The most obvious distinction between a student who is Canadian and one who isn’t rests on their choice of major. While students in the United States may choose to major in a major which is directly related (for example, business administration) to the dominant business in the U.S., Canadians often opt for a more diverse path. Some choose to major in foreign languages, others sign up for a cross-departmental internship in a different city, and still others find creative means of making their studies truly Canadian. As a result, there are many more options for students today than ever before. Just remember, regardless of your chosen path, you’re taking on a new role as a student in a new country and it’s important to be prepared for what that means.
One of the first things you should think about is what sort of work you’ll be performing while you’re in school. Can you fill all of the regular classroom responsibilities, such as class discussions, essay assignments, reading and writing assignments, and class presentations? If so, you may be able to take on some of the administrative duties offered by your instructor. Many instructors find that being an organizer and tutor is a useful way to keep their classes moving along smoothly. Other duties include grading papers, keeping track of homework and class records, and communicating with other students on various issues. Admin duties don’t always require a great deal of study time and can be done with little to no effort.
When you’re considering what does it mean to be Canadian, consider what your other classes are like. If you’re taking chemistry, you’ll probably do your lab work on your own and in your own space. You’ll likely be the one to create test and exam questions and will be responsible for managing class discussions. This can take up a lot of your time, but it can also be very rewarding and enjoyable, especially if you enjoy learning.
If you’re taking math, you will be responsible for answering the homework and reporting grades to the teacher. You’ll likely also do some independent research and even some independent test shopping as well, although this is usually not required. What it really means to be a Canadian assistant is that you’re helping to keep the class orderly and helping the instructor run a better classroom.
The responsibilities of what does it mean to be Canadian assistant aren’t limited to schoolwork. In fact, many jobs involve some amount of research or the performing of research yourself. Research can involve anything from interviewing current and former clients, speaking with different companies and running consumer focus groups, reading and writing a variety of materials, preparing and documenting reports, preparing and presenting information for a presentation or report, or working as an information packer (putting together a package of information for a company). Most of these duties will be completed by you or someone else who is working closely with you; however, you may be asked to provide input in some cases. Whatever the case, your main focus should be on the work, which will help you get the pay that you need.
Another common question that people have when they consider what does it mean to be Canadian is about employment. After all, this is a large part of why you are going to school and the reason for the program itself. If you are interested in getting an education related to what does it mean to be Canadian, then there are many options available to you. You can find an online school that offers coursework, or you can pursue part-time jobs while attending classes. It all depends on what suits you best.
Knowing what does it mean to be Canadian can help you understand some of the options available to you, but remember that if you’re undecided or struggling for answers, don’t be afraid to ask for guidance from a counselor or career advisor. There are people just like you in any career field and by approaching them in a supportive way, you can gain important insight into the possibilities that are open to you. Your advisor will know what options are best for you based upon your background, your interests, and other factors. By working with your advisor, you can make educated guesses about what does it mean to be Canadian and be successful in the career path that you have chosen!
