Career and Job Search Help Blog

It's true.  It is a cold summer out there for students looking for work.

 A youth employment counsellor, Nicole Salmon estimates the number of postings are down by about 40 percent from last year.

But the right job is out there, if you are willing to get creative.

Marie-Jose Beaudin, executive director of McGill's faculty of management career centre, said job postings are down 10 to 15 per cent and companies seem to be filling fewer student positions this spring than they have in the past.

Still, many students are responding in creative ways.While some have sought overseas volunteer opportunities, others have decided to go into business for themselves, she said. …“Entrepreneurship is taking a huge step forward in this economic time,'' she said, adding it's something the university is encouraging.“Rather than waiting for THE job in the big corporation, take that time to start something… Try looking at international internships, go to an NGO… It will look great on a CV. It will be a great experience.

Workopolis human resources vice-president Andrea Garson said there are currently about 5,800 student and entry level jobs posted on the company's campus jobs site. 

While in decline about 30 per cent year over year, she remains optimistic that students are well positioned to weather this storm as employers turn to students to cut costs.

And there is help out there. 

More than 100,000 students will find work this summer through Ontario's student summer jobs programs.  The 2009 Ontario Budget increased funding for the summer program by over 57 per cent or $32 million in 2009, to help more students find summer work in their communities. Students can apply for a variety of government jobs or for funding to start their own business. Wage subsidies will allow private and not-for-profit corporations to hire more summer students.

Ontario and Federal Government Employment Links for Students

Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.  Summer Jobs Programs– Summer Jobs Service is a free service that provides job-search and self-marketing support to help students find summer jobs.

Youth Opportunities Ontario - Look for summer jobs and self-employment opportunities, internships, apprenticeships, and more.

CollegeGrad.com – The # 1 Entry Level Government of Ontario Student Jobs Site.

Food and Rural Affairs – Rural summer jobs service.

Ministry of Northern Development and Mines -  Jobs for students in northern Ontario.

Summer Job Postings Websites

Cool Jobs Canada  – Job board for resorts, tour companies, camps and parks. Tour guides, site interpreters, outdoor education, lifeguards, and similar tourism related jobs. Mostly summer and seasonal work. Choose province or territory.

Extreme Jobs  – Extremejobs.ca is dedicated to providing extensive job postings from all industries across Canada. Our Job Center is updated on a daily basis.   Extreme jobs is your #1 resource for Tourism jobs in Canada. Search for active job postings or browse through our Tourism job opportunities to view jobs directly on employers sites.

Kijiji – Toronto Summer Jobs

Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities – Summer Jobs Programs  
      

Fun site on alternative jobs - Do you know what a celluloid trimmer does? Is the job of "Odor Judger" as bad as it sounds?

Book suggestion

2009 edition on its way.

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