Work study students see programs as great opportunities

More than just a summer job, the King’s Work Study and International Work Experience programs also allow students to not only utilize what they learn in the classroom but develop new skills to enhance their long-term career plans while building self-confidence and expanding their professional network.

The Work Study program gives eligible students the chance to work at King’s while gaining valuable work experience that will contribute to their skill set for their eventual entrance into the workforce. It’s also a great way to offset university expenses.

“Working at King’s allows more flexibility because it is a place where it is understood that you are a person first, a student second, and an employee third. Being in such an understanding and empathetic work environment will help you with managing your time appropriately and truly succeeding in your work, personal, and scholarly life,” says Aizlyn Donkervoort, a fourth-year Honours Double Major in French Language & Literature and Sociology student, and a work-study student in her third year with the Alumni and Development department.

Danielle Smith, a fourth-year Honours Double Major in Childhood & Youth Studies and French Language & Literature student, says she has also benefited from being a work-study with the Alumni and Development department for the last two summers. In addition to the software skills she had developed, Smith says that “working as a team in our office introduced me to what it’s like to work in a professional environment while representing King’s.”

Danelle Czink, a third-year Honours Specialization in Psychology student, says working with Enrolment Services has allowed them to add to their experience and skillset in a professional environment while also learning more about King's. “Through this program, I have been able to build not only professional relationships but also friendships,” says Czink.

The International Work Experience program is for students who remain in Canada during the summer months. It allows them to work part-time on campus in jobs that accommodate their studies. While providing a source of earnings, the program also allows students to gain training and experience in a Canadian work environment, which will assist them in their future studies and careers.

Rijul Jain, a fourth-year Accounting Honours Specialization student with a minor in Analytics and Decision Sciences (ADS), joined the International Work Experience program because she wanted to become more involved on campus and, being an International student, wanted to give back by helping other International students.

“It’s a feeling of pride and confidence,” Jain says of working as part of the International Work Experience program and being able to help new International students. She says it is an opportunity to become more involved, meet new people and increase your network.

Working in the International Office, Jain has been helping plan for Bridging Week, which welcomes International students and helps them make the transition to life at King’s. There has also been mentoring, and pairing incoming students with upper-year students.

After hearing about the Work Study program from a friend who had been part of the program (and King’s social media), Smith decided to apply because she liked the idea of working on campus and learning various professional, transferable skills to take with her into her future career.

“The Work Study program is a great opportunity to get involved on campus and it teaches you valuable skills to take with you after graduation. You also meet new people and make connections which is helpful, especially in your first years,” says Smith.

Donkervoort saw being part of the Work Study program as a great opportunity to become more involved in the King’s community.  “Further, in preparing for Teachers College, I felt having King’s as a former employment experience would look awesome on a résumé,” she says.

Both Donkervoort and Smith explain their job entails a lot of data entry, including researching the employment, education, and accomplishments of King’s alumni through LinkedIn, and software including iWave, LiveAlumni and Blackbaud MS (Raiser’s Edge). They also supported the King’s Golf Classic Tournament and the Silent Auction.

Czink's work with Enrolment Services involves not only general office tasks including answering phones, scanning, and data entry but also working on specific projects such as Applicant Phone Campaigns and Summer Academic Orientation. As part of Orientation, Czink helps incoming students draft their schedules and enrol in courses. They also provide campus and residence tours “where we are able to showcase the beauty of King’s and our student experiences to potential students.”

“The Work Study program has been a wonderful opportunity to become more involved at King’s, to meet other King’s students, to learn new skills, to have more employment experience, and to prepare myself and my résumé for my future career,” says Donkervoort.