My unforgettable journey as a Career Boost student at TMU
Working as a student staff member at TMU has been an unforgettable and enriching experience.
My name is Beamlak Tareke and I'm entering my second year of the Computer Science program at TMU. This summer, I worked with the International Student Enrolment, Education & Inclusion team as a Communications and Content Assistant. Working closely with faculty, staff, and fellow students, I delved into the inner workings of the university and learned about international enrolment at TMU. This unique role provided me with a perspective that went beyond textbooks, lectures, and exams, offering me a chance to witness the dedication and behind-the-scenes efforts that uphold the university's excellence.
From Student to Student Staff
From the first day, I joined TMU as a student, I knew having a part-time job was equally as important as studying. I started to look for jobs on campus through TMU’s Career Boost program.
As the Communications and Creative Assistant, my duties included a wide variety of tasks aimed at assisting with the creation and distribution of communication materials such as emails, building and editing web pages, and assisting with creative projects. I was excited for the opportunity to collaborate with my team on creative projects where I contributed ideas and assisted in the creation of visually appealing and impactful content.
Joining a Supportive Community
Working as a student staff member allowed me to form connections with students and staff from various departments and backgrounds at the university. I quickly realized the importance of fostering a supportive community within the university. The bonds I forged during this journey have been some of the most meaningful of my career thus far.
Developing Professional Skills
As a Career Boost employee at TMU, students have access to invaluable training workshops through the program. These training workshops range from building the perfect resume to tips on writing professional emails and more. I attended workshops during the summer term and learned essential professional skills that extend far beyond the classroom environment. I was able to refine my communication abilities, delving into effective written and verbal communication techniques that are crucial in any professional setting.
Furthermore, the opportunity to work in a creative role has proven to be an invaluable journey that exceeded the boundaries between my passion and profession. The hands-on experiences I have gained along the way have improved my technical skills and details to create successful content creation. These skills acquired are a great fit into my career path as I will be able to communicate strategies to different targeted audiences. The confidence and expertise I’ve gained through this experience have transformed what was once a personal hobby into a marketable skill that aligns seamlessly with my aspirations.
Learning from Mentors
I had the privilege of working alongside inspiring mentors during video shoots. From the initial stages of brainstorming ideas to meticulous planning and execution, their guidance and expertise were inspirational. They introduced me to the art of crafting compelling narratives that resonated with diverse audiences, while also emphasizing the strategic thinking required to ensure effective communication across different channels. Moreover, these mentors not only shared their expertise in marketing but also fostered an environment that encouraged experimentation and learning. Through their encouragement, I was empowered to take creative risks and push the boundaries of my capabilities.
Highlights
International Student Guide
One of the projects that I enjoyed the most was working on the International Student Guide, which involved implementing creative ways to build the content on the website so new incoming students can take these insightful articles to their advantage.
ISEEI Business Planning Week
Business Planning Week was an intensive and enlightening experience that offered a comprehensive overview of creating, refining, and executing successful business plans. I participated in workshops, seminars, and interactive sessions to better understand the department and our goals, strategies, and frameworks.
Visiting the DMZ and learning about Zone Learning
Exploring the DMZ during a video shoot provided me with a unique opportunity to learn about the space and how the Zone Learning network at TMU supports student ideas.
Working as a Communications and Creative Assistant over the summer has been a pillar in my academic and personal growth, providing me with opportunities to work alongside great mentors who have helped me develop my skills. I am eagerly anticipating my return in the fall! I’m excited to continue adding to the foundation I’ve established thanks to the role, and dive deeper into the world of creativity, innovation, and problem-solving. Armed with the experiences and learnings of the summer, I am prepared to take on new challenges and contribute to the university community in meaningful ways.