Jobpostings Magazine: September 2013 Vol 16, No. 1

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SEPT 2013 | VOL.16 | NO. 1 JOBPOSTINGS.CA CAREERS. EDUCATION. IDEAS. ALL OF IT. SPECIAL REPORTS OVERSEAS MASTER’S PROGRAMS WHOA, ROBOTS ARE EVERYWHERE!

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Canada's largest career lifestyle magazine for students. In our annual back-to-school issue, we have special reports on accounting, oil & gas, and mining, as well as highlighting overseas master's programs, culinary schools, and how to ace a recruitment fair.

Transcript of Jobpostings Magazine: September 2013 Vol 16, No. 1

Page 1: Jobpostings Magazine: September 2013 Vol 16, No. 1

sept 2013 | VOL.16 | NO. 1 JOBpOstINGs.CACAReeRs. eDUCAtION. IDeAs. ALL OF It.

speCIAL RepORts Overseas master’s prOgrams

whOa, rObOts are everywhere!

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lovedo what

you

chooseaccounting

lovedo

lovedo

lovewhatyou

loveyou

love

business.humber.ca

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september 2013 | JOBpOstINgs.Ca

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tHe FRONt pAGes07 CRUNCHIN’ NUmBeRs Feeling anxious? So is everyone else. Check out these back-to-school stats.

08 sUCCess stORIes Mark Clements, senior analyst at Grant Thorn-ton, talks taxes, finance, and hard work.

10 INteRVIew tIps Cheryl Probert, recruitment partner at Bayer Canada, asks and answers “Tell us about the biggest mistake you’ve made a -t work.”

12 stARtUp Having trouble shaving? Nick May of REMAY introduces a new product that could revolutionize common hair removal.

INDUstRY RepORts15 eLeCtRIFY YOUR CAReeR! Electrical power line and cable workers are in high demand. We tell you about the perks of this charged profession.

16 ReVOLUtIONIzING ROBOtICs Robots are used in every industry, from construc-tion to medicine. Find out how to land in this niche branch of engineering.

speCIAL RepORts19 ACCOUNtING No longer just number crunchers, accountants are integral members of every company. We talk to recent grads to find out what being an accoun-tant is actually like, and discuss the accounting designation merger.

29 OIL & GAs Oil & gas is one of Canada’s leading sources of employment. In this extensive report, we look into working on a seismic line crew, becoming a geophysicist, and the many other career paths and advancements in the field. We also have an exclusive with Naheed Nenshi, mayor of Calgary.

37 mINING Chipping away at rock with a pickaxe is so centu-ries ago. We examine modern career paths, how an education in trade school can help you out, and the emergence of women in a traditionally male-dominated field.

eDUCAtION43 GRAD DeGRees GO INteRNAtIONAL Why stay here when you can go around the world for your grad degree? We look at a bunch of international options to whet your curiosity.

44 INsIDe tHe kItCHeN Know the difference between braising and sear-ing? Culinary school is the path for the foodie in all of us.

tHe BACk pAGes48 NAVIGAtING A CAReeR FAIR It’s already career fair season! Find out how to stand out in the crowd and be memorable to recruiters.

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THE FRONT PAGEStabLe OF CONteNts

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published by passion Inc. 25 Imperial street, suite 100

toronto, ON m5p 1b9

jobpostings.ca 1-877-900-5627 ext. 221

mAstHeAD

photos from istockphoto.com are used throughout this issue; individual artists have been credited. Contents of this publication are protected by copyright and may not be

reprinted in whole or part without permission of the publishers.

“he who opens a school door closes a prison.” - victor hugo

THE FRONT PAGES aD INDeX

pUBLIsHeR Nathan Laurie

[email protected]

AssOCIAte pUBLIsHeR mark Laurie

[email protected]

COmmUNICAtIONs AND pROJeCt mANAGeR

David tal [email protected]

@Davidtalwrites

eDItOR James michael mcDonald

[email protected] @mcjamdonald

ARt DIReCtOR anthony Capano

[email protected]

DeVeLOpeR mishraz ahmad bhounr

[email protected]

CONtRIBUtORs michelle hampson, Kiera Obbard,

heidi murphy

NAtIONAL ACCOUNt mANAGeR

mary vanderpas

eDUCAtION ACCOUNt mANAGeR

shannon tracey

INteRNs Lauren Della vedova, sam weltmen,

Jamie bertolini, Laura eley, Kyle reynolds

sCHOOLINDeXIFC Humber, The Business School, Accounting

22 CGA of Ontario

46 Brock University

46 Queen’s University

46 American University of the Caribbean

46 UC Berkeley Master of Engineering

46 Sheridan College

46 University of Lethbridge

46 Vancouver Island University

46 Dalhousie University

46 Ross University

46 Conestoga College

wHOsHIRING02 Nav Canada

03 The Home Depot

04 Target

06 Aecon

09 Grant Thorton

11 TD Canada Trust

13 College Pro

14 Ontario Power Authority

14 SaskPower

14 MDA

17 Hydro One

17 BDO Canada LLP

18 PwC

27 Ernst & Young

28 Bayer CropScience

28 Imperial Oil

33 Canadian Natural Resources Ltd.

35 Petroleum HR Council of Canada

36 Nexen

42 Teck

47 Department of National Defence

IBC KPMG

GeNeRALADs10 Insurance Institute of Canada

45 Canada’s Luckiest Student

OBC Rogers Wireless

Learn more and take charge at www.takecharge.navcanada.ca

Up for a challenge?

Have what it takes to become an

AIR TRAFFICCONTROLLER?

Air traffic controllers combine quick thinking and foresight to keep aircraft at a safe distance as they take off and land at the country’s busiest airports and during the enroute portion of a flight. They do their job from airport control towers and area control centres across the country.

We’re looking for individuals who have good judgement, great information processing skills and who have an interest in aviation. We offer exciting careers with great pay, great benefits and a great future.

No experience is necessary - we offer complete training.

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Because working here is about more than helping customers choose the right product. It’s about making a difference in our customers’ lives and their homes. We call it “unleashing your inner orange” and it’s my ability to tap into my inner potential to help them create a space worth calling home.

The first thing I do when I greet a customer is smile. It lets them know I’m there to help, and that I’m confident in my ability to make a difference in their projects—no matter how large or small, I know that my customers value my product knowledge and that drives me to go above and beyond to help them complete their projects. Through extensive training, tuition reimbursement and more, The Home Depot gives me the support I need to build a promising future.

– Jordan, Home Depot Associate

A variety of part-time and seasonal opportunities are available for college and university students.

We are committed to diversity as an equal opportunity employer.

Successful projects start with serious know-how. And a warm smile.

Apply online at homedepotjobs.ca/5762 or text HOMEDEPOT to 998899 for information on upcoming career fairs and opportunities in your area.

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THE FRONT PAGES eDItOr’s NOte

September is an interesting month. As a kid, it’s the time you jump into a new grade, catch up with your friends that have eluded you all summer, and buy a bunch of shiny new school supplies. As you get older though, September can be a stressful time: transitioning from sum-mer sun and paycheques to student loans and constant studying can be jarring, to say the least.

But you know the drill. Register for a bunch of courses, pray the instructors are friendly and know what they’re talk-ing about, and fight to finish at least one assignment this semester earlier than the night before.

For many students, September is the time to refocus and start thinking again about your career path, asking yourself some needed questions: Is this the pro-gram for me? Is this the field I want to work in?

To give you some perspective of the many opportunities out there, we fo-cused our back to school issue this year on prominent industries and fields that are crying out for all sorts of experi-enced professionals.

We take a look at the accounting field, discussing the strategic role of accoun-tants in all forms of business across Can-ada. We also talk to recent accounting grads to learn about their experiences in the real world, and highlight the chang-es in accounting designations, in case you’re debating between your CGA, CMA, CA, or even the new CPA. (Don’t worry. We break it down for you.)

The oil and gas industry, as one of the largest fields for jobs in Canada, loves hiring eager young employees, (which in-clude people who aren’t engineers). We delve into the careers of geophysicists and seismic line crew workers, finding out what you need to know to make a career out of oil, and we also discuss the

BACk At It!

many other jobs that need to be filled—anywhere from law to logistics. We even have an interview with Mayor Naheed Nenshi of Calgary to hear his thoughts on Alberta’s oil boom and why Alberta is drawing in so much young talent.

Wondering what education you need to dig for diamonds and gold? We’ve got you covered. We look at trade school paths to the lucrative industry of mining, and discuss the emergence of women in the field, as well as all the jobs in mining that don’t involve a pickaxe.

And that’s not all: recruitment fairs, culi-

nary school, how to ace an interview, the future of robotics—all in this issue.

So take a look, take in the last rays of sun, and hunker down. (Remember: summer’s only eight months away!)

Happy reading!

From the desk of James Michael McDonald

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© 2012 Target Brands, Inc. Target and the Bullseye Design are registered trade-marks of Target Brands, Inc.

Join our team. Expect the best.

target.ca/careers

There’s lots of excitement in storefor you as Executive Team Leader.We’re getting our Store Leadership team in place and are seeking ambitious people

who can create the best shopping experience for our guests. If you have a passion for

developing dynamic, sales-driven teams and are looking to grow your career, we can’t

wait to hear from you.

120808 JobPostingsTargetFiona ByrneJobPostings

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BUILD YOUR FUTURE WITH US

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As one of Canada’s leading construction and infrastructure development companies, Aecon is a beacon for new and soon-to-be graduates focused on building their careers with an industry leader. We offer challenging work, diverse opportunities, the latest technologies, and a culture of continued learning to feed your career development. As a Best Employer since 2008, Aecon’s competitive benefits package and support for industry designations and certification are second to none. If you are an Engineer (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical) or an Industry Technologist (Engineering or Construction), visit our website today to learn more about joining Canada’s best at Aecon!

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CRUNCHIN’ NUmBeRsthe term “back-to-school jitters” doesn’t just apply to kids. the transition to post-secondary education can be scary, but it’s important to know you’re not alone. before taking the plunge this fall, consider preparing yourself for the following:

Words Kyle Reynolds // Illustrations Anthony Capano

EXHAUSTED

LONELY

ANXIOUS

HOPELESS

SUICIDAL

THE MOST COMMON EMOTIONS DURING EXAM TIME:

90%

65%

56%

50%

10%

If you do feel any of these extremes, know that you’re not alone and there are plenty of on-campus resources available to you!

POLANDFRANCECANADABELGIUMU.S.A

73%

60%

58%

50%

48%

PERCENTAGE OF 20- TO 24-YEAR-OLDS IN POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION, BY COUNTRY.

NUMBER OF SUMMER WORKING HOURS YOU LIKELY WORKED THIS SUMMER TO PAY OFF TUITION FEES FOR ONE YEAR COMPARED TO WHAT YOUR PARENTS WOULD HAVE WORKED:

JULY 31JULY 24JULY 17JULY 10JULY 3JUNE 26JUNE 19JUNE 12JUNE 5MAY 29MAY 22MAY 15MAY 8 AUG 7 AUG 14 AUG 21MAY 1

WEEKS WORKED IN 1980

WEEKS WORKED IN 2013

YOU’RE TRAVELLING MORE! LOCATION OF STUDY FOR UNIVERSITY STUDENTS AGED 25-64 IN 2011:OUTSIDE OF CANADA ANOTHER PROVINCE SAME AS RESIDENCE

DOCTORATE MASTER’S DEGREE BACHELOR’S DEGREE

43%

16%

42%

53%

13%

34%

68%

12%

21%

DURING STRESSFUL TIMES, STUDENTS MAY ENCOUNTER:

14%

ALCOHOL/DRUG USE43%

DIFFICULT RELATIONSHIPS58%

SLEEP DIFFICULTIES

67% OF THE ADULT POPULATION REPORTED HAVING POST-SECONDARY QUALIFICATIONS IN 2012. THAT'S UP FROM 60% IN 2006, AND A STUNNING TURNAROUND FROM THE 4% WHO HAD A UNIVERSITY EDUCATION IN 1961.

20122006

80

60

40

20

0

20001990198019701961

THE FRONT PAGESCruNChIN’ Numbers

sOurCes: statCaN.gC.Ca, CaNaDa.COm, thestar.COm, CFsONtarIO.Ca

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THE FRONT PAGES suCCess stOrIes

sUCCess stORIeswondering how to get to the top? read on to find out how this young

professional is succeeding in the business world.

Where did you go to school? What program did you attend?

I attended the business program at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ontario.

What drew you to your current field?Working in the tax department, I find that each client engagement is unique. We tend to work on smaller engagement teams here, which has allowed me to gain a great deal of exposure to many differ-ent aspects of accountancy very quickly. The work is constantly challenging and it keeps me interested on a daily basis.

How did you find your current position?Lakehead University has a job bank for its students and I saw a summer position advertised at Grant Thornton. At the end of the summer, the partners in our office offered me a full-time position.

Tell us a bit about your responsi-bilities.I’m involved in a lot of cross-border US tax work. I prepare income tax returns for both individuals and corporations both in the US and here in Canada. My responsibilities also include doing research on in-depth technical issues in order to allow us to complete these re-turns, and providing mentoring for some of the junior members of the team.

What is the most challenging aspect of your position?I would say it is the vast amount of tech-nical knowledge required to be good at this job. I remember when I first started, my manager saying to me that I should expect it to take five years before I could consider myself highly proficient! For-tunately, the firm has provided me with the opportunity to take the In-Depth Tax course, which has really helped in-crease my level of knowledge.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?Sometimes when you’re dealing with taxation issues, you encounter clients who are facing real problems. These cli-ents are often very stressed, and being able to help them resolve some of these serious issues is really gratifying.

What skills have you learned through your work experience?Being in this role has definitely allowed me to increase my client service skills, as well as providing me with opportuni-ties to use my analytical skills. It has also helped improve my presentation skills, and taught me how to manage upwards with senior members of the team.

What do you think it takes to be successful in this career?Definitely hard work and determina-tion. I also believe it takes a real willing-ness to learn. You discover very quickly that the road to true proficiency is a long one, so having a commitment to contin-uous, lifelong learning is very important.

What are your future career aspirations?Of course it would be fantastic to be a partner one day, but ultimately I would love to be considered highly technically competent and knowledgeable in the tax field, and feel like I was a trusted source of information for others.

Any advice you have for students looking to land their first job?It was a real challenge to land my first job. I think it’s important to persevere and keep putting your best foot forward. Also, the people interviewing you understand that your education will continue long past university, and they won’t expect you to know everything. What they’re re-ally looking to see is if you’re a good fit for the organization, so make sure you’re always yourself in an interview.

mARk CLemeNts

COmpANY: grant thornton

pOsItION: senior analyst

empLOYeD: 3 years

DeGRee: honours bachelor of Commerce

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OUR qUestION tHIs IssUe: tell us about the biggest mistake you’ve made at work.

Many people have a hard time discussing their weaknesses and mistakes in an in-terview, so a candidate’s response to this question is always interesting.

For most people, their initial reaction is to say (either jokingly or not): “Oh, I’ve nev-er made a mistake!” If they truly stand by the statement that they have never made a mistake, I would question their honesty and their level of awareness of their own behaviour.

On the other hand, what I’m looking for in a good response is for a candidate to tell me about a mistake—we all make them!

I’m looking for plenty of detail:

How was it found? Did you identify it yourself ? Or did someone else find it and tell you about it? Discussing how the prob-lem arose shows awareness and the ability to take criticism.

How did you fix it? What was the impact

DO INteRVIews mAke YOU sweAt?Our hr connections and recruitment friends on the inside let you know

what they ask and exactly what they want to hear.

of the error? Who did you have to com-municate with? How did you communi-cate? This demonstrates how the individ-ual works in a team and, possibly, how the person handles stress and pressure.

What did you learn? And, more specifi-cally, what did you learn that will help you prevent or mitigate future mistakes? I want to know that a person can problem solve and create solutions.

I may help the candidate along the way to get to all those details by asking probing questions, but it’s this kind of information that provides valuable insights into how someone may handle a difficult situation in the future. Remember that behavioural interviews are intended to help an employ-er predict future behaviour based on past behaviour, so I expect candidates to come prepared with specific situations they can discuss in detail, including the mistakes they’ve made.

THE FRONT PAGES

CHeRYL pROBeRtrecruitment partner, bayer Canada

INtervIew tIps

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Proud to be your bank.

M04200 (0610)

And equally proud of our diverse and inclusive work environment.

To learn more, and for job opportunities, visit www.td.com

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THE FRONT PAGES startup

We’ve all been there: shaving at the sink or in the shower and battling with globs of shaving cream that have dripped in ev-ery direction. This annoying predicament has led many to abandon their cream al-together, but not entrepreneur Nick May. The Carleton University student was re-cently named 2013 Student Entrepreneur National Champion by Enactus Canada for his shaving cream alternative, RE-MAY.

“I was in the shower and gazed at a new razor blade’s lubricating strip,” he ex-plains. “I thought to myself ‘why isn’t there a massive lubricating strip that would make my razor feel like it is always new, and at the same time replace the use of messy shaving cream?’”

Only 14 at the time of his cosmetic epiph-any, May did not yet have the knowledge needed to develop what would become Vanilla Shower Time, a solid, water-ac-tivated shaving bar with his trademarked Natraglide formulation. “After hundreds of hours of work, all it took was an ac-cident in the kitchen for it to all come to-gether.”

With the formula created, May employed focus groups to determine a viable audi-ence. “I discovered that women were looking for a more efficient way to quickly shave, either in or out of the shower,” he explains, adding that on average we spend approximately two months of our lives shaving. “I wanted to make those months healthier and more enjoyable for my friends, family, and those around the globe.”

After a friend asked him to mentor a project through Enactus Canada, May became hooked on the organization that connects students with communities and businesses to progress their entrepreneur-ial ventures. “I signed up online and, before I knew it, their extremely friendly staff welcomed me in,” he says.

Designed to facilitate and encourage the entrepreneurial spirit in students, Enactus annually runs the Student Entrepreneur

RAze-ING tHe BARNick may takes his invention from idea to reality.

sOme peOpLe Just LIKe tO heLp; sOme peOpLe Just waNt a pIeCe. bOth ways are great aND part OF the game. yOu

Just have tO KNOw whICh auDIeNCe yOu are wOrKINg wIth tO heLp

respeCt everyONe’s tIme aND tO buILD meaNINgFuL reLatIONshIps.

National Competition. Through partner-ships and initiatives, Enactus Canada and community businesses were able to cre-ate 110 full-time and 189 part-time posi-tions this past year. The competition was founded in 1997 and focuses on full-time Canadian university and college students that are simultaneously running their own businesses. Other stipulations include

owning at least 50 per cent of their com-pany and having been operational for at least six months prior to registration. Re-gional champions receive a $1,000 cash prize as well as paid travel and lodging costs to attend the Enactus conference. The student entrepreneur champion is awarded $10,000 on top of travel and ac-commodation costs.

Having recently won first place, May moves forward with not only financial support, but knowledge gained from net-working with other Enactus members.

“I have realized that there is a slight variation in business practice in different communities,” he says. “Some people just like to help; some people just want a piece. Both ways are great and part of the game. You just have to know which audi-ence you are working with to help respect everyone’s time and to build meaningful relationships.”

As for other young entrepreneurs start-ing out, May advises that they start their businesses early, while still in school. Us-ing learning environments to build con-nections with professors and students is not only socially advantageous, but may give you an unexpected leg up with future endeavours. “Ask the business professors about student entrepreneur programs or competitions, which may be available at your university,” he says. “Whether or not you win or are accepted into the programs, it will force you to begin your business plan. Follow the path of least resistance and everything will come your way.” | Laura Eley

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INDUSTRY REPORTpOwer LINe teCh

For those interested in pursuing a physically demanding job that requires plenty of thinking, power line technician (also known as lineman/woman) may be just the career for you. Whether it’s maintaining outdated power lines or restoring electricity to communities after Mother Nature strikes, this profession is a demanding but rewarding way to earn your keep.

Working ConDitionsPower line technicians work primarily outdoors, often in remote loca-tions, and are constantly on the move. Those in this profession must be physically fit, manually dextrous, able to work at high heights for long periods, and have good co-ordination and colour vision.

“You get to cover a lot of territory because you work with power lines all across the grid, all across the country,” says Michelle Branigan, CEO of the non-profit organization Electricity HR Canada. “It’s not a job for those that like office work or the stability of a rigid nine-to-five schedule.”

Cole Crooks, a power line technician coordinator with SaskPower, was a journeyman electrician before training for the power line trade. “I was looking for a change and found this trade appealing due to the opportuni-ties it offered along with being able to work outside,” he explains.

It’s a field that’s also expanding throughout the female demographic. “There are more women starting to go into our industry and to go into the trades,” says Branigan.

Primary duties of this trade include: erecting and maintaining electrical poles, towers, and guy wires; installing and repairing things like overhead and underground power lines, cables, transformers, and conductors; and working with power distribution and transmission networks. Typically they are employed by electric power companies, electrical contractors, and pub-lic utility commissions.

The power line technician trade is provincially governed by the Red Seal Program, an organization that guarantees skilled trades workers have completed proper qualifications before they receive certification.

“Employers in Canada and around the world increasingly require highly skilled workers and the Red Seal Program promotes a national standard

eLeCtRIFY YOUR CAReeR!how power line technicians are mixing brawn with brains.

for training excellence,” says Anna Maddison, media relations spokesper-son of ministerial communications services with Employment and Social Development Canada.

EDuCAtion

Maddison explains that apprenticeship programs are generally adminis-tered by provincial and territorial departments responsible for education, labour, and training, (under the direction of the provincial and territorial director of apprenticeship), with authority delegated from the legislation in each province and territory. The length of time and training involved in becoming a power line technician varies from province to province, and most provinces offer college programs that lay out a path that provides courses and co-op placements to build the required apprenticing hours.

The inherent risks involved in working with high voltage systems are di-minished through in-depth apprenticing and training. “If you learn to identify hazards, look after your tools and equipment, stay focused on your work, and follow approved work procedures, the risk can be virtually eliminated,” says Crooks.

ProsPECts

The trade’s job prospects and salary are both stable and promising. Ac-cording to a Service Canada survey of Quebec, electrical power line and cable workers on average make $71,526 per year, with 97 per cent of these workers in full-time positions.

There are also multiple opportunities for advancement. “You can ad-vance to foreman, line supervisor positions, and even training roles,” explains Branigan, adding that most in this profession are also offered strong benefits packages.

Whether just starting your career or considering a switch, the power line technician trade will keep you both mentally and physically active.

Crooks’ advice? “If you take pride in your work, believe in always doing your best, and thrive in challenging situations then this will be a very rewarding career.” | Laura Eley

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INDUSTRY REPORT rObOtICs

Whether the goal is to make repetitive or dangerous tasks less drudging, boost ef-ficiency and productivity, or simply pro-vide a means of entertainment, robotic engineering is pivotal to our ever-growing, technological world.

When you think of robots, it’s hard to resist images of Hollywood characters like Wall-E, Robocop, and Marvin the Paranoid An-droid. Of course, these are fairly animated depictions of the future of technology and the world itself, but today’s integration of mechanical and electronic components is making once-imagined technology more possible every day.

Today, the field of robotics needs engineers who can design intelligent electromechani-cal systems such as industrial robots, medi-cal tools, and autonomous vehicles. Take Derek Scherer, for example, a robotic engi-neer who is currently developing the robot platform for a project called Therabot.

“This robot functions in a way similar to how we employ therapy animals,” says Scherer. “A dog in the room of a recovering patient can help her mood tremendously. Similarly, the act of talking to an animal has shown some therapeutic value. The Therabot is designed to be responsive and comforting to the human in these sorts of scenarios.”

Scherer puts his expertise to use in a variety of niches, including film. He has done ani-matronics (think dinosaurs, large animals, and mythical creatures) for Man of Steel, Elysium, and The Hobbit: An Unexpect-ed Journey, for which he has sculpted and painted fictional characters that can only be brought to life with special motors and mechanisms. Scherer thanks Star Wars, The Dark Crystal, and his memories of Disney’s Haunted Mansion ride for inspiring him at a young age to get involved with robotics.

“Robots have always been pretty special to me,” says Scherer. “During my gradu-ate work, the interest led me into artificial intelligence. After getting a real taste for AI, natural language processing, machine learning, etc., I decided that what the ma-chine thinks doesn’t really amount to much if the system can’t express it right to a per-son.” Soon, the experiences that robots

ReVOLUtIONIzING ROBOtICsearn your postgrad while working full-time, managing family life, or living overseas.

created for people (with movement, sound, expressions, gestures, and so on) became his focal point.

Doing thE robot

According to CEO of Geisel Software Bri-an Geisel, there are a number of ways to get involved with robotics. Earning a bach-elor’s degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or mechanical engineering is the best place to start. Some of Canada’s most prestigious robotics-specific programs belong to the British Columbia Institute of Technology, University of Alberta, and University of Western Ontario.

“The other way to enter robotics is directly from a similar field,” says Geisel, who spent much of his career working on embedded projects for mobile storage applications. “Having been a software engineer with a good handle on hardware, it was a good fit for the robotics industry where a cross-breed of disciplines is essential. Coming from a solid background in a mesh of tech-nical disciplines is a great way to get into the industry.”

He adds that the field is continuing to grow and diversify, especially since you can now work on everything from the robots that handle the warehouses to stock Walmart stores to assisting with a NASA (or pri-vate) mission to Mars. In fact, according to Geisel, robotics remains one of very few fields where the moon is a viable travel des-tination.

no nEED for A robotiC PErsonAlity“Don’t get into robotics if you think trigo-nometry is a bad word,” Geisel advises. “However, if you’re the kind of person who loves immersing themselves in a com-plex problem, you’re going to love robotics. There is a tendency to be a little idealistic about things, though. Keep a firm head on your shoulders and remember that it’s still a job with ups and downs like any other field. It isn’t all sitting around conceptual-izing artificial intelligence beings à la Hol-lywood. For those ready to work hard, have a lot of fun, and invent something legiti-mately original, there’s nothing quite like robotics.” | Kyle Reynolds

Page 19: Jobpostings Magazine: September 2013 Vol 16, No. 1

Work with us and help power all the things that

brighten our lives.LATE NIGHT STUDY SESSIONDelivered by Hydro One.

Our product may be invisible, but our people stay clearly in

sight, delivering power across the Province. To learn more about a

career in the power sector and what it takes to join our innovative team,

visit HydroOne.com/Careers.

“I � gured it’d be a couple years before I got this kind of responsibility.”

Career Opportunities at BDO.

BDO. Because relationships matter.There are many world-class accounting fi rms. Far fewer that offer a culture so rich in professional opportunity, personal fulfi llment, and long-term growth. At BDO, we understand that exceptional service to our clients begins — and ends — with exceptional regard for our people. Because at its core, our business is not about numbers or spreadsheets, dollars or pence, but about people working with, for, and in service of others. In short, because relationships matter.

Assurance | Accounting | Tax | Advisory

www.bdo.ca/campus

Page 20: Jobpostings Magazine: September 2013 Vol 16, No. 1

Student opportunities Join us in Actuarial, Audit and Assurance, Consulting, Deals, Risk and Controls or Tax

Your career is just that, yours. You choose it. You live it. You make it happen. To get the best from it, you need the best opportunities. That’s why opportunities are at the heart of PwC careers. Opportunities to grow as an individual, to work flexibly, to build lasting relationships and make an impact in a place where people, quality and value mean everything.

Discover your opportunity

www.pwc.com/ca/campuswww.facebook.com/pwccareerscanada @PwC_ca_campus

© 2013 PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an Ontario limited liability partnership. All rights reserved.

The opportunity of a lifetime

3470-33 PwC Campus - FullPage_JobPostings_September.indd 1 13-08-08 12:30 PM

Page 21: Jobpostings Magazine: September 2013 Vol 16, No. 1

19

september 2013 | JOBpOstINgs.Ca

ACCOUNtING

CALCULAtORs tO CORNeR OFFICesLeave your pocket protector behind. accountants are moving past the abacus to key roles

in companies and organizations across the globe.

speCIaL repOrt

50K

40K

30K

60K

THE AVERAGE ENTRY-LEVEL SALARIES IN 2010

INTERNAL AUDITORANALYSTACCOUNTANT

Page 22: Jobpostings Magazine: September 2013 Vol 16, No. 1

JOBpOstINgs.Ca | OCtOber 2012

ACCOUNTING strategIC rOLe

Many envision accountants as strict num-ber crunchers set up in cubicles with a cal-culator and stack of invoices. But this evolv-ing career is shifting in both role and focus. Whether assisting in corporate restructur-ing or creating environmental assessments, accountants are in demand for both their financial and strategic knowledge.

“Accountants know the company from the inside out,” says Vanda Mulrooney, a se-nior staff accountant with the public ac-counting firm Sone & Rovet. “In addition to working with numbers, accountants have a deeper understanding of the busi-ness, as they must understand the process-es and controls in place, business risks and opportunities, and the objectives and goals of the company.”

Evidence of their important role can be seen through mega corporations like Tor-star Corporation and Rogers Communi-cations Inc., both of which have accoun-tants employed in top-level positions.

strAtEgizingSteve D’Alessandro, vice-president of fi-nance with CGA Ontario, explains that CGAs possess a solid understanding of

efficiency, productivity, and financial risk management in the workplace. This equips them to deal with a wide range of business needs including the development of corporate strategies, critical thinking, analyzing financial information, and tack-ling complex management issues.

Mulrooney adds that accountants play a large role in corporate restructuring on both a small and large scale. “There are different lines of work involved in this: reorganization for tax purposes, due dili-gence work on acquisitions, wind-ups and amalgamations, the use of trusts,” she says. “An accountant can recommend the neces-sary changes with regards to share owner-ship, share structure, and association rules for related persons or companies.”

Given the volatility of our current econ-omy, it’s understandable that employees who can both understand and offer tacti-cal guidance promoting financial stability would be highly valued.

D’Alessandro says accountants can cre-ate financial models to identify probable outcomes and offer information essential to critical business and financial decisions.

They can also lead to more streamlined restructuring processes and help to quickly achieve outcomes.

Pertaining to acquisition of other compa-nies, you have to ask: “is a company you are purchasing worth what they say they are worth?” Mulrooney asks.

globAl EMPloyMEntThese skills are not esteemed in Canada alone. Worldwide, accounting is globaliz-ing into a universal community. “Whether you’re working at a Big 4 firm with oppor-tunities for secondment, (a period of time where you work [internationally] in one of their offices and then come back to Can-ada), or visiting clients across the world,” there are many prospects for accountants to work abroad, says Mulrooney.

GoAbroad.com, an international travel re-source, lists several international postings for accountants that include placements in Central America, Africa, and Asia. PricewaterhouseCoopers, one of the Big 4 firms, runs the Early PwC International Challenge that encourages employees to work abroad early in their careers. They not only offer assistance with immigration

ACCOUNtING’s CHANGING ROLethe shifting responsibilities of accountants in the corporate and global market.

Words Laura Eley // Illustrations saul herrera

Page 23: Jobpostings Magazine: September 2013 Vol 16, No. 1

and compliance requirements, but tem-porary living arrangements for employees and their dependents as well.

Business Development Manager for CGA Ontario Carmen Jacques explains that the CGA designation is recognized in over 80 countries. Reversely, internationally educat-ed professionals are given access to pursue accounting employment within Canada.

MAnAging thE EnvironMEntWorking within traditional auditing and professional services firms is not the only route for global involvement. Environmen-tal Management Accounting (EMA) is in-creasing in both influence and recognition.

“Today’s young students and qualified accountants are concerned about social issues and the environmental impacts of the clients of firms,” says Roger Burritt, professor in accounting and director for the Centre for Accounting, Governance, and Sustainability at the University of South Australia (UniSA). “They look to a future in which accountants, through their employers and professional accountancy bodies, take public interest seriously.”

EMA is a developing field focused on creating proactive environmental man-

agement decisions within businesses. It is designed to modify managerial and pro-duction processes to be more environmen-tally conscious.

Katherine Christ, a PhD scholar at Uni-SA, shares a perspective similar to Bur-ritt’s. “With initiatives such as emissions trading and carbon tax schemes, as well as an increasingly complex assortment of environmental regulations, environmental issues are no longer solely concerned with the notion of a corporate conscience; they are synonymous with business strategy and economic survival,” she says.

Christ also explains how major account-ing companies, including the Big 4, are continually offering clients a range of environmental services such as “envi-ronmental risk assessment and audit, as-sistance with regulatory compliance, en-vironmental strategy development, and benchmarking.”

iMPlEMEnting ChAngEAnd EMAs are working to make ecologi-cal conservation not only about philan-thropy, but about economic growth too.

“Environmental management accounting presents one possible way of increasing

awareness while being cost-effective and cost-efficient for firms and their clients,” says Burritt. “New [accounting] graduates can become a driving part of the change towards recognizing social and environ-mental impacts of business for the benefit of practitioners, academic researchers, policy makers, and future communities.”

Christ explains that environmental aware-ness is an opportunity that can be used for corporations, shareholders, and society as a whole. “It is no longer necessary to sacri-fice the environment for the sake of corpo-rate economic gain or vice versa,” she says.

As the global community deals with the inevitable impacts of climate change, it is encouraging that the focus of entrepre-neurial ventures is beginning to incorpo-rate ecological significance.

“Excited, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable students are needed to eventually lead the profession to a new dawn where the bal-ance between private and public interest is the primary concern,” says Burritt.

Better buckle-up, accountants! Your in-dustry is helping steer the future.

Page 24: Jobpostings Magazine: September 2013 Vol 16, No. 1

You don’t have to be the campus track star to fast track your way to success. The CGA program allows you to transfer credits from your post-secondary education towards your CGA designation, giving you a head start on the path to a fulfilling career.

The CGA program lets you transfer credits so you can get ahead.

See what CGA program courses you may be exempt from at cga-domore.org/transfer

Which path will you take?

Graduation

CGA programMove in

with parents

Work for dad

Get fired by dad

Call headhunter

CGA program

Wait for headhunter to call back

Get rejected byheadhunter

Success

Page 25: Jobpostings Magazine: September 2013 Vol 16, No. 1

Sharon Barnes-Simmonds, CGA

The BoTTom LineDirector of Accounting Toronto International Film Festival

A s the director of accounting for the Toronto Interna-tional Film Festival (TIFF), I’m surrounded by brilliant, creative people every day who aren’t familiar with the accounting discipline. Working with them challenges

me and helps me grow as a professional.

I moved from Jamaica to Canada in 2003. I was an ACCA but I needed a Canadian accounting designation. I was almost finished the CGA program when CGA Canada and the ACCA signed a mutual recognition agreement. It was perfect timing — my ACCA designation was acknowledged and I became a CGA.

After my first few jobs in Canada, I joined PTC Accounting as a freelance accountant in 2008. My first assignment was to assist the director of financial analysis and planning at TIFF. Not long after I started, the position became vacant. I was offered the role and I accepted.

TIFF delivers programming 365 days a year, including the 10-day film festival every September. In 2010 we opened the TIFF Bell Lightbox in downtown Toronto. It’s a five-storey complex that contains five theatres, galleries, studios, two restaurants and a gift shop.

This year, to celebrate the release of Skyfall, the 23rd James Bond film, we presented a major exhibition called Designing 007: 50 Years of Bond Style.

I’m not really an artistic person, I’m a straight-laced ac-countant, but I do find ways to blend in with the artistic culture at TIFF. My team oversees accounts payable, receivable and every transaction that hits the general ledger, from festivals to concessions to the gift shop.Pho

Tog

rA

Phy:

GA

RY B

EE

CH

EY

, BD

S ST

uD

IoS

I’m surrounded by brilliant, creative people every day; working with them helps me grow as a professional.

I’ve seen another side of movies, thanks to my CGA designation.

Movies communicate the world through film. Two of my favourites at last year’s festival are now Oscar winners: Argo and Silver Linings Playbook. Films like that bring so much aware-ness to what’s happening in the world and provide a common ground for dialogue.

Moneyball is a movie that I also recommend, especially to accountants. It speaks to the numbers behind professional sports. My favourite movie of all time is The Gods Must be Crazy. I was a teenager the first time I saw it and laughed the entire time.

Every September, TIFF brings a heightened energy, prestige and pride to the city of Toronto. I’m really proud to be a part of it and I encourage everyone to go.

My bottom line is a sound education. It will take you as far as you want to go. My advice to students? Get a designation and let it work for you. Mine gives me credibility, options and end- less opportunities. I’ve seen another side of movies, thanks to my CGA designation.

– Jacquelin Corrado, CGA Ontario

Profile

Sharon Barnes-Simmonds, CGA

The BoTTom LineDirector of Accounting Toronto International Film Festival

A s the director of accounting for the Toronto Interna-tional Film Festival (TIFF), I’m surrounded by brilliant, creative people every day who aren’t familiar with the accounting discipline. Working with them challenges

me and helps me grow as a professional.

I moved from Jamaica to Canada in 2003. I was an ACCA but I needed a Canadian accounting designation. I was almost finished the CGA program when CGA Canada and the ACCA signed a mutual recognition agreement. It was perfect timing — my ACCA designation was acknowledged and I became a CGA.

After my first few jobs in Canada, I joined PTC Accounting as a freelance accountant in 2008. My first assignment was to assist the director of financial analysis and planning at TIFF. Not long after I started, the position became vacant. I was offered the role and I accepted.

TIFF delivers programming 365 days a year, including the 10-day film festival every September. In 2010 we opened the TIFF Bell Lightbox in downtown Toronto. It’s a five-storey complex that contains five theatres, galleries, studios, two restaurants and a gift shop.

This year, to celebrate the release of Skyfall, the 23rd James Bond film, we presented a major exhibition called Designing 007: 50 Years of Bond Style.

I’m not really an artistic person, I’m a straight-laced ac-countant, but I do find ways to blend in with the artistic culture at TIFF. My team oversees accounts payable, receivable and every transaction that hits the general ledger, from festivals to concessions to the gift shop.Ph

oTo

gr

APh

y: G

ARY

BE

EC

HE

Y, B

DS

STu

DIo

S

I’m surrounded by brilliant, creative people every day; working with them helps me grow as a professional.

I’ve seen another side of movies, thanks to my CGA designation.

Movies communicate the world through film. Two of my favourites at last year’s festival are now Oscar winners: Argo and Silver Linings Playbook. Films like that bring so much aware-ness to what’s happening in the world and provide a common ground for dialogue.

Moneyball is a movie that I also recommend, especially to accountants. It speaks to the numbers behind professional sports. My favourite movie of all time is The Gods Must be Crazy. I was a teenager the first time I saw it and laughed the entire time.

Every September, TIFF brings a heightened energy, prestige and pride to the city of Toronto. I’m really proud to be a part of it and I encourage everyone to go.

My bottom line is a sound education. It will take you as far as you want to go. My advice to students? Get a designation and let it work for you. Mine gives me credibility, options and end- less opportunities. I’ve seen another side of movies, thanks to my CGA designation.

– Jacquelin Corrado, CGA Ontario

Profile

Sharon Barnes-Simmonds, CGA

The BoTTom LineDirector of Accounting Toronto International Film Festival

A s the director of accounting for the Toronto Interna-tional Film Festival (TIFF), I’m surrounded by brilliant, creative people every day who aren’t familiar with the accounting discipline. Working with them challenges

me and helps me grow as a professional.

I moved from Jamaica to Canada in 2003. I was an ACCA but I needed a Canadian accounting designation. I was almost finished the CGA program when CGA Canada and the ACCA signed a mutual recognition agreement. It was perfect timing — my ACCA designation was acknowledged and I became a CGA.

After my first few jobs in Canada, I joined PTC Accounting as a freelance accountant in 2008. My first assignment was to assist the director of financial analysis and planning at TIFF. Not long after I started, the position became vacant. I was offered the role and I accepted.

TIFF delivers programming 365 days a year, including the 10-day film festival every September. In 2010 we opened the TIFF Bell Lightbox in downtown Toronto. It’s a five-storey complex that contains five theatres, galleries, studios, two restaurants and a gift shop.

This year, to celebrate the release of Skyfall, the 23rd James Bond film, we presented a major exhibition called Designing 007: 50 Years of Bond Style.

I’m not really an artistic person, I’m a straight-laced ac-countant, but I do find ways to blend in with the artistic culture at TIFF. My team oversees accounts payable, receivable and every transaction that hits the general ledger, from festivals to concessions to the gift shop.Ph

oTo

gr

APh

y: G

ARY

BE

EC

HE

Y, B

DS

STu

DIo

S

I’m surrounded by brilliant, creative people every day; working with them helps me grow as a professional.

I’ve seen another side of movies, thanks to my CGA designation.

Movies communicate the world through film. Two of my favourites at last year’s festival are now Oscar winners: Argo and Silver Linings Playbook. Films like that bring so much aware-ness to what’s happening in the world and provide a common ground for dialogue.

Moneyball is a movie that I also recommend, especially to accountants. It speaks to the numbers behind professional sports. My favourite movie of all time is The Gods Must be Crazy. I was a teenager the first time I saw it and laughed the entire time.

Every September, TIFF brings a heightened energy, prestige and pride to the city of Toronto. I’m really proud to be a part of it and I encourage everyone to go.

My bottom line is a sound education. It will take you as far as you want to go. My advice to students? Get a designation and let it work for you. Mine gives me credibility, options and end- less opportunities. I’ve seen another side of movies, thanks to my CGA designation.

– Jacquelin Corrado, CGA Ontario

Profile

Page 26: Jobpostings Magazine: September 2013 Vol 16, No. 1

meRGING tHe ACCOUNtING GAphow the Cpa is altering the future of accounting.

Words Laura Eley // Illustrations saul herrera

Change is afoot in Canada’s largest governing accountant orga-nizations. With a proposed motion to merge the three current designations Chartered Accountant (CA), Certified General Ac-countant (CGA), and Certified Management Accountant (CMA) into the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), provincial dis-cussions are underway to decide if and when this shift will hap-pen, (if it hasn’t already).

In Ontario, a recent vote determined that CMA Ontario and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario will merge into one body under the CPA umbrella. The CPA has already moved forward in other provinces and continues to be negotiated. Some institutes, including CGA Ontario and CGA Manitoba, are con-tinuing to express their desire to remain as separate entities.

According to the Chartered Accountants of Ontario’s website, the move to establish the CPA is a reflection of the industry’s desire to be globally recognized.

“The CPA is currently the most widely used accounting designa-tion in the world, with the ratio of individual CPAs to CAs being 2:1,” it states. “Looking ahead, in a rapidly changing landscape, we want to be aligned with both the CA and CPA, in case either of the designations emerges as globally dominant.”

Tashia Batstone, vice-president of education for CPA, explains that the new designation “will eliminate a lot of confusion in the marketplace.” She adds that with fewer businesses making distinctions between the CA, CMA, and CGA statuses, it makes sense “that we would create a new designation where members get consistent training, and the training is reflective of the work they’re actually going to be doing in the marketplace.”

But what does this mean for accountants and accounting students in Canada?

DEsignAtions CGA candidate Zafar Alam believes the CPA will bring positive changes for the accounting community.

“It will create a unified accounting profession in Canada,” he explains, adding that the program will “provide candidates with a competitive edge in the job market and ensure high demand with business and organizations.” He also notes that the new designa-tion will meet respected global standards in business and allow future accountants career mobility.

“I think the interesting thing is that when you look on a local scale, Canada definitely punches above its weight in terms of

ACCOUNTING DesIgNatIONs

Page 27: Jobpostings Magazine: September 2013 Vol 16, No. 1

september 2013 | JOBpOstINgs.Ca

population; we only have to look at the financial crisis and see how well we weathered it,” says Batstone. “There’s always this debate whether it will be a CGA, CMA, or CA who will actually get to fill that seat, whereas now you come to the table with a uni-fied voice that can be stronger. We can be a better representative for the unique needs of Canadian business and I think that serves the public better, our membership better, and I believe it serves our financial market better.”

Set to unfold over a ten-year transition period, CPA explains that current designations like CA and CMA will still be valid and in-cluded with the CPA title, as “CPA, CA” for example. The CPA qualification process will consist of an undergraduate degree fo-cused on business, a graduate level CPA professional education program, individual and team-based evaluations, a comprehen-sive final examination, and a required period of workplace ex-perience. There will also be an accelerated bridging program to facilitate mature students who are immigrants, have non-business degrees, or have been working in a different field and want to switch over to accounting.

“The CPA program is a challenging program, but it’s been built upon the attributes [of the other designations] and taking what we think is the best from the three programs,” says Batstone.

However, not all accountants believe a merger to be beneficial. Doug Brooks, FCGA and chief executive officer at CGA Ontar-io, explains that CGA Ontario’s board believes a merger without commitment to member protection could have serious implica-tions. He adds that CGAs depend on their association to protect their professional status and to ensure that they earn the trust of employers and clients. Brooks also explains that students enrolled in the CGA program face no transition or uncertainty in regards to career preparation. CGA has created a strong, reputable, and accessible program that builds information and skills through practical application.

briDging thE gAPWhile the CPA may provide a broader accounting focus, could this generalized versatility also have a limiting affect on the ac-counting job market? “This is a good profession to find yourself in these days because obviously working with growth opportu-nities and the complexities involved in financial exporting now, people need people with an expertise,” explains Batstone. “The CPA certification program is going to create jobs and find jobs in the business world where they’re going to be able to add value.”

On their website, the Chartered Accountants of Ontario state that the CPA will transform Canada’s accounting industry into a recognized and respected entity, and that “specialty programs would be developed to offer CPAs the opportunity to enhance their expertise and advance their careers.”

For future accounting graduates, obtaining the updated certifica-tion may prove more rigorous, but could also prove beneficial. They will be held to a set of standardized industry regulations and eligible for positions the previous system does not afford.

“Determination and discipline are needed throughout the cer-tification process to remain focused and punctual with the mile-stones of the program,” says Alam. Hard work that, if and when the CPA is implemented across all of Canada’s accounting bod-ies, is likely to have a major influence.

AVERAGE HOURLY WAGE FOR FINANCIAL AUDITORS/ACCOUNTANTS

$30

$25

$20

$15

$10

$35

$5

MONTREAL TORONTO

SASKATOON HALIFAX

VANCOUVER

CALGARY

63% OF CHARTERED

ACCOUNTANTS WORK IN AREAS THAT INCLUDE

ENTERTAINMENT,NON-PROFIT,AND SPORTS.

CORPORATE VS PUBLIC. BIG VS SMALL.

50K

40K

30K

20K

10K

CORPORATE FIRMS PUBLIC FIRMS

MIDSIZE/SMALL FIRMS LARGE FIRMS

AVERAGE FIRST-YEAR SALARY FOR ACCOUNTANTSWORKING IN CORPORATE VS PUBLIC/BIG VS SMALL FIRMS.

*ANNUAL SALARY

25

Page 28: Jobpostings Magazine: September 2013 Vol 16, No. 1

JOBpOstINgs.Ca | september 2013

26

In the accounting world, four companies (the ‘Big 4’) reign as leaders in employment and revenue. Ernst & Young, PricewaterhouseC-oopers (PwC), Deloitte, and KPMG make up this assemblage and annually receive a large number of applications from new graduates.

But what can today’s fresh-faced, young graduates really expect as employees in these jumbo firms?

Tony Nikolovski, a senior associate with the Audit and Assurance Group at PwC, graduated from York University in 2010. He found the initial student-to-employee transition a learning curve both in schedul-ing flexibility and increased responsibilities.

“Once you enter the real world, there are clear working hours and client commit-ments that at times can interfere with the flexibility you once had as a student,” he says, adding “you must take ownership of your schedule, plan accordingly, and take responsibility for poor planning or execu-tion and mismanagement of your time.”

An associate with the Audit and Assurance Group at PwC, Carolyn Harriss first joined the company as a co-op student.

“Both school and work are challenging in different ways, but taking a co-op place-ment at PwC really gave me a chance to learn on the job and get practical experi-ence,” she says.

Accounting graduate Ryan Glynn initially worked at Ernst & Young after finishing school. While he found the transition daunt-ing, it was eased by the company “conduct-ing an in-depth orientation week in which they explained our roles and what we should expect, as well as organizing gradu-ate activities and team-building exercises.”

Work AnD stuDyAs most accounting graduates go on to pur-sue designations—typically CA, CMA, or CGA—engaging in double duty with work and study presents another hurdle to over-come. Fortunately, most large firms offer

recent graduates ample support to success-fully complete their designations.

“The firms have an invested interest in the successful completion of the examination by their staff and, as a result, give you the appropriate training and time to study for such a challenging examination which is, in fact, one of the most demanding in the world,” Nikolovski explains.

ACCOUNtANts IN tHe BIG FOUR

recent graduates weigh in on life in the largest firms in the country.

Glynn adds that while it was difficult bal-ancing both work and study, especially dur-ing the busy tax season, Ernst & Young was especially supportive by “organizing ses-sions whereby an experienced accountant would go through the material and explain important concepts.”

big or sMAll?

While work experience in both big and small firms is valuable, they also carry strengths and weaknesses, as does any position.

ACCOUNTING the bIg FOur

BUILDING wORk eXpeRIeNCe Is esseNtIAL IN seCURING FUtURe pOsItIONs, BOtH

INteRNALLY AND eXteRNALLY.

Glynn says that smaller firms may not be able to offer as much support with desig-nation pursuits, and that the peer pool and resulting peer support system could also be limited.

“The PwC network of firms has offices all over the world, which gives me access to a global network I would not have at a smaller firm,” adds Harriss. She explains that the ‘Big 4’ companies also offer a vari-ety of professional services, providing many internal positions outside of audit and tax.

At smaller companies, recent graduates are more likely to take on roles of greater responsibility earlier in their careers, says Glynn. He adds that “working closer with individuals, [co-workers]… can provide a better mentoring role as they have more time to spend with each individual.”

bright futurEAll ‘Big 4’ firms offer opportunities for ac-counting graduates to learn, grow, and cre-ate solid career foundations. This in-depth experience also has the potential to give them a leg up on other graduates who may still be finishing their designations or simply not have the same level of work exposure.

Nikolovski shares that a very important person and role model in his life once said: ‘The decisions you make today will have a dramatic impact on the life you have to-morrow.” | Laura Eley

Page 29: Jobpostings Magazine: September 2013 Vol 16, No. 1

Ready to build a better world? Start with us.

If you’re ready to build your career and a better working world, we’re ready for you. Explore a world of opportunities with us.ey.com/ca/careers

© 2

013

Erns

t & Y

oung

LLP

. All

Rig

hts

Rese

rved

.

Page 30: Jobpostings Magazine: September 2013 Vol 16, No. 1

Discover what’s possible

for your career.There’s more than one way to make a difference. That’s why at Imperial Oil we offer multiple career paths that align with your ambitions. From the exploration and development of the oil sands to delivering high quality petroleum products, whatever your career, you’ll always have a place on a team that’s working towards creating a better future.

Hiring students and graduates from engineering, science, business and trades & technology.

imperialoil.ca/careers

Come grow with us!If you have a passion for agriculture and want to work with the best people in the industry, we have the opportunities for you.

With over 150 summer associate positions across Canada to choose from, you can join the Bayer CropScience team in one of the following areas:

Seeds

Sales

Market Development

Research & Development

Visit bayercropscience.ca/careers.

facebook.com/bcscanadacareers

Page 31: Jobpostings Magazine: September 2013 Vol 16, No. 1

september 2013 | JOBpOstINgs.Ca

OIL & GAs

tHe BLACk GOLD RUsHrecent grads are heading to oil and gas fields across the country to kick-start their

careers in Canada’s fastest-growing industry.

29

speCIaL repOrt

550,000 OIL & GAS JOBS ACROSS CANADA.THERE ARE 905,000 NEW JOBS FORECASTED BY 2035.

900,000800,000700,000600,000500,000

2040203520302010

1,000,000

202520202015

Page 32: Jobpostings Magazine: September 2013 Vol 16, No. 1

JOBpOstINgs.Ca | september 2013

OIL & GAS OppOrtuNItIes

tHe OtHeR sIDe OF OIL AND GAswhere you can go with a business, law, or accounting degree.

With full-time employment rates increas-ing steadily in oil-producing provinces like Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Newfound-land and Labrador, there is little wonder why so many recent graduates and young professionals are finally fleeing their par-ents’ homes to spark a career in the oil and gas industry.

But what about those accounting, law, and business graduates who may feel left be-hind by those new and successful groups of engineers, geologists, and technicians? Is there any room for them, too? Accord-ing to Cheryl Knight, executive director of the Petroleum Human Resources Council (PHRC), this blend of office-oriented pro-fessionals aren’t as stuck for career options as they might believe.

She suggests people with a background in business, accounting, law, and even human resources could “go into careers such as energy asset management, which is essentially developing, negotiating, and monitoring formal agreements around joint-ventures.” There are a variety of accounting roles, such as operations and production accounting, where responsibil-ities include compiling, managing, and re-porting financial and production data for companies in the oil and gas sector. Addi-tionally, there are a number of active law firms that specialize in oil and gas, which makes an understanding of economic and environmental perspectives indispensible.

AlWAys hiring

According to a 2013 report by the PHRC, Canada’s oil and gas industry will sustain an estimated annual average of 890,000 to 1,000,000 direct, indirect, and induced jobs across the country by 2022. The study also notes that employers will be most rampant in Western Canada, with Alberta employing nearly 65 per cent of the total workforce. Most noteworthy, the business and operations sector—including those with business, legal, or accounting experi-ence—accounts for 37 per cent of all sec-tors in the oil and gas industry, (followed by drilling and servicing labourers at six per cent, to give perspective).

“There’s a high demand for human re-sources professionals, just given our labour demands, our shortages, and the growth prospects for the industry,” says Knight. She adds that in this industry, “people can progress through their careers and devel-op their interests, and there’s a great flex-ibility to change career paths with know-how and experience.” She adds that the industry is currently making huge invest-ments in technology.

iMPortAnCE of EDuCAtionClara Lippert Glenn, president and CEO of The Oxford Princeton Programme, warns that prospective business and oper-ation professionals should understand that they may need to update their credentials before advancing in the industry.

“Let’s say, for example, you just joined a large oil company as an accountant,” says Lippert Glenn. “You’ve just come out of school and you have fabulous knowledge of accounting, and you’ve passed all of your exams. What you don’t know is the oil industry; if you’re going to be sitting there every day doing accounting in the oil industry, you’ve got to understand the life-blood of that business.”

Fortunately, many workplaces offer spe-cific courses that provide professionals the opportunity to develop their skills and ad-vance in the industry. If not, you can al-ways seek training from various programs, such as The Oxford Princeton Programme which offers a wide selection of online courses. According to Lippert Glenn, it’s the increase in technology that has allowed the oil, gas, and energy industry to boom.

“I find the energy industry to be the most fascinating industry to work in,” says Lip-pert Glenn. “Because it’s such a global commodity. It impacts everybody’s life. Even if you’ve never worked in the indus-try, guess what? You care about it because you probably drive a car or you flip a light switch every day … I can talk to my grand-mother and she knows exactly what I’m talking about. There aren’t many sectors where you can say that.” | Kyle Reynolds

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

60%

70%

80%

EMPLOYMENT RATES FOR CANADIAN MEN AND WOMEN

1989 1999 2007 2012

OIL-PRODUCING PROVINCES

OTHERPROVINCES

24–35YEARS OLD

IN THE NEXT TEN YEARS...

23% OF THE INDUSTRY’S

WORKFORCE WILL BE ELIGIBLE TO

RETIRE,

WHICH WILL HELP CREATE

45,000NEW JOB VACANCIES.

INVESTMENTS BEING MADE

OF EMPLOYERS IN THE INDUSTRY ARE DEVELOPING THEIR CURRENT STAFF THROUGH

TRAINING AND SUCCESSION PLANNING.

78%30

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OIL & GASseIsmIC LINe wOrKer

Not every job is a walk in the park. (And I’m not speaking metaphorically, here.)

You may be hard-pressed to find many ca-reers with an emphasis on hiking and ad-venture, but setting your feet in motion can be as simple as joining a seismic line crew.

You’ll have to pay for a flight to the middle of nowhere in Western Canada, but the crew you’ll be working for takes care of the rest. (Seriously, they’ll give you a free place to stay and $40 per day for food. Need you ask more?) The job’s main challenges in-clude flying to site via helicopter, scaling cliffs, trudging through swamps and sum-miting mountains—all while supporting several pounds of cables, wires, and equip-ment. As demanding as it may sound, geo-physicist Joe Havlik says the money is great and the experience even greater.

“But it’s hard work,” says Havlik. “I would equate it to tree planting … where you’re out in the field and really hoofing it. You need to be somewhat athletic or at least somewhat fit in order to not suffer. But you’re hiking around all day long; you’re

Get IN LINe!an adventure awaits you on a

seismic line crew.

on your feet for 12 hours a day.”

Line crew workers spend a typical day laying out and retrieving seismic record-ing equipment, called geophones, for the purposes of both 2D and 3D land seis-mic data acquisition. As many as 50 crew members walk up to 20 kilometres per day laying out or picking up the 90-pound ca-bles. Most work is done during the winter months, so the job is well-suited for high school graduates who want to save money for post-secondary.

“There are crews that probably run in areas over the summer, but there’s a lot of farming communities out here, so you can’t get summer access,” says Havlik. “Northern Alberta is sort of boggy. The ground is soft and you can’t take equip-ment out there, so you have to wait until [the ground] freezes up. So it’s not dirty, but it’s snowy and cold.”

Sound intimidating? For some, it’s a chance to explore Canada and its culture beyond the confines of large, urban cen-tres. Featured in a video by Petroleum Hu-man Resources Council of Canada, senior observer Travis Giles discusses the ways in which a young worker can advance and benefit from taking on a position as line crew helper:

“Most people can go from line crew, and they can be line boss within a week—a month at the most. After that, you’ll be advancing up to troubleshooter. They’re the ones who go out there and fix all the stations. And after troubleshooting you’ll be shooter, which I think is actually the most fun job out here. It’s where you get to go ride the skidoos and blow up dyna-mite … After that, you get into the senior roles: coordinator, observer, [and] safety management.”

According to Havlik, there are no mini-mum educational requirements to become a line crew helper; however, completion of Grade 12 is highly encouraged. Addition-ally, the job does not discriminate against gender. Although it is male-dominated labour, Havlik generally sees about one fe-male per ten males whenever he visits the field. So whether you’re stuck between ca-reers or hoping to earn good money that you’ll actually save, joining a seismic line crew might just be the adventure you’ve been waiting for. | Kyle Reynolds

wHAt DOes It pAY? $2,800 – $5,900/mONth

wICkeD! wHAt ARe tHe HOURs? 12–14 hOurs per Day,

21–28 Days ON, 4–7 Days OFF.

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It’s difficult to think of careers without a digital component these days. The influences of technology are transparent in fields relat-ed to retail, entertainment, telecommunications, and healthcare. We seldom hear about advancements in sectors related to natural resources extraction or the oil and gas industry, yet the term “digi-tal” is everywhere. And it’s quickly becoming synonymous with everything, especially oil and gas.

In fact, a significant portion of government funding is being in-vested in the development of innovative technologies in oil and gas organizations. Oil refineries won’t be going out of business anytime soon, so advancements in this particular sector can and do impact everyone. If technology can make oil and gas safer, cleaner, and cheaper to extract, the cost of energy and overall quality of life will improve substantially.

And so comes to light the notion of the “digital oilfield,” a buzz-word of sorts that major oil and gas companies have familiarized

themselves with. A 2011 McKinsey report discusses the emerging era of “big data” and describes a digital oilfield where “instru-ments constantly read data on wellhead conditions, pipelines, and mechanical systems. That information is analyzed by clusters of computers which feed their results to real-time operations cen-tres that adjust oil flows to optimize production and minimize downtimes.”

WhAt DoEs thAt EvEn MEAn?In other words, more instruments are being developed in order to make better, faster decisions, reduce risk, and maximize recov-ery. Organizations like EMC, Baker Hughes, and Schlumberger use digital oilfield technologies to better process, understand, and apply big data, which are essentially large volumes of data that require organizing and analyzing. Today, it’s not a matter of how much data you have, but what you do with it. With this comes a sudden increase in technological innovations and a flux of new

step INtO tHe DIGItAL OILFIeLDOil and gas technologies are impacting our lives for the better.

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OIL & GAS New teChNOLOgIes

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business opportunities.

Baker Hughes, for example, recently announced a drilling fluid system called MPRESS, which increases rates of penetration, pro-vides more power to motors and bits, and saves wear and tear on surface equipment. Essentially, it allows for the efficient and timely drilling of difficult lateral sections in unconventional reservoirs.

Also, EMC Corporation is currently undergoing a $100-million project to construct a research and development centre in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The facility will house an applied research centre, solutions laboratories, and an executive briefing centre.

“The R&D centre is located in Brazil, but it’s not for Brazil,” says Dr. Karin Breitman, general manager of Rio de Janeiro’s research and development centre. “All of the new inventions, innovations, methods, tools, and techniques that are being developed by the centre need to be general enough so that they can drive value all over the world. If you think about arctic exploration, that should be useful to the new algorithms that we’re developing, the logistics models for extraction, and the distribution of resources should be useful or should be easy to transpose to shale gas situations as well.”

According to Breitman, “the digital oilfield is the Holy Grail of every oil and gas company; it’s the combination of newer technol-ogies—cloud technologies—that enable the pooling of resources and the rational use of those resources.” It’s also about the ability to process data that comes in every other second, measuring and monitoring things like pressure and temperature of reservoir fluids.

Along the lines of new technology, some companies are discov-ering ways to turn waste into energy. SunCoal Industries, for example, regularly turns organic waste (compost, manure, and straw) into carbon-neutral coal. Enerkem has pioneered a tech-nology that allows actual garbage to act as a form of petroleum. Advancements such as these are the reason Breitman and EMC decided to invest in the Brazil facility: “the centre of the world for ultra deep water and oil exploration.”

toDAy’s sExiEst CArEErAccording to an article in Harvard Business Review, the “sexiest” up-and-coming job—and Breitman agrees—belongs to the “data scientist.” Hundreds of scientists are already working at both startup and well-established companies. Businesses are now deal-ing with a vast assortment of data that haven’t been measured or even seen before. As Breitman describes, the job is “a huge world of opportunity and it relates to oil and gas, it relates to retail, it relates to finances, to health, to just about any area where there’s human activity. It’s amazing how important data is going to be, but more so people who actually know what to do with data.”

A job catered to “people in all stems of the sciences: science, tech-nology, statistics, and mathematics,” it also holds a special place for people from the humanities.

“We need to have people who are able to ask the right questions,;that’s what big data is really all about.” | Kyle Reynolds

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There’s no denying that Jurassic Park was a staple of the 1990s: a trilogy (and soon-to-be quadrilogy) that likely inspired the newest generation of archeologists, paleontologists, and geneticists. Who can forget the opening scenes when a much younger Sam Neill used those cool, seismic technologies to uncover the ancient re-mains of a velociraptor?

If you don’t remember or haven’t seen the original Jurassic Park, Devon Energy geophysicist Alanna Caldwell can help lift the rock you’re living under. She may not dig for dinosaur bones, but she’s part of a career that’s erupting with innovative technologies and a fast-growing number of jobs to match.

From her high-tech office in Calgary, Alberta, Caldwell regularly interprets seismic data—sound waves that are released into the earth—and these data, called shot records, are compiled togeth-er and processed into an image of the subsurface. According to Caldwell, the cycle of her duties includes acquiring data, process-ing and interpreting it, and working closely with geologists and en-gineers to collaborate on choosing ideal oil and gas locations.

oil, gAs, AnD A bAD rAP? Generally, geophysicists use a variety of tools to locate oil, natural gas, coal, copper, iron, and other minerals, which can be helpful in identifying environmental hazards and evaluating potential oil and gas sites. As an added bonus, the job doesn’t harm the Earth’s surface with drills or other destructive tools. But, according to Caldwell, the oil and gas industry tends to be riddled with negative criticism from the public.

“I think what people need to remember is that the economy of this city—of this country—is largely dependent on oil and gas,” says Caldwell. “Everybody in this city benefits indirectly from the oil and gas industry, so when I hear my friends ragging on it, I see it as my duty to educate them about the facts … I think there is a lot of misin-formation floating around about the ‘big, bad’ oil and gas companies.”

Anil Sharma, an active environmental geophysicist and president of AKS Geoscience, looks for contamination and subsurface pol-lution caused by manmade effects, such as those brought on by broken pipelines. Today, geophysical methods typically come into play in subsurface exploration since they produce the most efficient and accurate results.

AlbErtA: A huMblE (AnD oily) AboDEAccording to Sharma, there are about 1,300 geophysicists in Calgary, (primarily involved in oil and gas exploration), and the city will be welcoming plenty more in the coming years. He attributes this to the fact that exploration is global in nature and the demand is expected to rise. Today there are hundreds of geophysicist positions, whether they are affiliated with petroleum, mining, or the environment.

“Because [most] projects in environmental geophysics are relatively small, you actually go out and collect your own data, process, and interpret it,” says Sharma. “You’re kind of doing everything, and it can be pretty intense, physically. I personally really like that be-cause it gets me out into the outdoors and you see places you would normally never see.”

Caldwell agrees with Sharma on the future of geophysics: “The demand for geophysicists is only going to increase in this industry, especially considering a lot of our more seasoned geophysicists are going to be retiring soon … I recommend to any student who has a passion for math, physics, [and] geology, to pursue it.”

But don’t take it for granite. (Err … granted!) A career in geophysics is a career hard-earned. The more experience you can nab with vari-ous computer platforms and software programs, the better. A bach-elor’s degree in physics, math, or geology is also highly encouraged.

“I’m educated, not just in a technical sense, but also from a per-sonal growth perspective,” says Caldwell. “It’s a very challenging job, but it’s very rewarding.”

eXpLORING eARtH’s sUBsURFACea career in geophysics can truly make your bedrock!

Words Kyle Reynolds // Illustrations Anthony Capano

OIL & GAS geOphysICIsts

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OIL & GASONe-ON-ONe wIth mayOr NaheeD NeNshI

Imagine Alberta: endless fields of wheat, an array of ice-capped mountains, daz-zling glacial lakes, and cows galore. De-spite its wide perception as a wilderness province, Alberta is now seeing a surge in population growth, business investments, and employment opportunities.

In the southern portion of the province lies Calgary, a city that Mayor Naheed Nenshi has helped place on the map as a global force in the energy market. For three years, Nenshi has led a city that now boasts 14 per cent of all jobs in Canada, and more than 200,000 employment opportunities are ex-pected to emerge over the balance of this decade. A self-professed lover and avid user of transit systems, Nenshi says he is proud to live and work in one of the youngest and highest-edu-cated workforces in the country.

“Calgary is one of the few places in the world where our primary con-cern right now is not unemployment but, in fact, a la-bour crunch,” says Nenshi. “We have the second-largest concentration of head offic-es in Canada, not only in the energy indus-try, but in everything from transportation logistics to consumer goods, and, of course, finance and tourism and hospitality.”

oPPortunitiEs ArE EnDlEssVoted sexiest and most-beloved Calgarian in a Best of Calgary poll, Nenshi jokes, “if you’re an eye doctor, there’s a shortage.”

But Calgary isn’t Alberta’s only hub seek-ing young, innovative, and hardworking thinkers. According to the Alberta En-ergy website, the province ranks third, after Saudi Arabia and Venezuela, in proven global crude oil reserves. About 98 per cent of Canada’s oil reserves cover 140,200 square kilometres of land in the Athabasca, Cold Lake, and Peace River areas in Northern Alberta. According to

Nenshi, the world’s brightest chemical and environmental engineers are flocking to the province to show off their knowledge and ideally boost Canada’s energy economy.

“If you’re an environmental engineer, there’s nowhere you’d rather work than in the oil sands industry because the oppor-tunity is huge to make a big difference,” says Nenshi. “So there is no reason that we should not also be the centre of alternative energy in the world because we have people who know energy better than anybody else.”

ElECtriCity strikEs

According to Nenshi, approximately 80 per cent of Canadians live in urban centres. As such, he encourages Calgarians and other

curious Canadians to “be a part of the energy.”

“We’re not just talking about the energy industry; we’re talking about something that everyone in Cal-gary notices right away,” says Nen-shi. “And that is the

excitement and electricity in the air—the fact that there is an attitude that anything is possible and everyone can succeed.”

According to Nenshi, Calgary’s current challenge is to attract and retain the best engineers and graduating artists globally. And when it comes to energy production and job opportunities, it’s the cities that draw global talent, not just the country.

Addressing negative criticism of the future of Alberta’s sectors, Nenshi remains opti-mistic: “Yes, we happen to have a natural resource-based economy. Let’s not be-grudge that. It’s the hand we’ve been dealt and it’s our job as Canadians to figure out how best to play that hand. But you know what? It’s a really good hand. We’ve been dealt a royal flush on the first deal. Let’s fig-ure out what we do with that in a thought-ful public policy way to ensure prosperity for all Canadians.” | Kyle Reynolds

FOLLOw tHAt BOOm!the prosperity in Calgary can lead you to a promising career.

CALGARY Is ONe OF tHe Few pLACes IN tHe wORLD wHeRe OUR pRImARY CONCeRN RIGHt

NOw Is NOt UNempLOYmeNt BUt, IN FACt, A LABOUR CRUNCH.

35

Your life. Your career. Your choice.

that takes ‘open concept’ to a wholenew level? Put your skills, your passions to work for YOU in the oil and gas industry. You can make a

sky’s the limit!Visit us online to see how you

can be a part of it.

Funded in part by the Government of Canada

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Because you value innovation and seek opportunity.At Nexen we offer challenging careers and the chance to pioneer new technologies. Your contributions are rewarded with a highly competitive compensation package and a healthy work-life balance. We’ll help you along with career development and training that will open doors for your future.

WHY WORK FOR NEXEN?

www.nexeninc.com

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mINING

DIG Deep AND GO FARCanadians are putting on their hard hats and heading into the earth for career

opportunities in the expanding mining industry.

CANADA IS THE WORLD’S THIRD-LARGEST PRODUCER OF DIAMONDS.BOTSWANARUSSIA

CANADA

25K22.5K20K17.5K15K12.5K10K7.5K5K= 2.5K CARATSPER YEAR

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speCIaL repOrt

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FIND YOUR FUtURe CAReeR IN mININGexploring the various careers there are to be had in the mining industry.

Words Jamie Bertolini // Illustrations Anthony Capano

A career in mining doesn’t necessarily mean wielding pickaxes through unexplored caves, all the while singing, “Hi-ho, hi-ho, it’s off to work we go!” Being an actual underground miner is only one job of the hundreds available in this diverse industry. If you’re

interested in the field but not into mirroring the profession of those well-known dwarves, fear not!

According to the Mining Association of Canada, this industry employs around 320,000 people throughout the country in sectors such as mineral extraction, smelting, fabrication, and manufacturing. Here are three careers to explore in the field of mining:

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Geologists can branch into two areas of min-ing: exploration and underground. Explora-

tion geologists are typically responsible for finding mineral de-posits on new sites where mines will eventually be constructed. Underground, mining geologists take care of the miners, ensur-ing they are blasting in the right places, as well as taking samples of minerals and rock sheets.

Luke Willis, senior geologist and director of resource modelling with McEwen Mining, has worked in the field for the past 16 years.

He says the most enjoyable aspect of his job is being able to travel to various sites around the world.

“It’s all very well going on vacation maybe for a week or two, but actually getting the chance to go work out in the bush in Australia or something is exciting,” he says.

As a geologist, Willis worked on a rotation schedule with two weeks on and two weeks off. During his time on site, he generally was required to work 11-hour days.

His morning consisted of arriving at the mine at 6 a.m., organiz-ing their plan for the day, and recapping what was done the night before by the night shift geologists. Between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m., Willis says he could be found underground taking samples of the rock face, marking it up for the miners so that they knew where to drill and blast, and drawing up maps of the face.

“Half the day [is spent] pretty much underground,” says Willis. “Getting your feet wet and taking samples and the next half of the day you’re usually just writing up all the paperwork.”

Willis’ paperwork typically involved re-drawing face maps onto neat copy, updating the blasting sequence and the progress that had been made that day, and writing up notes and instructions for the senior geologist, mining supervisor, and incoming night shift geologists.

According to the Mining Industry Human Resources Council (MiHR), there is a lot of opportunity for growth with a career as a mining geologist. Starting out as a geologist right out of univer-sity, you can then move up to senior geologist, management, and then into senior management or the launching of your own firm.

GeOLOGIst

If the technology around mining is more suited to your interests, mining engineering

could be for you, as engineers are needed in different areas of mining. Electrical engineers, for example, are responsible for planning and overseeing the site’s power generators. Mineral process engineers take care of the extraction of metallic and non-metallic minerals, while mining engineers help plan, design, and build new mines.

Marc Clauser, a previous field engineer for ConeTec in Fort Mc-

Murray, Alberta, says it was his role to acquire data in the field.

“It was a specialized role for determining soil strengths and things of that nature in the oil sands,” he says. “You’re in the field. You’re constantly dealing with a whole array of challenges and changing environments.”

A typical day is spent collecting data and working with drillers to test areas of the mine. According to Clauser, he had to be pre-pared to troubleshoot any issues that could arise, especially when temperatures in Alberta dip well below freezing in the winter.

eNGINeeR

After spending a number of years

as an engineer, you could then move your way up to be a director.

That’s what happened for Kevin Morris, director of mining ser-vices for Kinross Gold Corporation, who has been in the industry for over 31 years.

Much of his time as director is spent interacting with various people via email or phone while explaining and providing techni-cal support and information about the company and its many ongoing projects. Pit design and pit optimization are two other jobs Morris would be taking care of on particularly busy days.

Pit design is the physical design work that goes into the creation of the site. Pit optimization is the first step that occurs prior to the designing of it. It is based on a three dimensional block model that is created with software to determine which of the designs are the most economic given the set of costs.

“I tell people, when they ask me what it is I do for a living, I say I solve Rubik’s cubes; we deal a lot with block models here in min-ing,” says Morris. “[Where] a typical Rubik’s cube will have 27 blocks, ours will have 2.7 million blocks.” However, Morris says he has software that helps to come up with the answer to those.

Unlike many other fields today, mining is a field in need of work-ers. According to MiHR, Canada has one of the largest mining industries in the world, producing over 60 different minerals and metals.

Clauser offers one final word of advice for those thinking of a career in mining: “It’s one of those things that you have to be aware of what you’re getting into. It takes a commitment to move up the ladder but a lot of these companies appreciate that early commitment and if you do work hard at the start of your career, your opportunities are endless.”

DIReCtOR OF mINING seRVICes

MININGCareer OptIONs

september 2013 | JOBpOstINgs.Ca

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MINING Overseas

Travelling to places like Russia, Kazakh-stan, Argentina, Brazil, and Nevada isn’t commonplace for most people, but Ste-phen Ball has been to them all, thanks to his job.

He came across the mining industry “by fluke” while talking to an administrator of the mining program at the British Colum-bia Institute of Technology (BCIT). “I just gravitated towards [the mining indus-try],” says Ball. It was “the allure of this whole other world that I wasn’t aware of.”

After completing a technical diploma in mining from BCIT, Ball studied mining engineer-ing at the University of Montana. Since his graduation in 2005, the Calgary native has worked in six countries over seven years.

While mining is a global industry that in-volves opportunities for overseas adventures, some jobs within the sector offer more travel time than others. Ball’s excessively stamped passport proves that mining engineers get their fair share of globetrotting.

tHe Ups AND DOwNs OF mININGFind your overseas adventure through a career in mining.

James Leader, an instructor of the mining and mineral exploration program at BCIT, says junior engineers are generally more likely to be assigned overseas for a long pe-riod of time, compared to senior engineers.

The lifestyle they experience depends on how well-established or large the mine site is, but most of the time mines are in very remote places with few luxuries. Geologists

also have travel opportunities, but they are more like-ly to work on ex-ploration projects that require shorter trips. Lifestyle-wise, geologists are more likely to be working in a camp-setting during an exploration.

For both roles, “the challenges can be nu-merous, from fighting off nasty animals that bite, all the way through to the frustra-tions of trying to work in a foreign culture, where things don’t work and get done quite the same as in North America or Europe,” says Leader.

However, the challenges of working and travelling in the mining industry are also

the perks. While adjusting to new cultures can be difficult, it can also be a rewarding experience. “For me, the opportunity to go all over the world has been a great experi-ence that I wouldn’t change for anything,” says Ball.

Those in the mining industry often spend large amounts of time, about six weeks straight, working at the mine site. This is followed by several weeks off, when you can choose to fly home or stay in the area and make it a vacation. Companies will often pay some of your expenses during this time off too. Exploration geologists may spend most of their time working, but can often linger and explore the region after their work is done.

And unlike most other industries, you get to the exciting part fast. Many mining companies have programs to give recent graduates travel experience right away. For example, Kinross Gold Corporation has new graduate and student job programs, including the annual “Generation Gold” where ten recent graduates are admitted to the four-year program putting them in dif-ferent locations each year.

“We’ve got people in the desert of Africa to a high-altitude mine at 55,000 metres in Chile and far east Russia,” says Colleen Gillis, manager of global university affairs at Kinross. “The program allows students to get on-the-job training. It allows you to learn new languages and get very spe-cific mentorships from people in those lo-cations.”

She says Kinross looks for people who are adaptable, flexible, and involved in their community. Some previous work experi-ence, such as summer exploration projects, co-op experience, or internships are impor-tant as well.

Working at several mine sites around the world can really boost your career too. Ball, who has been managing mines for the past two years, took an engineering professional development course to demonstrate that he’s keeping up with the industry. “What it really boils down to is: what are your ex-periences and what kind of situations have you been involved with? I’ve been quite lucky to be involved in some world class projects around the world. Those experi-ences are what employers really look at,” he says.

And of course, travelling on its own is a pretty big perk. FYI, Ball recommends Bra-zil—the weather is more agreeable than Russia. | Michelle Hampson

we’Ve GOt peOpLe IN tHe DeseRt OF AFRICA tO A HIGH-ALtItUDe

mINe At 55,000 metRes IN CHILe AND FAR eAst RUssIA.

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When you think of mining, you probably picture headlamps, coal, and men with pickaxes. With advancements in technol-ogy and a diversifying workforce, however, the mining industry of today is much dif-ferent from the past.

Although women only represent 14 to 16 per cent of the industry and fill mostly ad-ministrative roles, opportunities for women in mining are growing.

“Over the next ten years, we’re estimat-ing that about 112,000 people are going to be needed in the mining industry,” says Melanie Sturk, director of attraction, re-tention, and transition with the Mining In-dustry Human Resources Council (MiHR). “Women can work in any position in the mining industry, and there are actually over 120 different occupations in the sector.”

Employment opportunities range from administrative, technical, and operational roles to finance, human resources, and ex-ecutive positions. Not only are there many opportunities, but the number of women in the sector is rising as well.

“We’re seeing more and more women join GoldCorp and joining the mining industry in general, in everything from truck drivers to trades roles to engineering to geology,” says Jenine Ellefson, director of talent and recruiting at GoldCorp, a senior gold pro-ducer with headquarters in Vancouver, BC.

To enter the industry, generally grade 12 education is the bare minimum. Students should also consider intern positions to ex-pose them to the industry.

“The mining industry sees work experience as incredibly important,” says Sturk. “Not only that, but joining professional associa-tions like the Canadian Institute of Min-ing, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) and Women in Mining (WIM). Also, MiHR has a virtual mine mentor program that can connect students with workers in the field before they graduate—all of these things are important on a resumé.”

Trista Dobratz, a recent graduate from Northern College in Porcupine, Ontario, began working in the underground depart-ment at the dome mine for GoldCorp Por-

cupine Gold Mines (PGM) as a student.

“I loved my job from day one,” says Do-bratz. “I found the environment so intrigu-ing and I was constantly learning some-thing new.”

Changing perspectives on women in min-ing is one of the greatest benefits to work-ing in the field, says Dobratz. “The com-pliments I receive from my coworkers and management are reassurance that it’s pos-sible to change the stereotype that mining is just for men.”

Dobratz cautions that working at the op-erational level may not be for everyone.

“In production and development mining, you have to be physically fit,” says Dobratz. “The job is very physically demanding and requires a certain amount of strength.”

But it also has its perks. “The mining indus-try is a global industry, and [GoldCorp has] ten mine sites that are located all across the Americas,” says Ellefson. “So there are lots of diverse opportunities, and also the op-portunity to travel to different locations as part of training.”

Once inside the industry, there are a num-ber of training opportunities available.

“We’re very supportive of ongoing educa-tion development,” says Ellefson. “You can get a lot of on-the-job training, as well as in-house training, for a broad range of ac-tivities … and then of course we have peo-ple wanting to continue their education, so we always support that as well.”

Going forward, emphasis will continue to be placed on attracting more women to the industry as job opportunities become increasingly available.

“People may have thought traditionally that women may not be a good fit for the sector,” says Sturk, “but things have changed and there’s absolutely no reason why women couldn’t take on any role.”

So if you’re considering mining, use the re-sources you have at your disposal. Sign up for MiHR’s virtual mine mentor program, join an organization, or apply for a student position. In such a diverse industry, the pos-sibilities are endless. | Kiera Obbard

MININGwOmeN IN mININg

OppORtUNItIes IN tHe Deepwomen find gold in Canada’s growing mining sector.

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41

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september 2013 | JOBpOstINgs.Ca

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When Canadian PhD student Katelynn Perrault first set foot on Australian soil, she was convinced she made the right decision. Upon completing her first year of the applied bioscience master’s program at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Per-rault decided to embark on an even bigger journey by following her research supervisor to the Centre for Forensic Science at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). There, she partook in a candidacy upgrade examination that allowed her to advance to a PhD, saving her valuable time and money.

“This was easily the best decision that I’ve ever made for my career and myself,” says Perrault. “I really enjoy my research that I’m do-ing here, the people are amazing, and I have developed a passion for travel that I never knew I really had before. I have gotten to see so many places and meet people that I never even dreamed of.”

Increasingly, employers are seeking students with an international scope—an awareness of and interaction with various cultures and an enhanced skill set that appeals to employers, stakeholders, and customers around the world. If you’re considering a master’s de-gree, there are several institutions and programs to consider be-yond North America. We’ll give you a few to absorb for now:

MsC/PhD in forEnsiC sCiEnCE (rEsEArCh)

University of Technology Sydney invests millions of dollars in fo-rensic and analytical equipment, which Perrault has benefited from and embraced while conducting her research.

“My research field is forensic science and I specifically study de-composition chemistry or, in other words, the chemical breakdown of the human body after death,” says Perrault.

Forensic science graduates may find jobs in police forensic labora-tories, federal law enforcement agencies, government and private forensic or drug detection laboratories, and environmental protec-tion agencies. Students can expect to pay upwards of $40,000 for tuition; however, there are several scholarship opportunities.

intErnAtionAl MbA

China’s oldest post-secondary institution, Peking University, boasts a two-year international MBA program that is taught in English

GRAD DeGRees GO INteRNAtIONALmastering your education, experience, and passport.

and directed at professionals aspiring to become international busi-ness leaders. Located in Beijing, the school teaches core business practices that promise to enhance students’ abilities as leaders and entrepreneurs.

Deborah Grayson Riegel, communication and presentation skills expert and managing director of Engineers Are People Too, often travels to Beijing from the US to pass on her expertise to interna-tional students. “I think the recognition that China is a superpower and that understanding Chinese culture, Chinese business prac-tices, and how to do business with and for China are invaluable for international students,” says Riegel. “I think they recognize and anticipate that this will give them a leg-up in business.”

Students will also receive high-quality business Chinese language training, so it may be wise to start learning Mandarin if you plan to stay in China long term. Tuition costs approximately $40,000.

intErnAtionAl MsC in firE sAfEty EnginEEringEngineering students leaning towards a European dwelling may be wooed by the MSc in fire safety engineering program, coordinated by Belgium’s Ghent University, Sweden’s University of Lund, and the UK’s University of Edinburgh. Students spend at least one se-mester in each location over the course of four semesters, learning structural engineering as it relates to fire safety, enclosure fire dy-namics, risk analysis, and human behaviour.

Graduates of this program will soon find themselves fulfilling a broad range of duties in the context of fire safety, such as designing fire protection for space stations and ensuring proper safety pro-tocols are being followed in highrise residential buildings. These engineers are in high demand by corporations, consulting firms, educational institutions, and governments across the globe. Tuition fees fall far below the international standard for international mas-ter’s programs at approximately $10,000 CAD per year.

“This experience was really worth it,” says Joshua Reichert, a stu-dent of the program. “In total, I visited about 25 different coun-tries, used about a dozen different currencies, got to travel by train, bus, boats, etc. into different countries, stayed in hostels for two months straight, and got to meet a ton of people, both as friends and professionally.” | Kyle Reynolds

EDUCATIONOverseas

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JOBpOstINgs.Ca | september 2013

EDUCATION

44

CuLINary

It was beloved chef-turned-television-star Julia Child who said: “Find something you’re passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it.” Whipping up a cheese soufflé or creating the lat-est trend in pomegranate infusion requires dedication, creativity, and the patience for trial and error. But if you have a developed palate and flair for adventure, a career in the culinary arts could be right up your alley.

Ellen Cameron originally started her post-secondary education in pursuit of a social work degree. “I attended social work in uni-versity for three years, but cooking school was my original plan,” she says, adding that she switched programs after realizing her true passion lay in the kitchen. Currently a student in the culi-nary management program at Humber College, she is on track to receive a two-year diploma and hopes to one day establish her own catering business.

Choosing thE right MixThe options are seemingly endless in the culinary field; there are programs from baking and pastry arts to specialization in French regional cuisine. George Brown College offers a postgraduate program in Italian cooking and baking, with a semester abroad in Italy that provides students with an opportunity to immerse themselves in Italy’s language and culture.

Culinary programs also provide skills for a trade that is globally recognized and can lead to international employment. In Cana-da, cooks and bakers can become Red Seal ceritified, which gives them interprovincial recognition. Regardless of your area of in-terest, anyone considering a career in the culinary arts should be prepared for hard work.

“The reality of cooking school is pretty close to how I imagined it,” Cameron explains. “I imagined it being fairly strict and hard-core—very early mornings and a strict work ethic. For the most part, I’ve been right about the early mornings. 5 a.m. is my usual wake up alarm and keeping a strict work ethic has been incred-ibly important.” She also says that any tardiness is unaccepted and uniforms are expected to be kept clean at all times.

lEtting it siMMErThis no-nonsense approach in school instills a strong sense of responsibility in students and prepares them for the high expecta-tions placed on chefs in busy kitchens. Long shifts and working evenings and weekends is standard in the food industry, and em-ployers often seek workers with trained specialties, a developed sense of taste and smell, knowledge of dietetics, and speed and accuracy. Students must also be open to criticism, which can be a steep learning curve.

“Taking criticism has been really difficult for me because I’m a fairly sensitive person,” says Cameron, adding that despite this, she has learned to use it to her advantage. Any criticism can be

INsIDe tHe kItCHeNhow hard work in school can reap the rewards of a

culinary career.

used in a positive way to improve culinary abilities, and that one small improvement could give you an edge over another candi-date in this highly competitive field.

rEAPing thE hArvEstWhile the turnover rate for new restaurants remains quite high, according to a Service Canada report, the demand for chefs is predicted to increase as Canada’s population ages. This is a result of healthcare providers turning to catering companies for food services. The public’s increasing appetite for trying different fare is also likely to boost chef and sous chef employment.

If establishing your own restaurant is in your plans, enrolling in restaurant or hotel management courses could help prepare you for all aspects of the business. Once trained, cooks generally work for several years before attaining sous chef or chef status.

For Cameron, it’s the opportunity to express herself through cooking that is most appealing. “Every plate is going to be differ-ent, taste-wise and in presentation. It’s an excellent way to pres-ent your skills and express your creativity,” she says.

Her advice for those considering joining the culinary field? “Get ready for a lot of early mornings and stay confident. Confidence is key.” | Laura Eley

eVeRY pLAte Is GOING tO Be DIFFeReNt, tAste-wIse AND IN pReseNtAtION. It’s AN

eXCeLLeNt wAY tO pReseNt YOUR skILLs AND eXpRess YOUR CReAtIVItY.

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EDUCATION DIreCtOry

Leadership in today’s tech world takes more than technical knowledge. It requires the management and business acumen to lead. The University of California, Berke-ley Master of Engineering Program integrates engineering coursework with classes in leadership and management concepts, tackling real-world industry challenges through case studies and the capstone project.

Conestoga College, located in Waterloo region, is Ontario’s fastest growing college and a leader in polytechnic education. Our career-focused programs – from ap-prenticeships to diplomas, degrees to graduate certificates, continuing education and part-time studies – all reflect Ontario’s changing job market and will help you build the skills and knowledge that today’s employers are seeking.

100+ graduate programs with world-class research opportunities and strong support to enrich your educational experience and advance your career. Set your ideas in motion. Consider graduate studies at Queen’s.queensu.ca/sgs

Brock is a rapidly growing University, offering 43 dynamic Master’s and PhD pro-grams within 6 academic faculties. With our strong sense of community and per-sonal investment in our students, Brock is a great choice for your graduate education.

What will you discover? Explore innovative and interdisciplinary areas of research while working alongside world-renowned faculty members. Graduate studies in over 60 disciplines with many financial resources within your reach.

Established in 1936 and located on Canada’s magnificent West Coast, Vancouver Island University (VIU) is a public university offering over 200 programs in popular areas of study like Business, Tourism, Sport and Recreation and Hospitality; Hu-manities, Social Sciences and Education; Sciences, Computers and Technology; and Art, Design and Performing Arts. VIU’s graduates are in demand by employers in the United States, Canada and around the world.

Dalhousie’s Corporate Residency MBA - Enter our 22-month program directly from any undergrad degree, no work experience required. Within six months you’ll be working in an 8-month, paid corporate residency with a top employer. Our per-sonal and professional effectiveness course combined with career coaching from our Management Career Services team will accelerate your leadership skills.

Sheridan one-year graduate certificate programs enhance your diploma or degree with a blend of theoretical knowledge and work experience that fully prepare you to launch your career. Choose from more than 20 programs in arts, business, manage-ment, communications, technology, or digital media. Get the rewarding job you want.

Founded in 1978 and located in Dominica, West Indies, RUSM is a provider of medical education offering a MD degree program. RUSM graduates have attained more US residencies annually than those of any other medical school in the world over the last five years.

American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine has provided students with a quality medical education since 1978. In the years since AUC’s founding, more than 5,000 graduated physicians have made a significant impact in the field of medicine in countries around the world.

BERKELEy MAsTER Of EnginEERing PROgRAM FUNGINSTITUTE.BERKELEY.EDU/MASTERS

COnEsTOgA COLLEgE CONESTOGAC.ON.CA

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univERsiTy Of LETHBRidgE ULETH.CA/GRADUATESTUDIES

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dALHOusiE univERsiTy DALMBA.CA

AuC AUCMED.EDU

ROss univERsiTy sCHOOL Of MEdiCinE ROSSU.EDU

Page 49: Jobpostings Magazine: September 2013 Vol 16, No. 1

“ I’ve always enjoyed helping others. Now I have the opportunity to do just that. Whether helping out with flood relief, or building a school where there was none, I know I’m making a difference.” 2nd Lieutenant JAMES KIM Education and training opportunities are available for a variety of occupations.

WANTED:

ENGINEERSRECHERCHONS :

INGÉNIEURS« J’ai toujours voulu venir en aide aux autres.

Et c’est exactement l’occasion qui m’est donnée ici. Que ce soit en participant aux efforts de recons truction après une inondation ou en érigeant une école où il n’y en avait pas avant, j’ai la chance d’exercer un métier que j’aime. » Sous-lieutenant JAMES KIM Des possibilités d’éducation et de formation sont disponibles pour une vaste gamme de professions.

JOIN US ENGAGEZ-VOUS

5267-TA-024 DND JP SEM_CanForces_8-125x10-75_BEF.indd 1 2013-08-29 1:40 PM

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THE INTRODUCTION Introduce yourself with a firm handshake, a friendly smile, and a sentence or two on your major and year of enrolment in university. Then give the recruiter a one-liner on what the company does to show that you’ve done your research. The introduction should be brief and to the point.

THE ELEVATOR PITCH The concept of the elevator pitch is that you have 60 seconds in an elevator to pitch your idea to an executive. At a career fair, you have one minute (or less) to explain how your skills would be a fit for the company or, even better, how you could solve a problem they have if you’ve really done your research. This pitch should be exciting and demonstrate your passion for their company and what they do!

THE CLOSER To finish, you should create a call-to-action or an opportunity to follow up. This really depends on what stage of your university career you’re in. If you are graduating or are alumni, ask how to submit a resumé, (in-person or online). If you’re in the midst of your university career, inquire about the process for internships, cooperative programs, or summer jobs. If you are just collecting information for future use, just be up-front about that and tell them when you’re closer to graduation, you’ll be in touch. In any situation, always request a business card with contact information.

TRY THESE 3 STEPS!

THE BACK PAGES Career FaIrs

With summer coming to an end and a fresh year of school ahead, career fair season is almost upon us! Throughout the fall, recruiters travel the country promot-ing their employment brand to students and university alumni. It’s important for

NAVIGAtING A CAReeR FAIR

how to pull off being a professional in a sea of students.

all university students—from freshmen to seniors—to attend career fairs to practice networking skills. Although as a new uni-versity student, you may be years away from actually looking for full-time work, it’s a great chance to perfect networking skills, make contacts, get a firm grip on the job market, and potentially even land an internship or summer job.

While most people know to dress sharply, have a firm handshake, and bring their resumé, most students struggle with what to actually say to recruiters and what questions to ask. Networking is generally uncomfortable at first for most people,

which is why a career fair is a great place to practice!

Before you go to the career fair, do your research and map out what companies you’re interested in and what they actual-ly do; (most career fairs post what compa-nies are attending online). Nothing makes you look more unprepared than walking up to a booth and telling the recruiter you want to work there and having no idea what they actually do. Recruitment fairs are certainly an opportunity to ask ques-tions but they should also be taken as an opportunity to have a quick pre-interview with the organization. | Heidi Murphy

ILLustratIONs by aNthONy CapaNO

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© 2013 KPMG LLP, a Canadian limited liability partnership and a member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. All rights reserved.

The possibilities are limitless.Discover how with KPMG.

kpmg.ca

Page 52: Jobpostings Magazine: September 2013 Vol 16, No. 1

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