Careers in social work and human services in spotlight at STM

The second annual Career Readiness and Industry Spotlight event held recently at St. Thomas More College (STM) showcased five panelists with a lot of heart. That’s what it takes to dedicate your life to helping others in the field of social work and human services: Heart, resilience and the wisdom to know how to take care of your own needs.

The five guest speakers brought a variety of real-world experiences to share with the STM students interested in exploring a career serving others.

The panelists shared their professional journeys and how their education served them in their work. They also brought some valuable advice for new grads looking to enter helping professions.

“Across the board the panelists emphasized self-care and doing the work for one’s own healing,” said organizer Linda Berry, Career Readiness Officer and STM Academic Advisor. “These roles can be emotionally taxing, and practising from a place of health and stability means better service and reduces the likelihood of burnout. The people who need help deserve to receive the best, and professionals deserve to give their best.”

Berry said another important piece of advice that came from the talk is understanding one’s role as a guide or support through a person’s journey.

“You can’t fix other people’s problems for them. It needs to come from them, and you shouldn’t carry the weight of other people’s decisions. Empowerment is the goal.”

Sharing their perspectives on Wednesday, Jan. 22 in the St. John Henry Newman Student Lounge were Elder Linda Sanderson, Rachel Fiddler, Rachelle Kosokowsky, Jayden Bissky and Adam Day. Their professional experiences include work in the areas as varied as sexual abuse, Indigenous issues and education, healthcare, physical abuse, inclusion, newcomer settlement and child and family programs.

“Of the five panelists, four have social work degrees, but each has a different job title,” said Berry. “We heard from our panelists that their education gave them a general understanding, but when they applied their skills in specific settings, they found where they fit best.”

“I liked how Rachelle Kosokowsky compared the work that she and Adam Day do: she is comfortable speaking with oncology patients about grief and dying, but she wouldn’t be a good fit working with kids, like Adam Day does.”

Human services is a demanding field, which is why it is important to understand oneself and implement boundaries, said Berry.

“Our students have so much potential, and my job is to provide stepping-stones from which to launch.”

Berry said her intention with the Career Insights series is to help students link their skills with possible career paths.

“It can be challenging to approach the end of a degree and face the blank job search bar, unsure where to begin. By bringing in folks from various careers within an industry, my goal is to show students how their education can be foundational for many pathways within an area of interest.”

Berry said the best part of the 2025 Career Insights presentation for her took place once the event officially ended.

“After audience questions, I invited the students to come introduce themselves to our guests, and many did. It was a great chance for the students to network, and I heard from one of the presenters that she had a long discussion with a student about representation from communities that have historically been harmed by the social work profession. That student could be that representation for the next generation, building toward a future that does not repeat the mistakes of the past.”

 

Panelists for the event were:

Elder Linda Sanderson who began her career with the Indian and Metis Friendship Centre in the 1980s. After earning a two-year social work certificate, she went on to receive her social work B.A. in 2001. She has worked at Oskayak High School and Tamara’s House, a home for sexual abuse survivors. Her time at Tamara’s House led her to develop a 32-hour program for sexual abuse survivors, and later, a program How to Journal Using the Medicine Wheel. She is now retired from front line work but continues to serve her community and share her wisdom with the next generation of helping professionals.  

Rachel Fiddler and her mother were both taken from family in a process now known as the Sixties Scoop. She has profound knowledge and experience in working with, practicing and studying methodologies centered around decolonization and healing. She has been a staff member of the Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Centre since 2017. In her work on campus, Rachel has implemented a cultural engagement strategy which seeks to provide a safe space on campus for students to engage with culturally relevant support services. She is currently a graduate student at the University of Toronto in the Master of Social Work, Indigenous Trauma and Resiliency program.

Rachelle Kosokowsky is a Clinical Oncology Social Worker at the Saskatoon Cancer Centre. Rachelle received a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of Saskatchewan, taking many classes at St. Thomas More College and also participating in the Newman Players drama club. She then completed her Bachelor of Social Work in 2010 at the University of Regina Saskatoon campus before earning her Master of Social Work from the University of Toronto in 2013. Rachelle’s previous work history includes employment with Inclusion Saskatchewan, the YWCA Crisis Shelter, and the Saskatchewan Health Region.  

Jayden Bissky was a recipient of an STM Les and Irene Dubé Service & Justice Scholarship in 2018. During her time at university, Jayden worked two summer internships with United Way of Saskatoon and Area, coordinating their Summer Success youth literacy program. She graduated from the University of Saskatchewan in 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts Honours in Political Studies and a Bachelor of Arts Honours  in International Studies. After convocation, she decided to pursue a career in the not-for-profit sector. In the fall of 2023, Jayden started working with Global Gathering Place in the role of Volunteer and Program Facilitator. 

Adam Day says it is a pleasure to return to STM where he was able to receive his BA in Sociology and formed lasting friendships through joining the STMSU, Newman Centre, and Newman Players. He received a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Regina, which lead him to his career with Child and Family Programs through the Ministry of Social Services where he will be entering my 16th year in May.    

 

INFO SHEET
Career Insights and Industry Spotlight: Social Work & Human Services 

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