BU students gain early career experience

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This article was published 21/06/2024 (475 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Some Brandon University students are gaining hands-on experience in their chosen career paths while still in school.

And while the added responsibility can be challenging, students say they are reaping many benefits by working in their fields while studying.

Tolulope Oke, a fourth-year business administration student and a customer service representative at the Bank of Montreal on Rosser Avenue, told the Sun the job provides her with the necessary experience to advance within the banking industry.

“My work relates to accounting, marketing and managerial courses I study at school,” she said. “This practical experience acts as a stepping stone for my career.”

The skills acquired at BMO, she said, reinforce her academic knowledge.

“When I talk to customers about products like credit cards, I use what I’ve learned in school to explain the benefits,” she said. “This real-world application not only solidifies my understanding but also keeps my knowledge fresh, giving me an edge over classmates who lack such practical experience.”

Brody Burr, another BU student, is pursuing a major in political science and a minor in sociology, with aspirations of attending law school.

Currently working at Epp Law office as a student assistant, Burr’s journey into law was inspired by personal experiences that highlighted the complexities of estate management during times of grief.

“I had a family member who had some issues with their estate due to a disability, which caused a lot of complications,” he said. “I want to make this process easier for people who grieve.”

At Epp Law, Burr assists with legal paperwork, corporate documentation and various other tasks. His hands-on experience at the firm has been instrumental in shaping his career path.

“Getting to see Andrea Epp and Alex Klippenstein at the law firm has been life-changing for me. It has allowed me to get right into the role I want to pursue and see firsthand what it entails,” Burr told the Sun.

He said a Canadian constitutional law course was particularly beneficial, as it framed his understanding in a way that was similar to how law is taught in professional settings, adding the alignment of theoretical and practical knowledge positions him advantageously among his peers.

Lucas de Vries, a psychology major with a minor in biology, is another BU student leveraging his academic learning in a professional setting.

De Vries works at Prairie Mountain Health as a mental health proctor.

“Learning about mental illnesses through textbooks is one thing, but engaging with individuals experiencing them adds depth to both my education and work experience,” he said. “This real-world exposure allows me to bring a richer perspective to my studies and classroom discussions.”

He added his workplace experience gives him a significant advantage over his peers, adding the experience helps lock in information from class and is beneficial when working in the community.

He recommended other students join the co-op program, highlighting the importance of building professional connections early.

Anita Onifade, studying applied disaster and emergency studies, combines her academic knowledge with practical experience gained at Manitoba Public Health as a public health program assistant.

The job, she said, allows her to apply her academic learning in everyday scenarios, further enhancing her understanding and skills.

“It’s a positive impact and I can apply what I learn in school to my job, gaining more experience and understanding,” she said. “The co-op program organized by BU has been crucial for me.”

Balancing work and studies, however, is not without its challenges.

Oke finds it demanding to manage her time effectively between her job and academic responsibilities.

“It can be stressful to balance schoolwork and a job. It requires good time management,” she said.

De Vries also faces the emotional toll of his work.

“It can be very emotionally draining, and separating work from personal life is difficult,” he said, underscoring the need for good self-care and setting boundaries.

”Juggling school, part-time work and extracurricular activities can be mind-boggling,” Burr said.

“But having a laser focus on my goals helps,” he added. “Relying on the supports around you, whether it be Cora Dupuis, BU co-op program co-ordinator, my boss Epp, or my professors at the university, is crucial.”

Onifade’s main challenge is managing her workload, especially during intensive periods.

“The co-op program prepared me by advising against taking summer courses during my internship,” she said, highlighting how forethought and planning are essential to maintaining a balance.

Despite these challenges, Oke is gaining a significant advantage by integrating her academic and professional life.

“The experiences not only enrich our education but also provide a solid foundation for our future careers,” she said.

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