As Logan West wraps up her co-op experience with the BC Public Service, she believes the skills she developed on the job will help her build the life she sees for herself and her community on Vancouver Island.
Logan is a third year Arts student, majoring in Gender, Race, Sexuality and Social Justice (GRSJ). She’s originally from Haida Gwaii, but grew up in Campbell River on Vancouver Island. She is Haida and Kwakwaka’wakw from the We Wai Kai Nation on her mother’s side, and of settler European ancestry on her father’s side. When she first arrived at UBC after starting her studies online during the pandemic, she wasn’t familiar with the Co-op program. However, a “meet and greet” event with an Indigenous Advisor changed her direction.
“That information session was pivotal. When I heard that Co-op students are more likely to get hired after graduation, I knew I wanted to get involved,” says Logan. “I realized that getting job experience during my degree could be really beneficial for my future.”
Logan applied for and landed a job with the BC Public Service in the Indigenous Youth Internship program. The cohort-based program included nine months in the Gender Equity Office in the Ministry of Finance, followed by three months with an Indigenous organization of her choice.
Gaining insight on public sector work
“I worked as a Project Assistant, doing qualitative analysis of survey responses. The project was part of a partnership between my ministry and the Ministry of Post Secondary Education. The job aligned so well in terms of my major and in terms of my identity as an Indigenous person. I really felt my perspective was wanted and valued there,” says Logan.
One moment that really stood out for her during her Co-op was when the Gaayhllxid • Gíhlagalgang “Rising Tide” Haida Title Lands Agreement was introduced in the legislature. Logan attended the momentous meeting with two other Haida interns.
“It was truly amazing to see all the Haidas in the legislature building. It really showed me how important and necessary government work can be.”
Logan’s plan is to complete her major in GRSJ and then attend law school. Her goal is to take all of her knowledge that she gained from Ministry work and eventually apply these skills to serve her home community.
“I know that after I complete my education, I want to return to Campbell River and support the growth of our people and work towards self-determination and self-governance. I want to enhance my values, so I can share my knowledge with others one day.”
“I worked as a Project Assistant, doing qualitative analysis of survey responses. The project was part of a partnership between my ministry and the Ministry of Post Secondary Education. The job aligned so well in terms of my major and in terms of my identity as an Indigenous person. I really felt my perspective was wanted and valued there.”
New perspectives, new skills
When it comes to the benefits of Co-op, Logan has this to say: “I used to be quite shy and intimidated by senior leaders, but I’ve really grown through this experience and now I can hold my own in conversation. I think I will have more confidence when I return to class too which is a nice surprise!” Logan is also pleased she’s learned facilitation and public speaking skills during her Co-op, which she believes will be assets when she becomes a lawyer.
As for what she would say to other students considering Co-op, her advice is clear: “Do it. I had a great experience in this program and the network I built through my placement is amazing.”
Logan concludes that Co-op helped her grow as a person and as a student.
“Through Co-op and my studies, I know so much more about what equity means. For me, it’s about using my knowledge in a positive way. My dream is to help others achieve theirs. That’s what success means to me.”
