What motivates a recent Business Administration graduate from the University of Philippines to make the BIG move 10,000 kilometres to Vancouver, BC? In the case of Marketing enthusiast Michelle Molas, it was the opportunity to intern with SFU’s Career Services and Volunteer Services as their “BIG Fair” Coordinator.
Leaving behind rainy season in the Philippines for our solitary sunny month of August, Molas – who found her internship through the international student-run organization AIESEC – wasted no time contacting local employers, non-profits and graduate schools to secure exhibitors for the largest on-campus fair at the University.
What about this job appealed to Molas? “Through AIESEC, I had this huge database of opportunities around the world. Canada was my preferred country and I’ve been here before. I think Vancouver is a great city to live in.”
The focus of her role was also a good fit for the Phillippines-native. Back home, Molas was part of the Career Assistance Program at school – their student-run version of our Career Services. She also took an active role in AIESEC University of the Philippines as their Vice President for Communications, which entailed promoting the exchange program to students in her university. “Here, we present to students their different options, much like at home. It’s fulfilling work.”
With The BIG Fair taking place on September 27th (Surrey Campus), 28th and 29th (Burnaby Campus), Molas’ hard work for Career Services has paid off. Her efforts, combined with Campus Recruitment Manager Christine Gilbert, have secured more than 100 employers, non-profits and graduate schools, all ready to present students from all faculties with diverse options to gain experience.
As The BIG Fair nears, Molas’ duties turn more from marketing to logistics. With more than 100 volunteers supporting Career Services and Volunteer Services during the fair – led by two AIESEC SFU volunteer coordinators – as well as 100 exhibitors making their way to Surrey and Burnaby Campus over this week, her work will keep her busy.
Despite the high demands of her position, Molas’ counts herself lucky that she has met so many new and diverse people on her internship in Canada. She credits the uniquely collaborative nature of the Canadian workplace for allowing her to make meaningful connections. This – and the support system fostered by AIESEC SFU – have cultivated a rewarding Canadian work experience that she says she will recall fondly.
source: http://www.sfu.ca/wil/news/molas.html 2011
