Career & Education Exploration
Better Employment Strategies & Techniques (BEST)
Shining the spotlight on Camosun’s BEST—five paths to new careers
These Camosun employees discovered new education and career options after taking the BEST program.
L to R: Sonja McLeod, Steve Ferguson, Mona Jensen, Nancy Bourey, Susan Smigel
What do a healthcare worker, speech pathologist, newcomer, home maker and sales rep have in common? They all took Camosun’s BEST program and transformed their lives. They also bridged into satisfying careers in education...right here at Camosun College.
Life has a funny way of throwing curves that make us re-evaluate our personal journey. The people highlighted in this story each had rich, fulfilling lives but found themselves stuck, stalled or stale. Needing to find a focus, identify abilities, uncover career possibilities or chart new educational paths, these role models turned to BEST, Camosun’s flagship Career and Education Exploration program.
Sonja McLeod—Program Assistant, South Island Partnership (SIP) program
After spending 19 years raising her children and assisting with a home-based business, Sonja took BEST to build self esteem. “Through discussions, aptitude and personality assessments, guest speakers and tours, I learned how to recognize and articulate my skills and abilities,” says Sonja. “Eventually I developed the trust that I really do have something of value to offer an employer.” When she realized that she loved being in a learning environment, Sonja eventually followed the career route back to Camosun College. Now, in the SIP program, she helps high school students stay in school and go to college at the same time.
Shirley Hinch—Academic Advisor
Shirley found BEST in 1993. BEST helped boost her self confidence and uncover hidden academic strengths. With new confidence, she found the courage to take the next steps towards a university degree. Shirley now applies her knowledge of Psychology and Sociology in her work helping new students chart their own educational paths.
Susan Smigel—Program Assistant, School of Access
Susan was new to Victoria and found herself facing a life transition. Should she stay in the field of Office Administration, or do something completely different? BEST provided the assessment tools she needed to discover careers that matched her interests and skills—an enlightening and encouraging process.
“The world is full of possibilities, and anyone can choose her own path.” says Susan. Now she helps others finish high school, earn pre-requisites for Camosun programs and improve their English language skills.
Vashti Southern—Bookstore Specialist
A recent graduate, Vashti says that BEST helped to make the return to higher learning less stressful. BEST introduced Vashti to valuable college supports—Academic Advisors, Financial Aid, the Student Society—greatly easing the upgrading and University Transfer course work. Vashti is now working at the Interurban bookstore, and by all accounts, she loves it!
Nancy Bourey—College Instructor
There was a time when Nancy wanted something new but didn’t know where to start. “I didn’t have a clue how to reinvent myself. BEST not only helped me think about myself in a different way, but helped restore confidence in myself and my abilities,” says Nancy. She networked within the college system, and after an informational interview, was offered a substitute teaching position at the college. Now Nancy is a departmental chair in the School of Access. In her own words, “A terrific outcome, I’d say, from a program that has changed many lives, often dramatically, over the years.”
These five unique journeys eventually led to back to Camosun College. Why not start your own BEST journey—and discover where it leads? Find out more at camosun.ca/best