Double Diploma Launches Made-to-Fit Career for Loyalist Graduate
By: Marilyn Warren, Communications, Loyalist College
The first time Mikki Bushey attended Loyalist College she enrolled as a Business Administration student. She graduated in 2009 with a three-year advanced diploma with specializations in Materials Management and Human Resources. Wanting to further expand her horizons Mikki began to research social services job opportunities – a field she had always been drawn to. This led to her decision to return to Loyalist, this time in the Social Service Worker (SSW) program. Her Business Administration credentials qualified her for exemption from four courses, an equivalent of almost one complete semester.
In 2011 Mikki graduated with her SSW diploma. While a student in the program Mikki had the opportunity to complete two consecutive work placements with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) for a total of eight months experience. “Being able to complete both semesters at the same placement provided me the opportunity to learn extensively about the agency and the role that I could play there.”
Call it fate, call it destiny – there was Mikki with her Business Administration and SSW diplomas – and there was the Canadian Mental Health Association looking for an Office Manager. She now uses the skills she learned in both programs in a job she loves. “My Business diploma gave me the educational requirements for this position. It’s a non-profit organization and I’m responsible for maintaining their finances, which includes payroll and providing procurement services. I’m also working temporarily as a housing caseworker through CMHA. They have three transitional homes that house individuals and families who are homeless, or at risk of being homeless. As a housing caseworker I complete intakes and provide referrals. I have the opportunity to work right in the homes with the tenants. This role is very rewarding and required a Social Service Worker diploma. Having both diplomas has given me the opportunity to work in the social services field with a greater understanding of the day-to-day administrative responsibilities.”
Although the Business and SSW programs are very different fields of study, Mikki notes that there are similarities. “Both programs provide the opportunity to network within the community. They arrange for knowledgeable speakers to come to the college and provide students with many valuable resources. This is very beneficial when pursuing career opportunities. It was a combination of all these factors that prepared me for my current position.
“I feel so fortunate to be working with such wonderful people – both my co-workers and our clients. CMHA is a wonderful spot for growth right now. Sandie Sidsworth has taken the position of Executive Director and she is full of amazing ideas for the agency. With the support of our funders and wonderful staff we have high hopes that the agency will continue to grow and provide valuable services for members of our community.”
Many graduates like Mikki are positioning themselves to be qualified for a wider range of employment opportunities by combining the skill sets of two different programs. Applications for September are still being accepted so click here to learn about the career-oriented choices available at Loyalist College.