Meet Bethlehem | Innovative | Benevolent | Ingenious
Program: Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Management | Dual Degree: Urban and Regional Studies & Economics
Bethlehem Tessema, a remarkable fifth-year student in the Urban and Regional Studies and Economics dual degree program, has distinguished herself through a pioneering and proactive approach to her career. Her journey through the Co-op program has not only equipped her with invaluable professional skills but has also profoundly reshaped her understanding of her own capabilities, transforming academic theory into real-world excellence and proving her potential extends far beyond the confines of a textbook.
I came into this role with problem-solving skills from my classes, but my co-op taught me how to put them to the test. Every challenge became a chance to prove what I was capable of, and I left with an incredible sense of accomplishment. It's a feeling of confidence and ownership that you can't get from a textbook alone.
A Proactive Career Path: Doing It Backwards
Bethlehem's journey into urban planning was far from conventional. Instead of finishing her degree first, she took a bold, "backwards" approach to her career. She started by looking at job openings in Alberta and discovered the field of urban planning, which she didn't even know existed.
I literally did it backwards. I didn't have a lot of confidence in the job market after school, so I decided to look at it from the other side, and it worked out. This unconventional approach not only led me to a career I'm passionate about but also gave me the confidence to forge my own path.
This strategic move led her to the University of Lethbridge's Urban and Regional Studies program, and to challenge herself, she added a second degree in Economics. Her proactive mindset helped her find a career that is both meaningful and in-demand. The takeaway here is that you don't have to wait to start your career exploration; you can use job postings as a guide for your academic path.
Real-World Experience
Bethlehem didn't just get a job; she became an essential part of the planning team. She immersed herself in the kind of documents and legislation she had only read about in textbooks, like the Municipal Government Act. Here's a look at some of the key projects she worked on:
- Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan: She actively contributed to editing and formatting an extensive 21,788-word plan.
- Parking and Mobility Report: She helped shape a 12,913-word document, gaining a deeper understanding of urban infrastructure.
- A 50-Page Legislative Slide Deck: She conducted research and created a detailed presentation on the Municipal Government Act, showcasing her research and communication skills.
- On-Site Inspections: She participated in over seven site visits for inspections and compliance checks, giving her firsthand experience of how urban planning works in the real world.
My Co-op experiences have helped me realize that planning isn't just about land use and infrastructure. It's also about justice, representation and healing. I was able to support Indigenous relations and truth and reconciliation efforts that the municipality was working towards to create space for real social change.
Turning Challenges into Triumphs
Bethlehem's Co-op experience as a Student Planner with the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo was a pivotal step, but one that came with a significant personal hurdle: imposter syndrome. Despite being selected for three consecutive co-op terms, she often questioned if she truly belonged.
To overcome this, she applied her tenacity and relied on the support system she built. The consistent reselection for her co-op terms, combined with encouragement from her mentors, helped her realize that her achievements were not due to luck. Her manager noted that she is "extremely innovative" and that her judgment is "exceptionally good."
Bethlehem's story shows that it's okay to feel overwhelmed sometimes, but with hard work and self-belief, you can build the confidence to succeed.
Advice for Other Students
Bethlehem's advice to students is that the experience is far more valuable than anything you can learn in a classroom.
The experience I've gained through my co-op work terms is beyond any work experience a student could get before graduating. The tasks and projects I have been actively involved in—from editing official documents to shaping statutory plans—are things I would have only read about in a textbook, and that has made all the difference.
This advice highlights her belief in the power of hands-on experience and its ability to shape a student's career path in ways that are far more impactful than only having classroom learning.
The Power of Mentorship
Bethlehem's success was greatly influenced by key figures who supported her journey. She credits Professor Brady Simpson for the simple encouragement that pushed her to apply for her first co-op. She also highlights Professor Spencer Croil, a practicing urban planner whose classes provided a valuable link between academic theory and real-world experience.
Finally, she praises her co-op coordinator, Erin Kennett, who was instrumental in guiding her from her very first resume review.
Erin's support has been phenomenal, encouraging, honest, and consistent. She's been instrumental in every step of my journey. I'm so glad I got to meet her.
Remember, you don't have to do it alone. Building a relationship with your professors and the Co-op team can open doors you never knew existed.
Future Aspirations: Where Will Your Co-op Take You?
Bethlehem plans to complete her final year and pursue a Master's degree in urban planning to gain her accreditation. She looks forward to a career in the field, potentially in economic development, armed with the knowledge and experience to contribute meaningfully.