Tag: Pathways

Exploring accounting programs at Durham College means exploring career pathways

Posted on March 27, 2024 at 1:26 pm.

Accounting is the universal language of business and Durham College’s programs prepare students for diverse, career-ready pathways.

After accounting students graduate, they can pursue work in almost any industry, the non-profit sector, in government or they can start their own business.

“Really, the world is at your doorstep because every place needs an accountant,” said Cheryl Wilson, DC’s accounting program coordinator.

Here are three great reasons to pursue a business program at DC:

Accounting is a solid foundation for all business programs at DC

Options for students start from their first semester in DC’s accounting programs. Students who are unsure of which business discipline to pursue, can opt for accounting as a safe choice.

“The benefit of Durham College over other colleges is that we have this common first semester where they can come into accounting then, if at the end of the first semester they want to go to another discipline, it's easy,” said Wilson. “They can go to any other business discipline.”

In addition to accounting, first semester courses include financial planning, human resource management, marketing, supply chain management and business computer applications.

You can pursue a Certified Professional Bookkeeper designation

Students who opt to take two-year Accounting – Business program or the three-year advanced diploma Accounting – Business Administration programs at DC can pursue their Certified Professional Bookkeeper (CPB) designation. Students in the two-year program can challenge the first level of CPB exams and students in the three-year program can challenge the second level.

Wilson explains most college programs offer the option of challenging only the first level, but challenging the second level is a new option at DC offered since January 2023, creating new pathways for students.

Maximize your time and resources to earn a diploma from DC and a degree from Ontario Tech

Students looking to become a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) must have a university degree and DC’s Accounting – Business – Transfer to Ontario Tech University Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) program supports students in earning both a diploma and a degree in four years.

There are several benefits to opting for a college pathway to a CPA including savings on the first two years of tuition.

“It's way cheaper to start at the college and then move over to the university because college tuition is less expensive than university tuition,” said Wilson.

Generally, college programs are more technical in nature compared to university programs which are more theoretical and by earning both a diploma and a degree students get the best of both.

“The students who start at the college get a much better fundamental understanding in accounting of debits and credits and journaling and how that works,” Wilson explains. “Our college students that go to the university are much stronger in their technical basis, which helps them in the third and fourth year of the university program.”

Explore DC’s accounting programs and start your studies in May 2024.

Science is a passion for Chemical Engineering student

Posted on February 15, 2024 at 9:43 am.

Student spotlight – Melanie Williams

Melanie Williams had extensive experience in science before she ever set foot on a Durham College (DC) campus.

The third-year Chemical Engineering Technology student had previously studied at two other post-secondary institutions and worked in a hospital setting before deciding to further her education. After three years at DC and one in field placements at Ontario Power Generation (OPG) and Bruce Power, she is ready to relaunch her career.

In recognition of International Day for Women and Girls in Science on February 11, she spoke to us about her passion for science, her educational background, her DC experience and more.

What led you to DC?

I actually went to school initially at St. Lawrence College for veterinary technology. I didn’t finish that but I loved the science; microscopes and biology, it was so fun. Then I did medical laboratory technician at Trillium College, and I got my diploma there. That was my career for a couple years and I just loved it. Then COVID-19 hit, so my career path changed a little bit.

Why did you decide to study Chemical Engineering Technology?

I really like chemistry. The engineering side of it with the physics and everything was very new to me, so that was a huge learning curve. But I know countless people that have come to Durham College, and they loved their experience. I was actually looking at Chemical Engineering and the Biotechnology program. I was really interested in the pathways that the Chemical Engineering program had.

When did you discover your love for science?

I would say when I went away to college the first time. When I was in high school it was something mandatory that you had to take and I don’t think I was really able to appreciate it as much. Vet tech was chemistry but more on the biology side, so I really liked being able to look at samples under the microscope and things like that. It basically just progressed from there.

How is DC leading the way in science?

The professors are unmatched. The labs themselves are so cool. The college is so supportive and they teach you everything you need to know to be successful.

Why is equality in science important?

Having different opinions and perspectives is so important. Everyone’s coming from a different place and everyone has prior knowledge on certain subjects. Having people from every sort of background and every different kind of education come together and share different experiences can definitely help achieve results.

Have you seen a gender gap in science?

I know that engineering can be more male dominated, so it was really nice to see other women interested in it. In the healthcare sector I found it was predominantly women. I think it just depends on the field.

What are your career goals?

I’m hoping to either work at OPG or Bruce Power. I loved every second of working in nuclear. So much of it was similar to what I learned here, all the different instruments and chromatography and spectroscopy. It really helped set me up. Without that prior theory and knowledge of how everything works, I may not have enjoyed it as much.

What is your advice for young women entering science?

If it’s something you’re really interested in, then give it a shot. Coming from someone who’s now finishing their third college program, you can try something and if it doesn’t work out, just try your next pathway. Keep moving forward, and eventually you’ll find something that you love to do. Just go for it.

Professor leading the way for women in science

Posted on February 9, 2024 at 1:44 pm.

Faculty spotlight – Christine Hand

At Durham College, students learn from accomplished professors who bring their extensive, real-world experience to the classroom. In this series, we put the spotlight on our passionate faculty members who are committed to helping students lead the way.

Christine Hand is an accomplished scientist with a PhD in Chemistry. After a successful career as a chemistry specialist, she pivoted to teaching at Durham College (DC). For the last nine years, she’s been sharing her expertise with students in the Faculty of Science, Engineering & Information Technology.

In recognition of International Day for Women and Girls in Science on February 11, she spoke to us about her passion for chemistry, teaching the next generation of scientists, the importance of equality and more.

What is your role at DC?

I’m the program coordinator for Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Science. When I first started, I was teaching chromatography, pharmaceutics and pharmacology. Then I shifted to basically just teaching analytical instrumentation chromatography, and showing how you can test compounds and solutions.

When did you discover your love for science?

I would say in high school, in Grade 11. I had a teacher, Mrs. Miller, and she taught chemistry. I was always really fascinated with chemistry, and trying to picture these molecules and what they’re doing and how they’re behaving. I’d even look up stuff and come in and ask her about it. Then in my first year of university, the course that I took in chemistry was very in depth and I just loved it. It was really interesting to me.

Why should young girls and women pursue a career in science?

Society will always need people who are curious and who want to investigate. Science doesn’t have to be a narrow lane. There are so many different pathways that you can take. And it gives you such an appreciation for how the world works. It unlocks all this magical mystery of what is happening in the world.

How is DC leading the way in science?

We have a lot of pathways to other post-secondary institutions. They are taking our programs and allowing students to transfer into bachelor’s programs, which means they recognize the quality. We have a lot of students who have gone on to do quite well in science, in government or industrial or commercial roles. They’ve gone on to get very good jobs. Our grads are typically well thought of.

Are women well represented in DC’s science programs?

I’m proud of the fact that DC has so many women in science. We have a lot of women in the science department who are role models and who put in the effort to encourage other women, and all students, to go into science. We’re definitely modeling strong female representation.

Why is equality in science so important?

When we have a monoculture, people tend to think the same way, and science is all about discovery. If you don’t have people challenging ideas, and you don’t have people being curious, then you’re never going to discover anything. We need to have diversity of all kinds in order to challenge those long held beliefs.

Do you still see a gender gap in science?

We’ve made a lot of strides. There are so many more women in science now than when I started undergrad in 1997, but there are still some programs that have lower numbers of women. I was really lucky that my high school science teachers were women as well, so it never occurred to me that I couldn’t do it. I always had it modeled for me, so it never seemed out of reach. I think that’s important because if you don’t see it, you don’t know it’s achievable.

What is your advice for young women entering science?

In my experience, if you want to find supportive people, you’ll find them. Sometimes you have to look for them, and sometimes you have to cultivate them. But there are always people there who are willing to support you. It’s really just like life; pick your friends correctly, and the people who are going to drag you down, just don’t bother with them.

What do you enjoy most about teaching at DC?

I just try to share my experience and inspire everybody to be in science. I just want people to share my passion for science or to at least cause them to be curious or interested in something. When I hear students say that they got excited about something or they want more information for their personal knowledge, that’s one of the best things.

DC to a degree: Explore your options at the Pathways Fair

Posted on January 30, 2024 at 3:11 pm.

From stepping next door to Ontario Tech University to experiencing an adventure overseas, there are a world of possibilities for students looking to apply their Durham College (DC) credentials as credits towards a Bachelor’s degree.

Whether you’re just starting your DC journey and looking towards the future, or closing in on graduation and exploring your next steps, knowing your options can help you target the perfect opportunity. DC has pathway agreements with institutions both in Canada and internationally that allow students to receive advance standing towards a degree equivalent to up to two years of study.

“At Durham College, there are over 1,000 different pathway options for our students to explore,” said Alexandra Bursey, Manager, Credit Transfer, Pathways and PLAR. “I always recommend students think of their career goals, and work backwards to figure out what kind of credentials they must earn to get there.”

Students can browse options via DC’s transfer guide where pathways are listed by program. For example, an Early Childhood Education diploma has more than a dozen pathways including a Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies and Digital Technology from Ontario Tech University or a Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Studies from Trent University. International pathways are available to pursue a degree in Australia, Ireland or the United States.

“By leveraging your DC credential into a pathway, you are truly gaining the best of both worlds,” said Bursey. “Not only can students earn a degree in less time and for less money, they are gaining theoretical knowledge to go along with the practical skills they learned at DC. As we know, the labour market values postsecondary credentials in a candidate, and it is imperative to offer students options to pursue further education.”

DC’s annual Pathways Fair is a great place to start exploring and a chance to meet with representatives from schools looking to connect with DC students.

This year’s fair will be held on February 6 at the Whitby campus in the Front Atrium and on February 7 at the Oshawa campus in The Pit/South Wing Hall with 23 institutions attending to answer questions about credit transfers, programs and campus life.

Visit the Pathways Fair website before attending to browse partner institution profiles within Ontario, across Canada and internationally and check your eligibility for admission. You can also check out the fair schedule to target institutions you’re interested in for follow-up questions and read our FAQ on transferring.

Attending the Pathways Fair? Register to be entered for a chance to win a $500 Amazon gift card.