Meet Jacqueline | Proactive | Enthusiastic | Research Driven
Program: Bachelor of Arts | Major: Women and Gender Studies
Jacqueline Ahenkorah, a dedicated student in her final year of the Women and Gender Studies program, embodies perseverance and the transformative power of experiential learning. From Ghana, Jacqueline pursued her second degree with a clear passion for research and a desire to make a tangible difference. Her journey through the Co-op program has not only armed her with invaluable professional skills but has also profoundly reshaped her understanding of her own capabilities.
"This work experience has reshaped how I view my own potential. Sometimes I just doubt myself, 'Can I really do this?' But then I worked with clarity, purpose, and a strong passion for policy work. It really helped me to know what I actually want to get myself into, and helped me find confidence in spaces that I once thought were out of reach."
A Leap into Policy and Research
Jacqueline's Co-op experience with the City of Calgary's Emergency Management Community Safety Unit as a Business Improvement Student was a pivotal step. Her role primarily involved conducting in-depth research, contributing to the Calgary 9-1-1 strategic plan, performing environmental scans, and assisting with project planning, particularly in developing an archival database.
She found this opportunity through the ULethbridge's Co-op job board, a path she initially doubted was open to her as an Arts student. Her interest in this field grew from her love for research, honed through feedback from her lecturers, and a desire to understand policy analysis. This co-op term solidified her aspirations.
Cultivating Essential Skills
Through her Co-op, Jacqueline gained crucial career skills: environmental scanning, data analysis, project planning, and notably, thematic analysis.
"I worked without having any knowledge about how to do thematic analysis. It helps you to break whatever data or information you're looking at into segments, and that gives you a different lens to view things.
These skills are vital for her future in policy and will offer a new perspective for her academic pursuits.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Jacqueline, like many high-achieving students, faced imposter syndrome. She vividly recalls moments of doubt and anxiety when her research didn't immediately yield results. Her strategy for navigating these challenges was powerful self-talk:
"The biggest challenge I faced was imposter syndrome. I just got so worried, so what I did was to calm myself down and just talk to myself and say, 'It's okay if I don't find information that is required of me within my first try, and that is the process of research.'"
This resilience allowed her to embrace the iterative nature of her work, understanding that setbacks are a natural part of the learning and discovery process. Through these experiences, Jacqueline not only developed a stronger sense of self-belief but also refined her approach to research, learning to persevere even when facing initial difficulties.
Advice for Aspiring Co-op Students
Jacqueline's advice to students considering Co-op is straightforward:
"Just go in for it! Don't settle for less if you're in doubt; you should go to the right place and find out. You never know because Co-op, I got to know, is for everyone. It's not just for people in the sciences or Business School. You can enrol in it, so I would say just be bold. Take that leap, and you won't regret it. It was just that move that changed everything for me."
As an international student, she navigated work permits and extended timelines, emphasizing the immense value of Canadian work experience. Her proactive approach, even securing her own placement at the Chinook Sexual Assault Centre when job board searches didn't align, highlights the power of initiative.
Influential Mentors and Future Aspirations
Jacqueline credits numerous ULethbridge individuals for shaping her experience. She thanks her professors, especially Dr. Caroline Hodes, whose Feminist Legal Theory course ignited her passion for advocacy and policy. Mary Siever's encouraging feedback on her writing also helped her recognize her research talent. She highlights the invaluable support from the Career Bridge team, including Gloria Bucil, a Career Coach; Chelsea LeFrancois, a WIL Programs Instructor; and her current WIL Programs Instructor, Erin Kennett.
"Everything they shared with me made an impact in my life."
Looking ahead, Jacqueline plans a post-graduation break to gain practical experience, leveraging her Co-op skills. Her long-term goal is to become a policy analyst, pursuing a master's degree in the field.
Finding Confidence and Impact
Jacqueline's Co-op journey has been one of profound personal and professional growth. As an international student, she gained confidence in new spaces and valued being part of a team that appreciated her perspective. She is deeply grateful to the City of Calgary for the opportunity to contribute to their 9-1-1 strategic plan, knowing her work makes a difference.
"Being part of a team that values your perspective felt incredibly powerful, especially knowing my work is going to change the world in my own corner."