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How to find a job in Canada and position yourself as an ideal candidate
Whether you’ve just received your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CoPR) or have recently moved to Canada, finding employment and getting back in your field of work is always top of mind for many. As you begin your job search in Canada, there are a few things that are must-haves: A Social Insurance Number (SIN) – A nine-digit number that you need to work in Canada or to have access to government programs and benefits. Credential assessment for occupations such as teachers, accountants, medical professionals, engineers, social workers, etc. Credential assessment is a process through which you can get certified, registered, or licensed to practice your occupation in Canada. A Canadian-style resume and cover letter. Remember to customize your resume for each job application. Tip: To learn about the scope of your role in Canada and get deeper insights into specific job markets such as Information Technology (IT), Finance, Sales and Marketing, Project Management, Healthcare, Human Resources (HR), and others, download Arrive’s free guide for the Canadian job market. Once you’re equipped with these basic tools and resources, you’re ready to start looking for relevant opportunities. Here are a few ways you can get started with your job search in Canada. 8 ways to find a job in Canada 1. Browse job search websites Most job seekers use job search websites as the starting point while looking for opportunities. In Canada, many locally-popular sites provide more than just job listings. You can get access to employment trends, salary trends, career-planning tools, and industry information. The Canadian government’s Job Bank website is one such exhaustive resource. It is a job-listing aggregator so it pulls listings from multiple job sites which makes it convenient to browse opportunities. You can also check the provincial and territorial websites for more newcomer employment resources. What are the best job sites in Canada? Some popular job search websites are: LinkedIn Jobs, Indeed, Monster, Glassdoor, Workopolis, CareerBuilder, and SimplyHired. If you’re looking for freelancing opportunities or remote work, sites like UpWork, Fiverr, Jobboom, Jobillico, and Jobspresso are good options. 2. Network and volunteer One of the things to know as a job seeker is that Canada has a hidden job market. The hidden job market refers to positions that are filled without the employer advertising for it publicly. It is said that as much as 65-85 per cent of the jobs are not posted online. This is why networking is crucial to finding relevant opportunities – and LinkedIn is an excellent tool to get you started. You can use websites like Eventbrite and Meetup to locate industry-specific networking events near you. These events are excellent forums to find people from your field of work and strengthen your professional network. Giving back to the community (or volunteering) is usually well-regarded and valued in Canadian society. It can help you gain Canadian experience and learn the local culture and serves as a good way to meet other people and build your network. Tip: Volunteering can help you build your network and earn Canadian experience. To discover the importance of volunteering in Canada and learn how to find volunteering opportunities, read The benefits of volunteering as a newcomer in Canada. 3. Enrol with immigrant-serving organizations In Canada, there are various government-funded organizations such as ACCES Employment and COSTI that help newcomers find employment. Some are province and city-specific, so you can look up the government website to find one closest to you. These organizations help newcomers with a wide range of online and in-person career services such as resume building, interview preparation, language assessment, and finding a job. 4. Attend job fairs Many immigrant-serving organizations also organize job fairs. Some of these fairs are virtual and span a couple of days, while others are in-person events. Prepare for Canada, and JVS Toronto are organizations that do online job fairs periodically. One of the benefits of enrolling with a government-funded settlement organization is getting alerts for these job fairs. Following the social media channels for these organizations and browsing sites like Eventbrite and Meetup are also good ways to find upcoming job fairs. 5. Reach out to employment agencies and recruiters There are many employment agencies and specialized recruiters that can help you find a job in your field in Canada. These agencies and recruiters match jobseekers to employer positions. You can search for recruiters from your industry on sites like LinkedIn. Recruitment agencies in Canada may be nationally and/or internationally licensed. Those with a national license are only authorized to assist job seekers within Canada, while those with an international license can recruit overseas employees wanting to work in Canada. Who are the top recruitment agencies in Canada? Some popular employment agencies in Canada are Robert Half, Randstad Canada, and Hays Canada. Employment/recruitment/placement/staffing agencies cannot demand a fee from a jobseeker to help them find work. However, they can charge for additional services such as resume preparation, interview preparation, and job skills training. Tip: Beware of any employment agencies or recruiters asking you to pay a fee in exchange for a job offer, especially if you haven’t moved to Canada yet. Learn more about employment scams in Canada in the article, Common scams that newcomers to Canada should know about. 6. Browse career sections on company websites A good way to go about your job search is to make a list of organizations you would like to work at and then check the career sections on their respective websites. Most websites will let you send a job application for open positions directly through their site. Reach out to current or past employees through LinkedIn for a coffee chat to better understand the organizational structure and learn more about your desired role – this will also help you prepare for your interview. These conversations are also a great way to know about future job openings at the organization. Tip: Check out the list of top 100 employers in Canada and find organizations from your industry. 7. Enrol in bridging programs Bridging programs are designed for internationally-trained professionals and tradespeople who want to work in their field in Canada. They can help you get a licence or certification and integrate into the Canadian workplace. Some of the bridging programs’ services include courses, education and skills assessment, practical or workplace experience, exam preparation for licenses or certificates, language training, and action and learning plans to help you identify the training you may need. These programs may be virtual, or in-person or a combination of both. Usually, classroom training or work experience is part of the program. Depending on the bridging program you choose, there may be a fee associated with it. Contact a newcomer settlement agency near you or check local university or college websites to learn more about enrolment processes and eligibility criteria for specific bridging programs. 8. Look for a mentor Many Canadian professionals and industry leaders provide free advice and coaching to newcomers settling in Canada. This is a good way to learn how to adapt your skills and experience for the local job market and find relevant opportunities. You can look for a mentor through organizations like: Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS) Calgary Region Immigrant Employment Council (CRIEC) Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC) Edmonton Region Immigrant Employment Council (ERIEC) Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization (OCISO) How to position yourself as an ideal candidate and get a job offer The job market in Canada is competitive. Once you’ve identified a job position that’s a good fit for your skills and experience, it’s time to stand out from the crowd and market yourself as the ideal candidate. Positioning yourself as a strong candidate to an employer begins with building your personal brand. Here are a few other aspects to keep in mind as you prepare for a job application. Be confident and tell your story Practise responses to basic interview questions and have an elevator pitch so you’ll be more confident during the interview. Elevator pitches are a good way to introduce yourself and make an impression at the start of an interview. They can also serve as an answer to the “tell me about yourself” question. Think of your achievements and use specific examples or stories to demonstrate how you are a good fit for the role. Job interview resources: How to prepare for a job interview 10 common job interview questions and how to answer them The interview process in Canada may seem nerve-wracking. Prepped is an excellent resource for you to practise your interview skills and confidently prepare for the interview process. 6 Tips for improving your job search in the Canadian market 1. Customize your resume and add a cover letter A generic resume and cover letter sent to multiple employers may not yield much success in your job search journey. Be sure to customize your resume to each position that you’re applying for by tailoring your work experience, skills, and any additional information to the role. The cover letter is a good way to justify any gaps in your resume or provide any additional info that your resume can’t. Adding a custom, well-written cover letter to your resume can make you stand out from the competition, thus improving your chances of being approached for an interview. 2.Research the company and the role Be sure to research the company you are interviewing with – this will help you have more meaningful conversations with the employer and ask relevant questions. Look up the company mission, vision, some of its history, and market standing. Align your responses to the organization’s goals. Candid reviews on sites like Glassdoor can help you get insight into the operations and culture of the company. Get the names and titles of people who will be interviewing you and learn a bit about their background – this information can come in handy while making small talk with interviewers. Network with current or past employees through LinkedIn to learn more about the company and identify their needs – it will help you suggest potential solutions during the interview. 3. Polish your LinkedIn profile In Canada, it is common for employers and recruiters to search your name online. Brush up and polish your LinkedIn profile so that it’s up-to-date with your experience and qualifications. Also, ensure your social media or blogs don’t raise any red flags about you or portray you in a negative light. 4.For virtual interviews: Check your connectivity and surrounding environment With the coronavirus pandemic, many organizations have their employees working remotely. There is also a growing trend of candidates being interviewed virtually or over the phone. With this new setup, it is essential to showcase soft skills such as self-motivation and communication and demonstrate your comfort level using technology to connect. Be sure to check your phone reception, internet bandwidth and hardware or software requirements to ensure a smooth audio/video call for your interview. Avoid taking such calls from a coffee shop or a place where background noise levels may be high. 5.Be punctual and dress for the job you want Whether it’s a virtual or an in-person interview, make sure you’re punctual and dress for the job you want. For in-person interviews, plan your journey beforehand and consider the traffic and weather conditions. With the dress code, you can never go wrong with formals – this applies to in-person as well as virtual interviews. 6.Follow-up after the interview After the interview, take the time to send a thank you note to each of your interviewers. While this reflects your enthusiasm for the position, it also ensures the interviewer remembers you while deciding whom to hire. Finding meaningful employment in Canada can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Preparation, persistence, determination, a positive attitude, and access to the right resources will help you find relevant opportunities. Original article located here, published by Arrive.
Coffee chats: Questions you should ask to network better
Networking is a way of life in Canada and is crucial to finding a role in your field of work. In the pre-COVID era, people usually networked at conferences, events or over in-person coffee chats or informational interviews. Today, due to the pandemic, networking has gone virtual. So, as a newcomer looking to build connections, whether you’re in your home country or Canada, it’s easy and convenient to set up virtual coffee chats or informational interviews with industry professionals. Sites like LinkedIn, Ten Thousand Coffees, Eventbrite and Meetup are excellent starting points for networking. Tip: For more helpful tips and advice to help you optimize your LinkedIn profile, and build your professional network strategically, read Top 10 tips to optimize your LinkedIn profile for job search in Canada and How to write compelling LinkedIn connection request messages. Networking offers many benefits: gain exposure to industry best practices, find a mentor, develop a rapport with an industry professional, find job leads, seek knowledge, etc. and happens in either a group setting (at conferences, events, etc.) or one-on-one meetings (coffee chats). In this article, we’ll elaborate on what a coffee chat entails and how you can prepare for it. You’ll also find some key questions to ask during your meetings to ensure you develop a meaningful connection. Networking offers many benefits: gain exposure to industry best practices, find a mentor, develop a rapport with an industry professional, find job leads, seek knowledge, etc. and happens in either a group setting (at conferences, events, etc.) or one-on-one meetings (coffee chats). In this article, we’ll elaborate on what a coffee chat entails and how you can prepare for it. You’ll also find some key questions to ask during your meetings to ensure you develop a meaningful connection. What is a coffee chat? A coffee chat, also known as an informational interview or coffee interview, is an informal, in-person or virtual meeting with an experienced professional to learn more about a specific company, an industry, or that individual’s career path and role. Coffee chats can also help you gain insights into the local job market and get accustomed to Canadian culture. Resources to help you learn more about coffee chats: How to build your network in Canada: The basics Where to build your network in Canada How to build your network: The coffee interview How to prepare for a coffee chat The key to a successful coffee chat is preparation. Research the person you’re meeting – look at their company website and go over their career path by visiting their LinkedIn profile, jot down some key questions you would like to ask, and bring a notepad and a pen to take notes. It is also recommended to have your elevator pitch ready – this will help you confidently answer the “tell me about yourself” question. If meeting in-person, plan your travel and be sure to get your guests’ phone number as trying to communicate via email in case of an unexpected situation while travelling can be tricky. Tip: If you’re meeting your guest at a coffee shop, offer to buy them a drink of their choice. It is awkward to have your guest pay for the drink if you’ve asked them to take time out of their schedule and meet you. To avoid confusion, you can email or message them prior to the meeting, specifying that you would like to treat them to coffee. What to ask during a coffee chat As you start your conversation, don’t be shy to make small talk – it’s part of Canadian culture. You can chat about the weather or your travel to the meeting location. If it’s a virtual meeting, the pandemic and related topics can be a good ice-breaker. Stay away from sensitive topics such as politics, religion, physical appearance, or age. If you’re ever stuck or feel lost or nervous during a coffee chat, here are some questions that you can ask to keep the conversation alive: 1. How did you get started in your career? I’d love to learn more about what you do and the core components involved. If you’ve done your research, you should have a few points to further personalize this question and make it specific. Listen carefully to the response and ask follow-up questions. Try to find mutual interests, connections, educational or work backgrounds, or locations – this will help you build deeper and more meaningful connections. 2. What does a typical day at [company] look like for you? What do you like most about your job? What’s the most challenging part of your job? These questions let you learn more about your guest’s role. It’s a good opportunity to get insight into how they manage their time and the key responsibilities they cater to. As a follow-up, you can ask questions about their career graph at the company and discuss how they’ve grown. It will help you get an idea of where you’ll need to start if you’re new to the field, how you could progress, and what to expect in a certain role. 3. What do you like most about working at [company]? (Or conversely) What are some less ideal aspects of working at [company]? These are good questions to get candid feedback about the company culture. Based on the responses, you can decide if the organization would be a good fit for you. 4. Are there any meetups or networking events that you would recommend? A valuable way to find out about important meetups, events, and conferences in your industry that you should attend to build your network. 5. What’s the next chapter for you in your career? This question can provide insight into typical career paths for professionals, such as yourself, in your domain. 6. Do you have any advice for someone like me – a newcomer who’s just getting started with their career in Canada? OR what skills do you think are most important for someone interested in a job like yours? Asking this question will help you understand the aspects and skills you should work on, and it will also help with level-setting expectations. 7. Do you have recommendations for anyone else I should talk to or resources I should explore? This is a simple, easy, and organic way to find your next guest for a coffee chat or an informational interview. And it also works well to get a list of websites you should be browsing or newsletters you should subscribe to. 8. Do you know anyone hiring that I should take a look at? Remember that a coffee or informational interview is not an opportunity to ask for a job, so be very careful how you phrase this question. It is OK to let them know that you’re looking out for career opportunities but do not directly ask for a job. Start your career in Canada with confidence! Download Arrive’s free guide on Starting your career in Canada to learn more about navigating a new job market while settling-in. Get information on topics like personal brand building, interview preparation, and accepting job offers that will help you make the most of opportunities. A coffee chat is not meant to be longer than 30 minutes. So pick and choose the questions that are most important to you (estimate five to seven minutes per question), and keep an eye on the time. After your coffee chat, be sure to send a thank you note – it goes on to show that you appreciate them taking the time to meet with you. Great coffee chats are a result of thorough research, preparation, personal enthusiasm, and gratitude – these qualities, combined with the right questions, can help you network effectively and grow your connections! Original article located here, published by Arrive.
Aston University celebrates launch of first wave of Institutes of Technology
"There remains a significant national skills shortage for engineering and we are pleased to be helping to address this through the provision of courses for young people wanting to progress to higher technical education, adult learners and people who want to develop their engineering skills." Professor Sarah Hainsworth Pro-Vice Chancellor and Executive Dean of the College of Engineering & Physical Sciences Aston University Institutes of Technology (IoTs) are collaborations between further education (FE) providers, universities and employers IoTs focus on the specific technical skills needs required in their local area They provide employers with a skilled workforce and students with a clear route to technical employment Aston University is joining in a nationwide celebration to mark the launch of the first wave of 12 Institutes of Technology on Thursday 8 July. Institutes of Technology (IoTs) are collaborations between further education (FE) providers, universities and employers. They specialise in delivering higher technical education (at Levels 4 and 5 – equivalent to the first and second year of a degree) with a focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects, such as engineering, digital and construction. IoTs focus on the specific technical skills required in their local area. They will provide employers with a skilled workforce and students with a clear route to technical employment. By bridging skills gaps, these new institutions will drive growth and widen opportunity. Gillian Keegan, minister for apprenticeships and skills, said: “Institutes of Technology are the pinnacle of technical education, helping to develop the highly-skilled talent pipeline employers will need for the future. “By bringing together Further Education colleges, universities and businesses, Institutes of Technology are unique partnerships which will help to tackle skills shortages in vital sectors, from marine engineering to healthcare, cyber security to agri-tech. “Institutes of Technology are also playing a vital role in our multi-billion Plan for Jobs, which is helping to level up opportunities and support people to get the skills they need to get good jobs as we recover from the pandemic.” The Greater Birmingham and Solihull IoT has brought together the most innovative education providers within the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership area with leading industry stakeholders to create a powerhouse for advanced manufacturing and engineering. The consortium is led by Solihull College & University Centre, Aston University and Birmingham City University, working alongside South and City College Birmingham as a core partner and supported by BMET College, University College Birmingham and the University of Birmingham. The partnership will jointly design, develop and widen education and training opportunities aligned to the latest skills needs of leading-edge employers and the local, regional and national economy. The group will target under-represented learners, facilitating clear opportunities for progression from school to high-level occupations. In this new video, partners and employers explain what the IoT means to them: The following passage was included in the recent Government Skills for Jobs white paper, with the GBS Institute of Technology highlighted as an example of good practice: Government Skills for Jobs white paper Building work has started on the GBSIoT Hub at Aston University. It will be completed at the end of 2021 and will be an innovative hub, providing a fabulous resource for students and learners from across the region. Andy Street, mayor of the West Midlands, said: “The Greater Birmingham and Solihull Institute of Technology is all about two things: economic growth and prosperity. The Greater Birmingham and Solihull Institute of Technology is going to give us wonderful new skills in the sectors of the economy that are really growing fast here.” Professor Sarah Hainsworth, pro-vice chancellor and executive dean of the College of Engineering & Physical Sciences at Aston University, said: “We are delighted to be working with our partners on the Greater Birmingham and Solihull IOT for Advanced Manufacturing. It has been really exciting to see the work progressing on delivering the new Hub for students and learners on the campus at Aston University. "There remains a significant national skills shortage for engineering and we are pleased to be helping to address this through the provision of courses for young people wanting to progress to higher technical education, adult learners and people who want to develop their engineering skills. "The Hub will be home to a new cyber physical manufacturing rig which will create a simulated working environment linked to advancing Industry 4.0 technology and state of the art digital facilities and I really look forward to when it becomes the new home for our IoT students.” Find out more about the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Institute of Technology at www.gbsiot.ac.uk
Crossing Space and Time at Japan Society's 2021 Annual Dinner
On June 22, Japan Society celebrated its 2021 Annual Dinner, raising over $1.3 million to take us into the next year and beyond. It was—literally and virtually—a star-studded evening at the intersection of science, art, culture, business, and the U.S.-Japan alliance. After a special message from Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, the program included a conversation between former JAXA astronaut Naoko Yamazaki, the second Japanese woman to fly in space, and Ambassador Caroline Kennedy—marking the 60th anniversary of President Kennedy's Moonshot Address, followed by a performance from Japan's Ryoma Quartet. The keynote Fireside Chat brought together two titans of industry, our very own Chairman Joseph Perella, Chairman Emeritus, Perella Weinberg Partners and private equity pioneer Henry Kravis, Co-Chairman and Co-CEO of KKR—also the recipient of this year's Japan Society Award. Mr. Kravis underscored the value of investing in long-term relationships throughout his talk with Mr. Perella, noting, "You have to be patient. You have to set your mission. You have to have a focus on ESG (environmental, social, and governance). Any company today that is not focusing on their ESG and on diversity of their workforce is not going to have much of a future. Today, it's not all about making money. That's a part of it. But it's also very important to ask, 'What are you doing for society, what are you doing to help your country?'" In her conversation with astronaut Naoko Yamazaki, Ambassador Caroline Kennedy cited her father's famous Moonshot Address at Rice University in 1962: "We choose to go to the Moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win, and the others, too." Yamazaki, who is working to inspire the next generation in aerospace, among other initiatives, is "thrilled to be able to witness the Artemis Program, which is sending the first woman and the first person of color to the moon, with international cooperation. Japan is in charge of the cargo transfer to the Lunar Gateway, the station [that will orbit the moon], and also Toyota and JAXA are developing a pressurized lunar rover to explore the surface of the moon." For Japan Society, the next 50 years will be our own Moonshot, as we move forward into a new post-pandemic inflection point—a significant reopening full of energy and excitement this fall that embodies the best of American and Japanese spirit. It's time to reach beyond the physical space of our landmarked building, which opened to the public 50 years ago in September 1971, re-imagining our enduring mission of connecting American and Japanese people, cultures, and societies across time and space for the next half century. Sixty years ago, President John F. Kennedy's Moonshot Address inspired a generation of Americans to look to the moon in the spirit of adventure, patriotism, and freedom. Today, under new leadership in the United States and Japan, Japan Society starts a new chapter in building our kizuna, our forward-facing energy and deeply interwoven connections, between New York and Japan – and beyond. How do we continue to inspire the next generation of leaders in U.S.-Japan relations? As we think about the next 50 years at Japan Society, much has changed, yet many of the foundations remain the same from our starting point 114 years ago. There's a lot to look forward to as we celebrate significant milestones in 2021-22 and beyond. As Mr. Kravis said, in order to grow and to survive, "You have to keep innovating, you have to keep moving." Japan Society is a convener for the future. With your support, we, too, will overcome the tough challenges facing this world and the U.S.-Japan alliance, together. See you at Japan House and on the far side of the moon! If you missed out on our 2020-21 season, below are some of the highlights. Stay tuned for more exciting events coming this summer and fall, in person and online! Published on June 22, 2021 on Japan Society’s new Watch & Read page.
Experts explore the gap between research and practice in disaster management
The COVID-19 pandemic has attracted public attention to crisis management globally, writes Aston University's Oscar Rodriguez-Espindola. Although authorities and international organisations are still actively and diligently trying to mitigate the impact of the pandemic, some of the attention is shifting towards understanding the decisions made and learning from our experience. Indeed, this experience has inadvertently shown different areas for improvement for emergency management systems. The experience gained during the pandemic should lead governments and organisations to refine crisis management processes to prepare for challenges ahead. Leveraging research and specialist groups have been essential to support and inform decisions, as these can provide key insights guiding policy decisions. However, the integration of research and practice should not take place at the response stage only, but as part of the core crisis management system at every stage. It is crucial to maintain and strengthen the relationships between research and practice forged during the pandemic for different emergencies in the future. With the increasing number of different disasters happening and the threats stemming from climate change, it is not surprising that between 1994 and 2013 around 1.35 million lives have been claimed annually by natural disasters. Therefore, the value of partnerships between research and practice needs to be strengthened and implemented globally. Academics from Aston University in the UK and the Universidad Autónoma de Occidente in Mexico have investigated the current status of the integration of research and practice for crisis management. A systematic literature review of decision models for humanitarian logistics has been used to understand the way these models have reflected the real conditions experienced by decision-makers and catered to their priorities. Afterwards, interviews with two civil protection authorities of the state of Sinaloa, Mexico, have been undertaken to understand the conditions faced by them for crisis management, their processes and their view of decision models to support crisis management in the country. Next, a multicriteria decision analysis was used to capture their preferences regarding the objectives set for humanitarian operations to develop an analysis of their priorities. Practice needs to be informed by research, but for that guidance to be impactful, research needs to have a thorough understanding of the conditions and challenges faced by practice. The literature focused on models for humanitarian logistics has shown that the engagement of academics with practitioners in the design of solutions to support decision-making has been declared in less than a quarter of the contributions, as shown in Table 1. That means the design of solutions is based on prior secondary information or founded on a theoretical basis, which is not necessarily reflecting the current reality faced by authorities. It is noteworthy that there is an increasing trend in the number of articles involving practitioners in recent years, with more than half of them published in the previous three years. Despite that growth, however, the relative percentage of contributions incorporating practitioners has never been beyond 40% of all the models published in any year, which highlights that there is still a long way to go to support research development. Table 1: Involvement of practitioners in the design of models for humanitarian logistics Our interviews highlighted that authorities perceive the potential of systems to improve information management forecasting and decision-making, but they also unveiled the concerns about these systems providing unrealistic or unfeasible solutions. Optimisation models are formulations in which a metric is maximised or minimised subject to a series of constraints. If the objective does not reflect the objectives and priorities of decision-makers, then results can be less relevant for decision-makers. For instance, models solely aiming to minimise cost would struggle to give useful solutions to authorities focused primarily on providing support to all the victims equally. Therefore, the lack of involvement from decision-makers can lead practitioners to be cautious about using decision-making models. To examine the link between contributions in the literature and the objectives and priorities of authorities, data about them was gathered and analysed using a technique known as Fuzzy-TOPSIS. The purpose was to identify the importance given to different objectives by authorities for different activities in order to rank them based on importance as shown in Table 2. Although humanitarian logistics are characterised by a focus on the overarching ideas of saving lives and reducing suffering, it is still surprising to note that cost was the least important objective for authorities. Conversely, more than three-quarters of the models surveyed are using cost as the main objective function, which makes it the most prominent objective in humanitarian logistics. As preferences from authorities seem considerably more focused on maintaining a reliable flow of support, with high levels of service and ensuring to reach the most affected population, our findings suggest a misalignment between research and practice. Hence, neglecting to incorporate practitioners in decision-making models for humanitarian logistics can lead to omitting their needs and priorities, rendering the models less effective to provide workable solutions. Table 2: Ranking of objectives from civil protection authorities Additionally, it is important that research guides and influences practice in relevant aspects for further development. For instance, understandably, the chaotic and urgent conditions faced by authorities in humanitarian logistics force them to prioritise response over any other considerations. Our interviews confirmed this, as they mentioned that even though sustainability is becoming a crucial element in regular times, it is undermined by the urgency of the response and only included in recovery activities. This is an aspect worth looking into because research has shown that sustainability can be integrated into crisis management, even with the potential to provide improvements in terms of efficiency. Hence, a more thorough integration between research and practice would allow to positively influence activities on the field based on findings and results proposed and tested by cutting-edge investigations. Overall, our findings suggest that despite the increasing remarks about the intention of joining research and practice, there is still a significant divide between them. Reducing that divide can be beneficial for both sides. More practice-informed research can allow to development of feasible solutions that can enhance the support provided to disaster victims in practice, whereas more research-informed practice can provide stronger foundations for effective decision-making and guide research to focus on key aspects to make it more impactful. Therefore, it is essential to put more emphasis on integrating research and practice from the roots, to make their interaction more fruitful. Current trends seem to be going towards that direction, especially with the current focus on the impact on research, but further efforts are required to motivate researchers and practitioners to work together to improve crisis management. This article was co-written by Oscar Rodriguez-Espindola, Pavel Albores, Hossein Ahmadi, Soumyadeb Chowdhury, Prasanta Dey from Aston University and Diego Chavira and Omar Ahumanda from the Universidad Autónoma de Occidente. This work was supported by an Institutional Links grant, ID 527666998, under the Newton UK-Mexico partnership. The grant is funded by the UK Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and delivered by the British Council. For further information, please visit www.newtonfund.ac.uk
Many of us think of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) as a childhood condition – which is typically when it’s diagnosed. But a growing number of people are sharing their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. Social media has even played a role in this, with reports of people going to see their doctor after first learning about symptoms on TikTok. In fact, around 2.5% of adults are thought to live with ADHD – including us. Yet despite this growing awareness, many adults continue to struggle to get a diagnosis. ADHD is a genetic neurodevelopmental disorder, in which the brain grows differently, lacking action from specific chemicals involved in pleasure and reward. This means ADHD brains often search for ways to stimulate these chemicals, which is why people can experience inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Common traits of ADHD include: Not following through on longer tasks (or not starting them) Getting distracted by other tasks or thoughts Seeking out risk or activities that provide immediate reward Restlessness (either outwardly or internally) Interrupting other people (without wanting to) Symptoms are similar for both adults and children, although elements of them differ or change as we age. For example, inattention is the most persistent symptom in adults. ADHD can be debilitating and is associated with higher likelihood of lower quality of life, substance use issues, unemployment, accidental injuries, suicide and premature death. In addition, ADHD can cost adults around £18,000 per year because of things like medical care or paying for social support. It’s also commonly associated with a wide range of co-existing conditions in adults. For example, depression is almost three times more prevalent in adults with ADHD. And nearly half of all adults with ADHD also have bipolar spectrum disorder. Around 70% of adults with ADHD also experience emotional dysregulation, which can make it more difficult to control emotional responses. It’s also thought that almost all adults with ADHD have rejection sensitive dysphoria, a condition where perceived rejection or criticism can cause extreme emotional sensitivity or pain. On top of this, adults with ADHD may have poor working memory – such as being unable to remember a simple shopping list – and “time blindness” (the inability to perceive time). Some may also have oppositional defiant disorder, which means they often react poorly to perceived orders or rules. While none of these co-existing conditions are used to diagnose ADHD, they can make ADHD feel all the more difficult to live with. Being diagnosed Getting an ADHD diagnosis as an adult in the UK is notoriously difficult – with reports of some people waiting up to five years. Waiting for a diagnosis is common for adults with ADHD. Roman Kosolapov/ Shutterstock This is because you can only be diagnosed by a specialist psychiatrist. But even with a referral to a specialist, a person has to show clear evidence of almost all ADHD traits, having had these traits since childhood, and that they’re having a serious affect on their life – such as causing issues with work, education, or maintaining relationships. For us, our experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD aren’t all that different from what other adults have gone through. Like many people I (Alex) was only diagnosed with ADHD “by accident” after being referred to an NHS psychiatrist to get help with (what I now know to be) alcohol self-medication. Because of my ADHD, my brain demands quite extreme inputs most of the time. Ironically, I’ve published scientific papers on ADHD and – probably due to a classic ADHD lack of self-awareness – it didn’t cross my mind that I could have it. The “label” has since helped me move away from feeling broken toward an understanding of my behaviour. My main challenges remain prioritising tasks based on importance (instead of excitement) and quite extreme anti-authority behaviour (sometimes called oppositional defiance). I am also a terrible spectator, struggling to attend conference talks or sit still at the theatre – it can feel like physical pain. On the other hand, I (James) was diagnosed pretty quickly because I used a private clinic – though there was still a long wait for medication. Yet I’d known for five years before this that I probably had ADHD, but coped with it well until the pandemic. The added pressure of isolation and increased workload impacted my mental health, so I sought a diagnosis. Now diagnosed and medicated, life is getting easier to cope with – although there are still many challenges every day. I frequently get anxiety about the silliest things, like talking to a friend, but appearing on television is fine. On a daily basis I forget many simple things, such as where I left my keys, or that I am running a bath. I struggle immensely with controlling my emotions and with rejection especially. For example, when no one responded to a joke I made about my ADHD on a senior management messaging group I was tempted to quit my job. I am utterly unable to pay full attention in meetings or seminars and cannot control my impulse purchasing. While there’s a growing recognition of ADHD in adults, many people still live with it undiagnosed for any number of reasons – sometimes even because they’re unaware that what they experience is actually different from other people. Understanding the condition in adults, taking it more seriously as a disorder, raising awareness of it, and investing in services to improve diagnosis times are key. Diagnosis opens the door to treatment, which can have a marked impact on living with the disorder – such as improving self-esteem, productivity and quality of life. This article was co-written by Dr James Brown (Aston University) and Dr Alex Connor (University of Birmingham)
Is a four-day workweek on the horizon?
Is Thursday about to become the new Friday? UConn’s Robert Bird spoke with the Washington Post about the possibility of a four-day workweek and what might be the driving force behind it: New Zealand's and Finland's prime ministers have floated the idea of a four-day workweek. The U.K. Labour Party in 2019 campaigned on the idea that workweeks would be shortened in the next decade. A number of employers have also begun to move in that direction. On Tuesday, Kickstarter announced it would reduce employees' hours without reducing pay next year, reported the Atlantic. Microsoft in Japan instituted a temporary three-day weekend in August 2019 - which resulted in a reported 40% increase in productivity, according to the company, and reduced electricity consumption and paper printing. "A five-day workweek was never a given," Robert Bird, a professor of business law at the University of Connecticut, told The Washington Post, adding that unions fought hard to scrap the six-day workweek norm in the early 1900s. "A five-day workweek was never something that was unchangeable or immutable." "Younger people are demanding more out of their work environment than just a paycheck," he said. "They want to work with someone who believes in their values - and the expression of a four-day workweek sends a signal that the company cares about work-life balance in a significant and meaningful way." June 25 – Washington Post It’s an interesting concept, and one that will be getting a lot of attention. If you are a journalist looking to cover this topic, let our experts help with your stories. Robert Bird is an expert in the areas of corporate compliance, employment law, legal strategy, business ethics, and corporate governance. Professor Bird is available to speak with media – simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.
Even with a drastic reduction in driving due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Black Americans saw the largest increase in traffic-related deaths in 2020 when compared to other racial groups. An estimated 38,680 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2020 — the largest projected number of deaths since 2007 — and the number of Black people who died in such crashes was up 23 percent from 2019, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. UConn’s Dr. Norman Garrick spoke with NBC News about the new report: Norman Garrick, a civil and environmental engineering professor at the University of Connecticut, said the numbers are saddening, but not surprising. “Black people tend to be overrepresented as walkers in this country,” Garrick said. “This is not by choice. In many cases, Black folks cannot afford motor vehicles. And people that walk in this country tend to experience a much, much higher rate of traffic fatality. We’re talking eight to 10 times more. It’s a perfect storm of a lot of horrible forces.” This most likely represents yet another way the health crisis has had an outsize effect on Black people. Even in the early days of the pandemic, the National Safety Council found that the emptier roads were proving to be more deadly, with a 14 percent jump in roadway deaths per miles driven in March. And Black people are more likely to face traffic injuries in general; from 2010-2019, Black pedestrians were 82 percent more likely to be hit by drivers, according to a 2021 report from Smart Growth America, a Washington, D.C.-based advocacy group focused on urban development. June 22 - NBC News Dr. Garrick is a professor in the UConn School of Engineering's Department of Civil Engineering and is co-director of the Sustainable Cities Research Group. He is an expert in the areas of transportation behaviors, parking, public transit, and bicycle lanes. Dr. Garrick is available to speak with media – simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.
Emily Baum: Chilling academic exchanges between China and the U.S. Emily Baum is an associate professor of modern Chinese history and director of the Long U.S.-China Institute, which aims to bridge the gaps between academia, journalism and the public sector. Baum says the pandemic will likely affect study abroad for years to come, in both directions, with negative impacts on both sides. There was already a significant disparity with roughly 370,000 Chinese students studying in the U.S. and only 11,000 Americans studying in China annually. “A drop in Chinese enrollments will have major consequences for the future of higher education in the U.S., where many schools rely on the full tuition paid by international students to stay afloat,” Baum says. But equally worrisome: “The educational decoupling that had already begun before COVID-19 — and will be greatly exacerbated by it — means that there will be far fewer opportunities for each country’s students to gain firsthand knowledge of, and mutual understanding about, the other.” Reach Baum at: emily.baum@uci.edu Wang Feng: China has passed its peak Wang Feng is a professor of sociology and an adjunct professor at Fudan University in Shanghai, China. He is an expert on global social and demographic changes and social inequality. He has served on expert panels for the United Nations and the World Economic Forum, as well as he served as a senior fellow and director at the Brookings Institution Brookings-Tsinghua Center for Public Policy. Wang sees the ascendance of China in the last 40 years as the result of a unique confluence of circumstances: a dynamic leader in Deng Xiaoping, plus a significant rural population that moved to cities and provided a huge labor force. In the last 20 years, China has produced 600 billionaires — and gaping wealth disparities. “When China was poor, people thought it would be poor forever. Now that China is rich, people think it will be rich forever. But China has passed its peak,” he says. “The headwinds of an aging population, the legacy of the one-child policy, and tremendous social inequality will present enormous internal challenges in the years ahead.” Reach Wang at fwang@uci.edu. Jeffrey Wasserstrom: China’s box office changes Hollywood portrayals Jeffrey Wasserstrom is a Chancellor’s professor of history. A specialist in modern Chinese history, he has testified before a Congressional-Executive commission on China, conducted a State Department briefing on contemporary Chinese politics, and worked with the Hong Kong International Literary Festival. His articles have been published by TIME, The Nation, Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, The New York Times and others. Wasserstrom notes that Hollywood films and TV often negatively present whichever East Asian country is most feared at the time. However, the power of China’s box office is changing that. “Due to concern with the massive market for movies in the People’s Republic of China, you do not often see negative portrayals of that country on American screens,” says Wasserstrom. “A telling example of our living in a new era is that when filmmakers were setting out to make a new version of ‘Red Dawn,’ a film that originally portrayed a Russian invasion of the U.S., the plan was to have Chinese soldiers serve as the enemies. Concern about PRC box office receipts led to a change in nationality — the enemies became North Korean soldiers.” Reach Wasserstrom at: jwassers@uci.edu. Yong Chen: Chinese food in the U.S. and China Yong Chen is the author of several books including "Chop Suey, USA: The Story of Chinese Food in America" (Columbia University Press, 2014). He also co-curated “‘Have You Eaten Yet?’: The Chinese Restaurant in America” in Atwater Kent Museum, Philadelphia (2006), and the Museum of Chinese in the Americas, New York City (2004–05). He is professor of history. He points out that the COVID-19 pandemic hastened changes to culinary habits that were already underway in China, including less consumption of wild animals, greater demand for fast food, and a shift away from communal or “family style” meals. Meanwhile, in the U.S., Chinese restaurants have been hit hard by anti-Asian sentiments, while also showing signs of resilience thanks to the popularity of Chinese takeout. “If the seriously strained relationship between China and the US continues to deteriorate, it is possible that more people in America will lose their appetite for Chinese food, to say the least,” Chen says. Reach Chen at: y3chen@uci.edu.
Without Trump – Is Late Night Television Struggling for New Jokes?
For four years, just about every talk show host and comedy show had a fresh supply of almost daily content. The unfiltered comments, gaffes and chaotic ongoings in the White House offered up a steady stream of material for jokes, monologues and coverage. But those days are over. Does Joe Biden's calm presidency and his capable administration mean a deficit of humor for the country’s comedians? UMW’s Dr. Stephen Farnsworth was recently featured in Variety Magazine about his perspective on the current state of late-night political content. Viewers are likely to continue to expect a robust political discussion. “In Washington, the political divisions are as intense as ever, and so it seems that there would be a ready audience for a continuing focus on political humor in late night,” said Stephen Farnsworth, co-author of the 2019 book “Late Night With Trump: Political Humor and the American Presidency” and director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington. “The environment may not look all that different post-pandemic.” June 14 - Variety Magazine Dr. Stephen Farnsworth is a sought-after political commentator on presidential politics. He has been widely featured in national media, including The Washington Post, Reuters, The Chicago Tribune and MSNBC. Dr. Farnsworth is available to speak with media any time. Simply click on his icon to arrange an interview today.
