“An Invaluable Experience” – Second-Year STUdent Sarah Brewer on Working with Promise of Home
Second-year English STUdent Sarah Brewer has been working as a research assistant for Promise of Home alongside STU professors, alumni, and upper-year students, expanding her network and giving her real work experience.
"Working with Promise of Home has given me a one-up and helped me prepare for my future career and studies, as I have been exposed to different types of work,” said Brewer.
Promise of Home is a research project led by sociology professor Dr. Gül Çaliskan and UNB professor Dr. Sophie Lavoie that helps local immigrants share their stories. The stories will be used as the basis for a report to make policy recommendations on how to make Fredericton more inclusive, offering newcomers a chance to be heard and address the matters important to them and the community.
"Through this opportunity, I have met brilliant people from all walks of life. Promise of Home gave me real-life experience with research and helped me understand what goes into creating research articles and books.”
As an aspiring author, Brewer sees the experience she gained as invaluable to her future career. As a research assistant, Brewer had the opportunity to code interviews while learning about the realities of immigrants coming to Fredericton.
"Not only do these positions give you first-hand experience in the field of your interest, but it is a wonderful way to meet professors and other scholars. The networking I've done is invaluable as an aspiring author, and the knowledge I've gained will be transferable to my future career."
“I see Promise of Home as a research-based and experiential learning opportunity for STU students. We cultivate an open, inclusive, and supportive culture for all team members,” said Dr. Çaliskan.
“To date, 17 research assistants have contributed to the project in various capacities, including narrative data collection and analysis, organizing community events, maintaining the project website and social media, communicating with community partners, and assisting with grant applications and academic publications.”
This employment opportunity was made possible by Canada Summer Jobs. Canada Summer Jobs is an initiative of the Government of Canada Youth Employment and Skills Strategy, which aims to provide flexible and holistic services to support young Canadians in developing skills and gaining paid work experience that will support them in a successful transition into the labour market. STU often hires Canadian students in the summer through this program.
Learn more about STU's employment programs here.