Doing My Master’s?!

Normally I do more generic “here’s Lakehead!” posts, but I wanted to talk about something I have personally been working on and contemplating for the last year or so!

I have always been a “school” kind of girl – I work hard at it, and I really enjoy it. I love learning, working on projects (most of the time), and overall just meeting new people and working on new concepts and ideas. Now that I’m in my final year here at Lakehead University (time flies!) I have been contemplating continuing my education by doing my Master’s degree.

As a Business student that wants to stay in Business, I have two options: the MSc and the MBA. Because I was playing with the idea of one day teaching Accounting/Business at the university or college level and even doing my PhD, I was told I should do my MSc. It’s very research-based, with six months of classes and a year of research on a specific topic that ends in a large report. Many students in Business (and other disciplines) take Master’s programs. I was also offered financial aid by Lakehead’s Business department for doing my Master’s, and that was what really got the idea in my head!

Anyways, I have been talking with some professors and doing some research and what I decided (at least at this point) is that I am not doing to do my Master’s. Not right now, anyways. As a soon-to-be accounting graduate, I am slightly anxious to get into the “real world” and start working. I want to be able to work in a local accounting firm or in industry and learn how accounting works hands-on. There is a big difference between accounting in the books and accounting in practice! Though from what my professor showed me about the research the students do (which is something I really loved) it would be a great fit for me, I also want to pursue my CPA designation. I would ideally like to challenge my exams as soon as possible (Lakehead Business, up until this week, offers “advanced standing” in the program) as well as get my practical (working) hours done as well. Not to mention my peers and classmates will be starting to work at firms this year, and I think it would alleviate a lot of anxiety and stress if I started working at the same time as my peers – as well as doing my exams at the same time. A firm might be willing to take me on part time, but right now and for my current situation, I think working full time and getting into a job as soon as possible is going to be my best decision.

Of course, that’s not saying that I’m not ever going to do my Master’s. In fact, unless my path changes or something else comes up/catches my eye, I’m almost sure I am going to. I would love to teach Accounting or Business someday and getting your Master’s/PhD is a great segway into doing that.

So that’s my decision right now at least. I’ll keep you guys updated on what’s happening, but I just wanted to share how my thought process worked and that doing your Master’s is totally an option for you in almost any program! It’s a great way to continue your education if you’re thinking about it, but it’s also a personal decision, too! I hope that one day I’ll be able to do my Master’s and PhD, but for now, I think I am going to go straight to obtaining my CPA and working!

You can view more about the Master’s programs offer at Lakehead here!

…….But maybe later… 😉

Chancellor Paterson Library

Hi there everyone! Today I decided to take you for a little tour around our main library on campus, the Chancellor Paterson Library! During the school year, the library is usually open until around 1am, and even later during exams. Some of my most memorable University moments happened in this library – particularly sitting until 2:30am with my best friend, drinking orange juice, and plugging away at one of our many tax assignments.

During the school year the basement, first, and fourth floor of the library is bustling. These floors foster social learning with booths, round tables, and study rooms. You don’t have to worry about being super quiet in these areas – no music or being excessively loud, though! It’s still a study area. On the second and third floor there are cubicles which are more conducive to quiet studying. You can literally hear a pin drop up there! On the first and fourth floor there are also computers, printers/copiers on the first, and more study rooms.

So welcome to the Chancellor Paterson Library! This library is located on main campus between Regional Center and the Ryan building.

When you first walk into the library you will find the Research and IT Support desk (where you can get help finding certain articles, setting up your internet, and get general troubleshooting assistance) and the Circulation Desk (where you can take out books and course reserves, get your student card, and load your printing account). To the very far left of this photo is a little cafe with coffee, drinks, baking, and sandwiches.

On the first floor there are a lot of places to study – tables, booths, and computer desks. The booths are my personal favourite because they are cozy, well lit, and have plug-ins for your chargers and laptops. Even though I wasn’t taking any classes this summer, I came to the library today to work on some business things and have a quiet space.

Another favourite spot of mine is on the North-East wall, which is covered in windows. They just added a ton of new Macs to this area for those of you that prefer to use a Mac! Lots of round tables and comfy chairs in this area for some group study!

Can’t find a computer on the floor? There is a whole computer lab on the first floor, too! We don’t hold classes in this room anymore, so there’s never a worry you won’t be able to find a computer to print something off.

Wondering where all the books are? The first floor houses only our collection of Encyclopedias – the rest of the books are on the remaining floors. I only took some photos of the first floor for this post, but if you want to see the upper floors and basement, feel free to let me know!

The library is also connected to our tunnel system. There is a staircase going down in front of the main floors. These tunnels connect you to the agora and cafeteria, as well as the majority of the buildings on main campus. This is great for those super cold and snowy days!

Well, that’s it for my tour of the library! I’m glad that you stopped by to check it out.

5 Things You Should Do During The First Few Weeks…

With classes starting up quickly and the summer coming to an end, it’s easy to stay in the habit of not wanting to do much… especially when the first week or two or so of class can be uneventful! Here is my list of 5 things you should do during the first few weeks of class… before things get too crazy!

1. Print off the course outlines/syllabi, read them carefully, and highlight any important dates or information. It’s a lot easier to look back into your binder for how much your exam is worth than to go searching through your phone or course website for it. You can usually find your course outlines on MyCourseLink (login with your MyInfo information), or your professors will distribute one during class.
2. Stock up on supplies. You don’t need anything fancy. Having a pencil case with some pencils, pens, an eraser, a calculator, and highlighters is sufficient. Don’t forget lined paper/notebooks and a binder, too! Most office supply stores have good sales going on (like 15 cent notebooks and lined paper!) during the beginning of the school year. The LU bookstore also has a ton of LU branded and regular stationary if you need it in a pinch!
3. Try to get to know your classmates and your professors. Even turning to the person next to you and saying “hey, are you in first year Business too?!” is a great way to make friends (been there, done that). No one likes to be scrambling to find a partner or group, and getting to know someone ahead of time is an excellent way to get groups or study parties together. Getting to know your professor early on, even if that means just answering questions, is also a great way to get yourself known (that’ll come in handy later when you need assistance or have a question!).
4. Buy an agenda or a calendar and write down all your important dates including project due dates, days off class, and midterm dates. You’ll thank yourself later when you’re too busy to be riffling through all your papers! The LU bookstore sells this awesome dry erase wall calendar that a lot of students use!
   
5. Don’t fall behind. Even during the first week of school professors can give readings or small assignments. Some more compressed or strenuous programs may have projects and papers. The last thing you want to do is fall behind the first weeks of school. To be honest, I would try to get ahead if you can. Try reading a chapter ahead when things aren’t so hectic with midterms and exams… you’ll thank yourself for it later!

My final tip, which extends all the way into October, is to get outside. You’ve probably heard that winters can get pretty cold in Thunder Bay, but for the first month of classes the weather is still beautiful and warm. Sit outside with your lunch between classes, or even just do a loop around campus! It’s the perfect weather and a nice way to get to know the University!

I still can’t believe that the summer is already over and I’m about to embark on my last year of University. Time flies! I hope that your first month of classes goes great, and that things don’t get too hectic too fast! 😉

Talk to you soon!
Sarah