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How to talk to a Professor

As a recent University graduate, one piece of advice I always give to first year students is: get to know your Professor. I cannot stress how important this is. It is especially important when a student needs something – such as help with an assignment, a second chance to re-write a paper, or a reference letter.  However, many students are intimidated by their Professors so they avoid getting to know them.

Talking to a Professor isn’t as scary as a student may think. The truth is, Professors are people too, just like each and everyone one of us. Treat your Professor how you want to be treated. They deserve the same basic respect that you demand for yourself. If you give them this respect, they’ll probably do the same.

Nevertheless, there are some things to keep in mind when interacting with your Professor:

1. Call them by their right title: Professors with a Ph.D may prefer to be called “Doctor”. Others may prefer to be called “Professor” which is almost always an acceptable title in University. Some of the Professors that I had in University made it clear on the first day of class to call them by their first name. However, not every Professor wants to be called by their first name so I’d stick to “Professor” unless otherwise indicated.

2. Always tell the truth: If you’re late handing in an assignment do not make up an excuse such as “my dog ate it”. Trust me, Professors have heard all the excuses in the world and can always tell when a student is lying. Your Professor will appreciate the truth, even if it’s your lack of time management to blame for your overdue assignment.

3. Be clear and concise: Don’t waste your Professors time!  If you’re asking your Professor a question about your term paper, get to the point quickly. The last thing they want is for you to stand there and discuss your social life with them for 30 minutes.

4. Write formal emails: When writing an email to your Professor, try to be as formal as you can. First, make sure you include a meaningful subject line. A good idea is to start with your course name/number and then the topic of your email (e.g.  SOC100: Topic for paper). Start the email with “Dear Dr. (last name)” or “Dear Professor (last name)” then politely state the reason you are emailing them.  Keep the email short and brief – write only relevant information. When signing the email, always use your first and last name. Note: you should always read your email over a few times, especially if you do not have spell-check on your email. Opening an email full of spelling mistakes is the last thing a Professor wants to look at.

Tip: Try to establish a lasting relationship with your Professor. They will remember who you are when you call them a few years later to ask for a reference letter!

- Jessica Hooper

Source: http://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/advice-for-students-how-to-talk-to-professors.html

Do you have anymore tips on how to talk to a Professor?

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Hire Me! Creative Ways to Find a Job

Now, it’s time to start thinking about joining the rank and file of the adult world.  If you are planning ahead (which you absolutely should), you should start thinking about getting a job now. In fact, some individuals, usually the individuals who end up landing their dream jobs (and you know the point of my articles are to help you do just that), plan for it well in advance, and get creative about it.  If you really want to catch the eye of potential employers and get them coming to you with job offers, getting creative is a good way to do that.  The old strategies of printing your resume on different colored paper, calling the employer, or visiting the office to drop off an application in person, are things everyone does now.  It’s time to ramp it up and stand out!  Below I’ve listed tips on how to stand out from the crowd in your job hunt, with examples on how others have done it, and succeeded.

Before we start, make sure you’ve planned ahead. You’re not going to land a great job if you don’t a.) know what you want and b.) start planning for it early.  First, know what your career path is.  Where and in what field do you want to work, and how are you working towards getting the qualifications to do that?  If you do have the qualifications to do something in your field, it’s time to start thinking about how you’re going to grab the attention of employers to win the position over hundreds of other applicants with more experience than you!

Below are the ways you can do something outrageous to catch an employer’s attention:

1. Think Big and Unusual

For example, as a Graphic Designer looking for a job in an advertising firm, you could design and purchase a billboard sign placed in an area of town frequented by advertising firms.  This guy did, and from his $300 investment, he got a job within a few days!   Advertising doesn’t have to be in a newspaper or on a billboard; Facebook and Google advertising is fairly cheap and you can really target it to potential employers.

 2. Show Off Your Published Work

Get your work published.  Find out if you can publish your articles in a local newspaper, or have the events you organize advertised in local media.  Then, after it’s published, you could send (or email) copies of magazines or newspapers that have published your work, or info about you as a reward recipient, to potential employers with your work earmarked.  Including your resume or at least contact info as well is essential.

  3. Re-create Your Resume in a Unique Format

Create a visual presentation to woo potential employers into hiring you. One person did it, and received over 300,000 views in one week! See that and other examples of great SlideShare presentations here.   Additional ways to stylize an online resume can be found here.

  4. Increase Your Online Presence

Increasingly, websites like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Equals6 are the recruitment tool of choice for employers, especially when it comes to new grads.  Make sure your profiles are 100% complete and say something more about you than the standard profile would.  Upload a creative picture, create a more concise and targeted description of yourself, and remain professional on said sites; your private personal life should not be published on the web, period.  Brandon Kleinman uploaded an album for his resume and it worked beautifully for him.

And don’t forget to create an online presence on other online media as well.  Creating your own website, a QR Code to put on your business cards, or a YouTube video, are great additional ways to prove yourself to an employer before they even meet you.

  5. Create Your Own Approach

You know your industry and its particulars better than most other people, so spend some time brainstorming how you can best target employers in your field. Would a different looking résumé or a phone call to the HR Department do the trick?  Usually you need to put in a little more effort and creativity to get through to employers, so give it some thought!  Don't be afraid to try something different as long as it's appropriate!

  There you have it!  Keep in mind that even though you may be doing a great job to create all of these new ways to attract employers, you may still have difficulty in finding a job.  Perseverance, and changing your approach to find out what works are great tactics.

Happy hunting!

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Summer To-Dos Before University

Summer vacation is finally here for all of you high school students. Summer means taking the time to sit back, relax, and bask in the sunshine, right? Not entirely – in two short months you will be on a fast track heading straight to University Drive. So what do you need to do between now and then? Here are a few things you will want to check off your list before packing up the car with all of your belongings and heading to your new life.

1. Get Connected Via Social Media You may not be on campus soil yet but you are still a part of the community! By getting connected to your university or college’s social media pages you will be in the know of all things campus related. Look for a “Class of 2016” Facebook page or Twitter feed. If you are feeling a little ambitious maybe be the first to create one. These outlets are a great platform to meet your fellow classmates and immerse yourself in campus life.

2. Prep Your Room Décor Living away from home for the first time can be hard and sometimes a big adjustment. The best way to make yourself feel right at home is to decorate your room. Take the time this summer to find the perfect décor for your move in September. Make sure to print off tons of photos of your friends and family, buy some comfy pillows, get some cool posters, and bring your stuffed animals (yes this is acceptable.) The more you feel at home the better.

3. Buy Your School’s Swag Before you head to school it’s nice to have some school swag: think sweaters, sweatpants, t-shirts, hats. Wear your colours proudly and represent your new home for the next four years! Believe me, you’ll look the part for Welcome Week!

4. Get Your School Supplies Ready Cue the Staples commercials; after all it’s the most wonderful time of the year! Some students seem to forget that university isn’t just a social experience… you are there to learn and further your education! You’ll need to start making a list of exactly what you’ll need: pens, paper, notebooks, laptop, printer, new backpack… the list goes on. Check online for back-to-school deals and don’t leave school supply shopping until the last minute!

5. Look for an E6 Campus Ambassador E6 has Campus Ambassadors (CA’s) located at universities across Canada. Look on Equals6.com and check our Brainstorm Boards to see if your school has an E6 Ambassador and get connected. Our Ambassadors are more than happy to help ease the transition from high school to university and can answer questions specific to your university. Start getting connected by following our CA’s on Twitter @Equals6_CAs.

Check these items off your list this summer and you will be more than ready for the year ahead. Good luck future students and keep checking Equals6.com for job opportunities, advice, and networking opportunities!

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Don't Get an MBA, Go Network

Last week I had the pleasure of going to a Halifax Fusion networking event. It was designed to reach out to students and give them the chance to listen to some amazing speakers. While a lot of what they said was excellent, there was one piece of advice that really stuck out for me. It was something that I’ve always privately thought, but I’d never heard the words said out loud before.

The advice was this: Don’t go and get an MBA. Now I will clarify since I have probably annoyed someone.

Do not go from your first degree directly into the MBA program. This will leave you no time to build your experience in your field. The reason for this advice is that is the starting job postings are still postings that require 1-3 years of experience. The sooner you can get hired is the sooner you can start building a real professional history. So how do you get hired? The rest of the advice centered on this question and the idea of “Networking Your Face Off”.

If you aren’t sure where to begin networking, look for a local group dedicated to it, or volunteer with an organization, maybe using your business skills to help public works groups. Anywhere you can meet the people who can make you. I always hear a tone of disdain in someone’s voice when they say the phrase “It’s not what you know, but who you know”, and I feel it’s undeserved. In order to earn my position at Equals6.com, I made sure to know the people in my industry. I went to every networking event I could during my last 2 years at SMU. I shook every hand I could, I researched companies, topics of interest, and I followed every CEO I met on Twitter. Just because you know someone doesn’t mean you didn’t earn that contact through hard work.

I do believe that MBA’s have a place but that place is not right after a Bachelor’s degree. Get out there early so you can meet the people that can help you get a job sooner and get to work.

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The 4 P’s to live by in University

Freedom! This was the first word that came to mind when I moved away from home and was ready to begin my first year of university. No parents to tell me what to do, no curfew, no teachers to tell you to go to class… what more could any teenager want? Let’s face it; university can be a bit of a shock to the system. As a third year student I feel that I can now shed some light on university life. I have created a foolproof system to live by in university, the 4 P’s : Prepare, Present, Prioritize, Play.

My first tip of advice comes before you even step foot on your new campus… prepare! Preparation is key; so please do not wait until August 31st to start preparing for your big move. Scrambling at the last minute is never a good idea. The first thing you need to do is start making a list of what to bring. Bring conventional items such as an alarm clock, banking/health information, bedding, first-aid kit, flip-flops for the shower, bathroom caddy, hangers, air fresheners, entertainment, and décor just to name a few! Oh and earplugs, (yes you will need them.)

Once you are on campus and school mode is in full swing it is important to be present. Go to class! This may seem like a no-brainer but after that Thursday night party a Friday morning class will be the last place you want to go. No matter how tired you are feeling always make an effort to try and get to class. Yes sometimes it may be necessary to miss class but believe me, being there pays off! Each class is vital in university… there are no makeup days. Remember, you are paying for this right?

When you are in university it is important to prioritize. It can be hard to keep up with all of your midterms, assignments, readings, extracurriculars, and also a social life. Learning to prioritize and time manage will put you ahead of the pack in university. Finding a schedule that works for you is essential. I recommend investing in a calendar or making a daily schedule with a list of things you need to accomplish each day.

Lastly, you know the saying work hard, play hard? This is university… live it up a little! These are the best years of your life right? It’s okay to take some study breaks and enjoy campus life. Four years fly by faster than you think. Make the most of your time you have and have a little fun.

By sticking to these 4 P’s you’ll master university life. Good luck to everyone heading to university this year and keep checking Equals6.com or follow our Campus Ambassadors @Equals6_CAs for more tips on university life! Let us know if the 4 P’s worked for you!

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The Roommate Guide

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For the high school students heading to university in September, it’s that time of year when you will find out what residence you will be living in next year and who your roommate is. Sharing a room at university has its ups and downs. Now don’t worry, we have all heard roommate horror stories (think: the 2011 movie The Roommate) but having a roommate can also make your university experience much more enjoyable!

However, it is important to remember that whether your roommate is a friend or a complete stranger there are a few things you will need to follow in order to smoothly sail through the next year.

Like many other freshman you’ve probably never shared a room before. Speaking as an experienced roommate let me tell you, you may have your work cut out for you. The first few weeks in residence are what I like to call “the roommate honeymoon stage.” Living in a small room and sharing the space with another person has its share of good and bad times but typically during the first few weeks everything will be fine and dandy (note: this is why I call it the honeymoon stage). The first few weeks in residence you are just beginning to settle in: there is limited school work, tons of frosh events, and plenty of time to go out and have fun with your new roomie.

As the weeks wear on the partying will lessen and your school work will begin to pile up – this is where you will need to learn a very important word… compromise.

For example, maybe you like to spend your evenings studying while your hyper-active roommate blasts the Billboard Top 100 from their stereo. You have two choices: you can look at the glass half empty or half full. (Hint: If you are using the half empty approach you are going to have a long year.) Taking the half full approach is otherwise known as compromising. Instead of complaining that “you can’t get work done” remember it’s their room too. Come up with a compromise: maybe you can head down to the library or study hall to get your work done and they can turn their stereo down later in the evening. Unless compromise is met there will be an on-going power struggle (believe me I have seen it happen).

Next, you need to remember that living with another person can make or break a friendship. Having a roommate can be one of the greatest parts of your university experience. You will have the chance to meet a whole new group of friends and have a buddy to stick with. My roommates at university have become some of my closest friends.

But it can also go both ways. Sometimes people aren’t meant to live with each other and that’s okay too! Remember the word “compromise” and you’ll get through the year just fine.

Either way, roommate or no roommate, University can be one of your greatest experiences! Good luck to everyone attending University in the fall and make sure to check out Equals6.com for more useful tips and tricks from other students!

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Making The Transition From High School To University

The first year of University can be very overwhelming for recent high school graduates. To make the transition smoother, knowing the key differences between high school and University is essential. I will outline, through my experience, some of the critical differences between the two.

Attending University your freshman year can be as nerveracking as ever. Stress and anxiety are at an ultimate high as you wonder what this new journey in your life will bring. How will you fit in? What if you find it too academically challenging? What if you become homesick? These are only some of the questions that new students may be asking themselves. It is important that students prepare as best as they can for this new chapter in their lives.

There are several differences between high school and University, both academically and socially:

In high school, classes are long and students are required to attend every class. A high school student is usually at school for 7-8 hours a day. In University however, depending on the day, the hours that a student spends in the classroom will differ. Some days, a student may not even have a scheduled class, while other days they may have a few classes, with breaks in between.

Failing a test in high school typically has little effect on the student's overall grade. In University, tests and assignments are more than often worth a large percentage of the student's final grade; so good class attendance and study habits are important for academic success.

The teachers in high school take a pro-active approach in their students lives. They provide a stepping stone for students by making sure deadlines are met, checking homework, and providing one-on-one help after class. In contrast, University Professors expect students to complete their assignments on time, read their textbooks, and visit them during office hours if they require additional help.

As for the social aspect of high school versus University, personal freedom is the largest difference. In University, no one is looking over your shoulder or telling you what to do and how to do it. A student must be mature enough to use their personal freedom to their academic advantage. At times, University can take a toll on students if they are not adequately prepared for this freedom.

The average student attends class in University for about fifteen hours a week, with large gaps in between classes. This leaves students with a lot of free time. Students need to learn how to effectively manage their free time by using this time to catch up on their academics (work hard, play later).

The social life of University is a huge change. It can be overwhelming at first as students meet new friends, classmates and Professors. Students may be introduced to many new temptations such as drugs and alcohol, but they should never lose grasp of their core beliefs and values. It's important to have a good balance between your social life and acamedics. You are at University to study so remind yourself of this when you are being pressured to go out with friends the night before a big assignment is due. This is not to say that you cannot have fun making new life long friends and relationships. Just keep in mind that you must remained focused on your academics in order to survive the University life.

I recommend that you join any extra-curricular activities that you can, including anything from sports, to volunteer work, to student clubs. It's a great way to meet new friends and relieve any stress that comes with making the transition from high school to University.

Remember that University is a once and a lifetime experience. Make the most of it while you are there - it goes by too quickly!

Written by: Jessica Hooper

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Staying Focused in Class

Having trouble staying focused in class?

  If you’re a University student, sitting in on long, painful lectures are not new to you.  Some classroom lectures can last anywhere between forty-five minutes to three hours long, depending on the class. The attention span of a student is very limited so after a certain period of time, a student’s mind will wander off into their own little world.

The Professors who teach the class should work hard to keep their student’s attention. Throughout my University experience, I have had some great Professors who are easy to listen to, who captivated my attention for over two hours. Other times, I have had professors who do not use the whiteboard, do not use PowerPoint; they just simply get up in front of the class and talk in a monotone voice for two hours. In the latter case, the truth is, my mind did wander and I wasn’t taking in any of the material that was being taught. I did not want to fail the class, so I had to figure out a way to avoid any distractions in class.

Below are some of the techniques that I used to stay focused in class:

Instead of sitting in the back of the classroom, try to sit near the front. By doing this, you will be focused on the Professor and what he/she is teaching rather than what is going on around you. Many students who choose not to pay attention in class are either chatting or playing games on their laptop. If you’re sitting behind this person, it can get rather annoying and you are more than likely going to get distracted.

  If you find yourself still getting distracted, try notetaking. There is however one rule here; NO doodling is allowed as this is yet another means of distraction. In my early morning classes (I am not a morning person) it was difficult for me to stay alert in class. By forcing myself to take notes, I would not fall asleep in class and I was actually learning the material being discussed. Also, by notetaking you will always have a review of the lecture that day, so around exam time you can easily go back to your notes and study the material.

  In my longer classes, the Professor would usually give the class one fifteen minute break about half way through the lecture. This may not be the case with every Professor but if it is take advantage of that break. Go outside and stretch your legs, grab a snack, and talk to friends. Taking your mind and body away from the classroom for even a few minutes helps to refresh your mind. If your Professors do not give breaks during long lectures, talk to your Professor about taking short breaks when the class is getting restless.

  Turn off your cellphone. Yes, this will be hard to do but chatting with your friends can wait. Plus, texting while in class will distract your fellow classmates as well as the Professor. There is almost always a cellphone policy in the classroom to not use any mobile device while the Professor is teaching. Even though these rules are set in place, students still tend to ignore them.

  Take care of yourself. Make sure you are getting enough sleep (at least 8 hours a night). When you are overtired, it’s almost impossible to learn any new material. Give your body the rests it needs and your brain will be functioning to its full ability.

  If all else fails, ask for permission to record your lectures. I know a lot of students who had trouble listening for long periods of time were allowed to bring a digital recorder to class to record the lecture. If you’re lucky, some Professors will actually record their lectures for you; the majority of my Professors did this throughout my years in University. I can tell you, these were the classes I did the best in. It is proven that students forget most of the material they learn after a few hours and the majority of it is lost after a few days, if not reviewed.

  Written by: Jessica Hooper

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5 Tips for Finding Part Time Jobs

It’s finally that time. Summer is here and after months of listening to your parent’s nagging, “go get yourself a job” you finally cave. After all, you need some extra spending money for the weekends and your chores just aren’t cutting it these days. But what’s next? You’ve never worked before so where do you start? Should I print off a dozen resumes and run them down to every store in the mall?  The answer is no.

Sure, the more places you apply the better your chances of getting hired right? Not always; you need to stand out. Remember, your resume is pretty empty at the moment, especially if you have no work experience. But not to fear, you’re not out of the game.

Over the past few years I’ve picked up on a few small tips and tricks of the hiring game. These 5 tips are what helped me land my first part-time job when I was 16 at a popular clothing store.

So let’s get started:

1. Know where you are applying You’ve heard the term ‘dress for success.’ Most part-time jobs won’t require you to apply in a suit and tie but it is still important to look the part. You need to remember where it is you are applying. If you are applying at a girl’s clothing store it might not be a good idea to walk in after spending an hour at the gym or wearing your old grungy sweatpants. Make sure you look presentable and well-groomed!

When I was applying for my part-time job I borrowed an outfit from a friend that was from that particular store. When I handed in my resume I landed an interview on the spot. The manager later told me I got the interview because I looked “brand.” See, looking the part does count!

2. Jazz up your resume Part-time jobs receive plain black and white resumes almost every day, sometimes more than they can even count.  It is not always a bad idea to incorporate a little style into your resume. Now don’t go crazy with font size, styles, and colours… remember it still needs to look professional. In this case a little goes a long way.

When I applied at my job I put the company logo on the top corner of my resume and made all my headings the matching colour (pink). It’s not every day you receive a resume accented with pink!

3. Don’t carry a pile of resumes in your hand There is nothing worse than having an applicant come in with a resume and another ten in their hand. At least make it seem like you only want to work there!

4. Don’t apply for jobs with friends or with a parent I lied, there is absolutely nothing worse than walking in with a parent or friend to apply for a job. Applying for jobs can be extremely nerve-wrecking but who is applying for the job, you or your friend? The employer wants to see if you are the right fit… not your entourage. You need to walk in with confidence and show the employer that you are the candidate they want and need!

5. Follow Up If a few days have passed and you still haven’t heard anything do a follow up. Call the store and ask to speak with the manager. Let them know who you are and that you are calling to see if they had a chance to look over your resume. Remember, managers are busy so they might have forgotten you popped in the other day. Giving a quick call will make you memorable and remind the manager that you are eager and enthusiastic.

6. Be positive and accept rejection Lastly, I cannot stress this tip enough. You won’t get every job you apply for but if you remain positive and stay on the hunt something good will come your way!

Good luck with the job search! Keep checking Equals6.com for more tips and tricks from other students!

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The Benefits of Intern and Co-op terms

Students are constantly looking for ways to stand out; one way to do this is to graduate with real world experience. I recently had a chance to talk to some of the Interns at T4G, Will Lunderville (Dalhousie Commerce) and Nick Burns (NSCC Business administration) to see how Co-op and Intern programs are benefiting them and helping them to stand out.

Both Will and Nick worked hard to find a position months before the date they would start their positions, Nick’s advice was to start “…early in the year and [he] recommend[s] every student keep their eyes open throughout the[ir] course” and his commitment paid off when one of his instructors was approached with the opportunity from T4G. Nick was prepared for 2 rounds of interviews before his position was secured.

The long hours of work have paid off for both Nick and Will as they have each secured positions that will allow them to get a leg up in the job market. Will believes that his intern position “has given [him] experience working in an office and working with others on a daily basis, it has helped [him] save and manage [his] money better, and it has also “re-introduced” some structure and routine to [his] life that a lot of students will lose while attending university, and then struggle to regain... “

I also had a chance to ask what the road blocks are in finding these positions. A lack of communication seems to be the main road block, as getting in contact with companies that you want to work for can require a lot of effort and networking. For for both Will and Nick, this effort seems to have paid off.

Both say that the experience they have gotten at T4G has been great, and that they have both learned how a work environment is and have enjoyed their time in the corporate culture of the company. That kind of experience can’t be taught, and puts a student far ahead once they have received it.

In closing I would like to give some advice to students from VP People at T4G Peter Moorhouse “The difference between a good application, and a student who gets hired, is a sincere interest in T4G, and a passion for technology. A good cover letter and resume will pique our interest. But what really makes a student stand out is when he or she has researched us, knows what T4G is all about, and can talk about why they love technology, and why they want to work with us.”.

Thank you to T4G, Peter, Will and Nick, and all companies that are offering students such opportunities.

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Randstad Internship Program! - HR Internship

Randstad Internship Program!

Are you looking for hands on work experience in a positive and thriving work environment? Are you driven, hard-working and possess a competitive spirit? Would you like to have fun while adding vital real-world experience to your resume?

Randstad Canada, the country’s largest provider of staffing and HR solutions, is currently seeking interns!

There will be no coffee runs or lunch orders here.

As a Randstad intern, you will use your creativity, initiative and tenacity to help match job seekers with the right opportunities. Your input will be heard as you conduct reference and background checks, screen resumes and interview candidates. You will also develop valuable skills as you mine and source candidates, develop valuable recruitment research and strategies and handle numerous other important tasks. But most importantly you will be a part of a real team environment where you will receive a high level of support from dedicated individuals who believe in what they do.

What are we looking for?

•           Personable and reliable.

•           High level of energy and self confidence.

•           A strong work ethic and sense of commitment.

•           Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

•           Flexible hours. We will work around your schedule.

•           Those studying Sales, Business and Human Resources preferred.

  What’s in it for you?

•           Develop a foundation for a successful career in the area of Sales, HR and Recruitment.

•           Gain valuable experience and transferable skills (ie. responsibility, teamwork, flexibility, critical

thinking and communication).

•           Polish skills further through training, support and learning opportunities.

•           Receive support provided through a team of mentors, coaches ensuring you get the most of

your time here at Randstad.

•           Build confidence while improving your resume.

•           Network and connect with valuable professional contacts.

•           Potential for contract or full-time positions upon completion of the work term.

•           A letter of reference from your manager upon successful completion of the program.

•           Opportunity to work with an organization with strong social responsibility

Randstad Canada is an equal opportunity employer. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified persons to apply.  Randstad.ca or email internships@randstad.ca if you have questions or need further information.

Click here to watch a video testimonial from our very own interns!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiuqMgefJ5A&feature=related

About Randstad Canada

Randstad is Canada’s largest provider of staffing and HR solutions. Last year, we helped employers fill more than 30,000 positions in industries as diverse as financial services, manufacturing, telecommunications, information technology, the energy sector and government. This full range of staffing and HR solutions, together with our unrivalled national footprint, enables us to help Canada’s leading employers achieve their goals through improved access to their most important resource, talent. Recognized as one of the “Best Workplaces in Canada” by the Great Place to Work Institute, we ensure that our people are given the best work environment, training, opportunities and support so they can develop to their full potential.

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Social Network Equals6 Surpasses 10,000 Members Milestone, Strong Growth Continues

FOR RELEASE MARCH 1, 2012 ATTENTION BUSINESS, TECHNOLOGY AND EDUCATION EDITORS

Social Network Equals6 Surpasses 10,000 Members Milestone, Strong Growth Continues

Membership at Equals6.com, the professional social network for students, up 75% so far in 2012.

Halifax, NS, Canada, March 1, 2012 -- Equals6, the professional social network for students, has seen its membership grow dramatically, recently surpassing the 10,000 student-members milestone. The company focuses on helping students achieve their academic and career goals by connecting them with employers and peers, job opportunities and exclusive scholarships.

"We are pleased to see the growth in our Equals6 community," said Andy Osburn, CEO of Equals6. "Not only are more students joining equals6.com, but they are also becoming involved in the online community, as students connect with each other and with employers and schools. Our members are participating in competitions, winning scholarships and contributing to a wide range of discussion topics and groups.”

According to Osburn, the company has devoted its early efforts primarily to the Canadian market, but is already seeing students join from across the US and overseas.

Recognizing that students everywhere are facing a challenging job market, Equals6 has focused on helping students bridge the academic and professional worlds. For example, Tech Idol, a software development competition taking place through equals6.com, allows employers to post software challenges with cash prizes and potentially job opportunities awaiting the student winners. Equals6 also offers exclusive scholarships to help students pay for post-secondary studies, with more than 30 currently available to be won.

“Based on our rapid growth, our efforts are clearly resonating with students,” said Osburn. “We will continue to enhance Equals6 based on feedback from students, schools and employers. Our members can look forward to more competitions, employment opportunities and scholarships, along with continuous site enhancements, including mobile access and deeper social media integration. For employers and schools, we will continue to refine our recruiting tools to allow them to easily find and connect with top student talent.”

About Equals6 Equals6.com is a social network that helps students achieve their career and academic goals by connecting with employers, schools and scholarship opportunities. Employers and schools partner with Equals6 to identify and recruit top-talent students.

For More Information: Andy Osburn CEO, Equals6 info@equals6.com 1-877-647-3356

[equals6-blog-blog]

Depression In University

A recent article at Canadian University Press on binge drinking (http://newswire.cup.ca/articles/51651) inspired me to write this one. The article deals with the level of drinking at a maritime university and comments on the fact that drinking is higher in the Maritimes (a fact I can attest to as that was where I did my undergrad). The article also goes on to talk about the link between drinking and mental health issues, a topic close to home.

I remember a lot of students I knew were on one form of medication or another while in University. I can cite at least one time the topic came up at a study group. Of the 7 people in the group, 6 people admitted to having been or being on an anti depressant during their time of study. I am impressed with UNB for including the idea that mental health is a contributing factor in university students drinking. With mental health awareness becoming more prevalent I hope to see more universities embrace the concept of mental health issues within that community.

In my time at School, I did find that there were a few things that I as a student did to improve my depression:

1. I admitted to myself I had depression. This seems really obvious but after years of faking happy (to any degree), the shield you have built up can get in the way of your own health.

2. I told someone, for me it was family and a few friends, for you it can be whoever you want but a support structure is hugely important.

3. Take time to work on you. I found that if I worked out, ran, skateboarded, or hung out with friends and watched a movie, these things could really bring my mood up and I tried to do one of them or multiples every day.

I’m not claiming to be a medical or psychological expert but I am saying that I have been there and it affected my studies and my life in general.  If you think it is affecting you talk about it.

[equals6-blog-blog]

Tech Idol Challenge - CGI

CGI Atlantic is looking for a self-contained “Personal HeathCheck” mobile Android app to be developed for their challenge.

Part 1:  Application should have the ability to:

Add/View/Update multiple health care appointments. (i.e. Doctor, Dentist, Physio, reoccurring blood work etc.)

Part 2:  Application should have the ability to:

Add/View/Update Prescription Taking reminders. (i.e. Heart medicine every day at 10:00 am, Cholesterol medicine Monday/Wednesday/ Friday 7:00 pm)

Add/View/Update Chronic Disease Management tasks (i.e. Sugar Blood Tests every day at 8am, 12 pm and 8pm)

Add/View/Update refill reminders (i.e. prescriptions, blood strips etc.)

Bonus:  Create Reports of compliance

Ability to record that above task(s) has been completed including time completed for tracking of compliancy to HealthCheck plan.

Have the ability to compile the statistics of how often the user has completed the tasks on time or missed completely.

Provide ability to track trends month over month.

$500 to winner and a chance to discuss further opportunities within CGI such as co-op placements and permanent future employment

[equals6-blog-blog]

Tech Idol Challenge - CGI

CGI Atlantic is looking for a self-contained “Personal HeathCheck” mobile Android app to be developed for their challenge.

Part 1:  Application should have the ability to:

Add/View/Update multiple health care appointments. (i.e. Doctor, Dentist, Physio, reoccurring blood work etc.)

Part 2:  Application should have the ability to:

Add/View/Update Prescription Taking reminders. (i.e. Heart medicine every day at 10:00 am, Cholesterol medicine Monday/Wednesday/ Friday 7:00 pm)

Add/View/Update Chronic Disease Management tasks (i.e. Sugar Blood Tests every day at 8am, 12 pm and 8pm)

Add/View/Update refill reminders (i.e. prescriptions, blood strips etc.)

Bonus:  Create Reports of compliance

Ability to record that above task(s) has been completed including time completed for tracking of compliancy to HealthCheck plan.

Have the ability to compile the statistics of how often the user has completed the tasks on time or missed completely.

Provide ability to track trends month over month.

$500 to winner and a chance to discuss further opportunities within CGI such as co-op placements and permanent future employment

[equals6-blog-blog]

Tech Idol Challenge - J.D. Irving

Website Keep-Alive / Crawler

J.D. Irving is looking for an application that will crawl web sites and services, in order to keep the sites in server memory, as well as to determine any downtime, errors, and execution times.

The core functionality of the application must include accessing a website and designated pages, and examining the HTTP responses.  Any errors generated (4xx, 5xx) must be captured to a log file, and successful responses should have execution times captured and logged as well.

Bonus 1: Reading from an xml file or database to denote the site addresses and pages that must be crawled.

Bonus 2: Capturing the responses to a database for further reporting.

The prizes are $500 to the winner in addition to the opportunity to discuss future opportunities with J.D. Irving, Ltd and $250 to second. For more details on this and other challengers or to participate go to equals6.com and create your profile today.

[equals6-blog-blog]

Tech Idol Challenge - SimplyCast.com

SimplyCast is looking for a gateway plugin within Facebook that will display all outputted communication that is sent from the SimplyCast application to a company’s Facebook page.

Part 1:

Sign up to SimplyCast at www.simplycast.com. You will have a fully functional Epic Free account to use.

Part 2:

Create a gateway plugin within Facebook that integrates the output from SimplyCast's newsletters or survey questionnaire.

A $500.00 scholarship plus potential four month full time work term with SimplyCast will be given based on  a max score of 100 points for the work done. 50 points for working plugin with at least one channel displayed. 3 points for each additional channel displayed (8X3 = possible 24 points). Up to 26 points for quality of code commenting and structure. For more details on this and other challengers or to participate go to equals6.com and create your profile today.