Excellent job on your first set of blog posts. Some great discussion surrounding what we have been doing in class for the last 3 months.
Remember this is another way to show me what you have learned in class. Recalling information, thinking critically about our discussions and making connections are what I am looking for in this forum. Be clear and concise with your words and specific with your examples.
Here is Question 2;
In class, we discussed the PEST+C tool for analyzing the external environment. Think of a big goal you are working toward. Now take a look at what is happening around you. Use the PEST+C to discover external factors that may help or hinder you. State and comment on one factor from 3 of the 5 categories (for example; Economic - interest rates, Social - fashion trends, and Technology-online university courses).
Answer the question yourself and then comment on a classmate's post.
Like many other people might say, a big thing thats happening around me is applying for universities and colleges. You have to worry about what your marks are so you can get into the program you would like to get into.
ReplyDeleteThe C (competition) is simple because you are competing with other students to get into the program you want to be in, for example, you have to keep higher marks to stand out.
S (social), you are changing your whole lifestyle around if you are going to be living on your own. You will be meeting new people, leaving old friends and family unless you are staying close to home.
T (technology), Online courses are now becoming very popular. Even in highschool people are staying home and doing online courses rather then coming to school. If you get an online course you can stay home and work and pay off school, while being at home learning. It sounds really lazy but it can be a huge benefit.
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ReplyDeleteAlex and Joel - Thanks for kicking off this discussion.
ReplyDeleteAlex, I like your comment about competition. What the competition is doing will directly affect you. If lots of people want into a popular program with a limited number of spots the entrance mark will be higher and therefore harder to get into. Look at university COOP program entrance marks - typically they are higher than traditional programs.
Joel - It was wise for your parents to save. The cost of post-secondary education rockets upward every year. Make sure your savings is keeping pace with the rising costs of what it is intended to pay for. If you are earning 5% annually on your savings but the costs of university are rising at a 7% rate then you are in effect losing 2%.
My goal currently is getting a job.
ReplyDeleteEconomy - This is probably the biggest influence on my goal. It is what is driving me to get a job because I need to start saving money so I can go to college or university, or so I can move out if that's where I plan on going with my life. Money is something really big that I'm tired of asking my parents for, so I want a job.
But the economy is what can stop me from getting the job. Considering we are not out of the recession entirely yet, some people may not be buying still, which means some companies may not be hiring. However it also could mean that companies will start hiring more part time workers instead of full time workers so they can save money. So the economy is a big influence on my goals, as i suspect it will be on everyone else's as well.
Social - Society is another big influence. Based on my age and my lack of 'real' work experience people may not view me as a beneficial employee to hire. Also, the views that have been placed on student workers could inhibit my ability to get a job because the employers may be reluctant to hire someone who will have 5 days of the week taken up by school, or who may take time off for school.
Another social issue would be my lifestyle... I would have to change my lifestyle around to fit with having a job, which could be really difficult.
Competition - Competition is the most obvious. There are multiple other people in the same boat as me... trying to get a job. The worst part about the competition is that there could be people who may be taking a year off just to work so it would be more likely that they would get hired opposed to me. But the positive thing about having a lot of competition is that I have to drive myself to appear like a better worker and could therefore get the job instead, or at least be better prepared to deal with competition in the future.
My goal that I am facing right now is to get into a College/University and also focusing on high school marks so that you can get into the College/University.
ReplyDeleteCompetetion- There is going to be a big competition when applying to University/College because there are many people that want to get into the same school/program and if there were a lot of people applying for the same program the grade average would increase to get into the program, so competition is a big factor when applying to college/university.
Social- There is going to be a big impact on your social life once you go to college/university becuase you are going to be moving away from friends and family which will be a very big change.
Technology- There are choices that you have to make now whether you would like to take an online course or classroom course and online courses are getting very popular now because it helps people that need a course credit which the school doesn't have to offer.
My goal is the same as almost everyone who commented before me, I'm applying to college/university.
ReplyDeleteSocial - If your going to be living in residence, this will change your life (for a while), because your going to have to take care of yourself which means pretty much everything like money, food, etc. Moving away from friends and family, which is one of the hardest changes, in my opinion.
Technology - Online courses are getting more and more popular now. Also, for a lot of programs they're using some kind of technology. Like, I need a mac computer for the programs I'm thinking about applying to. Some others require video cameras and other equipment like that.
Competition - There is a lot of competition for this, because many people want to get into the same school and program. What makes it harder to get in is that not only are people in the province the school is on applying, but also people from other provinces and countries. Which means you need to have higher marks to be able to have a higher chance of getting in, and possibly to get accepted.
Stevie - Your point about employment competition is well taken. Not only do more applicants make it harder to get a job but what happens to the wages as more and more people apply for a job?
ReplyDeleteMatt - Almost all universities offer some kind of online learning. They are cheap to run and attractive to students because of the convenience of learning and working from wherever an available computer is located. I have done 4 online courses at Western. The convenience is great but lack the interaction of a "real class" and there is TONNES of reading and writing. You have to really love your computer.
Nazish- Moving away to school is exciting and scary at the same time. Leaving the comfort and familiarity of home for a whole new life somewhere is a HUGE challenge. That said, it can be the best opportunity of your life. Carpe Diem - Seize the day!!!
My goal, simply put, is to get myself employed.
ReplyDeleteEconomy – Everybody needs money, right? Well, unless you live in the woods or something, but that’s counterproductive if I want to get a job, isn’t it. The economy is like a fat sweaty bully that stares you in the face once you graduate high school. “OH, YOU WANT TO GO TO UNI? NOT UNLESS YOU HAVE THE CASHFLOW! HAHA!” Fact of the matter is that that economical despot is right. For those who want to further progress themselves whether it is personal or educational need the funds to do so, and with the economy in the terrible state it’s in at the moment, competition is fierce.
Competition –Most people these days are applying high and low for whoever will take them. In fact, I can tell you from personal experience that it’s happening!
I went into Gamestop last week for a kind of ‘mini-interview’; I guess we’ll call it. Once I finish chatting to the manger, some posh sort trots in with his thick resume, thick glasses, and his smug little grin, clearly showing to the manager that he is more qualified than I am. Plus I heard him say something about fulltime, so he has another edge over me!
Looks like its McDonalds for me. Pity.
Social – This kind of ties in with competition. Going back to Mr. Thick Glasses, he had worked before, and probably has connections within his old work places that could support him in his new job choice. This hinders people like me, who haven’t ever had a proper job before. A manager is going to look at him, a bloke who looks intelligent and has a resume filled with people who can be referenced, and then look at me, a scrawny student who hasn’t even seen a paycheck, let alone a reference.
Finding people to help you as you work your way up the ladder seems very beneficial. It seems to be working for Mr. Thick Glasses…
I suppose on the off chance I do get another call back, the social life I have now will be drastically changed. I won’t have time to talk to people, let along hang out with them.
On the flip side, I could make friends inside the workplace.
Technology – A lot of places make you use fancy little cash registers. Man, I can’t work those things.
My goal right now besides trying to get into university would be saving up enough money to buy a car.
ReplyDeleteEconomic- Although the economy has been trying to recover from a recession, this could be potentially a good thing for me when i'm looking for a car. Many good, reliable cars have been made cheaper to try and get consumers to buy them, and that attracts a student like me. I already have a job so i dont have to worry about trying to find one to save up the money.
Social- it seems that a lot of students are driving around there own cars now, and when i see that i always ask myself how do they afford that? Its looking like since man students own jobs they are spending there money on driving and insuring their car instead of saving university.
Technology- When i see all the technology and cool things in all the newer cars it makes me feel like i'd much rather spend a little more and own something cool, instead of spending less and getting a car that just gets me from point A to point B. Its just something that crosses my mind.
My goal at this moment is getting it the best university possible for what i want to go into. I currently wish to enter an accounting program and need the best marks to eneter the best program. Even though it seems everyone has chosen the University appraoch to this second question I still think it is valid as it is the most important thing facing us.
ReplyDeleteCompetition- Competition is an obvious factor when applying to universities. The other students applying set the bar of where your marks need to be to stand out.
Economy- This could be the most important factor when applying. I need make as much money as possible to pay for my education in order to not have a huge student loan to pay once out of university. I left my job once Grade 12 started in order to get my marks where I want them and now that i am happy with where they are and that they are more solid I can look for a job.
Social- Living on res is a big change for most. I personally would like a room to myself instead of sharing. This might also effect the amount of money I would have to pay.
my pest c analysis would have to be about my new job. i am going to be working at a bank starting february and my goal is too keep this job for a while as well as learning from the experience
ReplyDeletethe competition would be competing with other employees as well as the bank itself. you are helping them to compete with other banks and make loyal and valuable customers continue with your bank.
economic- the economic stand point within this would be the wages given in this job. it pays well and because it is a bank, the benefits from working here pay off as well. within a bank there is also many topics you will cover by working there,for ex: learn/work on interest rates
technology: banks have upgraded a whole lot. they used to not have a drive thru for customers to come and pick up money, deposit checks. etc. now it's just like a type of fast food place. i believe that it was a good move for banks because it makes it much easier to get money when your in a rush or on the go instead of having to go inside
This year is most definetly going to be a cold one, and a white christmas is coming our way, but while people are out building snowforts and making snow angels, i will be doing intensive training to fufill my goal of being sponsored by a snowboarding company.
ReplyDeleteAlthough this seems like all fun and games, there is much work that is involved in this process, and i will encounter many problems on my way to success.
Competition: There are thousands of people that snowboard in Ontario, and there are many great competitors doing new tricks every year and setting the stage higher than it has ever been. In order to succeed, i am going to have to raise the bar and do bigger and better tricks than my competitors that are also fighting for a sponsorship.
Social: Luckily for me, i know many people that are in the snowboarding business and that are in the filming industry, this will give me a bigger chance of becoming sponsored and opens my opportunities to tag along with some people that are travelling to places for competitions.
Technology: Every year, there are many new boards and bindings that come out, due to my good connections in the snowboarding business, i get discount prices and can stay up to date with my gear. The better the gear, the easier it is to keep up.
Like almost everyone in grade 12, a major focus in my life is deciding which universities to apply to, and achieving the marks required to get accepted.
ReplyDeleteEconomics - It is necessary to calculate how much an education will cost. There is tuition which can range from $5000 - $10 000 per year, residence which costs about the same, textbooks, food, and other miscellaneous "living expenses". I will also have to decide if I will have a job throughout university to offset costs or just focus on school.
Social - There is a major social change going away to university. You will be in an unfamiliar city with new people, and adapting to the new environment may be hard for some people.
Technology - In order to raise my marks I have been doing courses online. This technology was not available a few years ago, so it is a benefit now. It is also possible to track your application status online now.
Competition - There are thousands of other students applying for the same program I am. Some have higher marks, and some have lower marks. I will be competing against all these students, and to improve my chances I have to get the 6 highest marks possible for my application.
My current goal like everyone before me is to get into college / university for business. My future goal however is to move away to Australia, UK, or Whistler.
ReplyDeleteEconomic - The price of both goals is an outstanding one. Although I already have a job it is still going to take time and money to save up a decent amount of flow for either of these plans to substantially work to my likeing and benefit.
Social - The possibilities of moving away to possibly different climates and cultures is one that is life changing. Meeting new friends, co-workers, and problems is something everyone must deal with when moving on in their life, and why not have all these sceniros in a place where you want to start the beginning of the main part of your life.
Technology - Moving away, possibly half way around the world or to the other side may casue home sickness. With all the modern day technology of e-mail, skype, facebook, twitter, as well as blogs could keep me in touch with family and friends from home. This way I will have the opportunity to stay friends with the people I have grown up with as well as saying hi to family and inviting friends down for a giant bash!
My goal is the same as most at the moment: applying and getting into University. I always thought I was going to stay at home and go to a school near by but I have found a different option and it's my main priority. The university I want to go is a few hours away so I would have to stay on res. and I wouldn't get to come home often on the weekends.
ReplyDeleteEconomy: To go away to University is crazy expensive. Plus I have to have food and extra spending money. So I will need to get a better paying job soon, one that I can have a lot of hours to make money for university.
Technology: I will have to agree with Alex on this one. Applying to Universities is all done by technology. You apply online and you get your acceptance in an email. Everything around us these days is changing and taking the technology route.
Competition: There is such a high rate of competition to get into the program I want. I think it's about 75 people that they can accept into this program. You have to keep your marks as high as possible if you want to get in.
honestly i really dont want to comment about getting into university but its all i have.
ReplyDeleteSo, my major goal next year is not only getting into university, but paying for university as well.
Competition- there are a number of things ill be competing for. The most obvious is other students applying for university, however I will also be competing for a full time job over the summer (i already have part time employment but it wont be enough to pay for university)
Economic- It's no real secret that our economy has been in rough shape over the past few years. What money was set aside for university by parents may have been needed elsewhere so affording university will be that much harder. However; Univerities may be feeling the economic 'crunch' aswell. Many programs will need additional students in their programs to maintain revenue made in previous years. Therefore it is possible that this year, prestigious schools may have to accept lower marks to make up for lost revenue.
Technology- I can count one hand how many goals a teenager or young adult may have that doesn't involve technology in some way. University progrqams are very technology based and can be used in my favor. For example I have known serveral people who graduated with a bachelors degree in their field and got straight to work. However when a promotion was at hand, they didn't have the extensive education (be it a masters degree etc) needed to do the job. They were however, able to do online courses which allowed them to be qualified for the new position without having to take a leave of educational absence from their former job.
Well done guys on catching up on your comments. I certainly have my work cut out for me replying to them - but I will try. I apologize if some are shorter.
ReplyDeleteRobb - Don't let "Glasses Guy" get you down. Keep applying and something will shake loose. Besides, maybe that guy is older and way over qualified. Which then presents to to challenges for him. He may demand too high a wage for the position. Or the manager may be suspicious of a highly qualified candidate applying for a lower level job. I know I would be.
Brad - I find so interesting how cars have integrated technology to add perceived benefit to consumers. Bluetooth, GPS, DVD and MP3 come standard in most new vehicles now. I wouldn't think about buying a vehicle without the MP3 connection and bluetooth at least. GPS and DVD you can buy portable ones at 1/2 the cost
Dina - Technology in banking is very cool. I love the commercial for Chase Manhattan Bank where the newlyweds deposit their gift cheques by taking pictures of them on the phone and emailing the pics to the bank. CRAZY.
Sean - University is on the mind of everyone in the class. Its the challenge first is to get in, then to pay for it, then finally to stay and finish. Remember one step at a time and don't get overwhelmed.
Adam - I would imagine that securing a snowboarding ride is incredibly difficult. Lots of competition for VERY few spots. Good luck.
Mark - you are right the costs of school are sky high. When I was in you university I banked on 10K for everything for one year. I like you pointed out, now that 10K might just pay for living expenses and books.
Dobson - Very happy to here you want to travel and see the world. Good times and great learning. Who says learning can only happen in a classroom. That is something I wish I had done more of when I was younger. You are right to say you can be more fearless to travel because technology can keep you in touch with loved ones.
Kailyn - Again I am going to date myself, but I remember applying to university and the entire process was done one paper, used regular mail and was very SLOW. Now, it is all done online. How much easier is that!!!
Evan - The economy does stink. I liked how you looked at both sides. Less money for students but universities need money. Consider this, in economic downturns enrollment tends to increase in post secondary institutions
I think a big goal for me right now is applying to school and if I have picked the right courses for next year. I want to be sure of what I want to pick as a career before I apply for courses because I wouldn’t want to waste my parent’s money. I’m still unsure of what I want to do. I know for sure I want to own some kind of a business but I have a couple in mind... like a salon, restaurant, clothing store, or an entertainment manager. Then the things that cross my mind are which one will I last the longest in? People are what change the business; we have to sell them what they want.
ReplyDeleteTechnology> I can either take the courses online right from a laptop anytime I feel comfortable instead of maybe having to get up early in the morning. Going to school, paying for parking and gas is just a way to spend extra money and won’t be cheap.
Social> There's more competition due to the technology; it is a lot easier to stay updated. Also keeping in mind that my marks are good not great and the people that do have great marks have a much higher chance they get in and I don’t. Others might have a better chance of getting in better than me because the mass amount of people in the area that need to apply to school. It will make it harder for me to get accepted because there are a lot of people that want to go to school and I might not get into the program/course I want because it is full.
Competition> I feel there is a lot of competition between people no matter what it is, whether it’s a job, school or just appearance. Everyone is running against each other and everyone’s good at something and some people better than others. The people that are better get farther than the people that aren’t that good at something.
As of right now my main goal is to get a new job.
ReplyDeleteEconomics- Right now, the economy is on its way out of a recession so everybody is looking for a job. This means that when I hand out my resume, I have to keep in mind all of the other resumes being handed out so I have to make myself ‘stand out’ from the rest of the people. Right now the unemployment rate is high so that makes it even harder to get a job because most of the jobs have already been taken.
Social- In today’s society, all teenagers are being forced by their parents to become more independent because we cost a lot of money to satisfy our needs and wants. Teens social lives are becoming very pricy due to the trends in society so they need a job to support their lifestyle. Because the lifestyle of teens is becoming more high class, most teens are presently looking for a job or already have one. So the pressure is on for teens to get a job!
Competition- What I’ve explained so far is all about the competition. Getting a job is very competitive especially in today’s society because everyone wants/needs a job. Other teens my age might have a better built resume or more experience in the workforce than me. This means that they might have a better chance of getting hired over me. I just have to make my resume as best as it can be and present myself in a way that management will remember me and want to give me the job.
I have a job right now (foods industry), but I'm trying to find a new one in retail.
ReplyDeleteEconomy: Because it's the holiday season it's more likely that retailers will be looking to hire. However finding a job is difficult right now because the economy is still in a state of instability.
Society: A social factor that influences my goal is that I'm a full time student. Employers can have trouble recognizing that part-time employees have to balance multiple priorities apart from work, and may not want to make the effort to respect a school schedule, preferring a full-time employee instead.
Competition: Retail in a mall is ideal for part-time work, creating a high congestion of applicants like myself. Comptetion is high, so it is necessary to differentiate yourself from competition like we've learnt in class. Although I don't have work experience in retail, I have experience in costumer service for a reputable corporation. A major component in applying for retail is also looking the part. If I apply at a clothing store, appearing presentable and dressed in their merchandise, it makes a good first impression and more likely that I'll be seriously considered for the position.
Just like most of the class getting a job is on the top of my list. Money is something that i find important not just for necessary items, but for things you just want!
ReplyDeleteEconomy - Having money is something that everyone wants, so this is what makes me strive to get a job, also so i can pay for college without getting a big loan from the bank
Social - this is another big part in my life, because being employed would take up a lot of my time, which being in school i do not have a lot of, this would be a struggle in my goal.
Competition - because it is the holiday season many people want to get seasonal jobs and employers will take who ever they can get at this time, so other students are my main competitors.
I know this is a tad bit late,
ReplyDeleteand I'm going to look a bit further into the future than just university since everyone seems to be doing that.
but a big goal I have in the future is to travel and teach.
I would have to say that the factor I would probably have the most difficulty with in the future would be economy. with the recession, and hard economic times, there is no telling where it could be when we are older. there is a possibility that it could be too expensive to pursue my goal. BUT, in other parts of the world, there is a high demand for teachers, so there is also a chance I could survive out there when it comes to money.
Competition wise, I already commented on a bit above, but there is less competition to become a teacher and a high demand in other countries aside from Canada and the states. So this is a plus for me :)
Now for technology... I would have to say that if it wasn't for technology, teaching in the present times would be very different (right Schroeder?). So with the ever growing world of technology, I believe that it will be to my benefit while pursuing my goals.
hope this is okay. I'm sort of winging it without my notes.
My goal is to get into a good colledge/uniiversity.
ReplyDeleteTechnology
The technology we have now is much more improved. I can take courses online which is a big advantage because I can take required courses online.
Social
There are many new and different people to meet. Living on compus would make a big difference aswell. Also you will be making new friends and leaving your old ones.
Competition
My competition would be the other students because most of them have the same goal as me. The higher my marks are the easier it will be for me to get into a better school
Maria - I like the goal to own your own business. I like your list of possibilities. To increase your odds of success, of that list of career options which one will be the most timeless/be around for the longest.
ReplyDeletePhoebe & Zeidy - When you are try to "stand-out" in the crowd of job applicants, what is your strategy to do that? Dress-up? Firm hand shake? "Snappy" resume? If everyone is doing it one way, when is the right time to go in a different direction in order to show perspective employers you are better than the average teen aged worker.
Taylor - I love the idea of linking your want for adventure with your goal of teaching. Many people have traveled the world using their teaching qualifications as a ticket.
Mitesh - Often the "new social circle" aspect of college or university is what people initially find the most scary. Its understandable. That said, think of all the new exciting people you'll meet, many of whom are very similar to yourself. They probably picked the same school and program for many of the same reasons you did.
My goal is to become a university student, not only that but also play football at the university level.
ReplyDeleteCompetition: the competition for becoming a university athlete is quite large, and especially if you wish to be one of the better players. You must be faster, stronger, and smarter than others if you wish to see the field, or even to see the roster.
Social: the social aspect of playing on a university team can be quite immense, and you can meet a lot of people by doing so. This may be a good way to help yourself find future opportunities.
Technology: Today you can show possible future coaches your skills on the field, by sending them Youtube links to your highlight film of past football games. If the coach likes what he sees, he may invite you to a training camp or combine.