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 Kaialuna Scarpetta-Lee (she/they), who served as our Communications Assistant from September 2023 to April 2024. As a Media Studies student set to graduate in 2026, Kaialuna shares insights from their experiences and responsibilities during their term, reflects on key learnings, and discusses their favorite projects. They also offer valuable advice for future Work Learn students aiming to maximize their experience with Community Engagement.
We’re hiring a Communications and Engagement Assistant for fall 2024!
Are you an undergraduate student interested in learning about building reciprocal partnerships between faculty and communities for joint initiatives?
Now’s your chance to join the Community Engagement team!
The Communications and Engagement Assistant supports CE’s funding programs and communications for CE’s programs, events, and opportunities. Additionally, they create content for CE’s website, emails, and social media channels, and promote community-university opportunities and events to our audiences at UBC and across the province.
This position has a commitment of 10 hours per week and an anticipated start date of September 1.
Learn more about the role and apply by August 19, 2024.
Learn about UBC’s Work Learn Program and consider applying for future work opportunities in our office!
Can you describe your role and responsibilities during your Work Learn position with Community Engagement?
In my role as Communications Assistant, I generally support the team in storytelling to demonstrate the positive impact of community-university engagement. I create multimedia content including social copy, news stories, and event reports, and distribute this content on the website, social media, newsletters, and other digital platforms. Some of my projects include drafting and publishing CUES and PRE fund recipient announcements, assisting with the UBC Connects event communications, writing regular newsletters, and occasionally assisting with events and event photography.
Reflecting on your time with us, what was a key learning moment or insight you gained?
During my time at CE, I’ve had the chance to explore new communication initiatives and try out things the office hasn’t done before. One big lesson I’ve learned is to stay open-minded about these experiments and see them as learning experiences regardless of the outcome. With this mindset, every new experience has been a chance to learn and bring unexpected value to CE.
Of the projects or experiences you were part of, which one stands out as the most meaningful or your favourite, and why?
Shortly after I started at CE, we decided to migrate our main social media communications from Twitter to LinkedIn. Launching this account was the first initiative that I took the lead on, and I was able to see it through from the initial research of how to launch a company on LinkedIn to cultivating it throughout my 8 months at CE. It has been such a gratifying experience to watch the account grow and facilitate more meaningful engagement within the university and beyond.
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?
Ask about things you’re interested in. The team at Community Engagement is dedicated to helping students develop personal or professional goals and will put in the work to help you make connections and gain experiences to be successful in those goals. I would encourage future Work Learn students to ask to work on things that they’re passionate about or want to know more about. There is no better environment for professional growth.
Are you an undergraduate student? Learn about UBC’s Work Learn Program and consider applying for future work opportunities in our office!