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Careers

Planning a career

Many programs, resources, and organizations in Canada provide help with career planning. Key sources to help with career information are the Sector Councils.The Sector Councils work to help ensure key sectors of our economy have the labour resources they need. Each Sector Council focuses on a different industry or sector of the economy.They provide career and industry information and resources. For a listing of Canada’s Sector Councils see pages 229–231. [Dayplanner web site – Link #11]

Internships

A very good way to develop skills, experience, and a career is through an internship program. Internship programs provide an opportunity for someone planning a career to work with an employer and develop knowledge and experience in that field. Many interns are paid during the time they work with the employer. A period of internship is required in some professions. For more information on internship programs, see DayPlanner web site – Link #26.

Options and opportunities

Education and training is needed to pursue most careers. After that, the challenge is to find a job. Occupations may fit into different sectors (for example, engineers may work in many different sectors of the economy). Job seekers should be aware of this and consider how their talents and skills may fit into different areas of the workplace.

Co-op opportunities

Co-operative Education (Co-op) provides opportunities for students to work in career-related companies as part of their education.The school the student is attending will help to find a “co-op placement” for the student in a company.The student then develops his or her knowledge and skills while working with that company. Learn more about cooperative education at DayPlanner web site – Link #27.

Foreign Credentials Referral Office

The Foreign Credentials Referral Office (FCRO) is part of Citizenship and Immigration Canada. It provides information, path-finding and referral services in foreign credential recognition to help foreign-trained workers succeed and put their skills to work in Canada more quickly. Visit www.credentials.gc.ca

Mentoring

A great way to gain experience and learn more about how to build a career and develop a “life plan” is to work with a mentor. A mentor is an individual who volunteers his or her time to work with another individual and provide advice and guidance. Mentors have usually been successful in their own careers and want to help others achieve success.There are web sites that provide information on mentoring and contacts with mentoring organizations. Learn more

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