Are you looking for a flexible student job that fits with your study schedule and helps you gain relevant work experience? The Work Learn program is an excellent opportunity to expand your network, and contribute to the campus community, while getting paid.
Applications for the Summer Program (May 1 to August 31) open March 7! Apply by March 20.
We spoke with fifth-year Arts student Michelle Lam to learn about her Summer 2021 Work Learn experience, finding a good work-life balance, and how the program is preparing her for future work opportunities. Michelle was a Communications & Engagement Assistant with UBC Community Engagement.
Michelle Lam
Why did you apply for a Work Learn position with UBC Community Engagement?
I applied for this Work Learn position because the two major foci of the job, communications and community engagement, aligned with my skills and interests — I was thrilled that such a position existed. As an Arts Co-op student, I previously had the opportunity to work in a technical support position at a local college where I developed my communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills, which were critical to my Work Learn position.
How did the Work Learn program support you in achieving your professional goals?
Through Arts Co-op, I became interested in working in the non-profit sector but had not had the chance to do so yet. While working at Community Engagement, I was able to move closer towards this goal by working directly with local non-profit organizations, facilitating conversations between UBC units and community partners to learn about their goals.
How have the skills you have learned in class translated to your job?
The writing skills I developed as an Arts student were essential for both the communications and community engagement sides of my position. The equity and inclusion lens that I have developed through my studies, and which I continue to grow, has also been key in building reciprocal relationships with community partners.
How do you find balance between work, school, and the rest of life?
Since my Work Learn position was during the summer term, I worked 20 hours per week from May to August in addition to taking one course per term. I was able to balance my position with my academics through strategically planning a work and study schedule. Determining an ideal schedule, based on my personal preferences and productivity levels, was vital in helping me achieve a sense of well-being and I appreciate that my supervisors were flexible in this regard.
What was one of the greatest takeaways from being a Work Learn?
One of the most fascinating areas that I learned about during my term was learning about how the university functions at a broader level, including the organizational structure. I think I learned more about how UBC operates during the first month of my position than in five years as a student! Learning about the strategic plan and understanding the goals and vision of the university has given me a new perspective on why certain decisions are made by the university. This was one of the most surprising and valuable pieces of learning and one reason I would recommend Work Learn to any student.
How does your Work Learn experience prepare you for future work opportunities?
In terms of the more practical skills, knowledge of communications, including web design, storytelling, and social media are some skills that I think will be helpful for a variety of future positions. Learning about how UBC builds reciprocal relationships with community groups, with the purpose of creating a more equitable and just world, and contributing to these initiatives, was another key learning outcome for me that will continue to guide me in my future work.
The Work Learn program supports and subsidizes meaningful work experiences at UBC. This summer, develop your professional skills in a professional work environment — all while still having time for your studies.
