… the National Institute for Nanotechnology, located at the University of Alberta is one of the world's most technologically advanced research facilities. The Institute is finding ways to engineer molecules that are 50,000 times smaller than a human hair.
Try IT
Do more than just learning what latest trends are, be at the forefront of change. Design, develop, test, research, communicate and push the limits of modern technology. Get your foot in the door today. You can get started by:
Volunteering
Community organizations can always use a hand. Charities, schools, hospitals, childcare centres or nursing homes are great places to offer your IT skills. Check out www.youthvolunteer.ca for some great opportunities.
Internships/Co-ops
Talk to your school guidance counsellor or Computer Studies teacher to see what options are available for you.
Summer Camp
Summer camps are a great way to explore your skills and have fun while you’re at it. Search for a camp that’s suited to your interests or try one of the following programs:
- Women in Scholarship, Engineering, Science and Technology
http://www.wisest.ualberta.ca/summer_program.cfm - Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research
http://www.ahfmr.ab.ca/grants/Sum-student.php - Shad Valley
http://www.shad.ca
Online Tutorials
Take some time to learn from resources you can use at home – especially free ones. Here are a few to get you started:
- http://www.tutorialized.com/
- http://delicious.com/computertutorials/
- http://www.learnthat.com/computers/
- http://www.gcflearnfree.org/computer/
- http://www.flashperfection.com/
Job Shadowing
Already have an idea of the IT career you want? The best way to learn more about it is to find someone who’s already doing it and follow them around.
Interview an IT worker
Still trying to decide what’s right for you? Prepare a list of your top questions and call up a professional for an information interview. Introduce yourself, let them know you want to know more about what they do and ask them if they can spare some time.
Networking
Tell everyone you know about your interests and career goals. And make a point of meeting people in the field you want to be in. You never know when an opportunity will come up and someone will think of you because you made the effort to make yourself and your interest in IT known.
Part-time Work
Try out your prospective career by taking a part-time job in a similar area. Even though you may not be doing the exact same work, you’ll be able to get a feel for what it’s like and whether it’s truly for you.