Meet Nicosia M.

"My position as an intern for the Northwest Regional Office has been very informative, both for my personal and professional development. In general, my work consists of creating media reports about local activities affecting the sector, doing research on regional agricultural and environmental issues, creating databases for local food processors, and supporting my supervisors and coworkers with the files they are allocated. Through my work, I have been learning so much about Alberta and the Yukon’s agriculture, processors, and even about our trade relations with other countries. It has also introduced me to potential opportunities for future employment in a variety of sectors that match my interests and education.

The most important thing I've learned from my work experience is that anyone can do anything- to a reasonable extent at least. I think as Arts Students, some of us may be concerned about what we'll do after we graduate. Will our degrees help us find work, especially in these uncertain times? I have learned that despite the insecurities we may feel, our Arts Degrees do a great job of giving us the keys to adapt to a variety of situations, and provide us with many transferable skills like collaboration and critical and empathetic thinking. Working as an intern for Agriculture and Agri-Foods Canada is not something necessarily associated with a student in Latin American Studies and Spanish, but my program has given me the skills to work in contexts not directly related to my degree. I have also realized that many of my senior coworkers come from differing fields and have an Arts degree themselves. It shows that if one is willing to learn, put themselves out there, take risks and work hard, they will get the necessary supports which will open the door to endless possibilities. Your degree can provide the foundation for success and will return to you as much as you put into it."

Nicosia is completing her degree in Latin American Studies and Spanish as well as certificates in International Learning and Community Service Learning. In her free time she enjoys tutoring students, spending time in nature, and hanging out with her family.