Getting a Job After University: Where to Begin

Feeling overwhelmed by the thought of graduation? Check out this blog post where Cheap Students covers how to beef up your resume, and better prepare yourself for graduation.

Grocery Shopping Basics

An introduction on how to grocery shop better, save money and cut down on grocery bills in the future. Contains links to Canadian grocery flyers as well as prices to look for.

Textbooks: A How to Guide

A post covering how to purchase and sell textbooks at the beginning of each semester. Textbooks often cost quite a lot purchased brand new, use these tips to save money on your next textbook purchases.

Learning Tab

Check out the learning tab to view free online resources where you can learn new languages, develop your computer skills and find ways to further develop your resume.

Job Hunting

Check out the job hunting section, filled with resume, cover letter and job interview tips and resources all to help throughout the job hunting process.

Monday, April 30, 2012

Zodiac Signs and Your Career



The topic of zodiac and it's connection with career and field of study choices was something I thought up out of the blue. I recently started following @Xtrology on Twitter and was noticing some similarities in my personality and my zodiac sign -- and then the idea hit me. Does your zodiac sign and the types of jobs and university degree programs we choose have any relation? Or is it a bunch of nonsense that has no relation whatsoever?


Obviously this information shouldn't make or break your actually interests and possible career options, its just definitely something interesting and maybe something to think about. What struck me once I started "researching" and googling the topic I noticed that a study had actually been done on the topic, with some interesting results.


For those of you who are unfamiliar with the zodiac signs check out this website to determine what sign you are and read up about it a bit. 


Based on a 2008 CareerBuilder.com survey of close to 9,000 workers the study determined that those born under Scorpio, Leo, Taurus, and Cancer are the most likely to earn over $100,000 per year. While those who fall under Capricorn and Aquarius, are most likely to earn under $35,000 per year. To view your zodiac sign and zodiac matched careers look below.




Study Results                                                                            

Fire signs (Aries, Leo and Sagittarius): All Fire signs are natural leaders. They are high energy, very creative and independent. Like a flame — they get inspired quickly and can motivate others. However, they may burn themselves out by having too many irons in the fire.
Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn): All Earth signs are practical and grounded. They like having a plan and taking steps to achieve success. They do the best in the corporate world where structure is needed.
Air signs (Gemini, Libra and Aquarius)Air signs are the thinkers of the zodiac. Don’t expect them to get their hands dirty — they prefer working on a computer or brainstorming ideas with others.
Water signs (Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces)The Water signs are the touchy, feely people of the zodiac. Water is related to our emotions and many excel at counseling. They are highly empathic and each sign has its own unique energy.


Aries (March 21 – April 19) 
Aries is the youngest sign in the zodiac. There is a reason the sign is represented by a ram—Aries are strong (and strong-willed), vibrant, enthusiastic, and competitive. They thrive in commission-based jobs, especially if there is a bonus involved. Due to their bravery (and their impulsivity), they are the heroes of our lives—the police officers and firefighters. They are excellent promoters and may find the world of advertising and public relations appeals to their outgoing nature. 
Key traits: Enthusiasm, creativity, warmth — a short attention span. As a leader, you have great ideas but dislike getting mired in the tiny details.
Best careers: Entrepreneursalesfilm/TVstockbrokermilitaryrescue worker.
Careers to avoid: Any mundane, detail-oriented desk jobs. 



Taurus (April 20 – May 20) 
One of the things a Taurus enjoys most is stability. They will work very hard for certain guarantees—good benefits, vacation time, salary, job security. Determined, patient, honest, and methodical, they are excellent team members and extremely dependable. Taurians have a fondness for beautiful things and love working with flowers, food, jewelry, and luxury items. They are also known for their clear, strong voices and do well as an announcer, public speaker, or receptionist.
Key traits: Determined, hard-working, loyal, stubborn. You enjoy accomplishing tasks from big to small.
Best careers: Engineercomputer programmertechnicianadministrative assistant, accountant, lawyer, landscaper, chef, educator
Careers to avoid: Any job that involves taking too much financial risk. 




Gemini (May 21 – June 20) 
Want to make a Gemini happy? Give them plenty to do and make it intellectually stimulating. Remember that Geminis are twins, which means you have to engage two people, so they need to have a lot going on and enjoy fast-paced, pressured environments. They won’t survive long doing tedious or repetitive work. Jobs that require travel are perfect, as are jobs that require social networking. Geminis are optimistic and full of energy—they should be encouraged to let go and express themselves rather than be confined to traditional rules. 
Key traits: Quick-witted, clever, adaptable, indecisive. You multi-task well and get bored easily so it’s hard to focus on the same project for long periods of time.
Best careers: Mediaadvertisingmarketingjournalist/writerdelivery/driver, stockbroker, technical support, teacher, architect
Careers to avoid: Serious or mundane jobs that are extremely detail-oriented. 



Cancer (June 21 – July 22) 
Cancer is the mother of the zodiac (Capricorn is the father), so these sensitive types do well in jobs that require nurturing or taking care of things. However, this isn’t just about working with children or puppies; Cancerians make excellent executives, much like a multi-tasking mom who’s in charge. Cancerians give great advice and are very protective. They handle responsibility with ease and are imaginative problem solvers. 

Key traits: Caring, intuitive, creative, persevering, moody. You love to support and nurture people but can feel burdened by this responsibility, too.
Best careers: Real estateinterior designpsychologistteachertherapist(occupational, speech, etc), CEO, soldier, human resources
Careers to avoid: Isolating Jobs that involve constant oversight and no creativity.



Leo (July 23 – August 22) 
Nothing like a mighty lion to lead your company into success and high profits. Fearless, inspiring, and independent, Leos work best when they are in the spotlight and love jobs that bring status and power. They can be high-maintenance and disruptive to a team environment, but their charm usually wins everyone over in the end. Not to be micro-managed, Leos possess spontaneity and ingenuity and do well when encouraged to lead instead of follow. 
Key traits: Confident, ambitious, creative, generous and domineering. You shine in careers that show off your dynamic personality.  Plus you need to be in charge of something.
Best careers: Entrepreneurentertainmentpoliticspublic relationsmaître d, CEO, real estate agent, interior decorator, fashion designer, sales person, government
Careers to avoid: Any job where you are out of the spotlight. 



Virgo (August 23 – September 22) 
Virgos are known for their perfectionism and do very well in detailed-oriented professions. They remember things, excel at abstract thinking, and are very tidy and neat. Many Virgos do well in service-type jobs—you would be very happy with a Virgo manicurist or server (plus Virgos tend to make more money when working for tips). Writing, research, and statistics come easy to the meticulous Virgo brain. They are also easy to get along with as they are generally very cheerful. Many Virgos have a knack for languages. 
Key traits: Detail-oriented, analytical, hard-working, yet fussy. You love to cross things off your to-do list.
Best careers: Editoraccountantengineeringgraphic designflorist, teacher, critic, technician, translator, statistician
Careers to avoid: Jobs that deal with a variety of people, who may not be as fastidious and perfectionist as you. 



Libra (September 23 – October 22) 
Libras are good-looking and charming, gracious and entertaining. Their cooperative nature makes them excellent ambassadors and team leaders. If you ever have to deal with customer service over the phone, it will go much smoother if the operator is a Libra. More so than any sign, Libras are people people. They are not the type to slave away in some dark room; they thrive in buzzing, social environments. Many Libras gravitate toward the arts and will most likely be the lead singer of a band, interacting with the audience, rather than a brooding songwriter. 

Key traits: Diplomatic, artistic, intelligent yet prone to indecision. Because you are graceful under pressure, you work best in partnerships with other people.
Best careers: Architectdesignerlawyercounsellor, behind-the-scenes in the arts, salesperson, supervisor, travel agent
Careers to avoid: Conventional jobs that lack creativity and independence of mind. 



Scorpio (October 23 – November 21) 
Scorpios are able to block out distractions, concentrate, and focus like a laser beam. They are curious and are often drawn to mysteries—you would never want to be cross-examined or interrogated by a Scoripo for they are not only intimidating, but also very intuitive. Scorpios are also drawn to the abnormal and they like to know what makes things tick Just don’t hover around them—they need their independence and their employer’s trust. 

Key traits: Dynamic, creative, resourceful, strong willed. Outspoken and self-starting, you can only work in a career that you feel very passionate about.
Best careers: Psychologistdesignerlawhumanitarian organizations or charitable foundations.
Careers to avoid: Anything you perceive as shallow or materialistic. 




Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21) 
Sagittarians are ethical, full of energy, and rather philosophical. They are excellent decision-makers and make fair and easygoing bosses. Many Sagittarians are spiritual, which can translate well into careers involving the environment, animals, and counseling, as well as religion. They also love to travel and be outdoors. Outgoing and fun-loving, they are likable and witty coworkers who can defuse tense situations with humor and tact. They will not be tied down or bothered with the little details. Routine kills their spirit. 

Key traits: Philosophical, optimistic, straightforward. You enjoy your freedoms of movement and self-expression and do best working in a field that allows you both.
Best careers: Entrepreneur, airline pilotsports industrypolice officerflight attendant.
Careers to avoid: Any full-time desk job. 
 


Capricorn (December 22 – January 19) 
Capricorns are very ambitious and need challenges to be happy. Just like the mountain goat climbs on the tiniest crags to get to the top, Capricorns are determined and persistent—they will do what whatever it takes. Most are responsible and conscientious; many enjoy power. They run a tight ship—they will enforce rules and keep everyone on schedule. If you need something done right (and to exact standards), look no further than a Capricorn. They also tend to be workaholics. 
Key traits: Ambitious, resourceful, patient and authoritarian. Driven and competitive, any project you take on, you’ll do what ever it takes to be the best.
Best careers: Financebusiness development/managementdoctortrainer, anything science-related
Careers to avoid: A financially risky job or a career where there is no room for advancement. 



Aquarius (January 20 – February 18) 
The quality that sets Aquarians apart from everyone else is their humanitarian nature (it’s also why they are flighty in matters of the heart, but that’s another story). They love to explore avant-garde ideas and have a curious and adventurous nature. They are the most likely to have an unconventional job, maybe even one of their making. They will rebel against corporate environments, needing freedom of thought and movement. They will not be satisfied doing things the same way they have always been done. If you need a fresh approach, an Aquarius will not let you down.
Key traits: Analytical, clever, inventive, and obstinate. Friendly and autonomous, you get along with most people, yet you have no problems voicing a divergent opinion.
Best careers: Apps developerveterinarianscientistengineer, alternative care practitioner, farmer, designer, musician, aviator
Careers to avoid: Any conventional job that discourages independent thinking or differing opinions. 



Pisces (February 19 – March 20) 
Pisces is the oldest sign in the zodiac and many Pisceans have that “old soul” feel about them. The key words here are creative and passionate. They excel in the traditional arts (music, dance, photography). Pisceans are also highly intuitive. If your stylist is a Pisces, she will not only give you a modern and unique haircut; she will also give you the haircut that fits you best. Many astrologers and tarot practitioners are Pisces. Their intuition also helps in fields that require compassion. 
Key traits: Compassionate, intuitive, flexible and overly sensitive. A visionary like Albert Einstein and Dr. Seuss, you work best in a situation where you can actualize what you see in your imagination.
Best careers: Artistdesignerpsychologistentertainmentcharitable foundations, physical therapist, veterinarian, artist, nurse
Careers to avoid: Any job that has a physically or psychologically grueling schedule or deals with the harsh realities of life. 


The basis of these "findings" are to help you better connect your personality and habits to a similar job in order to better enjoy that job. The same can be said for a particular degree program that you choose and whether or not its the right "fit" for you. Now take this all with a grain of salt, these aren't an exact science, but then I again how we select our future careers or degree program's isn't really either.


Sources
Via http://www.divinecaroline.com/32649/63415-career-zodiac-sign/2#ixzz1tXveVqtS
 
Image http://www.astrologycom.com/images/zodiac.jpg

Friday, April 27, 2012

April Roundup

As many of you may have seen from my various tweets I have been spending some money here and there. I have been sticking to eating what I already have (for the most part) and only went grocery shopping a few times in order to prevent scurvy from taking over. I did realize as well, that since I went home for the weekend for Easter I didn't have to make meals all of those days which may have prevented me from going to the grocery store earlier. But hey who cares. I ended up eating a lot of the things I already had, but spent way too much on food at work (clearly). And for those of you keeping tabs, I spent almost $75 dollars less this month..(which probably ended up going towards my lost student card and new bus pass..)

Here's the breakdown of my food spending over the last month.


So basically I didn't spend as much as I had been in the past, but I still spent way too much when it came to food at work.
Also as a cost cutting tactic I am hoping that by posting this before the end of the month it will force me not to spend any more money on groceries so I don't have to fix the spreadsheet...

Does anyone have any great tips to share when it comes to saving money on groceries?
I am going to continue to work on this in order to cut down on my costs and save more of my current paycheck from my co-op job.

Hope everyone's exams went well!

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Food Saving Updates

For this months feature I will be doing short updates on Twitter using the hashtag #CSfoodsave 

For an easy to view version of all my tweets you can view them through this blog post as well as on Twitter.









Wednesday, April 4, 2012

April

Since it's the beginning of a new month and the winter semester is almost done, I finally decided to start recording how much I'm spending when it comes to food. I had this nagging feeling like I was spending way too much. So here begins my first month of trying to spend less. This post is more in the style of a personal finance blog, which I am sure some of you will really enjoy. So here goes a little change in blog post direction and a change in my food spending habits.

I decided to go through the bills that I did save (yes I have a bit of a hoarding problem...) and go through my MasterCard and bank account statements online. I compiled a list of all my expenses, including what I have spent on meals at restaurants and at work (which I clearly need to cut out). This months worth of posts will consist of my journey to reduce my food spending.

Here's the food expenses I incurred during the month of March 2012.



According to a few sources including studyincanada.com the average person spends about $200-300 per month on food. My total does fall into this category but I still want to decrease this number. With additional food charges at restaurants, my cafeteria at work etc. I took my month total to approximately $260.

And since I often to spend way too much, here are just a few strategies I am going to use to help lower my amount.
  • Making meals with what I already have
  • Buying only the few things that I need, once a week (ie. fruits, vegetables and the staples)
  • Buying products on sale or purchasing private label/generic brands
  • Continuing to write a list
  • Bringing coupons to the grocery store when I go
  • Not buying so much that my food goes bad and I have to thrown it out
Throughout the month I will be tweeting @CheapStudents using the hashtag #CSfoodsave This is where quick updates with on food related purchases, or any interesting discoveries will be posted.
These tweets and other posts and thoughts will be summarized on a weekly basis on the blog.

Here's a few tips as well found here

Additional Information
Check out the Study in Canada site here to see what the cost of living should be approximately for a Canadian