When I apply for a Career Centre job shadow, I'm not following a conventional sociologist's path. I've discovered my fixation with organization, and logistics have drawn me to the broad field of communications. I like to surround myself with people who love to write, create promotional materials and plan events - just like me.
This year, I've had the benefit of spending several days with Rohit Group of Companies' marketing teams. I'm setting up for and attending events, writing blog entries, designing invitations and shadowing team members as they execute press releases, proposals and more.
I often get asked how my undergraduate degree will prepare me for a job other than being a sociologist. I believe the breadth of classes I've taken and the diversity of topics covered make me a great candidate to take on any job interacting with people.
Most importantly, my degree has taught me to look at the bigger picture. Over the past couple of days I've come to learn that Rohit Communities embodies this same approach.
The Rohit team plans many events throughout the year: thanking their community members, celebrating employee achievements and spreading random acts of kindness. Two events I helped set up this week were "Baskets of Hope" in partnership with Edmonton's local WIN House and a Diwali (Festival of Lights) celebration in a new Rohit development. Little did I know my job shadow would involve drinking hot chocolate, eating authentic Hindu sweets and chasing little children around with sparklers and glow sticks.
They tell me I've come during a crazy week and joke that this must be enough to turn me away from a future career in communications, but I feel right at home. I thrive in creative chaos and problem solving opportunities. The preparation and last-minute pit stops to Canadian Tire for strings of lights are all worth it when the event turns out to be a big success. The teamwork and collaboration make the success that much sweeter.
My passion for communications started when I began volunteering for the Sociology Undergraduate Student Association (SUSA). I'm predominantly in charge of social media as well as organizing, promoting and supervising events. I love what I do and wanted a chance to see these skills in industry. During this job shadow at Rohit, I'm able to apply the skills I've learned as VP Media to the tasks they give me, and can employ any advice I get back to my work with SUSA. I still can't believe what started out as a volunteer recommendation from a professor three years ago might have led me right to my future career
My arts degree is giving me the foundation to practice my skills, build my network and broaden my knowledge before I enter the workforce. Participating in Job Shadow Week reassures me that I'm on the right path. I'm finding out what I like, what I don't like, and what to look for in a future employer.
Stay tuned in January for the Career Centre's next Job Shadow week.
Lindsay Jessup is a 5th year Sociology student born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta. For the past two years, she's volunteered as VP Media for the Sociology Undergraduate Student Association and intends to pursue further education in the field of communications. When she's not reading or writing, Lindsay works in crop research at the university's South Campus farm.