Where was your work term and what was your title?
Both work terms were with the University. My first work term was with Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, International Community Education, working as the International Summer School Facilitator. My last work term was with the University of Alberta Alumni Office, Edmonton Programs team and my title was Alumni Events Intern.
How do you feel a work term has impacted the way you view your degree/education?
My two work terms were not clearly related to my degree. I always knew that I was interested in Sports and Recreation, and that I liked to engage with people. Having an arts degree is really broad, [and] people always ask me “what are you going to do with your degree?” My answer is that I can do whatever I want. I like how it’s flexible and you can always apply it in different ways.
How did participating in AWE change your perspective on the professional work environment and where you saw your career heading?
I’m glad I was in AWE. Laura helped me a lot with the resume and cover letter. She then recommended I look into the Career Mentoring program. My mentor, Natalie, from the City of Edmonton has been really helpful. She not only works in the area that I want to be in, but she tries her best to put me in contact with different people to help advance my career.
I think the biggest thing I learned is to not be shy. My supervisor, Emma, from Alumni Events helped me a lot during my work term. I was always too shy to talk to superior colleagues in the office but she pushed me out of my comfort zone, and recommended I to talk to people that have years of experience. She also helped me discovered that I am comfortable working with kids. I never saw myself working with kids until last summer. We had a family event at Botanic Garden and Emma saw I was natural with the kids, I got along with them really well. She pulled me aside the next day, and said I should think about working with kids. I started coaching and getting more involved in activities where I would be working with kids, and I actually really like it!
What do you think arts students have to offer employers?
Because Arts Students have such a broad degree, I think there are many things we can do. We are not limited to certain areas, you just have to apply it differently and know what you are capable of.
What goals do you have after you graduate?
Honestly, I don’t know yet. I know that I want to have my career in Canada (I’m an international student). I like the people here, as they are so nice and polite. Of course I like the mountains!
In terms of career, I don’t have a specific goal right now. Right now I’m working with the Paralympic Sports Association as a Program Assistant. I run the Sledges In School programs, where I run drop in sessions for different schools, so kids can learn about adapted sports. I also work for the City of Edmonton as a Member Experience Liaison, where I basically engage with patrons and make sure they are enjoying the facility.
I think at the end of the day, I’d like to be in the sports and recreation area potentially in youth development, or working with kids?
Are you involved in any other extra curricular activities?
I play rugby and I am trying out for football this summer! We’ll see how that goes haha.
I am also coaching a junior high ruby team and soon I’ll be coaching minis (kids between the ages of 4-10) this summer. I’m also the VP juniors for Pirates Rugby Club. In this role I work with the Board of Directors to build the juniors program.
And, I volunteer at the Edmonton Humane Society with the dogs! I go there twice a month to hangout with the dogs or maybe more if I’m feeling down that week. Hanging out with the dogs cheers me up!
What tips would you give other students who want to get involved?
Get out there, you never know what you’ll gain! I have learned a lot through coaching different age groups and now I have been able to realize that I can see myself working with kids in the future. I wouldn’t have realized this if I didn’t get involved and put myself out there.
Any other advice for students?
Be active, don’t only focus on your career as much as staying interested and open to opportunities but also be sure to focus on your mental health. If there anything brings you down, find something to that will cheer you up! Go outside, hangout with the dogs or volunteer and meet some great people!
