Have You Always Dreamed Of Being A Video Game Designer?

You’ve always dreamed of turning your love for playing video games into a career, but maybe you doubted that your ideal video game designer job could exist. Maybe you thought that if it did exist, it still would not  be accessible to you outside of your daydreams.

The reality is, there are many jobs out there that relate to video game design. From game creation and environment modelling, to animation, and more. Believe it or not, educational programs that can help you achieve your video game design goals are likely available at a private career college near you.

Here are 4 reasons you should consider enrolling in a Video Game Designer program. Become what you have always wanted to be—notably, a video game design professional—right now.

1. Do what you love 

Many people end up in dead-end jobs because they have followed someone else’s vision of what they should do or be. They have become something they never intended, and the daily grind starts to wear them out.

If you’re a video game enthusiast, imagine putting the passion you feel when you’re playing or thinking about games into your studies as a Video Game Designer student. When you’re passionate about something, it’s easier to put your energy towards realizing your goals. So, number one on our list of reasons you should pursue a Video Game Designer diploma now is that you’re more likely to succeed in a career you’ll enjoy.

2. Enter a growing industry

A report entitled “Canada’s Video Game Industry in 2013” was prepared for the Entertainment Software Association of Canada last year. Did you know that, in the Canadian video game industry: • the number of workers hired on a full-time (or equivalent) basis went up by 800, between 2011 and 2012 • a total of 27,000 full-time (or equivalent) positions were generated by the industry in 2012 • the industry spent 12.5% more, mostly in the area of game development activities, between 2011 and 2012 • the average salary, “across all job types and levels of seniority,” was around $72,500 per year • and that the video game industry hires the majority of its workers from within Canada? (pp. 3-5) Video games are a popular entertainment source, and it shows. The video game design industry continues to expand, so trained professionals in the field often find that they’re in demand as workers.

3. Accessible training 

You don’t need to move to a faraway country to become a video game design professional. In fact, you probably won’t even need to bus or drive too far at all. Video Game Designer diploma programs are available at colleges near you. Trillium College, for example, offers a Video Game Designer diploma program at its Oshawa and St. Catharines campuses.

4. Your career dreams could be funded 

Can you imagine training to become a video game designer—and being financially supported in your efforts? Our recent blog looked at different types of financial aid for college students. When it comes to supporting Ontarians in pursuit of their dreams, our government, banks, colleges and other organizations offer plenty of support options for which you may be eligible. Trillium College has a fantastic Financial Aid team who can help you find your eligibility for financial support now.

Becoming a video game design professional may have seemed like a far away dream. Now, however, it’s a true possibility. Your passion for gaming— when mixed with accessible related college programs, financial aid opportunities and a strong industry — can bring you closer to a career in video game design.

Enter the form below to get more information about the VGD program near you or call 1.855.234.2008 to schedule your FREE Career Planning Session. There’s still space in our Video Game Designer diploma programs, so you can take your first step towards a great new career!

The Benefits of Being A Massage Therapist That You Probably Didn’t Know About

Express your creativity as a massage therapist

There are many benefits choosing a career in massage therapy. As a massage therapist, you know the secrets to making your body feel good and you get to help others feel good too. The Massage Therapy Diploma Program teaches you the techniques and skills to be able to practice and help others the way that YOU want to. Cool right? The best part about studying massage therapy is that you can actually use a lot of your own creativity with it. Once you master the massage techniques, you can begin adding your own touches of personalization to help better the world of massage therapy and especially set yourself apart from your competition.

One essential part of massage therapy is the process of healing and relaxation. The great part about our program is that anyone can learn this when studying massage therapy. Once you do, you’ll be able to execute a very unique and in-demand benefit for people! When you enroll yourself in massage therapy, you will quickly learn that there are many variations of massage therapy, which you’ll be able to use in any scenario that you could come across with future clients.

Choose your career path

Some people choose to practice massage therapy as a full-time career and others even take it on as a part-time career. It is possible to take massage therapy as a second career and practice part-time to benefit income. You are able to use the skills that you learned in a time that works for you, which is definitely not something that everyone can say. The types of places you may find yourself working as a massage therapist are:

• Spas
• Yoga Studios
• Hotels & resorts
• Physician’s Offices
• Private companies
• Out of home practicing

Healing not just for others

Would you believe us if we told you that some students study massage therapy to better their own overall healing process? It is not uncommon for dancers, bodybuilders, and athletes to take this study role on as a career to benefit their body. If you already have a passion for understanding how the human body works, there is a very good chance that massage therapy would be a great suit for you. As a massage therapist, you get to see how a body works and find solutions for pain that people feel and ultimately fix it.

Explore The Massage Therapy Diploma Program right now! Looking for help in careers? Check our Employment Services to help find the career you want with your diploma.

Six Qualities an Employer Looks for In A Medical Office Assistant

Besides the knowledge and understanding it takes to become a Medical Office Assistant, many other different traits and qualities exist that are required for the job too.

If you’re beginning the Medical Office Assistant Program at Trillium College– or interested in it – you are definitely at the right place! We pride ourselves in being passionate about what we have to offer for students, which is nothing but the best.

A day in the life of a Medical Office Assistant unfortunately can’t be described as relaxed or easy-going. Like many jobs, with more work comes more responsibility. There are many responsibilities, duties, and tasks that a Medical Office Assistant must take care of. What makes being a Medical Office Assistant so unique is that no day is the same. If you haven’t already learned, being a Medical Office Assistant is almost being a jack-of-all-trades. Medical components, clinical, office and even physical components can be required in the job.

Being in the medical administrative field requires a few other qualities to have. Employers know you have the education credentials, but they also want to see the extra qualities that can differentiate you from the rest. This is what they are:

1. Patience

As mentioned, a lot of days on the job are not the same. Some days are slower, and other days you may find yourself at a faster pace. When working at clinics or hospitals, you interact with many different people such as patients, families, friends, etc. because everyone wants answers. A lot can be expected from a Medical Office Assistant, whether it is from the health care providers, or the patients. It is important to keep a cool ground. The calmer and more patient you are, the more efficiently you are able to work, which creates a well-functioning work environment.

2.  Communication

The ability to communicate properly and effectively is important in every job. In the life of a Medical Office Assistant, delivering key messages to the proper people whether it is a health practitioner, patient, or coworker is crucial. Communication is key across all spectrums. It is important to understand all incoming messages and instructions in order to execute tasks correctly.

3. Organization

Days can get hectic and all of a sudden, the task you were originally working on begins to get pushed back because of another incoming task. Staying organized plays a key role when managing tasks and responsibilities as a Medical Office Assistant. What does organization exactly mean? It means knowing how to prioritize your tasks and taking initiative to create a productive environment for yourself and everyone else.

4. Positive and Energetic

Although this trait can be forgotten about, it is an important trait to have. It’s refreshing to see a positive attitude or smile in any workplace. It can make a significant difference in the medical field when certain days aren’t so bright for some patients or families, and makes a difference in your working environment. There are good days and there are bad days, but being able to smile through it all makes it special!

5. Proactive

Being proactive is another word for taking initiative, such as taking things into your own hands. It means doing something without having to be told to do it. It’s essentially being one step ahead of everyone else. Quickly learn what is expected of you and of your role as a Medical Office Assistant, then go ahead and do it. Note, it’s important to work responsibility. If you are unsure of an answer or how to do something, asking questions is always great and crucial when working with patients.

6. Empathetic

Having empathy means having the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. Often, the medical field is recognized as a career where you must put your emotions aside and focus on the work needed. When working closely with patients, being empathetic is a great trait to have to connect with patients.

Are you ready to begin your new career?

The career of a Medical Office Assistant can be very promising, in respect to salary and lifestyle! Many Medical Office Assistants have been able to find a job after graduating their respective programs and are happy with their careers. Trillium College believes in creating strong knowledge for every single student in every program. Fill out the form below to get in touch with our Career Coaches and begin your new career today!

Six Ways to Use a Business Management Diploma

Here are six custom-fit careers options that will put your Business Management diploma to great use:

1. Social Media Manager

Do you check Facebook compulsively? Is your Instagram game on-point? Turn your skills into a career by combining your Business Management diploma with your social media knowledge to create effective marketing campaigns for your employer. You will use an ever-changing range of social media tools to generate interest in a product or service, analyze data, and push a company’s message forward.

2. Analyst

Are you all about the details, details, details? If you are, and have an analytical mind, this might be the right career fit for you. A business analyst interprets a company’s needs through document analysis, surveys, site visits, interviews, workflow descriptions and more. A financial analyst assesses the performance of financial investments such as stocks and bonds to make sound suggestions to companies and individuals.

3. Accounting

Do you love numbers and spreadsheets? Consider using your business degree in an accounting setting. Accounting departments produce financial records, process tax payments, prepare payroll, and keep the company’s budget balanced. (Also, check out Trillium College’s Accounting and Payroll Assistant Program here.)

4. Project manager

Can you see the big picture? Are you a stickler for schedules? Become a master of deadlines by using your Business Management diploma as a project manager. You will oversee large scale projects and manage budgets, personnel and equipment to wrap up projects—on time and on budget.

5. Human Resources Manager

Would you describe yourself as a “people person”? Human Resources managers oversee recruiting, interviewing, hiring, and training new staff. They act as liaison between the organization’s management and staff. You will be responsible for troubleshooting problems from addressing interoffice personality clashes to recruiting the perfect candidate for a top position.

6. Entrepreneur

Looking to unleash your entrepreneurial spirit? Your Business Diploma will give you the skills you need to create and manage your own venture, or boost your family business by growing and innovating. Your in-depth understanding of how to build a business from nothing, and your solid leadership, administration and people skills will help put your business career into high gear.

We will teach you everything!

Trillium College offers a practical, skills-based approach to Business Management. We will teach you everything you need to know to achieve your goals and make a meaningful difference in organizations. Plus, this program has multiple start dates throughout the year… So, you could start your schooling as soon as you’d like!

Here’s what is covered in our Business Management diploma program:

• Small Business Management
• Business Law
• Human Resources
• Marketing
• Sales
• Digital Marketing and Social Media
• Word Processing and Spreadsheets
• Bookkeeping and Financial Accounting
• Ethics and Professionalism
• Communication Skills

Learn more about our Business Management diploma program here. If you have questions about start dates, tuition costs, campus locations (or anything else), please fill out the form below.

What students say about Trillium College:

I enjoy the opportunities Trillium College provides its students. They give us links to and presentations from potential employers. They also provide encouragement to each student, which gives us great confidence.

• Lisa Mancinelli

Trillium college is a great school that is willing to work with you, the teachers are very friendly and easy to talk to. If you are interested in joining, give the college a call and talk to Kim Hinds, the career advisor. She is great and will help you find the best diploma course that will suit your interests. She is a very caring person that is super easy to talk to and will support you through your journey at Trillium College.

• Heidi Thompson

Personal Support Workers support our sick and elderly. PSWs go to people’s homes, lift the immobile from their beds, and help clients take medicine correctly. Most importantly, perhaps, PSWs provide an ear for the lonely.

Trillium College-trained PSWs are in demand – but are male grads especially so? Here are 5 points to consider:

1. Client comfort can’t be ignored

Ontarians agree that people shouldn’t be hired – or fired – because of gender. The fact is, though, some clients feel more comfortable being helped by members of their own sex. Don’t believe this? Well, check online: While there’s a wealth of PSW jobs advertised, a number read, “Male PSWs Required…”

2. Baby boomers

We’ve heard over and over that the baby boomers are aging. Nonetheless, it’s worth mentioning here because, as more Ontarians enter their declining years, PSWs will experience growth in demand. The Canadian Home Care Association reports in-home care needs rose 55% in the past five years, and seniors represented the bulk of this increase.

On the other hand, 45% of PSWs are in their 50’s or older. According to the Canadian Research Network for Care in the Community (CRNCC), many will retire in the coming 15 years. Opportunities for PSWs of both sexes will continue to grow and grow, and Trillium College is helping our province meet that demand.

3. Strength

While only fossilized thinking casts all men as strong and women as weak – men’s added muscle mass and stature can help in the PSW profession. Remember, physically assisting the immobile is a big part of this career!

4. Underrepresentation to Equal Representation

Did you know that, in 2009, only 3% of PSWs were male? (CRNCC & PSNO, 2009). It’s time to fill the gap – and many employers are happy to help “even the playing field.”

So, while it’s safest to say opportunities have grown – and are growing – for PSWs of both sexes, there are certainly some strong reasons men should step into this noble field. Become a PSW now and support your community! Learn more about our Personal Support Worker program.

7 financial aid options that could help you follow your career dreams

Many people struggle to cover their daily financial costs of living. According to renowned motivational speaker Dr. Wayne Dyer, in his book Excuses—Begone!, however, “I can’t find the money” is an excuse many people use to avoid making important—but challenging—changes in their lives.

Have you been making excuses to avoid going back to school? Or are you legitimately worried about how you’ll afford the costs of retraining for a new career? To help you clear away some of your own limitations and make the move to come back to school, here are some forms of financial aid that may well be open to you. With start dates just around the corner, we’ve even provided specific links, so you can look into these areas of potential financial aid now!

Student loans, grants, scholarships and bursaries

Financial aid may be available to those who qualify. To find your eligibility for financial related programs, visit www.ontario.ca/page/student-loans-grants-scholarships-and-bursaries.

Second Career

To help retrain recently laid-off workers for new careers, the Government of Ontario created the Second Career program. This program provides financial aid to eligible candidates for tuition, living, dependent care, transportation and study materials expenses—among other things. You must visit an Employment Ontario assessment centre near you to determine your eligibility. Visit http://secondcareerontario.com/web/second_career/landing/ for more information.

Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB)

The WSIB works in conjunction with registered Private Career Colleges in Ontario to help people train for job market re-entry. If you’ve been injured and want to retrain for your previous job or even enter a new career, visit the link here. You may be eligible for financial aid in the form of tuition funding, job counselling and job search support.

Lifelong Learning Plan

The Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP) helps Canadian residents withdraw money from their Registered Retirement Savings Plans in order to fund their own full-time education—or that of their spouse or common-law partner. Students seeking to study part time may also participate if they meet disability conditions. Visit http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/ndvdls/tpcs/rrsp-reer/llp-reep/cndtns/menu-eng.html for information about LLP financial aid.

Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP)

If you’re named under your family’s RESP, you may be able to use these funds to pay for your part-time or full-time studies in an eligible post-secondary program. Visit http://www.canlearn.ca/eng/savings/using_resp.shtml for more information.

Aboriginal & First Nations

The Post-Secondary Student Support Program is offered by Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, and can provide financial aid to Inuit and First Nation students to help cover their travel, living or tuition costs. Students seeking post-secondary education on full or part-time bases at eligible institutions can apply. Visit http://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1100100033679/1100100033680 for more information.

Trillium College Payment Plans and Financial Aid

In addition to the programs listed above, Trillium College offers its students financial aid. All Trillium College students qualify for our no-interest, in-house payment plans. If students require reduced monthly payment schedules, we may extend their monthly payments beyond their graduation date. Also, Trillium College has developed partnerships with several banks with student budgets in mind. These banks may provide you with a low monthly payment plan so you can afford to go to school. Visit our Financial Aid Page to learn more about funding at Trillium College now.

Still have questions?

Trillium College’s representatives can help. There’s still space in our programs for you to take your first step towards a great new career this September! Call 1.855.234.2008 to schedule your FREE Career Planning Session.

Do YOU Have What It Takes to Be a Great Video Game Designer?

Your love of gaming could translate into a high-paying career as a video game designer. Video game designers are often excited about what they do because their work is dynamic, exciting and constantly growing and evolving. Plus, they get to put their skills of creativity and logic to the test.

So how do you know if YOU would be the right fit for a career in the video game design industry? Check out these six attributes that set you up for success in this career.

1. Passion

Are you the first in line to get the latest game? Do you daydream about how to beat that next level? Well, that kind of passion translates into success as a video game designer. Passionate game players become passionate game makers.  Finally, all those hours of playing games will really pay off.

2. Creativity

Video game design requires a high level of creative thinking all day, every day. You need a vision in order to imagine an entirely new world and then build it out, piece-by-piece. Therefore, if you have a vivid imagination, an interest in sci-fi, or you’ve ever been told that you “live in your head,” this could be a great career for you.

3. Logic & Problem Solving

Creating fun, challenging virtual games requires brain power. Once there is a clear vision for the overall project, there are still many technical and creative hurdles to overcome. So, if you like troubleshooting and finding a way forward despite obstacles, you have one of the major skills required for success.

4. Work Ethic

Deadlines, deadlines, deadlines! Video game designers often work long hours and a gruelling work schedule to meet deadlines. Be prepared to work 8+ hours a day and maybe up to 7 days a week (with the countdown clock ticking). Game designers will tell you that the pressure to complete a project can be high, but the satisfaction that comes with a finished project makes it all worth it.

5. Collaboration

Video game design is always a team project, with many people involved in the process. Production requires a large team, including a writer, an animator, a programmer, a level designer. Hence, the success of every project hinges on collaboration. As long as you are a team player and can work well alongside others, you will do well in this environment.

6. Communication

Team projects require excellent communication. To succeed as a video game designer, you don’t need to be especially outgoing or chatty. However, you do need to be able to explain ideas clearly so they can be translated into reality.

Convinced that you have what it takes to succeed in the exciting world of game design? Find out more about our Video Game Design diploma program here.

Here are some of the career possibilities after completing our program:

• Environment Modeller
• Animator
• Level Designer
• Mission Scripter
• Game Designer
• Technical Artist
• QA Engineer
• Writer
• Story Boarder
• Visual Effects Producer
  

  Get paid to do what you love. The video game design industry is growing and YOU could be part of it. 

Opportunities From Our Law & Security Program

• You are interested in the criminal justice system.
• You’ve been personally affected by the law.
• Law and justice inspires you to make a change.
• Mystery and true crime events intrigue you.
• You want to be part of criminal and law enforcements.

Are you ready to learn about what it takes to enforce laws and provide security in communities?

• On-site roles
• Administrative roles
• Specific law jobs
• Security-related roles
• Much more!

Thus, it’s time to start your new career. Our Law & Security program can lead to these career and job opportunities:

• Corrections officer
• Customs officer
• Private Investigator
• Military police
• Railway Police
• Private security officer
• Security officer
• Armed forces
• Border patrol services
• Conservation services
• Correctional facilities
• Corporations
• Ontario police services

The Formula for Success in Esthetics and Spa Operations

The cosmetics, esthetics and spa industry is thriving because people are looking to reduce stress and practice self-care. A successful career in esthetics and spa management is a mix of personal passion and the right education.

How do you know if you’re the right fit for this career?

• Am I outgoing?
• Am I creative?
• Do I have an interest in health and beauty?
• Working with people?
• Working with my hands?

If you already have a passion for beauty, wellness, and helping others, then you’re off to a great start! There are, however, two addition must-haves in order to ensure success in the esthetics field: practical techniques and business management skills. This is why an education at Trillium College will set you apart from the dreamers and the doers.

Education Must-Have #1: Practical Techniques

This is the hands-on aspect of an esthetics and spa course. This part of a program is where students learn the skills required for:

• Manicures
• Pedicures
• Applying cosmetics
• Facials
• Spa and body treatments
• Eyebrow waxing
• Body hair removal

Students should also learn how to customize treatments to match specific client needs. For maximum learning, these practical techniques should then be practised. At Trillium College, all students are given the opportunity to hone their skills on real clients in the public student clinic.

Education Must-Have #2: Business Management Skills

Some programs focus solely on industry techniques, but the Advanced Esthetic and Spa Management program at Trillium College also provides business management training.

Courses in business management are essential in preparing students to succeed in the beauty and wellness industry. Learning about marketing, finance and other parts of business management equips Trillium College graduates to take on a management role or even start their own business.

Consequently, without proper business training, students could be prepared to perform treatments on clients but not know how to find clients. They may not know how to manage inventory and track finances in order to be profitable.

Business management training is essential for anyone who wants to have an exciting and lucrative career in this industry. For this reason, Trillium College has worked to develop and include courses on Spa Operations and Management, Ethics and Professionalism and Communication Skills in our diploma program.

Questions? Call Trillium College now at 1.855.234.2008 or fill out the form below.

Our next start date is coming up soon! Find out when here.

A Day in the Life of a Dental Assistant

What exactly does a dental assistant do all day? What should you expect when you land a great job at a dental clinic as an assistant? We asked Emma, a 30-year-old dental assistant in the Oshawa area, to share what it’s like to work as a dental assistant in a busy clinic.

Why did you choose to become a dental assistant?

I chose it because I needed a part-time job that paid well. I also chose it because I was interested in the healthcare field, but I didn’t think I’d enjoy nursing.

Can you describe the dental clinic you work in?

I work in a fast-paced, busy clinic. We have five operatories (clinic rooms), two dentists, two dental assistants and four hygienists.

What are your main responsibilities at the dental clinic?

Each day is a bit different, but almost every day I:

• Sterilize instruments
• Greet and seat patients
• Assist with procedures (restorations, root canals, extractions, crown preps, etc)
• Take x-rays
• Polish teeth
• Take impressions
• Do lab work
• Pull charts
• File
• Bill patients
• Accept payment
• Clean the operatory rooms where we work

How much time do you spend working with a dentist?

I work alongside my assigned dentist every day, all day long.

How is your job different than that of a dental hygienist?

A dental hygienist works alone scaling teeth. As a dental assistant, I work along with the dentist doing different procedures to restore teeth.

What parts of the job are most challenging?

Working with kids can be fun but also challenging.

What are your favourite parts of the job?

I love helping someone love their smile!

Are you interested in joining the ranks of dental assistants? Trillium College offers a 12-month diploma program that will completely prepare you for a career as a dental assistant.

In conjunction with the in-class dental program components, you will gain valuable professional experience working in a clinical setting in our dental college clinic. After graduation, you you may find employment in general dentistry, community dentistry, specialty dentistry or dental sales.

A new program is starting soon! Find out more here.