Find Your Dream Job

Your future starts today

Your career in advanced manufacturing starts before you even graduate. Find out how you can set yourself up for success and discover the path that can lead you to your dream job.

When I was younger, I remember I was always really fascinated with the way that things worked. After high school, I knew I was really interested in technical things and using my hands and building.

I grew up wanting to be a doctor.I have an undergraduate degree in life sciences, a master’s degree in neuroscience and an MBA, none of which prepared me for a career in advanced manufacturing and none of which were required to get me a career into advanced manufacturing.

My husband and I started a company when I was pregnant with my first daughter. I was 21 years old. We realized that the best way to be providing for our family was to start a business. I’m not technically savvy, but in advanced manufacturing, it takes all kinds of skills and talents.

Not everybody at our company has a mechanical engineering degree. From technical programs to high school, we all work together to solve problems in different ways. Having this diverse arrangement of experiences, from different cultures and different backgrounds brings such a valuable array to solutions, to challenges.

There are two things you need to get into advanced manufacturing. The first is curiosity, and the second is an obsession with problem solving. It’s that curiosity that drives you to ask the question, you know, how does that work? How could we do that better?

You are growing up in this digital world that I don’t understand. And I don’t even pretend to understand. You already have these skills that advanced manufacturing can use, Young people like you have the unbelievable creativity and energy and courage to look at problems in a completely new way.

A great place to start if you’re looking to get into advanced manufacturing is looking around your school, looking around your community for opportunities to join clubs or groups that work with coding or 3d printers or even machines, so that you can get some hands-on experience.

Whether you finished high school or you get a degree. There’s lots of opportunity to work with your hands. And there’s lots of opportunity to work with your minds

I would urge you to really think about what are you passionate about today. It could be playing video games or building projects on the weekend, I guarantee you that there are jobs in advanced manufacturing where you can work on those problems and build those skills. And believe me, there’s nothing cooler than getting paid to do what you love.

Which way to your dream job?

There are so many exciting career paths you can choose from— and we want to help you find the right one. Follow along for tips to find your way to success.

Tip #1

Recognize your talents

Your career could be built on the interests and skills you already have! Look within and ask yourself which special talents and passions could catapult you into a successful future.

If you’re a tinkerer

Do you love working with your hands? Are you always building and fixing things, or even taking stuff apart to see how it works?
A job in skilled trades, equipment operation and maintenance, technical work, or engineering could be the perfect fit!

If you’re a leader

If your brain is always in overdrive, dreaming up ideas and solving problems, many career paths could put that powerful mind to good use. You may be the next successful entrepreneur, manager, or business professional.

If you’re a math and science whiz

If you’re great at numbers and love science, a career on the cutting edge may be calling. The world needs minds like yours in the ever-evolving fields of research, technology, data analytics, and engineering.

If you love computers

The world relies on computers and the people who understand them inside and out. A job in IT or programming could feed your passion and make you a key player in the future of advanced manufacturing.

If you’re a gamer

Yes, your love of video games really can pave the way to an exciting career. This path could lead you to a future working with virtual reality machines, digital twins, and virtual simulations, designing new and improved products and ways of making things. Talk about dream jobs!

If you’re creative

If you love to let your mind wander to dream up new ideas and designs, opening your world to a fulfilling career in industrial design, marketing, or communications could be in your future.

Tip #2

Plan to be a great employee

You’ll need some basic skills to succeed at any career you choose. Showing that you can be counted on and that you want to contribute can set you apart and earn you new challenges. Being curious and open to learning is also a must, especially in advanced manufacturing where things change fast!

How you work with others is also important. Working well with your colleagues and valuing diversity and inclusion are key to making you a great fit for any team.

Tip #3

Expand your skills

No matter your path, a job in advanced manufacturing requires a mix of skills— from an ability to research, to understanding technology and how to manage people. You can get a leg up by developing these competencies now. Armed with your unique talents and an understanding of what makes the business of advanced manufacturing tick, you’ll be the complete package no employer can turn down.

Tip #4

Build a strong foundation

The core academic skills you’re mastering right now are the foundation upon which you’ll build your career. Sharpening skills like reading, writing, communication, critical and analytical thinking, basic skills in computing and data analytics, as well as your knowledge of math and science will create a strong base to let your talent shine.

Tip #5

Develop workplace skills

A lot of the skills you’ll need to succeed in the workplace aren’t all that different from the ones you’d bring to a school project. You should be a great team player with a keen eye for detail— researching, checking the facts, analyzing, and keeping organized. You’ll want to be adaptable and open to taking in information from multiple points of view.

To hit the ground running when you kick off your career, you’ll also want to begin to understand the basics of business, workplace health and safety, and environmental sustainability. You can also begin to familiarize yourself with some of the tools and technologies you’ll be using on the job.

Tip #6

Get a head start

Great news— there are lots of ways you can start building your resume with relevant experience right now! Keep an eye out for experiential learning opportunities like job twinning or apprenticeships. Many companies also offer summer job placements, co-op programs, and internships that will let you get valuable experience before you officially enter the workforce.

Tip #7

Get involved

Getting involved in the right extra curriculars is a fun way to build an advanced manufacturing resume that pops. For example, joining a robotics club or competition is a great way to get hand- on experience and show off your ability. Check out www.skillscompetencescanada.com to learn more about skills competitions happening in Canada and around the world.

Tip #8

Earn the creds

As your dream jobs comes into clearer focus, make sure the courses and credentials you’ll need to qualify are a part of your path. Many positions in skilled trades, IT, programing, data management, engineering, and business require professional certifications that will expand your knowledge and practical skills.

Tip #9

Never stop growing

Remember, getting the most out of anything depends on what you put in. With an open mind and a desire to continuously learn, grow, and develop new skills, your career in advanced manufacturing will reward and excite you for a long time.

Tip #10

Have fun!

It’s true when they say that when you’re doing what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life. With a career in advanced manufacturing, you can turn what you’re passionate about, be it gaming, tinkering, computing, or dreaming up big ideas into so much more than “just a job”. Your journey to a fun and rewarding career that will let you have a real impact on our future starts right now. Which path will lead you to your dream job?

Where do you want to go next?