YWCA Fresh Start start 3:Layout 1 - YWCA Canada

FRESH START If you have not graduated from high school, you can earn creditstowards a diploma, or enter college or university as a mature student.Many of these programs are available online. Pre-entrancerequirements are generally adapted to take into account livedexperience and not just academic achievement.You may well find that you do well in school, better than when youwere younger, because now you are motivated and have concretegoals. Some colleges and universities offer course credits andexemptions, so that if you have learned part of the program by othermeans, for example by work experience, you may apply forexemption, a quicker path to getting a degree or diploma.Some provincial and federal programs may be available for peoplewho want to start their own business. Be creative. Do a little researchto see if any hobbies or skills you have to offer have a market in yourcommunity. The federal government may sponsor short-term job reentryand community development programs in your area. See yourlocal YWCA or employment office for details. If you are a youngwoman, there may be internship opportunities available to built yourresume.If you do not want to take a full-time job, or cannot get one, but youneed some extra money, part-time jobs such as telemarketing,housekeeping, babysitting (especially for shift workers), or retail oroffice work, offer flexibility. Part-time or volunteer work may alsodevelop into full-time work.Finding a JobTo find a job, contact the employment office, read Internet job sites,want ads in your local newspaper or ads in supermarkets, communitycolleges and university career centres. The best way to find a job is totell everyone you know that you are looking for one. It is estimatedthat 80% of jobs are found through personal networking.Be active in your job search by putting (free) ads in these places. Ifyou have the time and cannot find a job, volunteer in an agency whereyou’ll learn something new and make connections in that field. It caneven lead to a job, if one becomes available. You will be one of the firstto know and will already have proved your strengths and skills.Employment centres, colleges and many community agencies such asthe YWCA have programs to help you identify what kind of work youwould be best suited for, what your skills are, how to search for a job77