Working with Maralyn was really an eye-opening experience. As a Grade 12 student, it finally got me really thinking about the fields I was interested in and could potentially continue studying in post-secondary education. Maralyn gave me a list of specific careers that could work for my own personality and interests, and it was an overall extremely helpful experience.
—Calum, University Bound, Burlington
When I had the pleasure of doing volunteer work with Maralyn in Central America several years ago, I discovered that she was upbeat, inquisitive, and ever-enthusiastic. Her openness and sociability helped us build connections with other volunteers as well as some local inhabitants. Maralyn took a great interest in my hobbies and skills set, and with her encouragement I decided to pursue an Honours Bachelor of Music Therapy program, from which I recently graduated. Maralyn is perceptive, positive, and dedicated to every task she takes on.
—Avalon, Recent Music Therapy Grad, Waterloo
Early on in my son’s Grade 12 year, he had to make some big decisions that I didn’t quite feel he was ready for. He was pretty sure that he wanted to go to university, but didn’t know where to go or even what he would study. There were subject areas that he clearly enjoyed and was strong in, but we were having trouble narrowing it down and figuring out how those areas would match a career.
When a friend suggested an educational consultant at Futures Found for my son, I was a little hesitant, but he agreed to it and—much to my surprise—he actually enjoyed the experience! Maralyn explained everything clearly and helped him to see things in himself that he didn’t know were there. She was very thorough and asked him lots of questions. He learned tonnes about himself and his potential for the future. The sessions with Futures Found helped my son understand his individual strengths and weaknesses and outlined specific career options. He was able to gain the confidence he needed to choose a direction and make some important decisions about his future. I was amazed at how professional guidance really set us straight and I highly recommend educational counselling at Futures Found for any high school student!
—Susan, Mother of a Grade 12 Student, Burlington
We are so thankful for Maralyn and Futures Found's help with our son. She recognized he was a perfect fit for the Bronte Creek Project. She provided us with timely information to attend a Pathways evening and the Open House for the Bronte Creek Project. Without her diligent approach, we would have certainly missed these opportunities.
Maralyn worked together with our son to create an impressive resume as well as supporting him through the interview process. We definitely felt well looked after and she is someone we have come to depend on with respect to future career planning with our son. Maralyn's authentic interest in our son's future is greatly appreciated.
—Nancy, Mother of a Grade 10 Student, Oakville
Maralyn, thank you for your thoughtful approach to my son's career counselling. We both really enjoyed our sessions with you. You were very generous with your time and were truly interested in him as a person.
We feel more informed and more confident about programs my son plans to apply for. He is quite confident now about applying to engineering programs and feels that this is a good pathway for him to follow. The flow chart you designed is very helpful as well.
I look forward to going through this process again with you for my other children.
—Sheila, Mother of a Grade '13' Student, Oakville
Maralyn at Futures Found helped me apply for college, then focus my job search and get a job in my area of interest. Her guidance over several years has been a big support during times of transition. Most recently, she helped me refine my resume so it reflected
my personality, skills and experience on paper...
and put me to the top of the pile, I'm sure!
—Sydney, Retail Specialist, Toronto
As a Grade 11 student at Nelson, the Strong Interest Inventory and the Myers-Brigg Type Indicator tests that I took with Futures Found helped me to clarify my career path. I found that the test results were interesting and effectively presented in a way that was easy to understand. Maralyn Ellis was very professional, easy to talk to
and was able to answer any questions that I had!
—Ben, Budding Entrepreneur, Burlington
resources
Futures Found uses their experience along with online resources and objective assessment tools like the Strong Interest Inventory® and Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® to help guide you on your path to finding your future. You can scroll down for links to handy resource tools for job-seekers, students and parents... and for more information on our assessment tools.
2018 spring open houses – ontario colleges + universities
It's the perfect time for students and parents to visit different college or university campuses and get a genuine feel for the people, programs and physical places. Visit college & university websites for spring events or click buttons below... then grab your student/parent and go!
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career + education links
NOC | National Occupational Classification
The NOC database contains over 30 000 job titles under 520 occupational groups, listing occupation description, duties and training. The quicksearch feature works by title or code. Explore careers at the Canadian JobBank.gc.ca. The American site at OnetOnline.org is another great resource with additional information on occupations (actually it's better than the NOC,.. with cool features like searching jobs by your "Strong®" interest results).
myBlueprint.ca | High School Educational Planner
Students at schools in Halton and other Boards use this fabulous tool myBlueprint for course selection, to view their academic record, set goals, check out eligibility for programs after high school, create a resume... and more (and anyone can set up an account!).
haltonpathways.ca | High School Experiential Learning Programs + Pathways Planning
The Pathways site details the various programs available to students in Halton including: SHSMs (Specialist High School Majors), OYAP (Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program), IB (International Baccalaureate) and other specialty programs. It outlines post-secondary options: ACCUW (Apprenticeship, College, Community, University and Work) for after high school.
apprenticesearch.com | Connecting Employers and Apprentices
The shortage of skilled workers in Ontario is expected to increase with the retirement of many skilled tradespeople over the next decade. This site is an excellent resource for individuals interested in exploring a trade... along with the websites CollegeOfTrades.ca and OYAP.com.
ontariocolleges.ca | 28 Colleges + 4500 Programs
This is a comprehensive site where students can explore Ontario colleges and their wide variety of programs. The site lists five reasons college might be the right choice for students: cost, selection, locations, class size and connection. This is also the site a student uses to apply to a college in Ontario.
eInfo + OUAC | World Class Universities
The electronicInfo.ca website is a great place for students to start comparing degree programs at different universities before visiting individual university websites. Pertinent information such as grade range, co-op availability, prerequisites and residence costs are listed for each program. Students apply to university at OUAC.on.ca. Check out or compare statistics on various universities at COU.on.ca.
objective assessment tools : Administered + interpreted by Futures Found
SII | Strong Interest Inventory®
The Strong is the most scientifically sound, thoroughly researched and widely used interest inventory. It links your interests and preferences to various jobs, work settings and careers. The Strong College Profile details courses, typical majors, activities and more.
MBTI® + MBTI® Step II™ | Myers-Briggs Type Indicator®
After more than 50 years of research and development, the MBTI® tool is the most widely used instrument for understanding individual personality differences... leading you to a greater understanding of yourself and others and the jobs and tasks that give you satisfaction.
EQi® | Emotional + Social Intelligence Quotient
Emotional intelligence is a proven indicator of performance and development potential. The EQi measures emotional and social skills that influence the way you perceive and express yourself, develop and maintain your relationships, cope with challenges and more.
CIP | Career Interest Profiler®
The CIP suggests top careers, hobbies, and activities that fit your interests. With a click of the mouse, your report links you to jobs, duties and skills requirements for your suggested occupations. It also lists vocational/technical jobs that do not require a college or university degree.
TAIS® | The Attentional + Interpersonal Style Inventory
TAIS has a global reputation for the selection and training of high-level performers. It measures the specific concentration and interpersonal skills necessary for effective decision-making and performance critical to your success in a wide range of settings.
There are two educations. One should teach us how to make a living and the other how to live.
—John Adams