Category: Tips

Professional networking is about building and maintaining relationships with the people in your field. It can be the people you work with or others in your industry who may be able to help you in your career journey.

Networking is an incredibly important part of any professional career, but many people shy away from it. Some find it too difficult, while others question its importance. But, networking is one of the best ways that you can build and nurture your career.

In this article, we’re going to look at a few different methods of networking and how they can help you to build a stable career. Keep reading to find out more.

Methods Of Networking

You’ll be glad to know that in-person networking isn’t the only method of meeting new people in your industry. With the advent of social media and other forms of technology, networking is the easiest it has ever been.

Below, we have summarized some easy methods you can use to begin networking with others in your field.

Take Advantage Of Social Media

Social media has its negative aspects, but for networking, it is one of the best tools you can use. From Instagram and Twitter to LinkedIn, there are so many different avenues of connecting with people through social media.

Following or connecting with people in your field who inspire you is not only a great way to see their content, but it also puts you in touch with them. You can send direct messages to certain individuals, interact with their content, and get the ball rolling on a lucrative relationship.

Networking over social media is a great way to start, especially if you find it more difficult to network in person.

Reach Out For A Coffee Chat

While social media is a good stepping stone for beginning professional relationships, once you’ve begun to develop a relationship with someone, you should move the relationship off of social media.

Instead of bombarding people in your field with questions over Instagram, you could ask them to meet up for a coffee. Heading out for a coffee chat with someone you admire is a great way to build the relationship further.

Head Out To Networking Events (Or Events In Your Field That Involve Networking)

If one-on-one meetings aren’t your thing, networking events could be a good place for you to network. Networking events, and other events in your field, are the perfect place to meet people in your industry – you’re basically in a room full of people who can help you advance in your career!

Join conversations, take down details, and use these events as a place to lay the groundwork to build a few professional relationships.

Don’t Ask For A Job, Aim To Build A Connection

While the aim of networking is job growth and career advancement, it is more important to build a relationship than outright asking for a job. You may ask for a job they don’t have at the moment and it could come across as though you’re using them to advance your career.

If you build a relationship with another person in your field, however, they’re more likely to let you know when jobs come up that you’re suited for and may even recommend you for roles within their organization. In addition, job growth doesn’t always come from getting a new job with higher pay.

By building professional relationships, you have someone to turn to for advice that knows your industry as well as you do. This kind of guidance can be useful for both brand new jobs and for growth in your current occupation.

Take The Opportunity To Help Others

Relationships go both ways, and no one will stick around long if you spend all of your time asking for favours from them without giving anything in return. Make sure you hold up your end of the professional relationship by offering advice, letting people know about jobs that might suit them, and recommending your colleagues for roles you think they’d be great in.

Ask For Suggestions On How To Keep Building Your Network

Networking can be intimidating, especially if you’re new in the field. People who have been in the industry for longer than you have probably found handy ways of building their network and they may be willing to offer you some tips too.

Don’t shy away from asking for advice from people in your field, after all, good networking is key to a good career.

Follow Up After The Initial Conversation

After meeting someone who you think could be a good contact to have, make sure to reach out after your initial meeting. This is a great way to start a back-and-forth and build what you’ve got into a useful professional relationship.

This may be a quick email or a connection on social media. However, you do it, make sure you do it sooner rather than later so that they remember you!

Try Joining A Committee Or Professional Organization In Your Field

Committees and organizations within your field are groups of people in your industry that meet up regularly. Joining a group is an easy way of networking within your field on a regular basis. It can be an incredibly natural way to build professional relationships too.

Set Some Goals For Yourself When Networking

Having a plan of what you want to achieve from networking makes it much easier to go out and do it. Before networking events, you should give yourself a goal of making one or two new connections in your field to ensure that the event has helped you to grow in your career.

Try setting goals each time you attend an event so that you gradually build an extensive professional network.

Be Sure To Prepare Your ‘Elevator Pitch’ About Yourself & Your Career

When you’re at events, getting tongue-tied isn’t an option, so make sure you have your elevator pitch ready. Networking is all about selling yourself and showing people why you’d be a great person to get connected with.

You can practice your elevator pitch at home to get it right and even ask for advice from others in your current network before heading out to meet new people.

An elevator pitch should be short but informative and should show the value that you bring to your field. There are countless examples and guides online to help you curate a compelling pitch, whatever your industry.

If You Are Looking For A Great College To Study At, Call Citi College Today!

Citi College is a private career college, dedicated to producing industry-ready graduates. We offer an extensive list of courses and offer workshops and guidance in a variety of soft skills to help you start the career you want.

Networking can feel intimidating at first, but here at Citi College, we can help you to build your confidence and your network while you study with us. To find out more information about Citi College, get in touch today!

Starting your education at a private career college (like Citi College) can be daunting. It’s a big step in your life and can feel a little overwhelming. At Citi College, ensuring our students are comfortable and confident is at the heart of all we do. We want to help you get the best out of your course.

Whether you’re attending Citi College or another private career college, your first day of college may feel overwhelming, but there are a few things you can do to prepare yourself. Below, we’ve gathered some recommendations for having a great first day at college.

Grab All Your Supplies

Whether you’re joining a business course or pursuing a healthcare diploma, you should come prepared with all of your supplies. You’ll need items like writing equipment, such as pens, pencils and paper, and you could need technological devices like your laptop or tablet.

There may also be handy apps you can download at your private career college, like your timetable app or a campus map. Make sure you have all this sorted out the night before so that you’re not scrambling for your things on the morning of your first day.

Become Familiar With The Most Important Locations On Campus

Find out what building your classrooms are in so that you can be on time for your classes each day. You should also locate the library in case you need somewhere to study and check out books. Other places you should look out for include the lunchroom, cafeteria, medical centre or common room, and you could seek out student services just in case you ever need their help.

Head To Class Early

We recommend heading to your classes early every day, especially on your first day. For starters, you will make a good impression if you arrive on time. Being late won’t be acceptable in your job, so you should get into the habit of being on time now. Second, if you’re late, you may miss important information, especially at the beginning of your course.

Start Developing A Routine

Falling into a routine can make college feel easier. If you develop healthy habits, like ensuring you’re up in time to eat breakfast and getting to class on time, you will have a better time at college.

Building healthy habits while attending a private career college can set you up for a good work/life balance. If you’ve gotten into the routines that make life easier during college, you’ll find it easier to implement them when you start work.

Get To Know Everyone

It can feel overwhelming on the first day to meet so many new people, but it is important that you build relationships with your teachers at college. Building a good relationship with them will ensure that you get the help you need and they could help you get a job when you leave.

Making friends with your coursemates can make college life more fun and manageable. It will mean having others know what you’re going through, creating a support system for yourself and your fellow coursemates. You’ll also be able to work with one another to get the best out of your course.

Though you may find it difficult, make an effort to speak to other people on your first day at college to start building bridges now.

Looking For A Great College To Study At? Call Citi College Now!

Are you thinking of attending a private career college? Get in touch with Citi College today to find an extensive range of courses for you to try! We’re dedicated to making the transition to a career college as easy as possible, and we’ll have you industry-ready in no time!

Whether you’re just graduating from college or university or taking the leap and making a career change, thinking about the soft skills employers want is integral to good job applications.

Your soft skills are personal, developed over time, and may come naturally to you. They are different from industry-specific technical skills and can help to set you apart from other applicants. Here at Citi College, we’re committed to helping our students to develop their soft skills, as well as career-related skills, when they study with us.

Keep reading to learn more about the soft skills employers look for.

Communication Skills

Communication is key to all roles, no matter your field of work. Good communication can be the difference between a smooth-running operation and an absolute disaster. In your career, you’ll likely need to communicate with various people, including clients, customers, vendors, employers, and more.

Precise, polite communication is integral to a working environment, so you’ll need excellent written and oral communication skills. Good communication means being a good listener, presenting, and having the social skills to work with others.

Teamwork

Teamwork means working with others and is a valuable skill in your career. Good teamwork creates the happy and productive environments employers are looking for.

Teamwork includes a range of aspects, including accepting feedback, having the skills to collaborate with others, dealing with office politics, and having the emotional intelligence to work well with your colleagues.

Having A Strong Work Ethic

A strong work ethic is exceptionally desirable to employers. It means you’re more likely to arrive to work on time, complete tasks promptly, and be focused and organized in your work. Following instructions and meeting deadlines are valuable skills in any job.

A strong work ethic means being attentive to details, being dedicated, having good organizational skills, being a reliable employee, and being able to self-supervise.

Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is a valuable skill for employers. It means that their employees can problem solve and make informed and effective decisions. Critical thinking means taking the time to analyze a situation, understand a problem, and come up with a solution.

Employers are looking for people who can adapt and be flexible, have a sense of curiosity, a desire to learn, and are resourceful.

Having A Positive Attitude In The Workplace

A positive attitude is desirable to employers because it means you will come to work in a good mood, be friendly to others, and be eager to work. It means having the confidence to do well in your work, the enthusiasm to progress, and the energy to meet deadlines.

Time Management

Time management is one of the most in-demand soft skills employers will look for. In the fast-paced, digital age we live in, being able to work productively, meet deadlines, and manage your time effectively will set you apart from other candidates.

At the end of the day, employers are looking to make money, so if you can get your work done on time, you will be a desirable employee.

Become Job Ready With Citi College! Contact Us Today!

Citi College is a private career college committed to producing career-ready individuals. We offer multiple quality programs where you will learn technical, industry-specific skills, as well as the soft skills employers look for. And when you leave us, you will still have access to our services, which help with resume building and interview preparation.

If you’re looking for a private career college to get you ready for your choice of career in the GTA, get in touch with Citi College today!

Society seems to be moving faster than ever, and with it, many opportunities for new careers are arising. Ever-shifting economies and brand-new industries mean that the job market simply isn’t what it was twenty or thirty years ago.

With new professions on the rise, and old ones requiring more workers than ever, it’s the perfect time for people to go back to school and pick up new skills and qualifications to turn their lives around. Unfortunately, self-doubts and preconceived notions of being too old for these opportunities result in many people staying put and not chasing their dreams.

So, it begs the question: can somebody be too old to go back to school? The answer to that question is no! You are never too old to go back to school! In fact, today’s blog suggests that if you’re interested in going back to school, then consider attending a private career college such as Citi College!

The Benefits Of Attending A Ontario Career College

If you’re doubtful about whether returning to school is for you, or if you’ve decided to do it but are unsure where to start, then private career colleges may be among your best options. There are numerous benefits that private career colleges offer that other educational facilities simply do not. Here are just a few of them.

Flexible Learning Opportunities

With age and experience comes additional responsibilities. Two of the most frequent excuses people give for not going back to school are that they don’t have time or they don’t have the money. With the flexible learning opportunities that private career colleges offer however, these worries can become a thing of the past.

Unlike the stereotypical school experience of sitting in a classroom for six hours a day from Monday to Friday, career colleges allow you to do part-time learning or attend lectures whenever you can, making going back to school as flexible as possible.

Relationships, children, and even a current job shouldn’t be reasons for you not to go back to school. Career colleges understand that their mature students may have more responsibilities and time constraints than their younger counterparts.

Small Class Sizes

Private career colleges focus on a higher number of specific courses, which means there are fewer people in each classroom. Unlike in giant lecture halls, you’ll get a chance to know your fellow students and potentially, more importantly, your teacher. Smaller class sizes lead to increased participation all around, ensuring a better learning experience for everyone.

If you feel daunted by the idea of dozens of people silently staring at you when you offer an answer, a private career college may be precisely what you need.

Hands-On Learning

Smaller classes mean that there are more options for hands-on learning. Implementing practical sessions for fifty students is unrealistic and impractical but the possibility of implementing practical sessions with ten students is much more realistic.

Additionally, your learning activities are not as limited to the classroom as they would be with traditional colleges, thus allowing for a variety of experiences.

Teachers With Experience In Their Respective Industries

Private career colleges hire some of the greatest teachers from a pool of specialists in various industries. Not only will the smaller class sizes allow you to have more one-on-one time with these industry experts, but you can assure that they’ll always know what they’re talking about.

Many of these teachers are often still working, or just retired in their field, so you can be assured their years of wisdom will be both recent and relevant.

Diverse Classroom

Private career college is for everyone, meaning many people in your class will likely be at different stages in life. The chances are that even if you think you’re too old to go back to school, there’ll probably be someone in your class older than you. Even if there isn’t, the diversity of your class will only lead to a more positive learning experience full of diverse views.

Apply At Citi College Today To Start Your New Career!

There are many private career colleges in Canada, however, if you are in the Toronto or Mississauga area, then Citi College may be the right choice for you. Check out our full list of programs, and take your first steps towards a great career today!

Private career colleges are designed to build a skilled workforce. They focus on outcome-based learning, which leads to job-ready graduates and a workforce with the requisite skills.

Many students attend a private career college in Canada. In 2019, there were 159,000 students enrolled in this kind of college across Canada. A private career college can help you enhance your skills and gain certifications needed in your industry of choice. But are they worth it?

Below, we’ve summarized all the ways a private career college could benefit you.

Who Are Ontario Career Colleges Designed For?

Private career colleges cater to many different types of learners. These include:

• People who are looking to advance their current career or start a new one
• Newcomers to Canada who are aiming to enter the workforce quickly
• People who require flexibility in their studies with regards to start dates or class schedules

Benefits Of A Career College

A private career college might be the right choice if you’re looking for a skills-based approach to learning. There are a ton of benefits to attending this kind of college, and we’ve listed these benefits below.

Small Class Sizes

Small class sizes are standard at private career colleges, and they can really benefit your experience. In smaller classes, it is easier to build a relationship between teacher and student, and students tend to feel more comfortable getting involved in discussions and voicing their opinions. Students are more engaged and, therefore, more focused on their learning.

Flexible Learning

At a private career college, you are offered a lot of flexibility with your studies. You can usually attend classes online as well as in-person, and many colleges offer continual enrollment so that you can start at any time.

Private career colleges also help you enter your chosen career more quickly by offering specific courses. They may also ease the financial burden of education for some, as they allow for part-time study and night courses too.

Hands-On Career-Focused Training

A private career college will have a skills-based approach to learning, offering you hands-on experience. These experiences, whether projects within classes or work placements, can help you get a taste of the real world and make you more job-ready.

Colleges also offer industry certifications which can help you get noticed by employers.

Industry Expert Professors

Many tutors and instructors at a private career college are industry experts with a wealth of experience. This means you’re being taught by someone who has done the job you’re training for. They can teach through real-world examples and offer you invaluable expertise.

Post-Graduation Support

At a private career college, education is focused on your career, which is why you will always find post-graduate support services to help you after you finish your studies. These services usually involve career services where you can get support with everything from resume building to mock interviews, as well as networking events with industry leaders.

Looking For A Top-Rated Ontario Career College In Ontario? Call Citi College!

We believe a private career college is well worth the investment if it suits your educational and career goals. You can get hands-on experience, work with industry-leading instructors, and learn quickly to help you enter the job force in a shorter amount of time.

Citi College offers a variety of different programs for learners of all backgrounds. Whatever your goals are, we’ve got a course to suit you. If you’d like to know more about our programs, get in touch today!

Education is incredibly important for your future, but sometimes it can be challenging to save enough money to fund your educational programs. Many financial aid methods are available to Canadian citizens to help them support their education, including OSAP.

For those heading to a private career college, you may be wondering whether OSAP and other financial aid options are available to you. We’ve gathered all of the information necessary for you to understand OSAP and financial aid at a private career college below.

Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)

OSAP, which stands for Ontario Student Assistance Program, is a financial aid program dedicated to Ontario residents looking to enter post-secondary education. The program offers grants, which you don’t need to pay back, and loans, which you pay back after completing your education.

OSAP helps you to pay for your tuition, books, and equipment you may need while studying, any fees your school requests, and living expenses for full-time students. It also pays for childcare, when applicable, for both full and part-time students.

The program is open to all Canadian citizens, permanent residents of Canada, and protected persons, though you do have to meet some criteria to be eligible. Criteria include meeting specific academic requirements and being a resident of Ontario, among others.

The amount you receive from the OSAP depends upon a few things, including your educational expenses, your course load (whether you’re part-time or full-time), your program hours, and your financial situation. You may be eligible for additional funding if you are an indigenous person, a youth in extended society care, or a person with a disability.

Ontario Career Colleges & OSAP

If you’re looking to study at a private career college, you might be wondering whether you will be eligible for OSAP. Fortunately, the answer is yes!

Private career colleges must apply for OSAP every year to ensure that any of their students wishing to use these funds may be eligible. Citi College applies to OSAP yearly and is proud to offer OSAP as a financial aid option in the 2022-23 academic year. We will continue applying for the program to ensure our students have a range of choices regarding financial aid.

How Citi College Can Help You Receive Financial Aid

Here at Citi College, we believe education should be accessible to all. If you’re struggling to understand all the different financial aid options, or you just need some guidance, head down to our financial aid department.

Our financial aid department can help students determine which funding options best suit them and which options they can qualify for. They will help make the process stress-free and ensure that you can continue your education without worrying about funding.

Looking For the Best Ontario Career College In Toronto & Mississauga? Call Citi College Now!

Citi College is a private career college that aims to help all students find the appropriate financial aid options for their situation. Whether you use OSAP or another funding option, our financial aid department is always happy to help you out! If you have any more questions or concerns, be sure to contact us!

If you aren’t a citizen or permanent resident of Canada but are interested in applying to Citi College, then you’re one step closer to becoming an international student! Citi College is the Greater Toronto Area’s number 1 career college for Business, IT, Healthcare, and Engineering courses, which can lead you directly into your ideal career.

There are many reasons to consider an education at Citi College. Some of the reasons include the experienced teachers and the small class sizes. Small class sizes ensure that you will always get enough contact with your educators and build a sense of community with your peers.

The Application Process

The application process for international students is constantly changing and can be difficult to navigate, which is why Citi College keeps its international admissions clear and consistent.

If you’re unsure of what steps to take in getting enrolled to study in Canada, follow the step-by-step guide and start your future in a Canadian educational facility today!

International Students At Citi College

Citi College proudly accepts all international student applications and is keen to expand its international student base. If you meet the admissions criteria for one of Citi College’s excellent career programs, you will be required to send 10% of your international and tuition fees as a deposit.

Upon the receipt of your deposit, you will be officially welcomed into the college with a letter of acceptance and an enrollment contract to sign.

Working With Our Counsellors

We at Citi College know how difficult managing international applications can be, which is why we encourage all international students to work alongside our counsellors. They will work closely with you to help choose the right program for you and determine the steps you need to take, along with any paperwork you need to submit to begin your process.

Required Documents

To determine what sort of paperwork you need to submit as an international student, speak with one of our counsellors. You may be required to provide any or all of the following documents upon request:

● An application form to Citi College of Canadian Careers.

● Transcripts (or notarized copies) of any high school, college or university qualifications.

● Passport pages – specifically those which include your photo and identification.

● An international registration form which you can find on our website, to be submitted to our Admissions office directly or via email.

There may be additional paperwork that you need to submit, so it is important that you speak to one of our counsellors to find out all the documents you need.

Are You An International Student? Apply Today!

Flexible learning, educators who average 15 years of experience each, and an interactive environment, are just a few of the reasons which make Citi College an optimal choice for international students. Financial support and career services can help you every step of the way.

If you have any questions or queries, then feel free to contact us, browse our programs and apply today!

Education often appears to be an option only for those with free time and unlimited resources. Here at Citi College of Canadian Careers, we disagree with this perception. Education is not limited to those who can only be flexible to full-time hours. It is for everyone. We have built ourselves around this concept by offering evening and weekend classes that make learning flexible for you.

Many people looking to get back into education have minimal options available to them as their desired courses adhere to a rigid weekday schedule. This prevents them from improving themselves and their employability as full-time education isn’t manageable. A common issue with most educators except ourselves.

With us, you have a wide choice including evening or weekend classes. Now that we have offered you flexibility, we’re also going to offer you 3 advantages to taking evening or weekend classes.

1. Keep Your Day Job

Evening and weekend classes allow you to continue with and maintain your responsibilities in life whilst still attempting to further your life. Whether your responsibilities include a job or a family, our courses allow you the ability to retain your normal life whilst in education.

Young people who obtained a diploma were 12.4% more likely to be employed than those with only a high school education. This benefits you with or without a job as it illustrates the desirability of qualifications to employers. If you already have a job, you will increase your likelihood of promotion, and if you are not employed, you increase your potential of getting a job.

2. Increased Productivity

Evening and weekend classes are not the only flexible element of learning with us. Independent study is your own to organize and plan around your schedule. This planning ahead allows you to fit more into your daily life. Our manageable class load makes class prep more flexible and allows it to slot into your life with ease. In addition, our study tips make things a lot easier for you as you multi-task through your day.

The flexibility at Citi College doesn’t lie only within the course structure but also within the financial aspect of education. There are many scholarships and grants available in addition to the reduced fees that evening and weekend classes offer in comparison to full-time study. This prevents any anxieties about tuition fees that draw focus away from studies and instead makes it easier.

3. Join A Class Of Dedicated Students

As we offer flexible learning opportunities through evening and weekend classes, the students that join us are doing so to progress their careers. They are driven by a goal to attain more in their lives through further education. As a result of this, our students are more dedicated, engaged, and behave more maturely inside and outside of class.

Adding education to a full-time life is a conscious decision that isn’t to be made lightly. This results in adult learners that pose fewer distractions to other students and helps to foster a focused atmosphere that enhances productivity.

Enjoy Flexible Learning Opportunities At Citi College!

Citi College is incredibly happy to offer diplomas with the flexibility to fit every learner including evening, weekend, weekday, and online classes. Our wide variety allows us to support every student that wishes to further themselves and we are proud to help them through this process.

Choosing an education that is right for you can be a tricky process that shouldn’t be rushed so have a look at our tips and feel free to get in touch with an admission counsellor today to learn more about Citi College.