You can't find a job because you don't have experience, and you can't acquire experience because you don't have a job! There are many ways to break this vicious cycle. The Web sites presented here offer ways to gain experience in the job market, whether in a summer job, an internship at a company, an exchange program or in volunteer activities.

58- Career Edge — Canada's Youth Internship Program
www.careeredge.org

This program is aimed at university, college and high school graduates who have finished their education but lack career-related work experience. The goal of this non-profit organization is to enhance the employability of Canada's youth. It accomplishes this by providing six-, nine-, or 12-month paid internships to qualified applicants. There are currently more than 350 different organizations from a variety of industries participating in the program. If you feel you're caught in the vicious cycle of "no experience, no work", this site is for you.

Advice: You must register with the service to access the list of internships available.

59- Exchanges Canada — Canadian Heritage
www.exchanges.gc.ca

The Exchanges Canada Web site provides information on more than 250 exchange initiatives and related activities throughout Canada and abroad. Some of the exchange activities listed are funded by Exchanges Canada. In most of these cases, Exchanges Canada pays the travel costs for all eligible participants. These exchanges help young Canadians gain knowledge and understanding of Canada, connect to one another and appreciate the diversity and shared aspects of the Canadian experience.

60- Internships and Volunteer Work — Campus Access.com
campusaccess.com/campus_web/intern/i2int.htm

This site provides listings of internships and volunteer opportunities available through Canadian, American and international organizations in eight categories, including business and trade, medicine, and technology. Each organization describes in detail the opportunities it offers, explains application procedures and provides contact information. If you are interested in getting experience in another country, this is the place to look.

Advice: Find much more information on Canadian education from the Web site's home page.

61- On Site
www.epi.ca

On Site offers internships to recent graduates who currently receive, have received within the last three years, or are eligible to receive Employment Insurance (EI). The Web site outlines internship opportunities in six fields. Applicants must complete an on-line questionnaire and EI recipients are eligible to continue receiving benefits during their internships.

62- Student Connections — Industry Canada
www.studentconnections.ca

Student Connections hires post-secondary students to provide Internet and e-commerce training to small and medium-sized business. An Industry Canada initiative under the federal government's Youth Employment Strategy, SC allows businesses to benefit from the expertise and assistance of bright young future business leaders, while providing youth with valuable short-term work experience.

For more information on Student Connections or to request information from the Administrative Centre nearest you, visit the Student Connections Web site.

63- Young Canada Works - Canadian Heritage and Parks Canada
www.pch.gc.ca/ycw-jct

Young Canada Works (YCW) programs give young people across Canada the opportunity to earn money while they prepare to move from school to the labour force and, at the same time, gain the valuable job experience needed for their career. The YCW program also helps build connections among Canadians, promotes Canada's diverse cultures and increases the participant's knowledge of other regions of Canada.

YCW sponsors opportunities with employers through two employment programs: "Summer Jobs for Students" offers summer placements for high school and post-secondary students, and "Career Focus: Internships for Graduates" offers internships for unemployed college and university graduates. Check out these YCW programs: Young Canada Works in National Parks and National Historic Sites, Young Canada Works in Heritage Institutions, Young Canada Works in Both Official Languages and Young Canada Works for Aboriginal Urban Youth.

64- YouthBusiness.com
www.youthbusiness.com

Produced by the Canadian Youth Business Foundation (CYBF), this Web site offers technical advice and support to young entrepreneurs. The "Resource Centre" section is full of useful articles on important topics to new entrepreneurs: start-up, financing, franchises, legal issues, human resources and more. Registered users can access the "Business Builder" for help with business planning and development. Click on the map of Canada to quickly access a list of programs and services in your province. You can also post your questions on any relevant subjects (taxation, finance, etc.) to small business experts. A great site with lots of useful features.

CIP: This site also offers an on-line mentoring program, called Odyssey, for young entrepreneurs. Click on "On-line Mentoring" on the home page.

65- Youth.gc.ca — Service Canada
youth.gc.ca

Are you between the ages of 15 and 30? YouthPATH is your quick and easy access to youth information, programs and services. Discover Skills Link, Career Focus, Summer Work Experience and other exciting challenges through the Youth Employment Strategy. Start your job search, plan your career or finance your education. Learn about your rights and health and safety at work. Employers, service providers, and other youth serving agencies can also look to YouthPATH for information needed to deliver their services.

Advice: Access "Looking for a Job", a publication targeted at the first-time job seeker, but it is equally useful to job changers and people wanting to get back into the labour force. It is easy to use and understand and gives handy information on self-assessment, job searching, resumé writing, applying for jobs and the interview process. The publication is available in both print and electronic versions.