In this latest Q&A, we are excited to shine a light on the invaluable contributions of the Work Learn students in our office. UBC’s Work Learn Program supports and subsidizes meaningful work experiences on and off campus, offering current UBC Vancouver students the opportunity to develop their professional skills in a work environment.
We’re incredibly fortunate to work with students who bring fresh perspectives and dynamic energy to our initiatives. In this feature, we’re pleased to introduce Lucy Forderer (she/her), who served as our Communications Assistant from September 2024 to April 2025.
Can you describe your role and responsibilities during your Work Learn position with Community Engagement?
As a Communications and Engagement Assistant, my primary role focused on connecting with our audiences through our communications channels. My everyday tasks consist of managing our content calendar, writing copy for our LinkedIn, newsletter, and website, and creating and managing our monthly CE newsletter. I had the opportunity to work on our CUES and PRE Fund reports, turning these reports into shareable stories, focusing on the partnerships that help community-university engagement to thrive. Additionally, I conducted three quarterly communications reports with presentations, reflecting on our communications impact across our channels.
Reflecting on your time with us, what was a key learning moment or insight you gained?
Apart from important communications lessons like learning the language to represent UBC, making content and information digestible for our audiences, and rolling out an email campaign from beginning to end, the most important insight I learned was to get in touch with the things happening around you. Not only in CE, but the events and stories we promote have encouraged me to get more involved in my community. As a student, it is easy to neglect what is happening around you in such a large institution. I have always been interested in community work, and it was immensely eye-opening to see the CE team reflect on these amazing partnerships that are happening next door to me.
Of the projects or experiences you were part of, which one stands out as the most meaningful or your favorite, and why?
My favourite experience was working on all of the story’s CE publishes. Reading firsthand what made these partnerships so special was very inspiring. I appreciated the task of having to represent both the university and community partner, and their story; little details such as including project specific titles and hyperlinking the organization’s website. Each project report is a labour of love, from the project itself to the moment it is published on our website. I feel grateful to get to be a little part of each story!
On a different note, it is very meaningful to work with the CE team because they care about their work. It is inspiring being in a workplace full of engaged people who ask important questions and consider their positions both individually and as part of an institution like UBC. It is something I hope to take with me to my future workplaces.
Based on your experiences, what advice would you offer to future Work Learn students to make the most out of their time with Community Engagement?
CE is an amazing team to learn and grow with —don’t be afraid to ask questions! The possibilities for work here are truly endless. I’ve gained so many transferable skills, both in my communications practice and in becoming a more engaged person. This role is very much what you make of it—you can dive deeper into areas you enjoy, while also having the opportunity to strengthen skills you might otherwise overlook. Say yes and try new things! Lastly, take advantage of the resources and information available to you, even the CE website is full of gems, from stories of partnership to interesting events.
Are you an undergraduate student? Learn about UBC’s Work Learn Program and consider applying for future work opportunities in our office!