Career Counselling News
February 2024
"I don't know what I want to do with my life!"
Have you heard this before?
"I already applied to post-secondary...what else do I need to do?
Don't HIBERNATE and forget about your post-secondary application!
- Do you have a "To Do" List in your post-secondary portal? Double check for next steps.
- Are you waiting for conditional admission to your program? Does your institution want you to update your marks from the first semester? If so, be sure you read carefully for how to share the updates.
- Do you have scholarships that need to be dealt with before an upcoming deadline?
- Do you need to pay your deposit for tuition?
- Have you applied for residence?
- Are you still wanting to apply for Fall 2024? Applications will close for many programs in March.
- Are you wanting to start post-secondary January 2025? Application may now be open to do apply for winter 2025.
"It is so expensive, how do I pay for post-secondary?"
Get a Job
Working part-time or casually while in post-secondary is also a option for many students to help support their day to day living costs.
Scholarships, Grants, Bursaries & Unique Supports
Remember the RUTHERFORD SCHOLARSHIP! This is available to Alberta students if your combined average of certain courses is 75%+. Check out the specific criteria in the link above or chat with your career counsellor. You must be accepted into a program to access the funds and will apply in August prior to attending post-secondary.
There are also unique supports available for some students if they meet the requirements for the specific program or funding opportunity such as the Advancing Futures Bursary and Foundational Learning Assistance to name a few.
Savings & Loans
Students loans are also available through Student Aid (Government) and various banking insitutions. Government loans through Student Aid do not start charging interest until you are out of your post-secondary program.
Check with student aid and your financial institution for details on these financial options.
"I don't want to go to post-secondary right away."
What else can I do instead of post-secondary?
CanGap
Are you ready to attend post-secondary? Considering a pause before you start your formal education? Can-gap is a non-profit organization that will help students make decisions through events, coaching and structured programs, the gap can be a pillar as they move into the next steps. This time away from the classroom should not be seen as a waste of time.
Travel
Microcredentials & Digital Badges
What are micro-credentials?
They are also known as 'badges'. Micro-credentialing is a way to recognize competencies or skills acquired through a variety of learning experiences. Many employers are seeking this in today's labour market, and sometimes in lieu of traditional academic credentials. Many individuals are stacking these credentials to carve out possibilities.
In high school, students can begin to earn micro-credentials with CTS modules, Green Certificate, WHMIS, and First Aid to name a few!