January 23, 2007 - 4:00pm
Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children, youth and families? If so, you may want to attend a two-hour Human Services Career and Education Forum at Malaspina University-College’s Nanaimo campus Jan. 29.
“It’s a chance to learn about exciting career opportunities in the Human Services field, including Special Education and Community Support, Child and Youth Care, Early Childhood Education, Horticultural Therapy and Social Services,” said John Rogerson, Chair and Advisor of Malaspina’s Child and Youth Care programs.
“A five-person panel of practitioners who work directly with children, youth and families will discuss career opportunities, their personal stories, and how to realize your dreams and passion to assist others. It will be an inspiring evening.”
The panel discussion will be facilitated by well-known community leader and former Malaspina Dean of Human Services, Carol Matthews.
Rogerson said there’s an increasing demand for skilled graduates wishing to commit to careers supporting children, youth and families as they find their way in a contemporary fast-paced and often isolating society.
“The goal of our Forum is to raise the awareness of the need for passionate and skilled professionals in this field,” he said. “Like many trades and technical areas, the demand for persons in the Human Services professions far exceeds the supply. Unlike the trades area, this sector is primarily funded through public service dollars and relies on societal and political will to act in a manner that effectively addresses the concerns of children, youth, families and communities.”
Malaspina graduate Terry Ketteringham, who currently works for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Vancouver Island, agrees there are plenty of jobs available in the Human Services field for those who want to work.
Ketteringham graduated from Malaspina’s Child and Youth Care degree program in 2002, and secured a job before graduation. “Every single day I get to make a difference in someone’s life,” he said. “That’s what keeps me going.”
Like many students, it took Ketteringham a few years to figure out where his true passion lies. The secret is to never stop searching, he said. “Initially, I thought I wanted to become a language interpreter,” he said. “But I had no passion for it.”
Ketteringham tapped into his strong sense of family and desire to help others, and pursued a career in Child and Youth Care. He couldn’t be happier.
People working in the Human Services field need to do it “for love, not money,” he said. “If you think this is a career where you can make big bucks, you’re knocking on the wrong door. People who embark on careers in Human Services must do so for the right reasons. It’s more about lifestyle. It’s important, hard work. Sometimes you deal with matters that no one else wants to deal with, and often times your work is unrecognized and undervalued," he said.
“But I can tell you from my own experience that knowing you can make a positive impact on at least one person’s life is one of the greatest feelings in the world. The relationships you build are the reasons that keep you going to work each day.”
Another advantage of working in the Human Services field is that “you’re not pigeonholed” into a specific career, he added. “You can work in recreation programs, drug and alcohol programs, and residential care settings, to name a few,” said Ketteringham. “The opportunities are unlimited.”
Malaspina’s Human Services Career and Education Forum runs Monday, Jan. 29, from 7 to 9 pm, in Building 180, Room 134. Seating is limited. Call (250) 740-6414 to register.
Tags: In the Community
