Category Archives: Advice For Students

RRC Viewbook Online

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When a student asks me about the different programs RRC has to offer I always refer them to the RRC Viewbook.  Trying to make a decision about what to study at Red River College can be difficult.  It’s also important that potential students know the vast awray of support services we offer to help them through their studies.  We have a couple of different digital versions you can check out to help you in your search.

Learn more about Program Options, Support Services, and Admission Requirmements:  www.rrc.ca/viewbook

Download the Viewbook app for your ipad from the iTunes App Store: www.rrc.ca/viewbookapp

 

What do Pepsi, Pharmaceuticals & Water and Waste have in common?

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PepsiCo, Pharmaceutical companies and the City of Winnipeg Water and Waste Department have all hired graduates from Red River College’s Chemical & Bioscience Technology program. There is a great deal of crossover from industry to industry which means that career possibilities are broad and transferrable.

Many people think of the careers that we are most exposed to when you think about applying science to the job market. Careers like becoming a nurse, working in the medical field, are top of mind. But what if you love science but you don’t want to work hands on with people? Chemical & Biosciences Technology is a program that offers you skills that might be obscure to many of us….how does a program like this apply to the real world you ask?

Career options are broad and cover many industries – what’s even better, is the coop term is an opportunity to showcase their skills in industry allowing them to graduate with work experience! Here are a few examples very different example of what graduates of this program have done afterwards:

A graduate of the program in 2001 had worked in a couple different research and development institutes before joining Pepsi Co. as a Quality Assurance Technician. She worked as a QC (Quality Control) technician for over 6 years at Pepsi and the work included continually testing products that were manufactured to ensure they could be released for sale. This work involved performing a variety of chemistry based tests to ensure products met their specifications.She left Pepsi to return to Red River College as an educational assistant where she is now working with current students to prepare them for similar career opportunities.

A graduate of the program in 2012 had enrolled in the program because he had an interest in pursuing a more advanced career in the Pharmaceutical Industry. The student was able to work two consecutive co-op terms (part of his education at Red River College) at Apotex Fermentation Incorporated, one of the leaders in the Pharmaceutical Industry in Canada. He has since obtained a full time position with AFI.

A graduate of the program in 2004 has been working in variety of roles within the Analytical Services division of the City of Winnipeg’s Water and Waste department.  Along with many other graduates of the program, he has have been able to secure stable long term employment with the city. This work includes collection and analysis of samples from various locations and points within Winnipeg’s water treatment processes.

For more information about this program, please visit www.rrc.ca/cbc. To register for this program, please visit www.rrc.ca/howtoapply. There will also be an information session for registered and interested students at Notre Dame Campus on Monday, June 3 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. in Room A337.

 

Application Deadlines at RRC

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One of the most frequently asked questions that I get from students, parents, counsellors, etc. is “When is your application deadline at RRC?”

A key difference in applying to Red River College versus many other post-secondary institutions is that for most programs at RRC there is no such thing as an application deadline….

We accept students on a first qualified, first serve basis. This means that students need to apply early for many programs in order to get into the program they are interested in. How early can you apply you ask? For most programs, you can apply as early as the end of Grade 11. Once you have your final transcripts and have registered for all of the required Grade 12 courses (as listed under the admission requirements for the program you are applying for) you are eligible to apply. The benefit to doing this is that if you are applying to a program that has a waiting list, you will be placed on that list earlier and have less time, if any, to wait to start your program after high school.

Some exceptions to this rule are Creative Arts programs that have application deadlines due to the portfolio requirements, programs that are joint programs with one of the Universities that require you to apply directly to a university. Another exception would be programs like Medical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Radiologic Technology that require one to two years of post-secondary education as their pre-requisites which in that case will require that you follow the application process/meet the application deadlines of the institution you are starting with before applying to Red River College. In the case of those two programs, you do not apply to Red River College until the year that you are scheduled to complete those required courses (they must be completed before July 15 of the year that you are applying).

It is important to note that not all programs at Red River College have waiting lists but it is worth investigating areas of interest earlier than later to determine if your program of interest does have a waiting list.

To apply, visit www.rrc.ca/howtoapply and go through the comprehensive step by step instructions and you are on your way!

 

Career Exploration Workshop This Week

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Many people have a hard time trying to figure out what they want to do after high school, or as their next career.  Red River College’s free Career Exploration Workshop might be what you were looking for.  Don’t miss the next 1 hour workshop on Wednesday, October 17 at 6:00pm at Notre Dame Campus, 2055 Notre Dame Avenue.

What are these workshops all about?

Red River College Counselling and Accessibility Services offers a Career Exploration Workshops to students who may be considering changing programs or wishing to explore other interests.  This workshop is also available to prospective students who may need guidance in choosing a career path.

Emphasis is placed on enhancing self-awareness, determining interests, understanding values and considering skills/abilities. An overview of available career resources and career planning strategies is also given.

Information will be provided on the Career Cruising website.  This website will assist individuals as they continue to explore career possibilities and potential academic opportunities following the workshop.  With Red River College’s username and password, participants will have access to comprehensive Career Matchmaking assessments, information on hundreds of potential careers as well as the education and training required for these careers.

In part two of the workshop, Red River College Recruitment Officers will provide program information and explore other college resources that may be helpful in making career decisions. Participants will also be provided a tour of the campus.

This Career Exploration Workshop is free of charge for both students and members of the public.  They are delivered by the college’s qualified and professional counselling staff.  All workshops take place at the Notre Dame Campus in D102 which is located across the hall from the Student Service Centre.

How do I register?

To register your attendance at one of these workshops, please call:  (204) 632-3966 or email lmangat@rrc.ca.  You can also register in person in D102 at the Notre Dame Campus.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Clint Thiessen, Student Recruitment Officer

Student Success is where it’s at!

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Being successful in college is based on many factors. RRC’s Student Success Skills website can be found at www.rrc.ca/success. It is worth looking at this information as there are valuable tips related to preparing yourself for college, managing your time, taking care of yourself, study tips, understanding your learning styles and much more. There are sections related to reading, writing and math which can to problem areas for many students.

Still in high school? Without a doubt, a lot of this information could be useful to you even now while you are still in high school. Taking a few minutes to look at this website is worth your time if it steers you towards make good decisions about your life now and will most likely carry forward when you’re ready to go to college.

Oh and best of luck to our RRC newbies! I’ve met a lot of you over the past couple of years at your high school, adult learning centre or at various career fairs and its nice to see so many familiar faces in the hallways:)

Jennifer Powell, Student Recruitment Officer

Free Career Exploration Workshop

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If you are between the ages of 17 and 102, and are trying to decide the best career path for yourself, attending Red River College’s free Career Exploration Workshop might be just the answer! Don’t miss the next 1 hour workshop on Thursday, August 2 at 12:00 noon at Notre Dame Campus, 2055 Notre Dame Avenue.

What are these workshops all about?

Red River College Counselling and Accessibility Services offers a Career Exploration Workshops to students who may be considering changing programs or wishing to explore other interests.  This workshop is also available to prospective students who may need guidance in choosing a career path.

Emphasis is placed on enhancing self-awareness, determining interests, understanding values and considering skills/abilities. An overview of available career resources and career planning strategies is also given.

Information will be provided on the Career Cruising website.  This website will assist individuals as they continue to explore career possibilities and potential academic opportunities following the workshop.  With Red River College’s username and password, participants will have access to comprehensive Career Matchmaking assessments, information on hundreds of potential careers as well as the education and training required for these careers.

This Career Exploration Workshop is free of charge for both students and members of the public.  They are delivered by the college’s qualified and professional counselling staff.  All workshops take place at the Notre Dame Campus in D102 which is located across the hall from the Student Service Centre.

How do I register?

To register your attendance at one of these workshops, please call:  (204) 632-3966 or email lmangat@rrc.ca.  You can also register in person in D102 at the Notre Dame Campus.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Jennifer Powell, Student Recruitment Officer

Financing Your College Education

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Getting a college education is a great investment into your future.  Compared to those with only a high school education, college graduates tend to have higher salaries, better job security, and more opportunities to move up in a company.

One of the larger questions students face when it comes to post secondary education is how am I going to pay for it?  Here are a few tips:

  •  Save, Save, Save.  Try to save as much money as possible while you are in high school.  Every dollar counts, and saving up in advance will help reduce the stress later.
  • Each year Red River College presents awards, bursaries, and scholarships that have been donated by corporations, community organizations and individuals.  Visit www.rrc.ca/awards to find out more details and how to apply.
  • Are you currently working?  Your employer might have some different scholarships or bursaries to offer.  It never hurts to look into it.
  • Finding affordable accomodations is also very important.  Living within your budget is something that can often be a challenge for students.
  • Don’t reply on your credit card to pay your bills.  Credit card debt can add up fast, and the interest rates are often very high.
  • Banks and Credit Unions offer students lines of credit as well, however typically the interest rate is higher than Canada and Manitoba Student Loans.
  • Developing a financial plan to cover your educational costs and living expenses will also allow you to focus on your studies.  Check out www.canlearn.ca and www.studentawards.com for some different online tools to assist in that planning.
  • Canada Student Loan and Manitoba Student Loan assistance is also available.  You can find our more information on student financial assistance and apply online at http://www.manitobastudentaid.ca. With the interactive on-line application, you will receive an estimate of Canada Student Loan and Manitoba Student Loan assistance within minutes of submitting your application. You will receive a letter notifying you of the actual assistance within two weeks.

Do you have further questions about Financial Aid and funding your education at Red River College?  Contact us at financialaid@rrc.ca

Applying Early

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As Recruitment Officers here at Red River College we wanted to remind you of a couple of important things as you consider post-secondary education.

Applying to Red River College EARLY is important.
Most of Red River College’s programs take applications from students that have met the program entrance requirements on a first come first serve basis. Most programs will take applications from students once they have completed grade 11 and have registered for their grade 12 courses.

With over 110 full time program options Red River College is Manitoba’s largest college of applied learning.  What does that mean?  That means that our programs give you the chance to learn through hands-on experience.  Not only that, but many of our programs offer you the experience of paid co-op work terms. Our small classes make the transition into college easier giving you access to your instructors. Our short programs get you into the workforce quickly so that you can start building on your career.  In our most recent survey of RRC graduates, 97% of those looking for work found jobs.

If you are undecided about which program is right for you, Red River College is excited to offer free academic advising to all students.  Appointments can be in person or over the phone.  Our knowledgeable staff will provide you with information about the program options that spark your interest.  To book an academic advising appointment, please contact advisor@rrc.mb.ca or by calling (204) 632-2327.

Clint Thiessen

Recruitment Officer

A story about the benefits of Canadian community colleges

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Academica Group is a website that posts academic stories (predominantly Canadian). I recieve the headlines every day to keep up with the news in the post-secondary world. This was one of their Top 5 stories reviewed last week. Have a read…

Jennifer Powell, Recruitment Officer

The advantages of Canadian community colleges

 News Date: Jan 31, 2012

Canadian community colleges get most of the credit for making the country among the top nations in the world in the proportion of 25- to 34-year-olds who hold some sort of post-secondary degree. By contrast, community colleges in the US are a drag on the country’s PSE standing, which the OECD now puts at 16th in the world. One reason is that US community colleges have to deal with students who are less well prepared, while in Canada colleges increasingly attract students who already possess a university degree or who are transferring from university. Canadian colleges benefit from other advantages, such as youth more ready for the demands of PSE than their peers in most other nations, a comparatively cheap price for higher education, and immigrants placing a high value on PSE. What’s driving the success of Canadian colleges as much as anything is the notion that at a time when PSE costs so much, it should lead as directly as possible to a career. “The last few years has really put this under the microscope, that learning has to lead to something,” says Centennial College president Ann Buller. “The idea of education for education’s sake, I love that. I hope that never goes away. But in a world where taxpayers pay and students pay to go here, in the end, I want my graduates to get jobs.”