program-paralegal

How to Get Real Experience for Real Life Careers

Business theory is one thing. Business reality is our thing at Algonquin College. As a student, you’ll go beyond theory and gain the practical skills employers want.

At Algonquin, we believe in providing our students with practical education and experiences that set them on the fast track to career success. We do this a number of ways:

  • Hands-On Experience
  • Internships and Field Placements
  • Co-op Program
  • Opportunity to Qualify for Professional Designations

Hands-On Experience

Learn how people think, how and why people purchase items and what motivates people in our Marketing and Business Intelligence Research program. To hone your skills, you’ll work with real clients in real time and conduct market research from start to finish.

If you’ve ever thought about starting your own business, our Management and Entrepreneurship program gives you the knowledge and skills you need. In fact, in the final semester you’ll develop a detailed business plan that you can use to start your own business!

Many of our programs teach you how to master key Microsoft Office programs and other industry-standard software packages. You’ll be prepared to jump right into a job with no need for extra training on these programs.

Our Office Administration students participate in office simulations to help gain an understanding of day-to-day office operations and develop problem-solving skills.

Internships and Field Placements

A number of the School of Business programs provide the chance for students to participate in an internship or field placement. Qualified students studying Human Resources Management have the opportunity to complete an internship in their final semester.

Paralegal students complete 15 weeks of coursework in their fourth semester and then gain real-world experience with a four-week unpaid field placement.

Marketing Management students complete a field placement that involves developing a marketing plan and strategy for a real-world organization.

Do you have a passion for sports? Turn that into a dream career with our Sport Business Management program. You’ll also work a minimum of 16 hours per week within the sport industry, gaining valuable skills and professional connections.

Co-op Program

We also offer students in certain programs the chance to take part in a co-op placement where they turn their knowledge into on-the-job experience.

Learn the unique procedures and practices of health care offices for a career as a Medical Office Assistant. In the third and fourth semesters, our students participate in field assignments to help develop their practical skills.

The Bachelor of Applied Business (e-Business Supply Chain Management) program includes industry-related team and individual projects, as well as three mandatory co-op placements. Combined with part-time work, you could graduate with 1.5 years of professional experience, making for a seamless transition into your full-time career.

Opportunity to Qualify for Professional Designations

Getting a professional designation shows future employers that you are legally qualified to do the work you were trained for. Usually there are specific courses you need to take in order to get your professional designation. At Algonquin, we’re making sure you’re getting the most out of your program.

Graduates of the International Business Management program meet the academic requirements for the Certified International Trade Professional (CITP) designation.

Our Paralegal program prepares you for a professional career in this industry. It is accredited by the Law Society of Upper Canada and when you graduate you can to apply to the Society to become licensed.

Organizational Quality Management graduates meet the educational requirement needed to write the certification exams for a number of designations sponsored by the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

If you are looking for an institution that cares, gives great hands-on learning and provides you with opportunities for careers and continuing your education then you have found just that. — Sebastien Lylyk, Marketing Graduate

Like to Help Others? Consider a Career in Business

What color is your parachute? This guide for job seekers is one of the most popular books for people looking to start or change their career. One of the main points of the guide is that people should figure out what they do best and what they enjoy doing (usually these are the same thing).

To help you out, we’ve identified five “types” – leader, outgoing, helping people, organized, and analytical – and the personal traits associated with them. The traits each type has lead towards different career paths.

business careers

In previous posts, I’ve talked about possible careers for people who are leaders and those who are outgoing. This post focuses on individuals who like to help people.

Often nursing, social worker, personal support worker, and therapist are some careers proposed to people who like to help others. However, there are many jobs within the world of business that deal with helping people, such as human resources, marketing, law, business administration and office administration.

Human resources professionals work with employees to help them achieve high levels of job satisfaction. They also can become specialized in health and safety or rewards and recognition.

In Algonquin’s one-year Graduate Certificate program in Human Resources Management or our three-year Advanced Diploma in Business Administration with a major in Human Resources Management qualified students can complete an unpaid work placement at the end of the program. Participating in this placement gives students practice and experience in real world organizations along with building their professional network.

Those who like to help can do well in a career in marketing. Marketers are sought out for their expertise and ability in helping companies improve their image or increase their sales. Marketers can make a tangible difference in helping business owners succeed.

As part of our one-year Certificate program in Marketing Management, students complete a field placement as consultants to develop a marketing plan and strategy for a Canadian or international organization. They gain real world experience and build connections with industry leaders.

Law is another area where individuals who enjoy helping others can achieve success. This field requires excellent interpersonal and human relations skills, and ability to be organized and detail-oriented.

Our two-year Ontario College Diploma program prepares graduates for employment as law clerks. Law clerks, who work under the general direction of a lawyer or paralegal, perform routine legal and administrative duties and also help lawyers and paralegals by conducting a variety of legal functions.

Qualified students can participate in a coop placement in the winter term of second year that allows them to gain valuable and practical experience in the field.

Algonquin’s program in Office Administration prepares students for a career in helping to make an office run smoothly or providing support for an executive. The program emphasizes the development of strong technical, communications and human relations skills. Students gain practical experience in the classroom through simulated office situations.

These are just a few examples of the many ways a people with a strong “helper” personality can find a career fit in the business world.

What field of business appeals to you? Share in the comments!

5 Career Options for Outgoing People

Businesses in every industry, from hi-tech to retail, need staff with a variety of traits and strengths. Not everyone is suited for the same job. Plus, that would be pretty boring and wouldn’t be efficient.

We’ve identified five “types” and the personal traits associated with them. Each type of businessperson is ideally suited for different roles within the corporate world: leader, outgoing, helping people, organized, and analytical.

business careers

In a previous post, I talked about leadership traits and what types of careers are possible for leaders. Today I’m focusing on those with an outgoing personality.

Check out the list below; do many of these descriptions match you?

  • Naturally optimistic
  • Eager to meet and greet people
  • Proactive
  • Others-referenced
  • Feeling-oriented
  • People/process-oriented
  • Extroverted
  • Comfortable in groups
  • Self-confident
  • Enthusiastic
  • Gregarious
  • Friendly
  • Love crowds and events

If a large number of these traits resonate with you, you probably have an outgoing personality.

Outgoing people are suited for many types of jobs, including work in international business, management and entrepreneurship, human resources, marketing, and law.

Strong leadership skills and confidence are essential for running a successful business, whether as an entrepreneur or part of a senior management team. If you’ve considered owning a business or working for an SME, our diploma program in Management and Entrepreneurship helps set you on the right track.

If you like meeting and interacting with people perhaps a career in international business is for you. Often networking and strong interpersonal skills are essential for success in business abroad.

Human resources professionals work with all other business areas in organizations to help improve employee productivity to achieve organizational goals and objectives. Having good communication and interpersonal skills, the ability to adapt to organizational changes, and being motivated and proactive will assist you in a career in human resources.

Those who are outgoing are also very well suited for a career in marketing. Businesses looking to hire a marketer look for people who are self-motivated, have a pleasant personality, and have business acumen. Check out this article What Companies Want: The Seven Traits of an Ideal Marketer for more details.

Law is another area where outgoing individuals can really succeed. It requires excellent interpersonal and human relations skills, and ability to be organized and detail-oriented. You can pursue a unique and rewarding career as a Law Clerk or a Paralegal.

Based on your personality and interests, what program sounds most appealing to you? Share in the comments!