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Alberta Supports Contact Centre

Toll Free 1-877-644-9992

Plan
Your Career

Career Planning FAQs

What is career planning and how can it help me?Answer

Career planning involves 4 steps: 

  • learn about yourself
  • explore your options
  • make decisions
  • take action.

These 4 steps can help you figure out a rewarding career.

Where can I go or who can I talk to for help with career planning?Answer

There are many career planning services available:

CAREERinsite can also help.

Are there resources to help me find out what I'd be good at?Answer

CAREERinsite can help. Take one of the quizzes. It can help you see where your interests overlap with your skills. Then you can explore your career options.

Where can I find out about occupations that interest me?Answer

OCCinfo features more than 550 occupational profiles. Each profile tells you the:

  • employment and advancement outlook
  • duties and working conditions
  • certification requirements
  • wage and salary ranges
How can I find out what it's like to work in a specific occupation?Answer

Watch videos of real people on the job. You may also have friends, family members or neighbours doing work that interest you. Ask about their work. It may be possible to shadow them for a day on the job.

How can I find out the wage or salary for an occupation?Answer

OCCinfo has Alberta wage and salary information for full-time and part-time workers in more than 550 occupations.

Where can I learn about career and job fairs near where I live?Answer

See Employment Services on Alberta.ca to discover career and job fairs in your area.

How can I make the best career choice for my desired lifestyle, work experience and family situation?Answer

Changes in the economy lead to changes in the way we work. Check out work options to find a fit for your lifestyle. Keep in mind that your desired lifestyle, work experience and family situation will change over time. A good place to start is to research the occupations that interest you at CAREERinsite.

I'm not sure what I want to do when I graduate. Where do I start?Answer

To figure out your career, start by getting to know yourself. The self-assessment quizzes can help you take the first step.

I have no idea what I want to do with my life. Where can I get help to figure it out?Answer

Have questions about getting that first job or launching your career? MyWorkQuest can help. It's a question-and-answer website that will help you make the most of your work search and connect you to valuable career advice.

You can also access career and employment services at any of the Alberta Works / Alberta Supports Centres throughout the province. Career and Employment Consultants are available at these offices to help youth prepare for and find work.

CAREERinsite can also start you on a path to discovering your strengths and exploring possible careers.

To figure out your career, start by getting to know yourself. The self-assessment quizzes can help you take the first step.

I am interested in apprenticeship. What do I do?Answer

Start with career planning. Decide which trade you are most interested in through workshops and research. Read the occupational profiles that are apprenticeship specific or you can view them on the tradesecrets website.

The tradesecrets website has a wealth of additional information on apprenticeship programs in Alberta. Find an employer to apprentice you and contact the Apprenticeship and Industry Training office nearest you to become indentured and begin your journey.

How do I write a resumé and prepare for an interview?Answer

You have several options available, check out these resources and services:

Where can I go to get information on starting my own business?Answer

Contact The Business Link, a service which offers information to Alberta entrepreneurs on a wide range of topics.

  • Toll-free phone: 1-800-272-9675
  • In Edmonton: 780-422-7722 or Fax: 780-422-0055

Women in Alberta who are starting or expanding small business can also contact the Alberta Women Entrepreneurs.

  • Toll-free phone: 1-800-713-3558
  • In Edmonton: 780-422-7784
  • In Calgary: 403-777-4250
Where do I find job listings?Answer

Some of the common sources for job listings include:

I'm receiving EI benefits and I'm interested in retraining. How do I access training benefits?Answer

Employment Insurance training benefits may be available if you need to upgrade your skills to get new employment. At your local Alberta Works / Alberta Supports Centre, a Alberta Supports Coordinator can help determine whether you are eligible for training benefits.

In some centres, you may be referred to an agency to complete a questionnaire and assessment. Your training application may not be approved. If not, you will be offered other options.

Can I take my program through distance education?Answer

Obtaining an education via distance learning is becoming very popular. Search through the educational program information at OCCinfo to find out if your program is offered via distance education (limited to programs in Western Canada.) You could also check colleges and universities individually for their distance education courses.

What supports are available for international students?Answer

The following websites provide information for students from other countries:

Where can I get information about scholarships and grants to attend school?Answer

Talk to the Student Awards Office at the educational institution you will be attending to find out about awards specific to their educational institution, faculties and or departments.

Or visit the scholarships or loans and grants pages.

Where is the educational program being offered that I want to study?Answer

Check out the educational program information at OCCinfo. Search by program and school name for courses in Western Canada (distance and non-distance).

Also at OCCinfo, find occupational profiles, each of which has a section about education requirements that lists educational options available to enter a particular occupation.

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