Diplomas

Flugtag Anyone?

The Algonquin Airborne Aces – Red Bull Flugtag Challenge

Algonquin Airborne Aces Logo

The School of Business’ very own Alex Mahon, a current Business – Management and Entrepreneurship student is serving as team leader for The Algonquin Airborne Aces, in this year’s Red Bull Flugtag Challenge.

Alex, along with his ace team members, Akil Alyacoubi, Vincenzo Marcantonio, and Kevin Randing, are facing the Flugtag with heads held high as it “challenges the brave and the brainy to design, build and pilot homemade flying machines, and launch themselves off a 22-foot high flight deck in hopes of soaring into the wild blue yonder…or more often than not, plunging into the waters below.”

The challenge takes place on Saturday, July 27 at the Canadian Museum of Civilization here in Ottawa. Teams will be judged based on three criteria:

  1. Flight distance
  2. Creativity of the craft
  3. Showmanship

The Aces researched the most effective glider designs for distance and concluded that the canard design would create the most lift with minimal acceleration and speed. Flight distance – check!

Flying Machine

Creativity of the craft – check!

The team has also chosen to deck their flying machine out in a camouflage design to showcase the College’s support for the Canadian Armed Forces. Team member Vinnie is a service member in the artillery. Showmanship – check!

“A couple of us came together and said it would be really awesome if as an entry from the College, we could participate in this competition. The majority of the team members are Mechanical Engineering students in the 3-year Mechanical Engineering program. They’ve got skill sets from welding to framing to design work and the amount of actual computer design work that has gone in to this aircraft is crazy,” said Mahon.

This is one of the many ways for the School of Business students to get out there and flex their entrepreneurial spirit, skills and passion. We wish the best of luck to the Algonquin Airborne Aces as they complete the build and count down the days to the event!

  1. Check out Part One: Mission Report >>
  2. Check out Part Two: Construction Report >>
  3. Check out Part Three: Meet the Team >>
  4. Check out Part Four: The Results >>

Do you think you have the courage to build a flying machine?

How to Apply for College

September seems so far away when we just celebrated the New Year, but it’s already time to start thinking about applying for college!

A key deadline for applications is February 1. This is the equal consideration date to apply for programs that start in the fall.

Why is February 1st Important?

If you want to be considered on an equal basis with other applicants, your application and application processing fee must be received at the Ontario Colleges office by February 1st.

After this date, applications are considered on a first-come, first-served basis, providing there are still vacancies in the program(s) of your choice.

This is particularly important if you are applying to college programs that are considered highly competitive; a program for which the number of qualified applicants exceeds the number of seats for the fall term.

Don’t miss out! Be sure to apply before February 1!

Application Process

Step 1: Explore your college options

You can explore your options in a many ways!

  • Attend a College Information Program event
  • Take a college campus tour

Book a campus tour of Algonquin College
Take a virtual tour of Algonquin College

  • Review college websites and programs

Check out the Algonquin College School of Business programs
See what other programs Algonquin offers

  • Research program admission requirements

Step 2: Apply at ontariocolleges.ca

  • Click the “Sign Up Today” button and complete all required fields
  • Check your email account for an account activation link and complete the steps
  • Login, review and accept the Privacy Statement
  • Record your username, account and application numbers. (Keep your password confidential)
  • Complete your application including program choices

Step 3: Make your payment

For your application to be processed, you must pay the $95 non-refundable application processing fee must be paid in Canadian funds.

Unfortunately, there are no exemptions from the application fee. Depending upon the type of applicant you are, other fees may apply.

You can pay online using Visa, MasterCard, or American Express or directly from your bank account with online banking. You can also pay by phone or mail (money order or certified cheque only). All fees are non-refundable.

Step 4: Verify your information

  • Check your email inbox for a message from ontariocolleges.ca with your account information.
  • Return to your account and verify that the grades forwarded by your high school are correct.

Step 5: Make your final decision

The colleges will let you know directly of their admission decision. When you receive an offer of admission and have decided what school and program you will accept:

  • Log back into your online application/account
  • Click on “View Offers”
  • Confirm your offer of admission (If after accepting an offer of admission you do not receive a confirmation email, contact ontariocolleges.ca immediately.)

Need help with the college application process?

ontariocolleges.ca has some helpful resources for you, including a “Live Help” (real-time website feature) where you can chat with one of the Customer Contact Centre staff.

You can also email the Customer Contact Centre at Ask-Us@ontariocolleges.ca or call the Customer Contact Centre at 1 888 892 2228 (toll-free within Canada) Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. EST

IMPORTANT!

ontariocolleges.ca and the colleges use your email address to send you information about your application. Be sure to check your email regularly!

What Algonquin College program(s) are you thinking about applying to?

Dean Dave: A new year begins at the School of Business

The new school year (or new term) began on January 7. For most students, it meant the return to their studies after a well-deserved break over the holidays. For a smaller number, it meant the beginning of a new school year.

Algonquin College and the School of Business offer several courses that begin in January of each year. This allows students who were unable or not ready to begin in the fall another opportunity to attend post-secondary.

An additional wrinkle this year is that two of the programs in the School are part of a pilot for e-texts. The College is continually finding ways to maximize the learning opportunities for a students and this innovative pilot allow students beginning new studies in the winter semester to get access to their required texts at a fraction of the cost of printed texts. For these fortunate students involved in this pilot, their electronic texts are available at no charge. Should they prefer a hard copy text, they can arrange for printed copies at a nominal charge. Should this pilot be successful, the plan is for there to be additional programs next fall. The cost of texts will not be free as the program expanded out but it will reflect substantial savings.

For those students completing secondary school and all those who are considering options for the fall of 2013, the College is hosting an Open House on January 19 from 10:00 – 2:00 at the Woodroffe campus. Faculty and staff from the School of Business will be on hand to answer questions about the various certificate, diploma, degree and post-graduate programs we offer.

For our returning students, welcome back. For students beginning their studies this week, welcome. And for those we will meet at the Open House, we look forward to answering your questions and advising why we think the School of Business at Algonquin College is the best choice if choosing a business career.

Analyzing Your Career Options

Are you systematic, well organized and deliberate? Do you appreciate facts and information presented in a logical manner as documentation of truth? Some people are very linear thinkers, whereas others take a more meandering route to reach their final conclusion or thought. Neither way is right or wrong, but depending on which most represents you, you’ll find yourself better suited for particular careers.

To help you analyze the career opportunities, we’ve identified five “personality types” – leader, outgoing, helping people, organized, and analytical. Each type has options for an appropriate career path.

business careers

Not everyone falls squarely into one category, so read up on possible careers for people who are leaders, those who are outgoing, individuals who like to help people, and those with strong organizational skills.

Do have a number of these characteristics?

  • Enjoy organization and completion of detailed tasks
  • Orderly
  • Precise
  • Disciplined
  • Deliberate
  • Cautious
  • Diplomatic
  • Systematic
  • Logical
  • Conventional

Analytical individuals are highly suited for careers in accounting, finance, and materials and operations management.

Accounting

Individuals who are detail-oriented, logical and systematic may be well suited for a career in accounting.

Our two-year Business-Accounting program prepares you to work in various areas of accounting including financial accounting, managerial accounting, taxation, and auditing. You start with a general business background and expand your theoretical knowledge of economics, law, finance and statistics. Students also learn the basics of a number of accounting and business computer software packages.

Qualified students can participate in a work placement that gives on-the-job experience in the accounting departments of Ottawa area businesses and in the public and private sectors.

Graduates may also be granted some credits toward the requirements of the Certified General Accountants (CGA) Association program of professional studies.

Finance

Do you love playing with numbers and helping others? You might love a career in the financial industry (financial planning, personal banking, investment, and insurance advising).

Our three-year Advanced Diploma Business Administration program with a Major in Finance provides you with a solid foundation for success in the finance industry. You’ll also have many networking opportunities with business professionals and employers.

The program prepares graduates to meet the high proficiency standards needed to complete the professional designations and licensing courses in the financial services industry.

Looking to Upgrade?

If you’re currently working in the finance (or a related) industry and want to advance your career, check out our one-year Graduate Certificate in Financial Services. You’ll develop a professional portfolio and participate in field placements.

Graduates of the Financial Services program can be licensed to sell mutual funds by their employer; are qualified to challenge the first exam of the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) professional certification and are prepared for the Provincial Life Licence Qualification (LLQP) examination. Successful completion of Personal Financial Services Advice, Financial Planning I and Canadian Securities Course I qualifies students for a Certificate in Financial Services Advice from the Canadian Securities Institute (CSI).

Many Employment Options!

Grads may find employment as financial advisors in a broad range of the financial institutions including retail banks, credit unions, financial planning offices, insurance companies, brokerage firms, and other businesses dedicated to providing personal financial advice and services.

Materials & Operations Management

If analyzing and solving problems is your thing, look into Materials & Operations Management.

Your training as part of the Materials and Operations Management Major involves many facets of supply chain management including purchasing, production planning, inventory management, logistics, distribution, and project management.

Qualified students also get the chance to put their theoretical knowledge to work in a coop placement.

Graduates find employment in supply chain positions for public and private organizations including high technology industries, such as communications, fibre optics, bio­technology, and electronic manufacturing.

What’s more, graduates obtain a certificate from SAP, the world’s largest supplier of enterprise software, and have direct hands-on knowledge of SAP supply chain software.

What your take on these programs? Share in the comments!

How to Choose Your Career: Passion and Prospects

In decades past, the advice that was probably most often given to high school students was “Follow your passion and study what interests you, the rest will fall into place.”

It’s a nice idea, and when looking at different education options it certainly is important to consider what you’re good at and what you love doing. But blindly following your passion might not necessarily translate into a successful career.

Consider the case of teachers. More new teachers in Ontario are unemployed than ever before. And many of those with jobs are either under-employed or working in non-teaching jobs. In 2011, 67% of new teachers were either under or unemployed. That’s a staggering statistic.

So while it is important to identify where your passions lie, don’t forget the other equally important side of the equation – prospects. Take the time to investigate the job prospects for the potential careers you are interested in.

Forbes.com recently released its list of Top Jobs for 2013. Here’s how the list shapes up:

  1. Software Developers
  2. Accountants and Auditors
  3. Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
  4. Computer Systems Analysts
  5. Human Resources Specialists
  6. Network and Computer Systems Administrators
  7. Sales Representatives
  8. Mechanical Engineers
  9. Industrial Engineers

 

To help you identify some potential careers based on your interests, try the Algonquin College Career Explorer.

Then, once you’ve developed a list of careers you might like to pursue, do a bit of digging to get a better idea of what the job prospects are like for those fields. If you can combine your passion with solid employment prospects, you’ll be well on your way to career success.

Laura Campbell
Marketing Officer, School of Business