By Dannah Bax

My Path Choice I have decided to go to university over college or a trade. Hopefully I will be able to find a university program I am interested in that also offers a co-op placement so I can gain some real life experience.

Possible Jobs With A University Degree Health Care workers Mediator Critic Print Journalist Director Industrial-Organizational Psychologist Political Aid Anthropologist Addictions Counselor Investment Banker Curator

University Similarities Universities are all theoretical learning environments, with little opportunities to participate in co-op programs to gain real life experiences. A lot of professions require a university education such as doctors, engineers and therapists. All these jobs require knowing a vast amount of information. These universities have taught programs through theory because they can be very unpredictable, you never know when a new illness could sweep through your hospital or when you have to create the next biggest hit in automobiles that offers a never before seen feature or the story of someone’s life leading up to them receiving help from a therapist.

Current High Paying Jobs in Demand The following jobs are currently in demand and require a university education: Mobile Applications Developer User Experience Designer Marketing Manager Corporate Trainer Translator Nurses Physiotherapists Occupational Therapists

Future High Paying Jobs in Demand Finance High-tech companies In the next several years the following jobs will experience labour major shortages: Management Health Care Oil and gas drilling services Home builders/renovators/contractors And trade supervisors

Public Relations Specialist What is a public relations specialist (PRS)? A public relations specialist is someone who creates and maintains a favourable public image for their employer or client. They write material for media releases, plan and direct public relations programs, and raise funds for their organizations. Definition brought to you by Google. Possible University Programs: Public Relations Mass Communications & Media Studies Political Science English Language & Literature Communication Studies

Public Relations Specialist Job Requirements They often specialize in one area which can be: Employer to employee relations Consumer affairs Community relations Government lobbying Job requirements: Exceptional communication skills both oral and written In depth knowledge of certain industries or public institutions Recommended Strengths & Characteristics Creative Easily able to multi-task Enjoy planning & coordinating events Problem Solving Skills Persuasive & Decisive

What They Do Primary Job Tasks Include: Help companies/individuals maintain good relationships with the public Design and manage publicity campaigns Write and edit press releases, newsletters and other PR materials Plane special events, like fundraisers Keep clients informed of changes in public opinions

Working Environment/Conditions Mainly working in offices Some travel in order to meet with clients and the media At times can be very stressful An average work day lasts 9-10 hours with overtime sometimes required Employers can range from business and politicians to self employment

Income Depending on your experience level and job title earnings can very. Here is an outline of possible earnings. Postion Income (per year) Junior Public Relations Specialist 30,000 - 40,000 Public Relations Specialist/Account Executive 40,000 - 60,000 Senior Public Relations Specialist 55,000 - 85,000 Group/Practice Leader 80,000 - 100,000

The Real Deal The following slide’s information is taken from career cruisings Public Relation Specialist interview page.

Sherice: Background- Sherice studied business management & international business at two university, then became a freelance consultant & executive assistant before a PRS for the past 5 years. Personal Characteristics Needed- Interpersonal skills and ability to work with a team is vitally important in order to be successful. Having good verbal & written communication skills is also valuable for writing pitches for clients and speaking with other team members. Opportunities How To Get Started In The Field- The best way to get started is through internships and concentrating on networking and building relationships with other businesses. Job Security- Many people can maintain a long and successful career as a PRS. However it is also a high turnover profession, with high stress levels and work never finishing. Other Career Opportunities- Project managing, teaching, consulting and writing are all occupations you could obtain with a public relations background. Future For PRS- Technology has made a big impact in the public relations industry both positive and negative. Biggest Challenges- Deadlines and reports can be the most challenging because it can take long and tedious hours.

Steven: Background- Steven earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing, specializing in integrated marketing, along with working in the food industry and internships before his current job as a public relations practitioner Personal Characteristics Needed- Being organized, detail-oriented, persuasive and creative is important to have in a successful PR jobs which included many different tasks, planning success campaigns and pitching new ideas to the media. Opportunities How To Get Started In The Field- Public relations is a quickly growing industry. Networking and internships even before graduating can help you gain the experience needed to obtain an entry level position. Job Security- Job security can vary from company to company. His current employer however does have high job security. Many PR companies prefer employees to stay at one company for their entire PR career. Other Career Opportunities- Journalists, reporters and bloggers work in similar environments in terms of media use. Advertising and marketing are similar industries, public relations use the understanding of branding and return on investment. Future For PRS- Public relations does see changes with the advancement of technology especially social media. Biggest Challenges- Finding a good work-life balance can be difficult due to fulfilling last minute client requests.

Sources http://www.fastcompany.com/3046429/the-new-rules-of-work/the-highest-paying- jobs-of-the-future-will-eat-your-life http://www.workopolis.com/content/advice/article/future-jobs-is-it-still-worth- getting-a-university-degree/ https://www2.careercruising.com/my/Assessments/matchmaker-career- suggestions/18410254