With a degree in international relations from Mount Allison, Rebecca Leaman worked in recreation and in the non-profit sector before finding her way back to campus as the University’s Career Services Co-ordinator.

“I like to emphasize the transferable skills that came with each job,” she says with a laugh. “Event planning and advising certainly play a role in this office.”

Leaman has worked as Mount Allison’s career services co-ordinator for five years. Located in the Student Affairs office, she works to offer personalized career counselling to students in all years of study and organize events around career preparation, including recruitment fairs and workshops on campus.

Career Services works with recruiters, businesses, and organizations across the country to host two employment fairs on campus (October and February) as well as individual visits for recruiters. Leaman also co-ordinates and shares information for students around part-time, summer, and post-graduation employment opportunities.

Along with workshops and individual sessions, Leaman oversees the Graduation Preparation Series (GPS) program. Available to all students, but recommended for those in third or fourth year, the series is designed to help students plan and prepare for life as a new graduate in a professional working environment.

In 2015, Career Services partnered with the Alumni Engagement Office to launch the Alumni Career Mentorship Program, linking students in their final year with a Mount Allison graduate working in a field or area of interest to the student. Over 165 students have gone through the program, with many indicating the connections made have been useful in their life following Mount A.

“Alumni play a big role in this area,” Leaman says. “Mount Allison has a strong alumni network that’s larger than most realize. We see these connections through the Career Mentorship Program, recruitment fairs, and special events such as alumni speakers’ series.”

When asked what piece of advice she would give to students seeking career preparation assistance, Leaman’s answer is simple.

“Ask for help. That’s what my office is here for. Check out the job board, attend a career fair or workshop, make an appoint to review your resumé. I’m happy to help students as they prepare for life after Mount A,” she says.

Learn more about Career Services programs and resources, including the online job board for students at: mta.ca/careers