If you are thinking about entering post-secondary studies here are some things to keep in mind:
Pre-Application Planning
The right certificate, diploma or degree can set you up with a lifetime of opportunities to work in a field of your choosing. The problem is that not all opportunities are equal. For example, some fields such as education have many more graduates than job openings and opportunities only exist for a select few graduates. On the other hand, there are plenty of opportunities for skilled trade’s people.
Deciding what to study can be tough because it can help determine what the rest of our lives may look like. It is important that we find fulfillment in what we do, otherwise it will not matter how much money we make or how important our title is. I believe that the place you will find the most fulfillment is the place where your greatest passion and the world’s greatest need meet. So we must first figure out what we are passionate about.
Find Your Passion
Before doing anything you need to have a certain level of enthusiasm for it. Choose something that you will like to study to give yourself the best chance of doing well in your program. Choose a path the will allow you to work in a job you will enjoy, but don’t rule something out before you understand it. For example, heavy equipment operation has extremely high job satisfaction.At the same time, just because we are passionate about something doesn’t mean that it will always be a great thing to study. Hockey, for example, can be fun but provides few professional opportunities (though there are some even for players who never play professionally). To live your passion you must find where it meets the needs of the world.
Find a Need
This includes but is not limited to looking at what job openings are available for graduates in your field. It is important to know that you have an opportunity to work once you graduate, but it is equally important to know that the work you do has made the world a better place.
Get Advise
Now that you have identified a passion and a need, talk to people around you to get ideas as to how to make it happen. Talk to education counselors and recent teachers, people who study and work in your chosen field, as well as your family and support people around you who know you best.
Other Considerations
Here are a couple extra things to consider:
1.Finances – Always budget before planning to study. Even if you receive educational funding you will need to have a financial plan in place.
2.Support System – It is important to consider who can help you are where they are located. It is often a great experience to study away from your home because it is a great learning experience. It is equally important to consider putting yourself in the best place to succeed if you need support.
3.Choosing a School – Not all schools are equal. There are many things to consider about a school such as location, size, accreditation, etc, but the most important is often the reputation of the school. A good school is always well respected by employers. It is usually good to apply to at least 3 different schools in case you do not get into your top choice so rank your school choices.
For additional help with choosing a career and school path visit the Ontario choose a career web site: http://www.tcu.gov.on.ca/eng/postsecondary/careerplanning/
Applying
Once you know your program and have ranked your schools, applying is relatively easy. It is important to start the process early. It is usually good to start 8-12 months (or even longer for some programs) in advance but don’t be discouraged if you have less time. Apply anyway and see what happens. Today most applications are online. Find your school website or use the links below for Ontario colleges and universities.
Ontario Colleges Application Services – www.ontariocolleges.ca
Ontario Universities Application Center – www.ouac.on.ca