Explore

Armed with all of the knowledge from the first section you can know start generating a list of occupations that fit your profile and your needs and wants.  This process involves researching, investigating and networking to gather as much information about occupations and industry sectors.  A sector is a group of occupations that have similar skill sets, values, interests.  For example, physician, nurse, practical nurse, lab tech, home care aid are all part of the health care sector.

It is important to remember that there is not just one perfect job for you.  A career is a lifelong journey and is an accumulation of all your occupations, experiences, volunteer work and much more.  Look into the sectors and labour market information to discover new possibilities that fit with who you are.  From there you can research and find out what is needed to get to where you want to go – never forgetting that change is constant and that you need to enjoy the journey.

DEFINITIONS:

A job is specific position with an employer in which you receive pay.  Example, registered nurse in the Women’s Health Department at the Moose Jaw Union Hospital.

An occupation is a wide category of jobs with similar characteristics.  Example, nursing is considered an occupation.  There are a variety of different types of nursing and related jobs that all have similar aspects.

A career is a life time journey including all of your life experience including education, training, travel, work, and volunteer work. In other words it is like your portfolio and resume.

 

HOW TO EXPLORE?

Career Research
When you are doing your research you should be looking for information relating to duties, working conditions, personal characteristics, educational requirements, related careers, employment and salary, and projected employment outlook.

Career Cruising – See your counsellor for the school’s username and password

ALIS – Alberta Occupational Profiles

Working in Canada – Government of Canada career, job, labour market site for Canadians

Job Shadows and Informational Interviewing
Researching information about possible occupations is one thing but meeting with a person working in the industry is another.  Work with your school counsellor or use your current allies to help you connect with individuals in the sectors you are interested in pursuing.  Most people are more than happy to welcome you into the work place for a job shadow or just a short informational interview so you can learn more about their occupation and answer your questions.  Attached is a list of possible questions to ask on a job shadow or information interview.

Networking
Access your allies!  Talk to you parents, family, and friends.  As well as attend guest speaker presentations in your school to learn more about what it is you want to do in your life!  People are your greatest resource and professionals are typically very eager to answer questions and help out.

Classes
As always, make sure you are taking the necessary classes to graduate and to keep your options open for post-secondary.  However, taking electives that relate to areas of interest is a good way of learning more about that field and to learn if you would like to pursue that sector.  Career Work Exploration classes are one of the best ways of exploring options.

Volunteer
A number of schools across the province and Canada, make volunteer work mandatory to graduate.  Even though this is required to graduate, volunteering is one of the best ways to give back to your community, get out of your comfort zone and learn more about yourself.  Start volunteering in areas you might like to consider in the future!

Career and Post-Secondary Events and Tours
There are a number of career fairs and events that take place in Moose Jaw and in the province of Saskatchewan.  Grade 10, 11, and 12 students are provided many opportunities to attend these events.

Check out pursueonline.com and the opportunities section to learn about up-to-date events that are available to Vanier students.

Looking for Information on Career Events – http://www.pvsd.ca/ProgramsServices/CareerServices/LookingForInformation/Pages/default.aspx

In addition to tours and events, it is recommended that you start researching schools and their programs sooner than later so you don’t miss out on admission or scholarship deadline dates.

Student Scholarships – Canada Schools
http://www.studentscholarships.org/university_home.php