Disclaimer: this course mapping tool is for information purposes only (and does not reflect your ACORN account)
Not only was the predicted death of print media incorrect, but the emergence of social media has increased the need for skills in writing, editing, and publishing. Job titles include editorial assistants, literary agents, copywriters and editors, and publishers.
The past few years have highlighted the importance of communicating the work of research scientists to the broader world. This requires an ability to understand complex issues, the peer review process, and communicating research. Positions include science writers, journalists, education outreach professionals and communication managers for science-related institutions (such as research labs, universities, and museums).
Business consulting requires a wide range of skills with the goal of assisting organizations with various endeavours. Consultants help organizations meet business goals and improve performance, processes and efficiency. It is helpful to have strong communications and interpersonal skills, research literacy, skills with data collection and dissemination and project management.
Project management can be found across all disciplines and organizations, from major infrastructure projects (such as construction of the Ontario line in Toronto), to smaller projects (such as wedding planning, fundraising events and even children’s sports tournaments). Large organizations all require project managers, and increasingly SME’s require individuals with project management skills. Job titles include project manager, project scheduler, systems analyst, change manager, portfolio manager, and consultant.
The GTA is home to Canada’s largest financial institutions, including RBC, Toronto-Dominion, CIBC, Manulife, and Mastercard. Skills in this sector vary, but include attention to detail, the ability to work in a regulated environment, strategic thinking, and strong communication skills. Job titles include financial analyst, finance officer, comptroller, clerk, and auditor.
This career category includes a large variety of job roles in the creative industries. Careers include working with text, images and audio to tell stories, sell products, and educate. This involves the television and film industry, social media content, live events and game design and development. Job titles include media producer, content producer, production manager, digital media specialist, video editor, and podcast producer.
A rapidly growing field, User Experience Design (or UXD) focuses on the users of products – both digital and analog. UX designers help develop digital apps, websites, processes, and events in both industrial and digital design. Job titles include product designer, UX researcher, UX writer, interaction designer and UX Engineer.
The video game industry in Canada alone generated over $5.5 billion in 2023, showing signs of continued growth. Southern Ontario is home to both large (Ubisoft, Gameloft and Capybara) and a growing number of smaller studios. Job titles include gameplay and level designer, e-sport producer, visual effects artist, sound designer, artificial intelligence programmer, and QA and games tester.
The government is a large employer at the municipal, provincial, and federal level. The development of government policy is critical to the working of government and requires skills such as strategic and critical thinking, research literacy, attention to detail, and strong interpersonal and communication skills. Job titles include policy advisor, policy analyst, researcher, planner, and consultant.
Careers in this area focus on storytelling, creativity, and sales, in both the public and private sectors. This career category includes job titles such as Advertising Account Executive, Advertising Copywriter, Account Manager, Art Director, Copywriter, and Marketing Specialist.
Public relations (PR) tasks include the communication of news or events, supporting and maintaining an organization’s brand image, and understanding how to spin negative news to minimize negative impacts. PR requires strong communication and interpersonal skills, the ability to excel under pressure, to focus and work within changing environments. This career category includes job titles such as Community Relations Professional, Communications Specialist, Corporate Trainer, Fundraiser, Media Relations Officer, Project Manager.