Career development’s newest team member is ready to help students secure summer and articling positions

Over the summer, the Queen’s Law Career Development Office has been bustling with activity in preparation for the new school year. Staff and student team members have planned events and programs, updated their highly successful, individualized three-year career management plan, and more. Joining the team – that includes Julie Banting, Director of Career Development; Mike Molas, Career Counsellor; and student members – is Sara Ali, the new Career Development Coordinator. 

As part of the CDO, Ali supports different aspects of the recruitment processes. “I provide accurate and up-to-date employer information, seek job advertisements to post on our online Career Services Manager (CSM) resource, and liaise with employers to ensure the best recruitment experience for our students,” she says. “It is important to try to find positions in all areas of law to support the different interests and career paths of our students.” 

Having started her role on May 1, Ali has four months of experience under her belt. “This summer has been an exciting one!” she exclaims. One big highlight for her was coordinating Connect for Success, the popular summer recruitment event that took place on July 29 in Toronto. There, students entering second year networked with young lawyers representing their law firms and government offices. “It was lovely to finally meet the students I had been emailing and to connect with employers, as well,” she says. “Many of the employers were Queen’s Law alumni and it was great to see their excitement in seeing each other again and passing on their support to our current 2L students. 

“I have also been spending time learning the role with excellent guidance from Julie and support from Mike,” she says. That will stand her in good stead for 2019-20. 

“The upcoming year will be a rollercoaster of fun!” she exclaims. “I will be supporting our On Campus Interview (OCI) event in September at the Holiday Inn, where we are welcoming over 50 employers to interview students who applied for 2L summer positions in Toronto. I am also coordinating the Ottawa Firm Tour in November for students from Queen’s, Windsor and Western law schools to visit Ottawa firms they may be interested in for their 2L summer job.” 

Ali, who is completing a Master of Education degree focused on student development and student services with the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto, has worked for several years in student-focused roles at Queen’s with the Student Experience Office and with Student Athlete Services. “Sara brings a tremendous amount of empathy and understanding to the role,” says Banting. “She also brings to the table a strong event management skill set, which is essential for our team when working on the many complicated events we run for employers and students every year. I am excited to see how she applies her customer service expertise to assist with maintaining and expanding our employer relations. Sara’s positive outlook, enthusiasm and sense of humour has blended well with our team and service-oriented approach.”

What’s Ali’s favourite part of the job so far? “Working with the CDO team,” she replies without hesitation. “Julie, Mike and our summer student, Mary Alfredsson (Law’21) have welcomed me with open arms and I feel very supported in this role. I am very lucky to be working with such supportive, knowledgeable people!” 

As for what comes next, Ali says, “The most exciting part that I am looking forward to this year is getting to know all the students and how I can support them throughout their journey at Queen’s Law.”