Meet Our Work Study Students
Thinking about applying for the work study program but aren’t sure what it will be like? Hear the perspective of our former work studies and see how the program has helped them.
Waleed Abdulelah
I am currently finishing up my last year in Accounting. I worked as an Office Assistant and Data Analysis Support in the Academic Dean’s Office. As the Office Assistant, I was managing the physical and digital filing system, responding to inquiries in person and over the phone, scheduling appointments and assisting students with course registration.
My job duties as the Data Analysis Support included collecting, analyzing and interpreting data from various sources such as student records, surveys, and other academic data. I used statistical software and tools such as Excel to analyze data and create reports and visualizations. I also provided support to King’s staff members in understanding and utilizing data to inform decision making.
Through this experience, I have developed strong data analysis skills, as well as skills in database management, data visualization, and project coordination. I also have gained advanced knowledge in Excel and proficiency in using it to manipulate, analyze and visualize data. As well, I have gained experience in collaborating with different departments and stakeholders to gather data and ensure data accuracy.
Taylor Bigham
I graduated from King’s in 2021 with an Honours Double Major in Social Justice and Peace Studies and Criminology. I worked in the Academic Dean’s Office in academic counselling. My job duties included answering the Academic Counselling Helpline (triaging student inquiries) and general administrative tasks for the Academic Dean’s Office.
Shortly after graduating, I got a job at King’s as an Academic Program Advisor for the Academic Dean’s Office. I provide academic counselling to students enroled in or interested in the specific academic departments that I am a part of, as well as overall degree planning. In my counselling with students I work on behalf of both the department and the Academic Dean’s Office to assist the student in meeting their academic goals and requirements to graduate.
Jessica James
I graduated from King’s in 2019 and graduated with a Double Major in Sociology and Criminology. As a work study, I worked in Enrolment Services, as well as two contract positions as a Tour Guide (now called "Student Ambassador") for four years. I was also a Resident Assistant for Wemple 200s during my fourth year. I provided prospective students and their families with information about King’s campus and student life, gave campus tours, was responsible for answering the phone and front counter, filed student records/incoming documentation for applications to King’s, and assisted with on-campus events such as Open House, carpe diem, high school workshops, etc. I also assisted in time-tabling first-year students at their summer academic orientation.
I now work as a Recruitment Officer at King’s and tell potential students about our campus, programs, scholarships, residence, student supports and more! I travel both domestically and globally to inform potential applicants about our campus and what we have to offer here at King’s. During the summer, I am responsible for providing our incoming year one students with academic counselling to ensure they are well prepared to start school and have all the resources to support them throughout their time at King’s.
Emily Skinner
I graduated from King’s in 2019 with a double major in English and Political Science (now called Politics and International Relations). As a work study, I worked in King’s International as the office administrator. I helped exchange students select courses and draft their schedules. I also worked closely with the International Program Coordinator to provide programming to incoming international students to help them feel comfortable at King’s. I helped plan and lead Bridging Week and helped run events throughout the year.
I now work as the Student Engagement & Transition Coordinator at King’s. In my role, I provide programming and support to help first-year and new to King’s students with their transition to life at King’s. Providing support to incoming international students during my time as a work study helped me prepare for this role as I knew the needs of incoming students and had ideas for how we could better support them.
Zoe Shipp
I have not graduated yet, but I am expected to graduate this June. I am studying Psychology (specialization) and Sociology (minor). I have worked in the Student Financial Services office as a Work Study Student for 1.5 school years (including summer) and I was responsible for filing, answering phones, helping students/parents/guardians at the counter with payments and inquiries about their finances. I am currently working in the Student Financial Services office as a Student Financial Services Clerk.
Nicole Vlasman
I graduated from King’s in 2016 and I completed an honours specialization in Sociology and a major in Psychology. My plan was to become a primary school teacher! I applied to be a Work Study student in the spring of 2015 for a summer job between my third and fourth years. I was open to the idea of trying something new and chose to apply to a variety of roles on campus. Once I was offered a position with the Communications and Media Relations department, I worked full-time hours for the summer months. My interest in communications grew and I was able to continue my role throughout my fourth year on a part-time basis. A career in communications was not a path I had considered before the work study program, but after a rewarding experience, it certainly shaped my career trajectory.
My job duties included making daily updates to King’s social media sites, preparing news articles for events on campus, photographing events, profiling the campus community (interviewing, transcribing and writing), creating posters and documents using Adobe InDesign and Photoshop, and organizing photoshoots. The variety of work I was able to be involved with allowed me to develop and hone my skills.
I have been with Brescia at Western University as a Communications, Marketing and Media Relations Officer since November 2021. My role largely encompasses social media strategy, curation and management; marketing ad development and placement; student, faculty and staff profile writing; script writing; and event support.
Thanks to the work study program at King’s, I found my passion for communications and public relations. I went on to complete a Post-Graduate Certificate in Public Relations - Corporate Communications at Fanshawe College in 2017 and a Master of Communications Management degree at McMaster University in 2021.