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Sara Jones

Alumni Profile: Sara Jones Currently an employment advisor. Education experience: 2020, a B.A.H. in Psychology with a minor in Sociology at Queen’s University. 2023, a Social Service Worker Diploma from George Brown College. Career timeline: 2020-2022, a lab coordinator. 2022-2023, an operations specialist. 2023-current, an employment advisor. What made you choose this path? After I graduated university, I volunteered for a distress/listening line, and I found that I really enjoyed being a supportive listener to callers. During this time, one of my co-volunteers told me about graduate certificates that you can complete at different Ontario colleges. Following this conversation, I started researching different certificate and diploma options. I decided to apply to an accelerated social service worker program since I enjoyed the type of volunteering I was doing with the listening line. I got accepted and during that year-long program, I happened to do my placement in employment services within a nonprofit. Throughout the placement, I realized I loved doing 1-on-1 case management, assisting with skill development and facilitating workshops on computer and job search skills. Following the completion of this program, I found my current job and I love it! Do you have advice for students interested in pursuing a similar path? First, take advantage of the many research assistant positions within the Queen’s Psychology Department; it provided me with such valuable experience. Second, to develop new skills outside of school and build connections, find volunteer opportunities that align with your values and strengths. Finally, when thinking about what to do after you graduate, look into graduate certificates or accelerated programs at colleges. There are so many practical diplomas/certificates that give you the exact skills that you need in the workplace! What has been the biggest challenge on your career path so far, and how have you navigated it? The biggest challenge is working within a sector that is underfunded. Unfortunately, the sector can be difficult to navigate for people, and many organizations can’t offer the extent of support that would be required for a society in which everyone is able to thrive! I’ve been able to navigate these challenges by remembering that my work is at the individual level and that when you allow participants to guide the type of support they want, there are many more moments of celebration and joy! And then at a larger scale, staying informed and looking into social action can provide hope during these times. What has been the biggest joy on your career path so far? I love working with our clients! I try to create a space that is comfortable, nonjudgemental, motivating, and includes lots of humour. I get so excited to see my clients during each appointment, help them work towards their goals, and to celebrate all their wins with them.

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