your application process.


where do you want to go to school?The first thing you need to figure out is where you want to live while you study. Factor in fam-ily obligations, cost, and the sacrifices you’re willing to make to pursue your area of interest. Narrowing down the geographical areas you’re willing and able to live in will reduce the num-ber of programs you’ll have to choose from.

what interests you the most?Unlike undergrads, post-graduate students aim to specialize. Business undergrads may want to focus on marketing in grad school, for example; political science majors might want to study the Middle East in depth. Determine your area of specific interest, then compile a list of pro-grams within your chosen geographical areas that fit the bill. By looking at program specifics, as well as the experts available on faculty, your choice should be narrowed down even more.

what degree do you want to earn?When it comes to post-graduate degrees, there are a lot of options. Universities usually offer both master’s and doctorates. A master’s degree is often more practical in nature, often research-based. A doctorate is more intellectual in nature, and allows students to delve into the theory and philosophy behind their field of study. These two types of degrees also provide different ca-reer opportunities, depending on the field of study and your desired end-result career. When it comes to deciding which degree to earn, knowing what you want to do with it makes all the difference. Researching your options takes time, but it’s better to do it now than find out later you’ve made decisions that don’t take your fundamental needs and goals into account. By strategically planning your education, you’ll avoid major reversals down the road.

college or uni-versity learn-ing?University can help you get master’s and doc-torates essential for fields like law, engineering, medicine, science, and even business man-agement. Programs generally range in length from three to five years, but medical studies can last a decade. Universities provide theory-based learning, so students should be prepared to write research papers, exams, and possibly complete a thesis.

Colleges offer one and two year programs and tend to be more hands-on in learning style. Many college programs will expose you to a work environment immediately via an intern-ship or co-op placement, or by reproducing the work environment in the classroom. Courses range in length from two months to two years, resulting in certificates or diplomas. At some industry-specific schools, however, you may be able to earn a master’s degree.

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by Amanda Chajes

Having nearly completed her bachelor’s degree in women’s studies and psychology from the University of Western Ontario, Marissa Daniels was determined to stay in academia after her spring convocation. She planned on pursuing a master’s program, but was pulled in too many directions. “I’d been accepted by several schools in Canada, as well as in England, and I didn’t know which one to choose.”

When it comes to decision time, sorting through your options can get pretty stressful. A good ‘ol game of eeny, meeny, miny, moe could work, but you wouldn’t be doing yourself any justice.

One aspect that should play a role in your deci-sion is education diversity, explains Linda Cicuta, a career advisor at McGill University. “It’s recom-mended to change schools so you can diversify your learning experience. Our professors tell un-dergrads to go to another school to get their next degree(s) because each student has different

eeny meeny miny moe, to which grad school do i go?

goals and there are programs that could match them better at other institutions,” says Cicuta.

Leaving familiar soils is exactly what Daniels decided to do. She opted for a Master’s of Wom-en’s Studies at York University, embracing the new surroundings and change of pace.

“I am really happy to be in the new environ-ment. I think for people in women’s studies, or the arts in general, it’s really important to gain new perspective, and going to York has done that.”

Since master’s programs are more tapered in fo-cus, you should determine whether a program’s particular direction is compatible with your area of interest. Karen Carrel Rice, team facili-tator and career counsellor at the University of Toronto says it’s important to analyze before you come to a conclusion.

“I tell students to create some sort of criteria as to what they are looking for from their graduate program,” she says. “They need to decide if the par-ticular program is speaking to what they’re looking for, and to make sure they’re finding the best fit.”

In addition to researching program curriculum, you have to research its professors. In most cases, master’s students will be working one-on-one with their thesis/research advisor, and so identifying a professor whose area of expertise compliments yours is pivotal. This doesn’t just mean attending the interview; you need to do a little more investigating.

“You can’t know if you’re truly compatible with an advisor until you actually start working with him/her,” Rice explains, “so speak to grad students who have already, to get a better sense of his/her style.” This, she stresses, could not be more crucial, since a poor student-advisor rela-tionship could stand to hinder your research, and your experience as a graduate student.

Campus environment should also be carefully considered during the decision making process. If you’re tempted to stay up late partying, in-stead of doing work, then you should probably veer away from those schools known for their reckless social scenes.

Class size is also key, since some people respond better to intimate settings and smaller numbers, while others will prefer the bigger lecture halls. “I am really happy with the smaller class sizes,” says Daniels. “They are discussion based, rather than lecture based, which gives me a better op-portunity to learn from my peers, and to really be noticed by my professors.”

If the decision isn’t clear enough, don’t hesi-tate to seek the help of campus career advisors. Among their many talents, career councilors are the ultimate third party. “If for no other reason,” Rice says, “students can see an advisor because they are an objective perspective, which is great when students are really feeling the opinions and pressures of their family, and people with vested interests.”

Since going to York, Daniels has remained active in the academic circle and has been able to fur-ther explore her focus. She has also remained in regular connection with her undergraduate fac-ulty, as she values their opinions and guidance. “Ultimately it was the right decision. I really enjoy the people, and my professors, and that is key for me in completing this degree.”


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by Mark Kay

Post graduation, dur-ing winter break, or in the summers between terms, Ca-nadian students scat-ter themselves across the Earth. But these aren’t students seek-ing the latest vaca-tion opportunities. Rather, these are

career minded job seekers travelling outwards to work at an internship abroad. They seek the benefits such work will bring them, the unique experiences available nowhere else, the new skills and unexpected lessons, and the stand out entry on their résumé.

Survivor Student, Season 1

Naomi (name altered on request) is one of those seekers, a former medical student at McMaster University, who traveled to rural northern India with a group of physicians. As part of the work done by the Himalayan Health Exchange, she traveled between villages and refugee camps, providing medical care to people in remote re-gions. During that time, she slept in a sleeping bag on the bare earth, drank water that had to be boiled, and “really missed having a bathroom”, as she put it delicately. But she wouldn’t have had it any other way. “I enjoy the idea of providing volunteer medical care for people at risk, any-where.” For her, the work illuminated the path before her as a physician.

Unique

experiences,

new skills, and

unexpected

lessons:

internships

abroad.

l

“There was a 17-year-old boy suffering the ef-fects of meningitis and tuberculosis. He re-quired more care than our medical team could provide, he was sent to the closest medical cen-ter seven hours away. The other doctors later said that cases such as his had deterred them from pediatrics. I realized then that cases such as his, doing whatever I can for people like him, are the very reason I am compelled to do pedi-atrics,” says Naomi.

A Global Résumé and The Big Draw

There are reasons besides spiritual and profes-sional revelation to seek work experiences like these. Tasleem Hudani, the Get Experience Co-ordinator at the University of Toronto career centre notes some very practical benefits. “Any kind of international experience is very attrac-tive on a résumé. It stands out in showing an employer the flexibility to adapt to new envi-ronments,” says Hudani. She adds that for any-one looking for regular employment far afield, internships like these show an employer a stu-dent already has experience living abroad.

Hudani explains that the other big draw of these internships is, contrary to expectations, their ease on a student’s schedule compared to opportuni-ties at home. “Because they’re often short term, you can take part in one over the summer, or use it as a co-op during the year.” Hudani prais-es how often out-of-country internships “fit in nicely” with a student’s time demands. “They’re often targeted to students over working profes-sionals, and made more accessible,” says Hudani.

Elements of Preparation

The biggest hurdles for students wanting to reap the benefits of an internship in the wider world are finding one in the first place, the preparation to get there, and being ready for the problems that might arise on their trip. Naomi found her internship through the McMaster student elec-tive database. “I was told about it during some voluntary career sessions I attended. They were advertised over the student forums, where the electives were discussed,” says Naomi. She spent a fair bit of time searching the database for op-tions that interested her, and backed that up by getting commentary from fellow students on them through her school forums.

“It was a lot of paperwork,” says Naomi, of an experience that moved her between local travel health clinics, wilderness outfitting stores, and contact with the Indian consulate to get her visa. “Finances were the biggest barrier,” says Naomi, who paid the three thousand dollars in total ex-penses out of her bursary money.

Funding these trips can be an issue, but “it’s not a bleak situation for creative students.” OSAP money can cover summer educational experi-ences while a student is still enrolled, and many universities have travel funds that provide sup-port. Hudani stresses that kind of contact with a student’s college or university as a key element of preparation. Career center counsellors and co-ordinators are there to help.

It’s worth taking that care for students like Naomi. “It was a fantastic way to connect with the world around me, to put myself outside my comfort zone and grow as a person.”

edu-ma-cation


by Austin Bahadur

In fields like medi-cine or engineering, gaining a profes-sional education traditionally means years of specializa-tion, during which students hold on to the hope that there will be an appro-priately specialized job at the end of the tunnel. This kind of training can make

you invaluable, yes, but can also mean that dur-ing an economic crunch (like, say, the last few years) you might be left with an unparalleled skill-set... that nobody needs. Additionally, ser-vices such as Google and YouTube surround us on a daily basis with samples of knowledge that simply cannot be covered by a single area of study, and many industries are now demanding that new hires have an educational mix. Being able to receive this kind of global education and graduate within a decade is where interdisciplin-ary Master’s and PhD programs come in.

Such diverse interests and demands might seem like a modern consequence of our data-saturated lifestyles, but the programs catering to it have existed for decades, from the University of Brit-ish Columbia’s (UBC) 40-year-old Interdisci-plinary Graduate Studies Program (IGSP) to the Interdisciplinary PhD started at Dalhousie in 1984. The roots of several faculties now taken for granted, such as Women’s/Gender Studies or International Development, lie in early forays

edu-ma-cation

Going into

post-grad doesn’t

have to mean

narrowing your

interests. A look at

the programs that

let you design the

curriculum you

want to learn.

into interdisciplinary programs, and it’s these combinations of fields that often form the ba-sis of innovative research in emerging areas like Biotechnology and Education.

As the oldest program in Canada for post-grad-uate interdisciplinary learning, the IGSP at UBC serves as an excellent model of the opportuni-ties to be found for academics and at institutions alike. “Students in our program take courses at 35 different departments across university,” explains Hillel Goelman, chair of UBC’s inter-disciplinary program, “[But] there are a couple of cluster areas of interest — the medical and health sciences, students who cross between the sciences and social sciences [such as] envi-ronmental issues or aboriginal issues, or the area of medical inquiry, [covering topics like] neuro-ethics or neurology and addiction.” These rep-resent just a small selection of hybrid research degrees offered by universities across Canada, and enrollment in interdisciplinary programs have increased every year as more institutions and students recognize the value of this kind of comprehensive approach to higher education.

Perhaps the best way to summarize this trend in thinking is through the University of Toronto’s stated mission for its new Master’s of Global Affairs, one of several post-grad ‘Collaborative Program’ degrees that they offer: “Today, to become global leaders, students need not only the core functional disciplines that professional schools offer, but also a deep understanding of the broader architecture of global society and the forces that shape it.” In other words, looking beyond the scope of a single program or even a single faculty is the key to success in an increas-ingly global economy.

Heather Kelly, the director of student services for U of T’s School of Graduate studies, goes on to describe the increasingly mainstream nature of ‘interdisciplinarity’, and how it has become incorporated into even the most traditionally structured of programs since, as she says, “without disciplinarity there’s no interdisciplinarity.” The ability to custom-tailor a post-graduate degree to individual needs and interests is garnering atten-tion from more than just students and innovative educators, as well. Earlier this year, the Canadian government launched the Collaborative Research and Training Experience (CREATE) Program. Designed to stimulate “collaborative and inte-grative approaches” as well as interdisciplinary research at the various intersections between the social and applied sciences, the $32 million investment is a sign of just how critical — and valuable — this approach to education can be.

Although the majority of students in these pro-grams are doctoral candidates, most are return-ing to their studies from a range of backgrounds as diverse as the courses they choose. “We attract a fair number of international students,” adds Goelman, mentioning that some of UBC’s stu-dents have worked for organizations such as the World Bank and UNICEF. “They come back to school because their professional experience has led them to certain research questions.” Wheth-er freshly minted undergraduates or workers who’ve had years in the field, these students share a vision of an integrated approach to both studying and working — a vision that seems to be in line with the emerging shape of the global economy by providing grads with knowledge that’s, well, globally applicable.

=


by Andrew Williams

As online courses be-come more relevant each year, a handful of post-secondary institutions have taken the prestigious Master’s degree and uploaded it to the online medium. But with the university environment known

to be a space for culture and building connec-tions, can you still obtain the social and network-ing experience employers are looking for?

In 1994, Athabasca University began their Ex-ecutive MBA program completely online. Flash forward a decade to late 2004, when the Univer-sity of British Columbia (UBC) began offering an online Master’s degree of its own, providing courses in rehabilitation sciences. UBC is bridg-ing the gap between institutions and offers the online MRSc program jointly with McMaster University in Ontario.

Karen Hurtubise graduated from UBC’s online rehabilitation science program. “I choose the online masters because I didn’t have access to the area [of study] I wanted to explore,” she ex-plains. “It allowed me to access courses which I didn’t have the opportunity to do locally.” The program also allowed Hurtubise to work full time during her studies and move from New-foundland to Calgary, without having to transfer any of her credits.

Nevertheless, concerns about whether such a degree would even be taken seriously aren’t un-

Universities are a

space for cultures

and building

relationships, but

what happens

when that univer-

sity is online?

usual. “When Sue Stanton started talking about developing the program, they looked at her like she was from Mars,” says Mary Clark, an instruc-tor in UBC’s MRSc program, describing the ori-gins of the online Master’s idea at the university. However, Clark explains that inviting employers to get involved in the program and participate in the process was key to establishing the program and its credibility. “Employers are seeing that they don’t even have to wait until the [thesis] is done,” says Clark. “They’re seeing the benefit with each course.”

As it turns out, many employers don’t fuss over how you got your degree (provided it’s from an accredited institution) but are more interested in what you have to offer. “We focus our hiring de-cisions on the individual and the attributes that they bring,” says Eric Appleyard, who oversees corporate recruitment and university relations for TD Bank Group. “We’re not as concerned as to where they got their degree from, whether it be online or in a traditional manner. It’s more in terms of their experiences, their knowledge, skills, and their abilities.”

In addition, any disparities in the quality or value of education appear to be negligible. “We haven’t noticed any difference in terms of the quality of work or any of the interpersonal skills,” says Ap-pleyard. “Again, we screen for people who can make an impact, work effectively in teams, live transparently, and show excellent judgment.”

The university experience is celebrated for its opportunities to connect with others. Some might wonder if this is still possible when lim-ited to virtual relationships. Hurtubise, how-ever, boasts that she managed to network more through the online format, building a stronger

connection with her online Master’s group than that of her undergrad. “Because the class size varied significantly, as well as where the indi-viduals were from and what their backgrounds were, it allowed a huge opportunity to network with people from across Canada and around the world,” she explains. She also notes that there are a number of events, including graduation, where you would get a chance to meet your peers face-to-face.

Although Master’s degrees tend to be theory based, employers may also look at the practi-cal applications of the knowledge that students gain. In fact, UBC’s MRSc program emphasizes these workplace applications. Students not only work closely with instructors from all over the world, but also professionals and employers in the industry who eventually assess the students’ final project or thesis. “Our target is people who are really passionate about practice,” says Clark.

Could this be a direction higher education is heading? Appleyard maintains that a student’s success comes down to what she’s trying to get out of the program, rather than the form her ed-ucation takes. “Choice is great for learners,” adds Appleyard. “The more choices candidates have, the better they’re able to choose the program that reflects what they need.”

For now, it appears we don’t need to look for-ward to a day when we’re old and rambling on about lecture halls and chalkboards. The class-room will always be an integral part of learning, but cyberspace will be as familiar in the learning environment as the projector used to be.

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to enter the master’s program. “A lot of people come from psychology, political science or wom-en’s studies backgrounds, or even other profes-sions, such as law, nursing or teaching,” observes Andrea Litvack, director of the Master’s of So-cial Work program at the University of Toronto. “The first year of our two year master’s program is generic, introducing students to various sub-jects that are important. By the end of the first year, however, the playing field is pretty level. Those with a Bachelor’s in Social Work enter the second year of the program.”

One of the differences between obtaining a mas-ter’s and a bachelor’s in social work is the ques-tion of focus. “The bachelor’s is a generalist de-gree that prepares students to work in a variety of settings, while the master’s is characterized by particular areas of specialization,” says Sandys. “The master’s curriculum includes theories, poli-cies and practices relevant to a student’s major area of social work practice.” This is also the case at the University of Toronto. “Our master’s of-fers a specialized understanding of social work,” explains Litvack. “For example, if you choose to pursue a specialization in mental health, you’ll have a much better grasp of issues, work and re-search in that area.” It’s not all theory, however, as Social Work is one of the more applied areas of the social sciences. “At Ryerson, our master’s program includes 450 hours of field experience,” confirms Sandys.

As far as preparing to undertake a master’s, there are some important things to keep in mind. “It’s an intellectually demanding degree, so the best way to prepare is through diligent work at the undergrad level,” Sandys advises. “Students

should develop skills in critical analysis and re-flective practice, and good, clear writing skills are a major asset. Also, experience working with diverse populations is a must — the more, the better.”

A master’s degree can be a valuable asset for recent graduates and experienced social work-ers alike. “It enhances one’s employability in the short run,” says Sandys, “and increases the like-lihood of moving into supervisory roles in the future.” Of course, the decision to pursue further education should always be subject to a person’s view of the big picture. “I think it’s important to have a clear understanding of what social work is, and why a student is choosing social work as a career, as opposed to law, sociology or another related field,” says Litvack.

A person’s academic and practical background should also factor into the decision. “Consider whether you’ve had a solid enough experiential background to get the benefit from advanced study,” cautions Sandys. “Students need to have a solid understanding of the societal factors that lead to the marginalization of certain groups within society, and be deeply committed to is-sues of social justice and equity.” This commit-ment is important, as the stakes are high and the road is long. “I would urge prospective students to consider whether they’re up to the diffi-cult but rewarding task of working to promote change,” continues Sandys, “even if it requires years of dedicated effort.”

by Andrew Williams

As the backbone of the Canadian social infrastructure, social workers are on the front lines, offering key services to peo-ple at risk. It can be a demanding line of work, and preparing

to face the challenges that arise on the job takes a lot of mental and emotional stamina. Univer-sity degrees in social work give a student the necessary skills, and the theoretical and practi-cal background necessary to grapple with real-world problems. But knowing how far to pursue education to achieve one’s career goals can be a dilemma in itself. If ‘Master’s or Bachelor’s?’ is a burning question in your mind when consider-ing your career in social work, read on!

It’s important to note that policies and programs differ from school to school in Canada, or even in Ontario alone. “At Ryerson, we offer a one year Master’s program to those who’ve completed a Bachelor’s in Social Work,” says Judith Sandys, interim director of the School of Social Work at the university. When screening applicants for the program, there are some important factors that come into play. “We look for students who have demonstrated a high academic achievement in the Bachelor’s program,” she continues. “Also, ideally, people with substantial social work ex-perience.” At some universities, however, it’s not necessary to have a Bachelor’s in Social Work

#A Master’s in

Social Work may

offer a chance for

specialization,

but what are its

applications?

edu-ma-cation

27

by Andrew Williams

At the moment, our species seems to be outgrowing this world at tremendous costs. The villainous Agent Smith from The Matrix films put it best by dis-tinguishing humans from other mam-mals, arguing that

we don’t live in equilibrium with the environ-ment. “We are a cancer,” he says. Sustainability as a practice, seeks to prove him wrong by finding ways to restore harmony between planet Earth and human civilization.

Sustainability blends environmentalism, eco-nomics, and sociology to confront issues con-cerning conservation, industry, and prosperity. As land and resources begin to deplete, there’s increasing pressure for corporations, govern-ments, and people to find ways to cope with these changes. This alone opens various career paths that you can take, and some schools have taken that extra step to offer complete stud-ies focusing on this field. Peterborough’s Trent University, for instance, offers a Master’s of Arts in sustainability studies. Their curriculum looks at innovation in technology and policy, but also places emphasis on economic and social impli-cations that may affect businesses and other institutions. London’s University of Western Ontario (UWO) also has a Master’s in Envi-ronment and Sustainability degree. Within this program are courses involving engineering, con-sulting projects, and examining the relationship

With Captain

Planet long since

retired, graduate

programs in

sustainability are

continuing where

he left off.

xbetween the health of a population (including humans) and its ecosystem.

The University of British Columbia (UBC) has a number of graduate programs that deal with the different aspects of sustainability from for-estry to mining. From a technological and energy perspective, their Master’s of Engineering and Clean Energy program aims to reduce environ-mental impacts. At the same time, the university provides an MBA for sustainability and business. This program examines responsibilities that business leaders have towards both the economy and the environment.

According to Dr. Eric Mazzi, an instructor at UBC’s Clean Energy Research Centre (CERC), the Master’s of Engineering and Clean Energy program takes in about 24 students each year. “We focus on the energy aspects of sustain-ability,” says Mazzi. “Sustainability is important because our use of energy and other resources extracted from our planet is at a rate that’s not considered to be something we can continue in-definitely.” He explains that sustainability is also important because even if we don’t exhaust our resources, the impact of such prolonged use on the environment can still have unpleasant re-sults, such as the atmosphere losing its capacity to assimilate chemicals.

Mazzi stresses that students should have respect for all disciplines and all fields of study, whether it’s engineering or the social sciences. Although it’s nice for professionals to specialize in one discipline, it’s also important to appreciate and be willing to work with those in other fields, since sustainability encompasses so many areas. “[Politics] is certainly a critical area,” he points out. “The policies have a big role to play, perhaps a bigger role than specific

technologies. A healthy respect for politics and public policy making is essential.”

In terms of careers, there are many areas available. For engineering, Mazzi explains how students aren’t only looking into energy management for schools and government institutions, but are also consulting positions with industrial operations, and various enterprises in alternative energy. Co-op programs may have students work in consult-ing firms, pulp mills, energy technology companies, including software, and government agencies.

By its nature, sustainability is interdisciplinary. Along with required core courses, students may be encouraged to take electives in architecture, policy, and economics. “Some students take com-merce courses for electives,” says Mazzi describ-ing the UBC program. “It’s not just the technical aspects of engineering, it’s the cost aspects.”

These programs aim to provide students with enough in-depth knowledge and fundamental training so they can enter the real world and find solutions to environmental issues themselves, even the complex ones that have different view points. “People have different attitudes and different pri-orities,” says Mazzi, “so we strive to help students appreciate the full spectrum of the challenge be-fore us and give practical tools to get started.”

Nevertheless, all the sustainability programs or miracle technologies wouldn’t be enough to make a significant difference. Real change be-gins with how we live. “It’s a multifaceted thing,” says Mazzi. “Keep the options open and keep promoting newer technology; but at the same time, it’s important to make better use of the resources we have.”

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It’s undeniable that a graduate qualification can deepen your knowledge of a subject and better equip you for the open job market. For many, this next step in their education is taken from the com-fort of their own country, province, or even town; however, for a growing number of students, a plane ride and a passport is needed to reach their campus of choice. We’re of course talking about graduate schools abroad.

LOST IN TRANSLATIONSo you love pasta and good wine but can’t speak Italian. You think Strasbourg is a city of global lead-ership but you can’t speak French. How much of a language barrier would you face in your ideal gradu-ate school abroad?

Harriet Scales is a second-year student, studying a Masters in Management, at ESCP Europe in Paris. While, her first language is English, following the completion of her undergraduate degree in the UK, she has studied in both France and Germany. While Harriet did learn some French during her under-graduate degree, she maintains that “I learnt more French in the first 2 weeks of my Masters in France, than I did in 2 months studying French in the UK. The only way to really learn a language is to go live in the country.”

If you really have no experience with a language, many graduate schools, including ESCP Europe, of-fer a multitude of programs in English. The world is getting smaller and consequently, educational in-stitutes are adapting to attract graduates for more internationally focused careers.

By taking advantage of these foreign school pro-grams — immersing yourself in a different culture and learning another language — you will become a much more desirable candidate for employers op-erating on a globalized scale. Harriet for instance, already has an offer to work for consumer giant Proctor and Gamble following her graduation.

APPLYING YOURSELFWith graduate schools increased interest in advancing their international appeal, many schools have simpli-fied their application process, making it easier for in-ternational students to apply. If you’re unsure of how your current North American qualifications compare abroad, simply check with the potential graduate school, or review The Times Higher Education Rank-ings, published annually.

Where entrance exams or language proficiency tests are required, many schools offer these exams at affiliate campuses, closer to the applicant’s home. Harriet notes that she “completed her ESCP appli-cation online, before sitting the entrance exam at their London campus.”

PREPARATION & PLANNINGSo you’ve picked your dream school, you’ve applied and been accepted; what next? Aside from book-ing travel and actually getting to your new campus, there are a few things that you should prepare, before saying “Bon Voyage!” to your home soil. Of your many priorities, finance and visas should be at the top of your list.

Generally, adequate funding is a student visa stipula-tion and so, financing your study should be one of the very first things to arrange. Once you have evidence of your funding and an offer of acceptance from your chosen school, you are then able to begin the visa process. Bear in mind that the procedures for obtaining a study visa permit vary from country to country; however, your graduate school will be more than willing to assist you through the application. The whole process may take some time and conse-quently, until your visa is secured, it’s recommended that you do not make any travel arrangements.

If you find that your Euros aren’t stretching as far as you thought, some student visas do allow for you to undertake part-time employment whilst study-ing. Yes, part-time work is a great way of absorbing more foreign culture and work ethics, but before accepting any employment, it’s very important to check your visa conditions for any limitations.

Harriet began her graduate school preparation by thoroughly researching the country online and joining Facebook groups with other new students. “There’s lots of information on the internet to get you prepared before you arrive but, even so, I still arrived two weeks early to get all of the administra-tive stuff organized.”

TOUCHDOWNEventually, all of your preparation and planning will pay off and with any luck, you’ll be hauling your luggage up a cobblestone street with a name you cannot pronounce. Thankfully, most graduate schools offer guaranteed accommodation to inter-national students, meaning that you and your lug-gage will have somewhere to go.

Your accommodation will undoubtedly be a melt-ing pot of people from different cultures. As Har-riet points out “You don’t just meet people from the country you’re visiting, you meet like-minded people who have also decided to study abroad.” From a net-working perspective, she’s gained confidence, and now knows people from every corner of the globe.

It’s clear that studying abroad is a liberating ex-perience. Abandoning your comfort zone and tak-ing on new challenges will evolve your character, change your perspectives and boost your employ-ability. That said, in a long-haired hippie sense, who wouldn’t want to be a citizen of the world?

Grad School abroad: What you need, What to expect, and What you Should prepare for.

by Emma Jones

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A Reputation for ExcellenceFounded in 1978, Ross University is a provider of medical and veterinary education offering Doctor of Medicine and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree programs, and is committed to ensuring our students have the foundation they need to pursue a successful career in human and animal medicine. Overall, the University has graduated more than 11,000 success-ful physicians and veterinarians who are practicing in the US and Canada.

Ross University School of MedicineLocated in Dominica, Ross University School of Medicine (RUSM) places more graduates into US residencies than any other medical school in the world. Accredited by the Dominica Medical Board and the Caribbean Ac-creditation Authority for Education in Medicine and other Health Profes-sions, RUSM is affiliated with more than 70 teaching hospitals in the Unit-ed States. This extensive network of affiliations makes it possible for our students to receive a comprehensive learning experience while complet-ing their clinical rotations in the US. Recruited from medical institutions around the world, virtually all RUSM faculty hold MD, PhD or equivalent

degrees. Students choose RUSM because of our faculty, curriculum, techno-logically advanced campus and because of our reputation for providing the education that enables our students to pass their Canadian and US licensing exams and obtain excellent residencies.

Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine Located in St. Kitts, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM) is accredited by the St. Christopher & Nevis Accreditation Board, Ministry of Education to confer the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, and is the first Caribbean veterinary school to receive American Veterinary Medical Associa-tion Council on Education (AVMA-COE) accreditation. In addition, RUSVM is affiliated with 22 Schools of Veterinary Medicine in the US where students complete their clinical year. Mastering the art and science of veterinary medi-cine requires the dedicated attention of experienced faculty. Currently, there are over 60 full-time faculty at RUSVM, virtually all of whom hold a DVM de-gree. In addition, many also hold a PhD degree in the biological sciences and/or are board certified in one or more clinical specialties. RUSVM offers a vari-ety of opportunities and experiences for students to broaden their education through externships, preceptorships, and hands-on research opportunities. Students who enroll in the program have the opportunity to work with, and learn from, basic science and clinical faculty recognized for their commit-ment to student education and advancing veterinary knowledge.

Ross University operates on a three-semester schedule, allowing students to start in September, January or May, and has administrative offices in North Brunswick, NJ. Eligible Canadian students have various options available to them in order to finance their education, and can apply for provincial loans, private loans with US co-signers, and educational lines of credit to fund their studies.

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law school

laneby Caroline George

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PreparationThe most important question on many student’s minds: What does it actually take to get into law school? “Don’t be intimidated about not having a traditional law back-ground,” affirms Kaila Mikkelsen, assistant dean to stu-dents at the University of British Columbia Law School “Student have backgrounds in music, fine arts and engi-neering. There is not a single category of (particular) stu-dents that are situated for law school, but there are many similar characteristics that they share,” she says. “Students attracted to law school want to see both sides of an argu-ment and are fascinated on why laws are governed.”

“Don’t be intimidated by the prospect of going. Instead focus on why you want to go. Seriously, study the ap-plications process for each school you are considering,” says Vivien Hoang, a law student at York University’s Osgoode Hall Law School. “Schools vary their weight-ings on everything from the personal essay to grade point average and the LSAT,” she says of the standardized test law schools require candidates to take to complete the application process. “You need to show you’re interested and need to be honest about why you’re applying.”

“It isn’t just about the numbers,” says David Townsend, interim Dean of Law at the University of New Brunswick, about the ratio of applicants to admitted students. “Many law schools require a personal statement and they have a discretionary category. There is quite a bit of discretion in

the admissions com-mittee as to whether they make an offer [of acceptance].”

“Do your homework and accept this as a serious challenge,” says Townsend about the application process. “We still see lots of students whose appli-cation arrives on the last day of deadline and the application appears hurried. To have a competitive package of material, start early, investigate the law school pro-grams and especially the admissions poli-cies,” he says, which

differ markedly across Canada. The value of extracur-ricular activities, grades, and even “false starts” because of poor grades during your undergraduate career, can impact your acceptance as well, explains Townsend. The challenge of getting in, he says, is often reliant on the ap-

plication package and the presentation of a candidate’s material. “Approach somebody early and think if they are a good candidate that will write a worthy reference…there are very small differences between the numbers in files of those admitted or on the waiting list.”

Reality versus Fiction“I didn’t know what to expect going in,” says Hoang. She says the reality of law school is far different from what you picture in the movies. “You see horror stories of sabotage and overzealous competitive students, but it’s not like that at all,” she says. “In fact it’s the oppo-site. There is a very strong sense of mentorship.” There is always someone available for guidance, explains Hoang who notes first-year students at Osgoode are placed with a mentor and also sorted into groups of classmates which they continue to work and study with throughout the year. However, “there is a lot of reading… it can be a lot to take in,” she says about the rigorous homework which includes reading the equivalent of a John Grisham novel nightly and mandatory extracurricular activities. “There is a big emphasis on participating in social events. You want to maintain a good balance between your personal life and the classroom,” she says of the varied public in-terest courses and volunteering hours Osgoode students require in order to graduate.

“The workload is heavier than an undergraduate degree, but not unmanageable,” says Mikkelsen. “Students be-come immersed in the experience and are in class almost daily, but there are many opportunities to participate in social activities.” However, there are times of stress. “It can be very difficult and stressful and you need some-thing to sustain you,” notes Townsend. “I remember what I didn’t know and what I needed to know as a student,” says Townsend. “I had to adjust to the amount of work and the difficulty… [now] as a teacher I try to get my students to think and bring some levity into my teaching.”

From the admissions process to your first year, law school can be an exciting challenge. Deciding to attend is not an easy decision to make, but the chance to succeed is there according to Mikkelsen. “No matter what your background, you have the opportunity for success in law school.”

www.queensu.ca/sgs

CREATE AN IMPACT

If you’re in the right place, one idea – your idea – can have a profound impact in far-reaching and unexpected places.

Set your ideas in motion.With 100+ programs to choose from,consider graduate studies at Queen’s.

What happens wheninspiration strikes?


by Eleni Papavasiliou

Lifelong learning is our future. Gone are the days when Canada’s workforce stayed in one job, at one company, for their entire working lives. According to Statistics Canada, 65 per-cent of jobs in the future will require post-secondary education. TD Economics suggests Canadian workers need to commit to further education to stay ahead of global changes and be prepared for the types of jobs the future will bring, “the world economy is shifting at blinding speed with emerging economies com-prising a growing share of the world economy.” As North America moves away from manufac-turing towards a service based economy, higher education will help Canadians manage future prospects. As a result, universities across the country are providing programs to bridge cur-rent workers for future changes.

Learn To Fly

Which MBA is right for ME?

Students can choose an MBA program on either a full- or part-time basis, online or in a class-room, or in a hybrid format. To offer further specialization, students can opt for an MBA, or an Executive MBA (EMBA) program depend-ing on their needs. Shai Dubey, the Director of Queen’s MBA program, explains the difference between the two options by examining the ap-plicant’s stage in their life. EMBA’s, he says, are ideal for those in the advanced stages of their profession because they need to “accelerate their careers.” While those in middle to senior management roles are better suited for MBA programs to “adopt strategic skills and learn about how it works,” he explains. Dubey de-scribes the typical MBA applicant as having less experience, around 29 years of age, and notes that many applicants he sees are usually seeking a career change. In addition, contrary to what some believe, most MBA applicants have di-verse educational backgrounds and do not usu-ally have an undergraduate degree in Business.

Chris Skerik, an Associate at TD Commercial Bank and recent graduate of Athabasca’s MBA program, supports Dubey’s observations. With an undergraduate degree in Political Science, he admits how he wasn’t sure if he would measure up to his new classmates. “Initially, I was inse-cure, but soon realized that it didn’t matter.”

Despite the varying platforms, most MBA pro-grams across the board share a commonality; they are designed for professionals working full-time. Each program bears advantages and disadvantages. “Part-time MBA programs have a low completion rate,” Dubey explains, “be-cause students have challenges staying com-mitted, whereas our cohort programs see 97 percent of our applicants graduating.” He at-tributes the higher success rates to the team work in cohort programs as students support each other when the going gets tough.

Although part-time programs rely more on the individuals’ grasp of self-discipline, they do have advantages for those juggling life’s commitments.


When selecting a school, Skerik avoided pro-grams held on campus and opted for the online program at Athabasca, “Between being a father, a husband, and a full-time bank manager, there was no way I would have time to meet in class. The online option was my key success factor.”

WhAt AM i going to lEArn?

Determining your ROI when committing to graduate work can bring about a lot of anxi-ety, and it’s difficult to define what to expect. “Don’t go in thinking, I’m going to come out with ‘X’,” Dubey explains, because a qual-ity MBA program is “transformational.” Skerik agrees and believes his investment in an MBA was “absolutely worth it.” He shares having un-dergone a “personal change process,” resulting in plans for the second act of his career.

Dubey explains how the academic side is one component, but it’s the soft skills that truly groom students into becoming “the complete package.” The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of the business world, which in-cludes more exposure to diversity at the senior level. At Queen’s, it’s addressed by “educating students on how to handle conflict in a pro-ductive way, to take input from people from diverse backgrounds, and to help people un-derstand that people think differently.”

Dubey further advises applicants to prepare themselves for a different style of learning too. Traditional undergraduate programs use con-ventional professor-led lecturing styles, where-as MBA programs integrate technology in the learning process. Queen’s has a hybrid format, incorporating both residency sessions and con-ference style approaches to remain connected. Dubey has observed how video conferencing has produced a paradigm shift in learning. Rather than facing the instructor, students are facing each other and reading each other’s fa-cial expressions and body language. As a result, networking has become stronger with video conferencing because it encourages people to connect in a different way.

hoW do i gEt in?

“Never say to the interviewer, I have no ques-tions,” Dubey warns. “This is the time to ask the tough questions.” When qualifying ap-plicants, Dubey looks for well-rounded in-dividuals. “The application is really about academic background, whereas interviews are really about fit.” He also recommends review-ing how the school manages their alumni, be-cause “while many applicants think short term, Queen’s thinks long term.”

trEnds in MBA’s

Dubey believes that trends in education reflect trends in the world. “There will be more glo-balization,” he explains, and with North Amer-ica being home to the largest schools, Canada has “real play in the global markets.”

Simon Fraser University’s Segal Graduate School in Vancouver is capitalizing on this trend by rolling out their new Americas MBA for Executives this August in collaboration with three other graduate schools in Brazil, Mexico and the U.S. With every school lever-aging their strengths, Derek Moscato of SFU’s Beedie School of Business believes this pro-gram is ideal for professionals working in “in-dustries where trade is paramount and operate within the parameters of NAFTA.”

In addition to globalization, many universi-ties, including Queen’s, are actively recruiting women. According to TD Economics Special Report, The Changing Canadian Workplace, women are still underrepresented in manage-ment positions. Dubey explains Queen’s suc-cess in increasing female enrollment by ac-tively recruiting them and breaking down the stigma that only men can hold senior roles.

WhAt do EMployErs think of MBA’s?

Allison Guld, director of talent acquisition at Blast Radius, an internationally recognized online marketing firm based in Vancouver, re-veals that some of her senior personnel hold a wide variety of postgraduate degrees including PhD’s in a variety of disciplines. “Higher edu-cation is definitely valued,” she says, explaining that MBA’s are appropriate for positions focus-ing on strategy. In her hiring practices, she be-lieves potential employees should keep in mind that “when weighing degree’s versus prior ex-perience, work experience has credence.” Ran-dall Mountain, Human Resources Counsellor at TD Canada Trust, shares a similar view. “We look for a balance of education, work experi-ence and accreditation for our roles.”

With respect to recruitment, TD Bank Finan-cial Group has a Management Associate Pro-gram operating out of Toronto that actively hires new MBA graduates on campus. When selecting an MBA program, look into the uni-versity’s career centre to see if they help gradu-ates connect with employers, too.

Tuition fees vary across the country and range from as

low as $4000 (Memorial University of Newfoundland) to as high as $65,000 dollars (Queen’s). Executive MBA’s

are priced as high as $100,000 at elite institutions.


UOIT Applied Bioscience graduatestudent Katherine Bygarski (right)examines damaged windshield forforensic evidence with Dr. HeleneLeBlanc, assistant professor, ForensicScience, UOIT Faculty of Science.

While studying at UOIT, you will follow a modern curriculumdesigned to arm you with the skills and experience neededto succeed in advanced roles in high-demand fields.

To help prepare you for your future career, you will:

:: Have access to state-of-the-art research and computingfacilities that house the most advanced and currenttechnology;

:: Be mentored by award-winning faculty, including globallyexperienced academic and industry leaders; and

:: Engage in leading-edge research that impacts society byaddressing issues of regional, national and globalimportance.

UOIT offers more than 20 graduate programs that are bothinnovative and market-driven. Explore our program offeringstoday by visiting www.gradstudies.uoit.ca/explore.

UNIVERSITY OF ONTARIO INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY2000 Simcoe Street North, Oshawa, Ontario L1H 7K4

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It’s common knowledge that in most fields, your earning potential rises with your educa-tion level. But what if you want to take a year off from school to work, travel, or start a fam-ily? The good news is you can fast track your education without necessarily spending the rest of your best years in school.

Investigate joint programsIt used to take up to seven years to earn both a college diploma and a university honours de-gree, but by entering a collaborative or joint pro-gram you can earn both in five years or less, and save money on tuition as well. That’s because students who opt for joint programs get to carry over credits from their ‘sending’ institution to the institution that will be receiving them.

“University students who transfer over to col-lege (or vice-versa) in pursuit of a degree or diploma are saving time by having their credits transferred,” says Susan Thomas, coordinator of

the fast track

degree and credit transfers at Seneca College in Toronto. “They’re also saving money, and that’s a real advantage.”

There are two ways to enter joint programs, explains Thomas. “Some students start out in university and transfer over to college for a di-ploma. Others start out in a college diploma program and transfer over to university.”

Students transferring from college into univer-sity should keep in mind, however, that they will have to meet minimum grade require-ments. Most universities require at least a B average from students coming out of college.

Rest assured your hard work will pay off, says Thomas. That’s because getting both a diploma and a university degree will give you the best of both worlds: a sound education in both practice (college) and theory (university). You won’t just have in-depth knowledge about your area of interest — you’ll also learn the skills you need to rise in your field fast.

Online educationThe upside of distance, or online, education is that you don’t have to roll out of bed at the crack of dawn to attend class, and you don’t have to worry about the commute. Instead, you can sit yourself down in your PJs at your computer in the dead of night, if you so choose. Just make sure you have the willpower and the self-discipline required to make this kind of learning work for you. After all, the online programs offered by many institutions still re-quire that you meet deadlines in order to ac-cumulate the credits your need to graduate. And even though tests are online, you still have to pass them. Assignments are sent to you by professors and certain schools even have live chats, where everyone can log on and discuss a potential project.

Online learning is a great way for students with other responsibilities to stay competitive, says Anne-Marie Vaughan, director of distance education and learning technologies (DELT) at Memorial University in St. John’s. “As careers change, labour markets grow and evolve, and individuals seek advancement, there is a grow-ing need for people to be provided opportu-nities to learn while they earn and live,” says Vaughan. “The end result is providing a sup-portive environment for our learners so that they can balance their busy schedules with the opportunity to learn and grow academically.”

Work while you specializeSome school programs give you credit for your work experience, which means you just may be able to work and earn credits at the same time. For example, a person with work experience in business management can quite literally cash in on his or her experience by pursuing an MBA in an accelerated program. The pay off can range from a promotion to a major raise.

“Most business schools prefer that you’ve been working in the field for at least two years, since it really gives students a perspective of the business and what it takes to manage a success-ful one before pursuing an MBA,” says Michael Darling, program director for the accelerated MBA program at Queen’s University.

As for employers: “They’re just happy the stu-dent is pursuing a higher education that can ul-timately help their company as well. It’s really a win-win situation,” says Darling. “After the program, our students are promoted sooner and they move into higher-than-expected po-sitions.” Which means that after all that school, your career will be on the fast-track too.

by Darlene Morales

® – Unilever Canada Inc. Used under license.

Your next destination

Let the Faculty of Graduate Studies at Brock University take you in a new direction.Our 42 dynamic programs offer you the opportunity to work with some of Canada’s brightest

researchers and faculty members. Stimulate both sides of your brain at Brock – personally and academically– just like graduate student Katie Hemsworth. As part of her MA in Geography, she explored the connectionbetween the use of personal listening devices and the socio-spatial experience of public transit.

The other side of her brain was engaged watching hockey games, playing guitar around bonfires, andlistening to Neil Young.

She’s been going places at Brock. So can you.Apply online today at brocku.ca.

Katie HemsworthBA Geography '07MA Geography '10

213 gradschoolplan july 11_Layout 1 11-08-03 9:47 AM Page 1


many, many very smart, talented and compassionate

people apply to medical school twice (or more) before

they get in. often students initially figure it will be like

every other challenge they have successfully conquered.

But, it’s usually a lot more difficult — even for a super-

smart cookie like you.

so, while i don’t like to encourage the competitive frenzy

i see happening every day among students thinking about

meds, it does make sense to plan ahead.

by Christine Fader

Advice from a Medical School Interviewer

43jobpostings.ca | fall 2011 | Grad School Planning guide

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Christine Fader is a career counsellor and author. She is a former physician recruiter and was a medical school application reader and interviewer for eight years at a Canadian medical school. Visit her website at: www.careercupid.com

Know the basicsThe basic areas you may be assessed on are:

• Cumulativegradepointaverage(GPA)in your undergraduate degree (even if you’re a graduate student)• MedicalCollegeAdmissionTest (MCAT) score (with section and total minimums required)• Autobiographicalsketch/listofactivities or resume detailing work, volunteering, awards, extra-curriculars, etc.• Personalstatement,shortanswerquestions and/or essay• Pre-screeningsituationalquestions(online)• Referenceletters• Interview(MultipleMiniInterviewformat or Panel format)

Not all 14 English schools and 3 French schools use every one of the above pieces of the applica-tion, however, most students sensibly apply to many schools to maximize their chances of get-ting an offer so you will likely encounter most, if not all, of these elements at some point.

Success strategy #1: Keep a file of everything you’ve done since age 16. Balance school with other activities that are meaningful to you. Also, keep a list of contact information for peo-ple who can prove that you actually did these activities as some schools require verifiers.

Undergrad marks are keyYour undergraduate cumulative average is a major part of the application process, so grades below 75% in any year of university might be disastrous to medical school hopefuls. Unrea-sonable? I absolutely agree. But, the reality is that application committees need quantita-tive information to narrow the massive field of applicants down to something even remotely manageable. Your cumulative undergradu-ate GPA and Medical College Admission Test

(MCAT) — if used by the school—are often make-or-break parts of the process and both scores need to be absolutely superb.

Success strategy #2: Choose programs and cours-es you can do well in. Many students who want to be doctors like science and do a science degree, but medical schools don’t require it so choose the program that you can excel in and simply include medical school pre-requisites as part of it. Then, work your hardest from day one of the program.

test it outWhen you apply to medical school, admissions application readers and interview committees will ask you the world’s most annoying ques-tion: Why do you want to be a doctor?

It’s not an easy question to answer. At least, not in a way that is honest and yet memorable relative to all the other applicants who also said, “because I like science and I want to help people” in their essays or interviews.

Those are logical reasons for wanting to be a doc-tor, but, they would also make sense if you were applying to be a nurse, chiropractor, optometrist, genetics counsellor, perfusionist, occupational therapist… well, you get the idea. It’s also im-portant to back up your reasoning with experi-ence so that committees understand HOW you came to know that this is the right job for you.

Success strategy #3: Test out the role of physician by getting as up close as you can. Talk to your physician, physicians you know, or physicians at clinics and hospitals in your area, and ask them about their daily work. Enquire if it’s possible to follow them around for part of a day (job shad-owing) so you can really get a feel for their role. (It’s different than what you did when you vol-unteered at the hospital handing out juice and magazines!) Then, think about how what you learned through these experiences has helped you know that DOCTOR is the right work for you in the future. Suggested reading: “So You Want to Be a Doctor, eh?” by Anne Berndl.

Get the current, real factsApplying to medical school is a long, stressful process during which you’ll hear advice from your aunt who went to med school ten years ago and from your friend who’s in 2nd year meds right now. You’ll wonder whether it’s “better” to do X or Y as you prepare to choose activities, apply and interview. I have lots of experience with med school admissions but I want you to doubt me too. I am still a third-hand source and so are your aunt and your friend. Doubt everyone. Find the facts yourself.

Success strategy #4: To learn about what you need to get into medical school, always go to the source. Trust no information except that which comes from admissions officers at schools that will admit you and take your tu-ition fees. For Ontario, visit www.ouac.on.ca/omsas and for all other provinces, visit each medical school’s website frequently during your degree and re-confirm your facts during the summer of the year you intend to apply.

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by Emily Minthorn

You finish high school, you go to university or college for a while, you try to find a job in your field. New grads these days have been there, done that, and want more — so Canadian colleges are offering it. There’s an amazing array of courses and post-grad programs available across the country, and we’ve picked a few favorites for your perusal. Go out and explore, and don’t forget to send us a postcard when you get there!

Words and LettersCreative class clowns might be interested in the Comedy Writing and Performance diploma program at Humber College in Toronto, ON, where your coursework includes weekly student shows and instruction from established comics. Font geeks will be looking closely at the Ad-vanced Typography continuing education program at Langara College in Vancouver, BC – the only one of its kind in North America. Or, bring your love of language into step with your team spirit at Loyalist College in Bel-leville, ON or Centennial College in Toronto, ON, where they offer a graduate certificate in Sports Journalism.

Wine, Beer, and SongNiagara College, located in Ontario’s very own wine country, offers two programs to tempt the tipsiest of us. Wine lovers can enroll in the Winery and Viticulture Technician program and earn either a diploma or certifi-cate with courses like ‘Sensory Evaluation of Wines’ and ‘History of Wine’, along with lots of biology, chemistry, and horticultural education. The program is conducted at the school’s own teaching winery. Beer barons find their own place at Niagara College in the two-year Brewmas-ter and Brewery Operations Manager diploma program, which is backed by the Ontario Craft Brewers Industry and taught at Canada’s only teaching brewery. The pro-gram covers everything from beer making to marketing to brew pub operations.

With the drinks taken care of, we’ll need some live mu-sic. Keyano College in Fort McMurray, AB offers a truly unique diploma program in Musical Instrument Repair — the only one of its kind in all of North America. Which is good, because between the wine and the beer, some guitars are bound to get smashed.

Planes, Trains, and…Ever wanted to yell out “All aboard!” and really mean it? Railway Conductor certificate programs are available at both SAIT Polytechnic in Calgary, AB and Red River Col-

lege in Winnipeg, MA, and run only 15 weeks. Not bad, considering the amazing hat you’ll get to wear. Council-man Doug would be proud.

If the sky is your limit, look east to Moncton Flight Col-lege in Moncton, NB. While tons of colleges coast to coast offer courses in Aircraft Maintenance and Repair, this school is completely dedicated to getting you in the air.

Your days of living vicariously through Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper could finally come to an end at Grande Prairie Regional College in Fairview, AB. Their Harley-Davidson Technician certificate program is the only au-thorized training centre in Canada for the iconic choppers.

Under the Sea!Swim with the fishes as an Aquaculture Technician at New Brunswick Community College’s one-year certifi-cate program in St. Andrews. Not as Piscean but no less wet and wild, the Underwater Skills certificate at Seneca College in Toronto, ON and Holland College’s Commer-cial Diving program in Summerside, PEI both equip you for construction and salvage operations, offshore drilling, search and rescue operations, and more.

Green is the WordThe Urban Arboriculture certificate from Humber Col-lege in Toronto, ON prepares you for a life in the tree-tops, with emphasis placed on climbing, aerial rescue, rig-ging, and other squirrely arts. And if you’re not so good with heights, the Urban Forestry certificate program at Fleming College in Lindsay, ON focuses on all the “non-climbing” aspects of tree-hugging.

The sustainable energy sector is poised to explode (in a totally carbon-neutral manner of course) so get gone with the wind sooner rather than later. Wind Turbine Techni-cian programs are newly available at Lethbridge College in Lethbridge, AB, St Lawrence College in Kingston, ON, and Holland College in Summerside, PEI.

Courses on HorsesIf you’d like your home to be on the range, consider cow-boy training at Lakeland College in Vermilion, AB. At their Western Ranch and Cow Horse program you’ll spend part of every day working on your horsemanship skills; once you earn your certificate, strut your stuff at the school’s annual working cowboy competition. More horseplay is afoot (ahoof?) at Olds College in Olds, AB, where you can train to become a racetrack groom or exercise rider, a jockey, or a ferrier — that’s the guy who shoes horses, FYI.

UniqUe College CoUrses Take YoU off The BeaTen Career PaTh


between Mississauga and Toronto. “When I got really good at that, I’d try and go a whole week without spending money. I was really frugal.”

Look everywhere for money – even your couch cushions. Every penny you can find means one less penny you have to pay back to the bank. There are an abundance of scholarships, grant programs and on-campus positions to help ease the cost of at-tendance. Don’t assume that available funding is always advertised.

When Candace, 26, got accepted to the mas-ter’s program in epidemiology and biostatistics at McGill University, she chose the school over others that had offered funding. With no infor-mation on assistantships accessible, she decided to email professors directly and inquire about research opportunities. That initiative is how she acquired a $22,500 research job, and the reason why she never had to touch the line of credit she took out.

Look at loans as an invest-ment into your future.However daunting, loans are a necessity for the majority of graduate students. When shopping around for funds, you should pay attention to interest rates and repayment plans. Many banks offer graduate students competitive interest rates while they are in school and for a period after they graduate.

“Money was a bit of a concern, but two things stuck out. One, Rotman (the business school at the University of Toronto) has a guaranteed loan program with a few banks, so it wasn’t like I had to fight for tuition money,” says Julia, 26, who just graduated with an MBA this year. “Two, I was making so little before with a Bach-elor of Arts in Political Science that my income could only go up.”

Like Julia, you should look at your loan as an in-vestment. Even if your grad degree doesn’t help you make more money right away, it will help further down the line. The combination of an advanced degree and a few years of professional experience should make you a winning candi-date for high-profile positions. But you might need to live off of Ramen noodles and Kraft Dinner for a couple of years first.

Prepare a budget. Stick to this bud-get. No, really.Budgeting can be especially difficult for stu-dents. There will always be temptation to be social and engage with friends. Though you shouldn’t cut entertainment out of your life completely — very few prosper when it’s all work and no play — it is crucial to map out a realistic budget.

“I definitely calculated my bills every month and budgeted for entertainment, groceries, gas mon-ey and tried to limit myself,” says Meghan, who received a master’s in international relations from the University of Windsor in 2009. “Instead of going out to eat a lot or going to the bar, we would go for a walk or do something free.”

by Brandon Miller

Graduate school is like undergrad on steroids. It’s more intense, more time-consuming and, more often than not, far less fun. Everything is amplified — from your workload to your extra-curricular responsibilities and, yes, even your fi-nancial obligations. Grad school tuition and fees can be stifling, even for those without previous debts from undergrad. Here are some quick tips on managing your money as a post-graduate.

Start preparing early “I was living at home and didn’t have any debt,” says Michelle, a 25-year-old MBA student at the University of Toronto. “I knew school would be expensive, so I was saving as much as I could.”

It’s a good idea to take some time to think over your decision to attend grad school. Do a thor-ough search of all graduate funding possibilities before applying, as these applications deadlines are often a year in advance of attendance. Also, consider working for a year or two to gain expe-rience — and stockpile money for tuition.

“For the two years I was working before gradu-ate school, I would challenge myself not to spend a dollar for a single day,” says Michelle, who packed homemade lunches and used a travel cup to drink coffee on her daily commute

- Always ask if a company has a student dis-count. Michelle recently discovered a student dis-count at Club Monaco and on a tour bus in Vancou-ver, and all she had to do was ask.

- Think over any large purchases. Meghan bought a used car for her one-year stint in Windsor. While it came in handy, she sold it to move overseas as soon as she finished her degree and ended up losing money in the process.

- Working in the summer should be a given. If possible, try and find some part-time work during the school year, too. Candace took on occasional work at another university planning conferences and panels, and Meghan found a flexible side gig doing promo-tions for Molson.

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grad school planning guide (winter 2012)

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