Many high school students have part-time jobs. Meet Royalwood resident Nicole Williamson, who worked between 40 and 50 hours every week while completing her diploma at Collège Béliveau.
Now that Williamson is a full-time student at the University of Winnipeg, Professional, Applied and Continuing Education (PACE), in the public relations, marketing and strategic communication diploma program, she isn’t slowing down.
Williamson continues working on a part-time basis. With the Corus Entertainment street team for radio stations like CJOB 680 AM, she looks after social media, remotes, promotions, and emceeing events. Her second job is with Freshii Sage Creek.
Williamson continues working on a part-time basis. With the Corus Entertainment street team for radio stations like CJOB 680 AM, she looks after social media, remotes, promotions, and emceeing events. Her second job is with Freshii Sage Creek.
Williamson recently added a volunteer board of directors role as marketing co-ordinator with the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Manitoba Chapter. Her focus will be refining the association’s social media presence.
“I need to be busy all the time, I can’t not be busy. I’d rather be running around insanely than sitting around doing nothing,” Williamson admits.
The PACE program is an intensive, 13-month program. Successful graduates achieve a public relations and strategic communications diploma, a marketing management diploma, plus a management certificate. A four-week internship is also included in the program.
“I originally wanted to be a journalist,” Williamson says, “but now that I’m taking courses in marketing, I’m enjoying that more.”
Williamson’s student membership of IABC was part of her PACE tuition. IABC offers professional development and networking opportunities for marketing/communications students and practitioners.
“I think about half my classmates have taken advantage of the IABC membership,” Williamson shares. “For me, it’s super-important to be engaged and to network. It’s about taking ownership of my education and career.”
When she has time, Williamson enjoys walking in Royalwood’s Bois-des-Esprits.
“I love Woody, the Spirit Tree, and all the tree carvings. I met the artist, Murray Watson, at the St. Norbert Farmer’s Market. His work is incredible,” she says.
Williamson has a few words of advice for high school students feeling uncertain about the future:
“Your grades don’t matter as much as you think they do. Being an honours student isn’t that important. Just push through and you’ll make it. University isn’t as bad as people make it out to be. It’s about building on who you are and finding your passion,” she says.
Republished from the Oct. 23, 2017 issue of The Lance, a Canstar Community News publication.
