What it’s like Having a Work Study Position during the Pandemic

“All work-studies will now be offered online”

When I was in my first-year of study, I never envisioned that by my third-year, the plain four walls of my room would transform into a makeshift office.

Yet, here I am two years later, sitting quietly in my room as I think through my experiences. How have the past few weeks looked, you may wonder?

COVID-19 has changed the livelihood of the global student community in their learning, working and day-to-day activities. At the forefront perhaps, is the impact it has placed on the quality of our education and our ability to get a job.

On my end, this is the first-year of not only being in a work study position, but completing it remotely. The interview process this year for getting a job is drastically different. No longer was I gearing up for an in-person job interview, instead, I was greeted by two smiles on my screen.

The onboarding process was similar, I met my entire team online in a virtual orientation as we were taken through a powerpoint slide. What was truly unique about this experience was the sense of empathy it kindled from our teammates. As everyone is placed in a similar position during these unprecedented times, the level of care and concern taken to ensure our well-being and understanding in our new roles is unparalleled.

While I miss working and meeting my co-workers face-to-face, I for one, am grateful for the opportunity to have an on-campus job, albeit online. It is important to create avenues for students to further their experiences within this pandemic, to reflect, examine and work around how COVID-19 has changed the livelihood of the global student community in their learning, working and day-to-day activities.

Through my work so far, I am continuously learning and remain inspired by my team’s mission of elevating social impact through the establishment of a long-term objective, inspiring students to have their experiences heard, seen and represented while utilizing their voices as true catalysts for change. Throughout the next few months, I too hope to push our community and shared networks to learn, witness and establish a hub of continued engagement and support.