Careers

With many different types of employment available, it can be difficult to determine which kind is right for you. There are two main types of employment: hours-based and length-based. Most people are already familiar with hours-based positions, usually full-time or part-time. There is also length-based employment, which includes permanent, temporary and seasonal roles. Keep reading to learn more about each type of employment. Full-time The specific requirements for full-time work can vary between organizations, but typically, anyone who works more than 30 hours a week is considered a full-time employee. For many companies, a full-time employee works eight hours a day, totalling a 40-hour work week. However, full-time hours differ between companies, and employees should refer to the hours defined in their contract or company policies. Full-time employment often comes with benefits that other employees do not receive. For example, many full-time employees receive health, dental and vision insurance. Benefits also differ depending on the company, and there is no set minimum. Along with longer hours, full-time employees often receive a higher salary compared to part-time employees. Many full-time positions require higher levels of skill and experience, so their compensation is usually greater. Part-time Part-time employment often entails working under 30 hours per week. While part-time employees can work more than this, it is important to remember that according to the Employment Standards Act, part-time or full-time employees who work over 44 hours a week must be paid overtime. Since part-time employees often work fewer hours than full-time employees, part-time employment offers a better work-life balance. Part-time employees often have days off during the week, which allows for more flexibility and personal time.    Part-time employment is also a great way to explore different career options and transition into new fields. Part-time employment offers a chance to test potential job opportunities and gain experience without committing to full-time hours. Permanent While full-time and part-time positions are defined by the number of hours an employee works, permanent, temporary and seasonal jobs are determined by the length of employment. Sometimes positions will be a mix between hours-based and length-based. For example, an employee might be permanent part-time or temporary full-time. A permanent employee has a position in a business without a predetermined end date and can work with the same company for months or even years. Typically, permanent employees receive substantial benefits, especially if they work full-time. These benefits can include health care coverage and paid time off. Temporary Temporary employees work for a defined period, typically a few weeks or months. Temporary employment may be beneficial for individuals looking to change career fields. With short contracts, they can build up relevant experience and skills before looking for a permanent position. Some temporary positions are designed to lead to permanent positions and can act as a test for employees to see if they are a good fit before a company hires them permanently. Seasonal Seasonal employees are individuals who temporarily work during specific times of the year, usually when a company sees increased demand during certain seasons. Seasonal employees often work part-time hours, and because of their temporary status, they rarely receive insurance or other benefits offered to permanent employees. Seasonal jobs are only available during specific times of the year when a company needs more assistance with its operations. Seasonal employment can be a way for a worker to start with a company before building up to a permanent position later. Seasonal employees may also be rehired by the same company during the next season, either for the same position or a new one. With many options for employment available, continue researching to find out what’s right for you. Different employment types might be beneficial at different times in your career, so don’t lose out on the benefits of taking on a temporary or seasonal position for a short while. 

At a young age, society expects people to pick the career they want to work in for the rest of their lives. They will typically select a degree that satisfies the requirements of their career objectives and study for years before entering the workforce. However, this is a demanding task since interests can change often. As a result, youths and older adults can feel unfulfilled in the career or degree they chose years ago based on their previous interests. Additionally, outside expectations about which careers are more beneficial than others can make switching to a field based on one’s interests challenging. Sonny Wong, a career counsellor at Toronto Metropolitan University and registered psychotherapist focusing on career identity development, said that family members may influence selecting a field of study. “Sometimes, the decision to pick a major is rooted in the family decision-making process on what is deemed as the best investment with the family finances,” Wong said. Other times, although an individual would like to transition to a new career path, they are hesitant due to the years of work they already dedicated to another field. Wong said that “sometimes students recognize that their existing major is not a fit, but year one goes by and year two and then by year three, you have accumulated many credits to graduate on time in the existing major that switching into a new major is not economic.” For those already working in a particular field, switching a career path can be daunting due to economic and timely issues. Wong said that feeling unsure about new workplaces, the costs of certifications and abandoning their seniority holds them back. Getting out of this challenging mindset involves adopting a strength-based mindset rather than a problem-focused mindset. Wong explained that a problem-focused mindset revolves around the uncertainty of whether you will like working in a new field or if you’ll make enough money mixed in with other feelings of self-doubt. Meanwhile, a strength-based approach involves having a positive outlook on the future, such as imagining new possibilities, meeting amazing colleagues and looking forward to working every day. “One of the techniques is really talking about more of the strength an individual holds, the talents the individual holds, and the solution to move a little bit closer to gaining clarity,” Wong said, “because a lot of the fear of moving into a new field is that you’re not clear, it’s the unknown.” Another way an individual can gain clarity about which field to switch to is by identifying what Wong called a healthy career identity. “A healthy career identity means that in my waking moments, as I’m engaging in the world, making money for my livelihood, what are meaningful activities and meaningful successes,” Wong explained. In other words, identifying your skills, strengths and purpose by evaluating your everyday life and connecting it to a desired career is what forms a healthy career identity. When someone feels that something is meaningful, like creating visual art, for example, developing skills related to artmaking is a representation of forming a healthy career identity. Once you have done the internal work to identify your skills and passions, Wong said gaining skills that attract employers through research is imperative. This means reading job postings for a desired new career, looking at the qualifications listed and making a checklist of the skills you have yet to learn for that position. Feeling hesitant when switching careers is valid because it can feel uncomfortable and unfamiliar. However, transitioning into a new career does not have to require massive life changes. Recognizing that your interests are shifting is the first step. After that, changing careers requires making small steps toward a goal. These small steps can include reaching out to experts in a field, updating resumes, acquiring new skills through certification programs and finding local volunteer opportunities.  “We forget that where we are today in our identity is through those small steps,” Wong said. Furthermore, making conscious small steps in another direction will likely help you gain clarity in your interests rather than making you fearful about the future. Switching career paths is also about reconnecting with yourself. It is a time to remember your past passions and interests while allowing those feelings to boost your confidence as you find another job. By identifying and respecting what you truly want out of your professional life, you can find a career that aligns more with your sense of purpose.

Post-secondary education is expensive, and finding external financial aid can sometimes be challenging. It can be hard knowing where to begin looking. However, financial support is out there and readily available. Here is a list of some scholarships available for business students in Ontario. Double A Solutions Annual Scholarship This scholarship is available for any incoming or current post-secondary students studying and is open to students in Canada and the United States. The only other requirement is that applicants and their immediate family members are not employed by Double A Solutions. Applicants must write an essay of 800 words or more on one of seven topics. Some topics include: The winner will receive $1,000. Melissa Weekes Business & Marketing Excellence Scholarship This scholarship is offered for students beginning or in the middle of their post-secondary education. Applicants are required to write an article of at least 1,000 words based on the following prompt: “How digital marketing will change in the 2020s.” The article must be posted online and available for public access. Applicants may post their articles to their school’s website, a blog or other public platform. The article must reference at least three reliable sources, one of which must relate to sociallyinfused.com. $1,000 will be awarded to the winner to use in their upcoming semester of study. FormSwift Scholarship This scholarship is available for students entering or already enrolled in a post-secondary institution. Applicants must not be employed by or directly related to employees of FormSwift. Unlike many scholarships, this one does not require applicants to write an essay. Instead, applicants must create an infographic outlining a business plan in one of the following industries: start-up, restaurant, non-profit, transportation or clothing. The winner will be awarded $1,000. Export Development Canada (EDC) Scholarships EDC offers up to 20 scholarships each year. Each scholarship targets a specific group to support business students of diverse backgrounds. This includes scholarships for Black, Indigenous and 2SLGBTQ+ communities. Applicants must produce a statement of intent. This can be a 1,000-word essay or a three to five-minute video. Applicants must also provide a resume or portfolio highlighting their experience working or studying abroad. Finally, a reference letter from a previous instructor, employer or other relevant individual is also required. Winners of each scholarship are awarded $5,000.  James Lee Foundation Scholarship This scholarship is available for students looking to enter the advertising industry. As it is targeted toward creative talent, applicants can have a background in any creative field related to advertising. Some examples include writing, film, illustration and graphic design. Applicants must be at least 16 years old and in the process of completing a post-secondary degree. To apply, applicants must provide a portfolio of their work containing a maximum of 10 pieces. Their portfolio must be accompanied by a 1,000-character paragraph explaining how the money will help to support them on their creative journey. The winner will be awarded a minimum of $5,000 to support their education. Keep in mind that while it’s great to explore external scholarships, most post-secondary schools and their faculties have several scholarships and bursaries available for their students. Continue to research options on your school’s website to see what options are viable for you and your education goals.

Learning is a life-long process. Many individuals return to school to refine their skills even after completing a degree. Some take courses to update or add to their current knowledge. Others venture into new learning opportunities to fill gaps in their knowledge. Regardless of the intention, continuing education is a viable option to help individuals improve in their field or branch off into a new one. Read on for some options for continuing to develop your career through education. Free online courses Several institutions offer courses that can significantly improve one’s business knowledge in their free time. These courses cover various topics that individuals can complete at their leisure. Massachusetts Institute of Technology: Introduction to Financial and Managerial Accounting This course educates students on basic financial and managerial reporting concepts. The course focuses on readers’ viewpoints of financial and managerial reports instead of the accountants who prepare them. Those interested can apply here. Yale University: Financial Markets This course provides an overview of the ideas, methods and institutions used to manage risks and establish enterprises. It details practices used today while outlining future industry prospects. Additionally, it introduces risk management and behavioural finance principles. The course aims to enable students to understand the functions of securities, insurance and banking industries. Those interested can apply here. Harvard University: Data Science – Productivity Tools This course is part of Harvard’s Professional Certificate Program in Data Science. It teaches students how to use Unix/Linux to manage files and directories and keep them organized. Students are introduced to Git, a version control system that tracks changes in scripts and reports. Students also learn how to use GitHub to store work and encourage collaboration. Those interested can apply here. Stanford University: Entrepreneurship Through the Lens of Venture Capital This course invites guest lecturers and utilizes mentorships to enable students to explore the workings of a successful start-up. Guests include experienced investors and entrepreneurs who can provide valuable insight into funding, managing and scaling an enterprise. Those interested can apply here. Note that the courses listed here are not the only ones each institution offers. Explore their websites further to find more options. Certificate programs Students can earn professional certifications through these programs. Most require students to complete a certain number of required courses and electives. Students can typically complete these programs within a few years, and many are available online to allow for flexibility. Harvard University: Innovation and Entrepreneurship This four-course program teaches students how to generate and develop ideas. Students practice aligning innovation and creativity with business goals. Students are required students to take one course from each of four categories: Some course options include: The courses include both in-person and online offerings. McMaster University: Advanced Accounting This six-course program can help students work towards their Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and Registered Professional Accountant (RPA) designations. Students learn the ins and outs of accounting within an organization. They also learn how economic and political factors influence accounting practices. Some course options include: The courses are available in virtual classrooms and online or self-study formats. University of Toronto: Business Management This eight-course program teaches students fundamental business concepts, such as project management, enterprise assessment and human resource management. Students are required to take one of the following mandatory courses: Students are also required to take seven additional elective courses. Some options include: In-person and online learning options are available. Western University: Business Analysis This three-course program teaches students several analysis techniques to develop and implement new business processes. Students learn how to identify business problems and facilitate solutions. The program is comprised of the following courses: All three courses are completed online. University of Guelph: Certificate in Business This five-course program focuses on the functional areas of a business. Students are required to take the Introduction to Canadian Business Management course and four electives. Elective courses cover a wide range of topics. However, specializations such as accounting and marketing are also available. Some elective options include: This certificate is completed entirely online, allowing students flexibility. Again, these institutions (and most others) have many certificate options available. Research their websites to find the program that best fits your professional development and learning objectives. 

The C-suite (“chief” suite) consists of the highest-ranking ranking individuals in a company. Each title derives from the specific area the executive handles. For example, COO stands for chief operating officer. The C-suite ensures that a company’s departments work together to run smoothly. According to columnist and copywriter Tom Regan, obtaining a chief position requires years of experience, a high level of education, and demonstrated leadership capabilities. Smaller companies tend to have a handful of C-suite executives. However, larger companies can have C-suite teams of more than 10 members. Here is an introduction to the most common C-suite positions and their roles. Chief executive officer (CEO) The top position in a company hierarchy is the CEO. The CEO often serves as the face of a company and is responsible for overall business growth. They set long- and short-term business goals, and all other C-suite executives report to the CEO. CEOs can come from any career background if they possess the necessary leadership and decision-making capabilities. Chief financial officer (CFO) The CFO oversees all financial aspects of a company, such as budgeting, financial analysis and cost-saving initiatives. They work closely with the CEO to secure new business opportunities while assessing their potential risks and benefits. The CFO is also in charge of long-term financial planning. They assess a company’s current financial strengths and weaknesses to maintain a positive cash flow. Chief operating officer (COO) Often considered the second-in-command to the CEO, the COO ensures that a company’s everyday operations run smoothly. They oversee areas such as recruitment, training and administrative services. If a company doesn’t have a chief human resources officer, which is common in smaller organizations, the COO takes on human resource responsibilities. Chief information officer (CIO) The CIO is mainly in charge of programming and project management. They can also use their skills to aid other areas, including finance and risk management. They are also involved in research and development, assessing new technologies to ensure they align with company goals. They suggest ways to implement technology to achieve these goals, such as using technology to find cost savings or improve customer satisfaction.   Chief technology officer (CTO) The CTO is similar to the CIO, and smaller organizations sometimes merge the two positions. The CTO manages a company’s engineering and technology departments. They develop policies and tools to improve a product or service for client usage. The CTO also ensures a company remains current with the latest technology to remain competitive. Chief marketing officer (CMO) A CMO must possess a deep knowledge of a company’s target audience and current customer base to market its products effectively. They lead marketing campaigns around new and existing, handle client communications and oversee brand management. CMOs often begin as sales or marketing representatives before working up to executive positions. Chief content officer (CCO) The CCO oversees all content creation for various forms of media, including websites, social media and commercials. They are in charge of building and maintaining brand voice. The content they create is essential for marketing, communications, recruitment and customer service. The CCO works closely with the CMO to increase customer satisfaction through the content they release. C-suite executives are an important part of any growing business. Overall, these individuals are responsible for the continuous upward development of a company. Aside from being experts in their respective departments, they must also be effective leaders to ensure their teams work efficiently. While obtaining these positions requires years of experience, it can be possible. With some hard work, you could be a member of the Cc-suite one day too.

Being stuck in a job you dislike is daunting, but it does not have to be a reality. Many jobs have skills applicable in various fields, and a career change may be more feasible than you think. Read ahead to learn how you can apply your skills and knowledge across alternative careers in different business fields and make that career switch you’ve been dreaming of. Accounting Business analyst Business analysts implement and improve business processes to help reach company goals. They analyze current business processes and identify weaknesses, potential areas for growth and cost-cutting strategies. Accountants can easily transition into this role with their experience in financial analysis and reporting. A background in accounting is useful for business analysts who must consider the past, present and future state of a business’s finances. They can also apply their analytic and problem-solving skills to business processes outside of finance, such as technology or recruitment. Financial reporter As the name suggests, financial reporters write articles about the financial industry locally, nationally or internationally. They report for several media platforms, such as print or broadcast. Accountants already have a solid working knowledge of their local financial landscape, so making this career switch will be pretty seamless. Just keep in mind that you’ll have to keep up with current news to consistently produce new stories. Education in journalism is beneficial, so accountants may consider enrolling in some continuing education courses or a full program before switching careers.  Finance Actuary An actuary helps clients minimize financial risk by evaluating and reporting on the uncertainty of investments, insurance policies and other similar ventures. A strong background in mathematics is required to properly analyze data and provide solid consultations. Financial risk analysis is still directly related to finance, so those with a finance background looking to become an actuary might find their skills easily transferable. Credit analyst Similarly to actuaries, credit analysts evaluate financial risk by focusing on their clients’ credit histories to predict future behaviour. With this knowledge, they can consult clients and advise appropriate courses of action to support clients in reaching their financial goals. Finance-related experience is relevant for this position as proficiencies in mathematics and financial software usage are required. Human resources (HR) Career counsellor Career counsellors help guide their clients down the right professional path. Career counsellors assist clients with their professional journeys, including finding their first job or making a mid-career switch. HR professionals often have lots of experience in recruiting and hiring, so they know what employers look for in applicants. HR knowledge can benefit clients who need help applying for a job, including resume writing and interview tips.   Wellness manager A wellness manager often works with individual clients or fitness centres, but they can also be employed by businesses to improve employee well-being. Wellness managers are responsible for designing and implementing policies and programs to improve the overall well-being of the individuals under their care. They must also continue researching, developing and enhancing these policies and programs to ensure they remain effective. HR professionals already have experience maintaining good relations between employees and facilitating healthy work environments, so their skills easily apply to a wellness manager’s responsibilities. Marketing Recruitment manager Recruitment managers are responsible for an organization’s recruitment process. They develop hiring strategies, advertise job listings, find qualified candidates, and conduct interviews and onboarding. They constantly evaluate and improve a company’s recruitment process whenever possible. Recruitment managers need strong advertising and acquisition skills to attract potential candidates for an open position. Communication and negotiation skills are essential for this role, so a background in marketing will be beneficial. Relationship manager A relationship manager is responsible for creating and improving relationships between other businesses and clients. They maintain positive relationships between parties and uphold a business’ reputation. Marketing professionals already have strong relationship-building skills to connect with clients, making them a good fit for this role. Their marketing experience and strong promotional skills will enable them to successfully improve client perceptions of a business. Starting in one role does not mean you will be stuck there for the rest of your professional life. Career changes are possible, even in fields that seem more restricted. Continue to research alternative career options to see where your skills and experience may apply.

In 2022, the World Health Organization reported that 60 per cent of the population is in the workforce. The report also found that poor working environments, including discrimination and inequality, excessive workloads and job insecurity, can lead to mental distress. Although workplaces should provide healthy work environments so employees can be productive and feel fulfilled, this is not always the reality. It is important to know when to walk away from a harmful work environment to grow and thrive in alternative settings. However, leaving a job is easier said than done. According to an article by the Canadian HR Reporter, 54 per cent of Canadians are living pay cheque to pay cheque. While it can be difficult to leave a job due to financial concerns, staying in a toxic work environment can cause burnout, lack of motivation, dissatisfaction and physical health concerns, such as getting sick more often due to stress. Brittney, a Toronto-based HR coordinator, explained that pushing through a toxic work environment is not a good idea. “Follow your intuition,” Brittney said, “because if you feel like it is a toxic workplace, you don’t want to keep staying.” However, because hustle culture frequently neglects rest and self-care while promoting unrealistic productivity, it can be hard to feel validated about following your intuition. Although discrimination and harassment are obvious reasons to leave, many other elements can make a work environment toxic. Here are some signs that it may be time to leave a work environment for the sake of your growth and well-being. Lack of mental health awareness Brittney explained that a lack of mental health awareness in the workplace is apparent when an employee’s work-hour boundaries are disregarded. Another sign is when employees are micromanaged because they are not trusted to do their assigned job. Additionally, a lack of mental health awareness in the workplace can look like limited support from colleagues. Brittney said this is especially detrimental because having the opportunity to create personal relationships is a signifier of a healthy work environment. She added that without mental health awareness, “employees feel like they are not a human being but rather a statistic.” Lack of work-life balance The signs of a work-life imbalance represent the outcomes of hustle culture. It causes burnout and constant pressure to work overtime, resulting in significantly less free time outside of work. Brittney said that in addition to personal connections, a healthy work environment allows for disconnection from computers and mobile devices at home. Since work-life imbalance can include being contacted outside of the office despite work-hour boundaries, a workplace culture that promotes work-life imbalance is unhealthy. Feeling undervalued One of the best ways to motivate employees’ productivity and passion is to allow them to grow in a company. Otherwise, employees can feel stuck in a repetitious pattern with little reward, leading to them feeling undervalued. According to Brittney, feeling undervalued can also come from when a workplace fails to recognize an employee for taking on extra work or doing a good job. If an employee constantly puts in extra effort without reward, the work environment appears unappreciative.  Deciding to leave a job can be a daunting experience. Yet, it can also be a rewarding one. A safe, healthy and encouraging work environment is important for employees’ well-being. Everyone deserves to feel fulfilled in their work, and pursuing a happier professional opportunity is completely valid.

Resumes, CVs and cover letters are some of the most common and important job application documents. All three provide hiring managers with an overview of an applicant’s skills and experience. However, each of these documents function differently and have specific uses, making it essential to understand when and how to use them. Read ahead to learn more about each type of document, their uses and strategies for writing them. Resume A resume is a job application document that briefly discusses an applicant’s qualifications. Resumes come in many formats, but all will include a summary of an applicant’s skills and experience. It will also have a list of an applicant’s previous jobs and education history presented in reverse chronological order. A strong resume will highlight an applicant’s significant achievements in previous jobs. It is best to be specific and use clear and quantifiable examples of what was achieved. If you are applying for a social media position, for example, instead of saying “increased follower count” when discussing your accomplishments in a previous role, try saying “produced a 200 per cent increase in followers.” A resume should always be as succinct as possible. One to two pages of content is often recommended, but the shorter, the better. However, making a resume too short can be an issue as well. If a resume doesn’t contain enough information, hiring managers may not believe the applicant is a good fit for the role. Find a balance by including all relevant information while minimizing any filler information. For applicants without work experience, relevant volunteer experience can be included instead. Students can also include any academic organizations they’ve joined at their school(s). Incorporating keywords from the job posting into your resume is also important. Many recruiters use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), software designed to scan resumes for certain keywords. However, ensure you don’t overload your resume with keywords, as some ATS may reject it. Instead, place keywords organically throughout your resume. CV A CV, or curriculum vitae, provides employers with similar information found on a resume. The main difference is that a CV is much more extensive in scope. Resumes are usually only one to two pages, while most CVs are at least two to three pages long. Like a resume, a CV describes an applicant’s previous work experience in reverse chronological order while highlighting their relevant skills, achievements and educational background. However, unlike a resume, a CV has a much greater focus and goes much more in-depth on an applicant’s research, skills and experience. In Canada, a CV is usually used for academic, medical, scientific or research-based positions. Information in the CV should be relevant to the desired field of work and the specific job being applied for. Cover Letter A cover letter often accompanies a resume or CV and is used to explain why an applicant is a good fit for a company. A cover letter allows is a good place for an applicant to connect the skills or experience listed on their resume/CV to the position requirements. When writing a cover letter, it is best to provide specific examples of how any skills learned in previous jobs may benefit the company. Cover letters also explain how an applicant’s goals and values align with a company’s and an applicant’s motivations behind applying. This allows companies to get a sense of an applicant’s personality and whether the applicant would fit well in their work environment. Not all job applications require cover letters, but they are a good way for an applicant to show a company why they would work well together and that the applicant is willing to put in extra work. All three of these application documents are important to know and understand thoroughly. These documents are a company’s first impression of an applicant, so set aside enough time to make your resume, CV or cover letter as polished and professional as possible. This way, you can demonstrate why you’re the best fit for the job, land that interview and embark on a new professional opportunity!

Internships have been growing in popularity worldwide, and many companies now offer internship programs, especially to post-secondary students. To students, these programs can bridge the gap between their in-class learning and real-world experience. However, internships also provide many benefits to the employers that offer them. Benefits to students The most obvious benefit to students is the higher chance of employment after completing an internship. The companies that provide internships often use these programs as pools of potential employees and are more likely to hire students who have already proven themselves in the workplace compared to unknown applicants. Internships also often lead to higher starting salaries for new employees. Students can also use internships to test their compatibility with their chosen field. While interning at a company, they can see whether or not they enjoy what they do. This way, they can still gain work experience while not being tied down to the company through full employment. Internships can also lead students down new career paths they had not previously considered. Additionally, through internships, students can develop a list of contacts in the field which may be very valuable to them later. At the same time, if a student chooses to continue in the same field they previously interned in, their experience gives them more practical knowledge and skills to perform better in a full-time job. They also tend to have more confidence in their abilities since they have already worked in the field. Benefits to employers Internships are also are of great value to the companies that provide them. In the same way that students can test potential career paths, companies can use internships to test which students may be a good fit for future full-time employment. While companies often use internships as hiring pools, they are under no obligation to hire any interns if they are not a good fit. In this way, internships are low in risk as companies are not tied to the interns they take on. Internships are also relatively cost-effective. Interns are often paid less than full-time workers and receive different benefits than them. At the same time, interns still provide high-quality work for the company, especially student interns who are in the process of studying the field they are interning in. This education provides the interns with specialized knowledge that directly benefits the companies they work for. While interns complete work and have real responsibilities in a company, their workplaces often give themlower-level routine tasks. This allows the interns to get a feel for the job and the associated responsibilities without being overwhelmed. Additionally, since interns are handling these tasks, full-time employees can focus on more critical activities that they might otherwise not have had time for. Internship programs are mutually beneficial for interns and employers. They are a great way for both parties to test how well they fit and provide numerous other benefits. Business owners looking for a more straightforward, relatively low-risk and cost-effective hiring process might consider implementing internship programs.

A common challenge many Canadians face is feeling stuck in their jobs and dissatisfied with their careers. A 2022 survey by Léger found that 24 per cent of workers are less satisfied with their jobs compared to 2021. However, many Canadians cannot find time to go to school and pursue a new career. What if you’re stuck in a job but can’t return to school? The challenge is real and common. Some challenges preventing individuals from career advancement include lack of qualifications and time, financial obligations and industry changes. Additionally, the traditional career ladder has changed significantly. Harvard Business Review writes that non-linear career expectations have replaced the traditional career ladder. Workers can no longer expect to be promoted without upgrading their skills or education. Professional development has become integral to career advancement and career changes. Read ahead to learn about resources that can help you advance in your current industry or pivot your professional journey for new opportunities. Online courses Sometimes workers cannot go back to school for a full degree or diploma, but their education isn’t sufficient for the new roles they want. One option is to take a more targeted approach by enrolling in professional development courses. Professional development courses can advance your career by showing interest and relevance in your field, leading to better earning potential. In some situations, a complete industry change could be out of reach, but new or similar roles could be realistic options. You can consider taking a few courses that will allow you to upgrade your skills or acquire new ones. Of course, which courses to take varies greatly depending on your end goal, but certain strategies apply to various situations. One factor to consider is whether you are trying to get a certification or simply want to learn something new. Regarding earning potential, it may be best to pursue a certificate as it will prove to employers that you have gained the necessary knowledge and skills from your completed courses. However, if you’re interested in an exciting learning opportunity, many high-quality online courses are available in nearly any sector. Toronto Public Library offers free access to over 16,000 LinkedIn Learning courses. All you need is to be a cardholder and resident of Toronto. Micro-credentials Another professional development avenue to explore is micro-credentials. Although they are a recent phenomenon, they are quickly being recognized as a legitimate form of education by various workplaces. Micro-credentials allow individuals to fill gaps in their skills and resumes. If you want to grow your career in a specific area, you can take a micro-credential to gain a certified skill or enhance your knowledge of a subject area. Typically, they are offered by Canadian universities and colleges, and many are available online. According to an article published by Course Compare, some industries particularly benefit from this form of education. For example, IT professionals would benefit from earning micro-credentials. IT is a rapidly changing field with constant obsolescence, so it makes sense that workers need to stay on top of new technology to stay relevant. Although workers can sometimes learn this information for free, in a tight labour market, certification in a skill or area could mean the difference between getting a job and not. Ontario has a searchable micro-credential portal where you can easily find micro-credentials offered by Ontario universities and colleges. Micro-credentials are eligible for OSAP funding, meaning finances won’t prevent you from professional development. Graduate certificates Sometimes, career advancement requires a more significant investment in education than online courses or micro-credentials. Even so, a college diploma or university degree may not be necessary to pivot into something more aligned with your goals. A graduate certificate could bridge the gap between a full diploma or degree and a micro-credential. They provide graduate-level credentials and are more specialized, professional programs than a complete master’s degree. According to Indeed, a graduate certificate is geared toward people who want to advance professionally and are interested in becoming more specialized in a specific industry. Graduate certificates are offered part-time and full-time in various subject areas. A different career landscape Upskilling is critical to growing and advancing in a changing work landscape. Gaining new skills can allow you to stay relevant and competitive, leading to better pay,  job opportunities and job security. The career landscape may have changed, but new professional development resources offer workers a chance to pursue a career they’re passionate about, upgrade their skills and expand their professional opportunities.