Student Employment lends a helping hand...
As a high school graduate, Lise Mino was undecided as to what she wanted to pursue career wise. With a real interest in the beauty industry, she gravitated towards work as an esthetician and hair stylist. For several years Mino enjoyed working in this field, but gradually came to realize that she was looking for something more. She registered at Camosun College with a view to upgrading her math to enable her to pursue university transfer courses on a part time basis while continuing to work. This educational path was interrupted when Mino moved to New Zealand for a few years.
A quick career change...
As soon as Mino had obtained a working visa in New Zealand, she registered with a recruitment and temp agency to help her to find suitable employment. She didn’t really know what she wanted to do and felt that her skills were limited, but personnel in the agency helped her to establish her skill set. Mino says, “I walked in to the agency as a hair stylist and left as a business and financial administrator!” This was when Mino learned to identify transferrable skills learned through her work experience - not only did she style hair, but she helped to manage a salon. She obtained a position with Vector Ltd., a large energy company, as a corporate receptionist to a business administrator.
Back to college...
Life took another twist, and Mino returned to Canada now knowing that she would not be happy to return to her previous work. She opted to come back to Camosun and pick up working towards the degree she began six years previously. Standing in line at the bookstore to purchase the required books, she noticed a poster for Student Employment and the services provided. Mino contacted the department and a couple of days later had an appointment with Irene Wallace. Mino was asked to do three things - update her resume as advised, make a list of five jobs of interest(qualified or not) and a list of employers she would like to work for. A couple of appointments later, Mino had built enough confidence to conduct informational interviews and found them to be very helpful. “Even when people were not hiring, they were anxious to help and often offered to pass my name on to others who might be thinking of hiring,” says Mino.
Benefits of networking...
Mino conducted an informational interview with Pat McCallum, Career Advisor with BC Public Service, as the government was #1 on her list of employers. Unfortunately there was no hiring at that time, but Mino kept in contact with McCallum. With his help, she tailored her resume for a government application, and after a few months some opportunities of interest were posted. Mino’s perseverance paid off, and she was hired in an auxiliary position as an administrative assistant with Citizen Engagement, Ministry of Education.
An invaluable resource...
Mino credits the help she received at Student Employment with her success, and says, “Student Employment is an invaluable resource. At a time when I was lacking in direction, working with Irene helped me to find a focus. I needed a “big ideas person” to help me figure things out. Without the support of Student Employment, I wouldn’t be where I am today.” Mino strongly advises students, and alumni, at Camosun to take advantage of the services provided by Student Employment. She specifically mentions and recommends the Career Development Seminars offered each year and says, “They are amazing! I learned so much.” Mino continues to work with the Ministry of Education and is enrolled at UVic on a part time basis to pursue her Bachelor of Arts degree.
