Connections

Tucked in the far corner of the main floor in E building, Professional Golf Management (PGM) program students Mehmood Hassan and Keegan Delanghe are hard at work. They're aiming cameras, tightening straps, and installing programs on the TOMI, Vector Pro, K-Vest and other precise equipment that measures everything you ever wanted to know about golf. Working in the PGM Golf Lab, Mehmood and Keegan are two of the many students taking advantage of Humber's Work Study Program.

Ontario's Work Study Program provides part-time jobs on campus for students who demonstrating a financial need and meet the other requirements. (They must be enrolled in at least 60 percent of a full-time program, have lived in Ontario for at least a year as a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and achieve satisfactory academic standing.) Positions can be in departments as varied as computing and network services, peer tutoring, student residences and academic offices. Most are flexible around the student's timetable.

In addition to being Golf Lab technicians, Mehmood and Keegan were special events coordinators for the PGM program. They conversed with golf professionals across the Greater Toronto Area regarding the program's tournaments, job fair, trade show and golf symposium. These opportunities enhanced their oral and written communication skills, accomplishments shared by Work Study students in the Business School's academic offices.

Simran Ghai conducted research for the International Program Manager, put together a PowerPoint presentation for high school students at the open house, prepared Excel spread sheets, developed and updated inventory lists, staffed the reception desk and performed other general office work. In addition to providing Canadian experience, the Work Study has given her the opportunity to learn different skills as well as develop confidence and toughness, organization and time management skills along with compassion. "It has been a journey of continuous learning, growing and sharing experiences that will be part of my life personally and professionally. The people I worked with were like a family to me and encouraged me when I was low."

When Belinda Cunha, Business Manager for the Business School, holds her monthly staff meetings, Work Study students ensure that operations at both the North and Lakeshore Campuses continue to run seamlessly for the students. "I've really come to depend on our Work Study students and thoroughly enjoy watching them progress in the workplace and in their studies," says Belinda. "The experience they get here while studying is invaluable. They have a unique opportunity to immediately apply what they are learning in the classroom."

In addition to office work, Jean O'Sullivan and Mark Boylan developed lists of prospective employers for the graduates of the new programs; Bachelor of Applied Arts, Paralegal Studies, and Bachelor of Applied Business, e-Business.

They certainly honed their sales skills along with web, phone, time-management and organization competencies. "Time management is key," says Mark. "But the people I work for understand that school is very important and give you time off to study."

Working in an office environment was especially rewarding for Jean. Enrolled in the e-Business degree program, Jean had only worked in landscaping and retail. " Here I see what happens in a corporate environment." In addition to prospecting for employers, Mark and Jean administered tests to high school students, set up a classroom for students from China, and stuffed envelopes with important literature.

Displaying leadership capabilities is a major part of the Work Study experience. Jean says, "We were given the jobs then just got on with it. We organized the tasks, broke them down and got them done."

The ability to work in teams is another perk. "We work on each other's projects and share information," Mark says. "We are given the freedom to play off each other's skills." They agree Work Study looks good on their resumes. "It is implied that the school picks out their best students for Work Study."

Bryan Sarles and Larissa England, two students in the Public Administration Postgraduate program, worked on a special project for the Canadian Association of Programs in Public Administration (CAPA) to prepare reports locating all the college and university programs in Public Administration. Bryan scanned Canadian university websites while Larissa examined college sites for any program with Public Administration in its title. They looked into the courses offered, learned what credentials were conferred, how long it took to complete and any limitations. Then they made suggestions for further study.

Like other Work Study students, Bryan and Larissa expanded their research and web skills, developed a sales technique and communication prowess, worked independently and met the challenge of combining academics with a part-time job. Those are all skills that will serve them well when they make the leap to full-time employment.