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Unit 5 - Careers

Possible Barriers

There are many barriers to pursuing any future career. Careers in the forest industry are no different. One of the most difficult to overcome is finding the right post-secondary program and paying for it. Once you have completed the program, finding a career in your field may also be a barrier.

However, none of these barriers are insurmountable. Click each collapsible row to explore some solutions to just a few of these barriers.

Education is expensive. One of the ways to ease the financial burden is through scholarships and internships. Many students do not apply for scholarships because they do not think they have the grades or qualifications, or they find the scholarship application processes daunting. In fact, millions of dollars worth of scholarship money are unclaimed in Canada every year because students do not apply. Watch this video on Unclaimed Scholarship Money.


Once you have applied for one scholarship, you often have a lot of the documents (like a resume and letter of introduction, transcripts and reference letters) to use when applying for others. It is a good idea to keep all of this organized to use again.

As mentioned, some students do not apply for scholarships because of grades. However, scholarships are often based on interests, volunteering, or affiliations and not just academics. Watch this video on Canadian students missing out on millions in unclaimed scholarships.

When looking for scholarships, a place to start is with the school you are planning to attend . Most post-secondary schools have a scholarship page on their website listing the scholarships available through them or associated with them. There are also a number of Canadian specific scholarship sites:


Another good place to look for possible scholarship opportunities is on the websites of companies you may work for in the future. For example, both Canfor and West Fraser have scholarships for students who are pursuing studies in trades and careers associated with the forest industry.

We have already learned that there are a wide variety of careers in the forest industry. Some are directly involved, such as logging, silviculture, or forest management. Others may be involved in research or administration. There are many post-secondary school programs for those who have a passion for working in the forests.

If you choose to pursue a career directly in forest management, there are a number of post-secondary institutions that you can consider, depending on the field you wish to pursue, including:

NAIT Forest Technology Graduate Annette Bugnet reflects on how education helps ensure forest health. Source:


Nait

University of Alberta Student Gillian Stauffer describes why she choose the forestry program. In a Work Wild website posting, What Is A Forestry Program Really Like? Gillian further describes her experience in the program.


If you become a Professional Forest Technologist, you also become a member of the College of Alberta Professional Forest Technologists. The college is a governing body that connects members to ongoing education and research, and ensures that Professional Forest Technologists are ethical stewards of the forests who uphold Standards of Practices and follow the Code of Professional Conduct. This means that sustainable forest management and maintaining healthy ecosystems are the main goals of their profession.

We have learned that there are many types of career opportunities in the forest industry. Depending on the field which you pursue, your career choice may be physically demanding at times, such as in the careers of wildland firefighters, tree planters, or mechanics.

Your career might also allow you to spend a lot of time in remote areas, such as a career as a silviculture or forest technician.

At the same time, you may choose a career where you often work with people, such as someone in Aboriginal relations or forest planner, or in an area of science such as a hydrologist, or a trade such as a millwright.


Courtesy of Work Wild - Alberta Forest Products Association


Pixabay

After completing your education, there are many places that post careers in the forest industry. Job postings can also be found on industry websites, local job boards, and employment opportunity centers.