Premier visits UW: now that's networking

Yes, Ontario premier Dalton McGuinty visited campus briefly on Monday, here to check out the Quantum-Nano Centre, which is rising with the help of a $50 million grant from the provincial government. (Photo, above, by Chris Hughes, UW Graphics.) The premier spoke at the building's groundbreaking last year, and following his tour Monday he spoke at a brief news conference, just outside the construction fence, about the importance of such projects to the development of Ontario's economy. So what did the headlines say in reporting his visit? Google News showed four stories yesterday: “Politicians square off on tunnel plan”; “Tunnel to airport worth considering, McGuinty says”; “Premier talks about situation at CMH” (that’s Cambridge Memorial Hospital); and “Premier encourages review of storm warning system”.

Heather Fitzgerald (right), who has been director of UW’s student life office, started a new job this week as registrar at St. Jerome’s University. Says an announcement from St. Jerome’s: “With over 9 years of university and student life experience, Heather is a published author, a guest lecturer, has made several presentations to organizations across Canada, and has been recognized for her progressive work in this field with a number of SASA awards and grants. In her free time Heather enjoys playing soccer, travelling (recently to Egypt and Italy), and relaxing with friends, family and her dog Coco.”

The new issue of the Inside Scoop newsletter, published online for UW co-op students, includes a piece by Jayne Hayden, supervisor of the career services unit in the Tatham Centre, on the value of networking. An excerpt: “Networking can happen anywhere. Take advantage of chance meetings, be they on the bus or at the fitness club. Success stories abound of co-op students finding work term jobs through such sources as their chiropractor, a cab driver, a family friend or former neighbour. Consider everyone a potential source. Beyond finding contacts for an immediate job search, effective networks take time to build and maintain. First, make the most of your co-op work terms. Build relationships with the ‘regular’ staff and find out more about the company, its people and other possible areas in which you might like to work. By tactfully asking the right questions of the right people, you may gain some valuable contacts. You may also develop a mentoring relationship with someone who can play a big role in your future. Think beyond just doing your work term assignment. As well, attend campus employer information sessions and receptions. These are networking gold mines that provide you with the opportunity to socialize with recruiters. Plan to arrive a little early – you may just have the recruiters all to yourself before the other students show up.”

Also from Hayden’s article in the Inside Scoop: “One of university’s best kept secrets is the low student membership rate offered by many professional associations. Membership enables students to expand their network with valuable new contacts. Besides attending meetings and conferences offered by the association, volunteer for projects or committee work to demonstrate your initiative, skills and knowledge – and impress!”

Non-credit courses from Wilfrid Laurier University’s “Association for Lifelong Learning” this fall will include “Rebels in Literature”, taught by Ted McGee of St. Jerome’s University, and “Political Philosophy” taught by Jan Narveson, distinguished professor emeritus of philosophy. • Training camp for the Warrior football squad is under way on the north campus practice field, in preparation for a “scrimmage” with the Concordia Stingers on Sunday morning and a league season that starts on Labour Day. • Now that Waterloo’s “public square” is open, on King Street in the centre of the Uptown, a number of special events are being scheduled there, including a free performance of Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” by Opera Kitchener tonight at 7:00.

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Prof urges more education links with India

a news release from the Waterloo-based Canadian International Council

Canada needs to redress its neglected bilateral relationship with India by harnessing a number of niche areas that can set a firm base for interaction with rising India, says a new paper released by the Canadian International Council.

A New Direction for the Canada-India Relationship, written by St. Jerome’s University history professor Ryan Touhey, concludes that Canada has been slow to recognize the increasing prominence of India in the world economy. The author recommends cost-effective ways for better engagement through the creation of an India-specific public diplomacy program that includes post-secondary and science and technology linkages with Indian students.

"India is a leading democratic economic power in Asia," says Touhey. "So, it would seem to be a particularly attractive country with which to pursue partnership arrangements in trade and other areas. Yet, during his four-years in office, Prime Minister Stephen Harper hasn't visited India."

Canada simply has to move its diplomacy with India to a higher level. By taking action immediately, such efforts could help sensitize and influence Indian think-tanks, universities, and media and experts, which would help to improve interest in and create a more nuanced understanding of Canada, Touhey explains. It would also demonstrate to New Delhi that Ottawa's rhetoric that India is a priority, will finally be matched with real action.

Key to these efforts should be the creation of a new Canada-India council, a non-partisan body that would engage the Canadian private sector along the way. Touhey says the council would work to enhance the flow of knowledge and people between Canada and India which is pivotal to a new beginning in bilateral relations between Ottawa and New Delhi.

Since India's growth is also being felt in its education sector, Touhey recommends the federal government, the provinces and interested Canadian universities and colleges begin constructing higher education linkages with India at the research and student recruitment levels, as well as developing long overlooked science and technology partnerships that India offers as a way to build on an anemic bilateral relationship.

"The fact that we are approaching our relationship with India from a narrow base means it is vital that we pursue forward looking policies that have the potential to put ties with India on a firm footing," he says. "This is something that has been missing for decades."

The report points out approximately 4,000 Indian students currently study at Canadian universities, whereas 25,000 study in Britain and 80,000 in the United States.

“In 1994-95, there were fewer than 300 Indian students studying at Australian universities," says Dr. Touhey. "After impressive efforts at tapping this lucrative market by Australia, there are now 40,000 Indian students studying in universities there, and they are likely to leave with an intimate understanding of Australia when they return to India."

In comparison, Canada's High Commission in India had $50,000 dedicated to promoting higher education opportunities for Indians in Canada in 2007-08. "This isn't good enough and we need to give our diplomats in India improved resources," says Touhey.

Moreover, he argues, "the Canadian government, our provinces and our educational institutions have to do better. They must work diligently to gather solid market intelligence about India, identify good quality higher education partners and cultivate relationships with reliable Indian faculty and capable students. By adopting these general practices, Canada can lay the foundation that will pay future dividends. The British, for example, estimate that international education is now worth over $9 billion annually to their economy and those students return home to India often acting as ambassadors based on their experiences. Thus, British government investments are rewarded handsomely.”

CAR

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