Career Profiles

Support Systems

Keeping the lines of communication open and working!

A Support Systems role in a company involves working with information management tools including computer hardware to enable employees to communicate with each other. The specialized knowledge of this profession can see salaries in excess of $40,000 annually.

Support Systems professionals have an aptitude for task-orientated work and they work well individually and in small groups. They work in an office environment and may be responsible for training and designing and delivering presentations. Overtime is sometimes necessary as a result of a deadline or service related emergency. If overtime is required the work week can exceed 40 hours. Occasional travel is also necessary. 

Support Systems personnel may have a degree or diploma combined with experience in computer software or hardware applications. The most important essential skills are numeracy, thinking skills, and computer skills.

Requires: Grade 12, Administration and Support Experience

Custom Designer

Shawn Bailey does customization and design work at Pacific Rim Cabinets in Delta, BC. An entrepreneur who was recruited to share her skills, Shawn is currently working toward becoming a Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer (CKBD) by taking correspondence courses from the National Kitchen and Bath Association in the U.S. “I started with an image of what an interior designer was going to be,” says Shawn, “but it was not what I expected. Kitchen design is basically mathematics with a touch of flair.”

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Designer

Liz Klaehn works part-time as a designer at Marana Kitchens in Etobikoke, Ontario. A graduate of the Certified Management Accounting (CMA) program at Humber College with several years of corporate work experience, Liz returned to Humber to study AutoCAD when she became interested in design.

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Staffing and Employee Relations Coordinator

Candace Bartel is a staffing and employee relations coordinator at Loewen in Steinbach, Manitoba. “People are surprised to hear what I do. They don’t think of the other things that go along with building windows and doors.” A graduate of the Human Resources Management Certificate Program at the University of Manitoba, Candace began her career in manufacturing before moving into an entry level human resources position at Loewen. “My time in manufacturing was extremely beneficial because I understand the process. I know what people deal with daily. If I’m asked questions, I understand the environment and it helps me build relationships.” Candace feels continuous learning is a key ingredient to success and she is currently taking courses from Mediation Services in Winnipeg toward a certificate in conflict resolution for leadership. She hopes to also pursue a CHRP designation.

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