How TMU students get paid to work on-campus jobs!
Hey, it’s Ido, fourth-year Image Arts: Film student and your Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) student ambassador. Did you know that TMU offers an employment program designed to help undergraduate students find jobs on campus? The program is called Career Boost, and it's the very program through which I get to work and write these blog posts.
This job hasn’t only helped me pay for school, it’s also given me valuable professional experience. I’ve developed skills in writing for specific audiences, working in a content management system and collaborating within a larger communications team. I’ve also received dedicated training, mentoring and professional development resources. These skills can translate into future jobs!
Each Career Boost role helps you develop your professional skills and provides unique opportunities. To learn more about other types of jobs on campus, I chatted with a few TMU students who are also employed through Career Boost to learn more about their roles!
Ido: Describe your Career Boost job!
Shaaranki: My job title is Content Creator: Digital Media. I plan, film and edit videos for both short-form content and long-form content catered toward current students and prospective students. My responsibilities include looking out for social media trend ideas, covering TMU events and interviewing students! This year especially, I have been focusing on directing videos!
I: How did you find out about your Career Boost position?
S: I found out about my Career Boost position through the @studentlifetmu (external link) and @choosetmu (external link) Instagram accounts. I stumbled across a post about the job and decided to apply!
I: How has working an on-campus job helped you?
S: Working an on-campus job is great because it is easier to work around your class schedule. It's great to know that I would never have a conflict between class times and my job, allowing me to focus on both!
As a Content Creator, I have been able to work on my on-camera delivery as well as my filming and editing skills. These help me every day as a Journalism student interested in pursuing broadcast journalism.
Ido: Describe your Career Boost job!
Morgan: I work as an Operations Assistant. I spend my time fixing audio visual equipment in the School of Image Arts Technology Resource Centre, mixing chemicals for the darkroom, organizing and cleaning the soundstage prop room and helping in the building with miscellaneous tasks.
I: How did you find out about your Career Boost position?
M: In my first year at TMU, I was looking for a job to support myself through university and explored Career Boost job postings on the job portal.
I: How has working an on-campus job helped you?
M: Working on campus has helped me support myself through university with minimal debt. It has also given me the freedom to work when my schedule allows. That way, I still have time for classes and assignments.
As an Operations Assistant, I get to learn a side of filmmaking that isn’t always highlighted in our classes. Ensuring all equipment is working as intended is a huge role in the industry. I’m very excited to be leaving university with 2 years experience in the role!
Ido: Describe your Career Boost position!
Shan: I work on the Customer Service and Outreach (CSO) team as a Customer Service Assistant for TMU Athletics and Recreation. My job involves providing assistance, guidance and aid to the students and members of the Athletics and Recreation facilities located on campus. This involves front desk customer service at the Recreation Athletic Centre (RAC) and the Mattamy Athletic Centre (MAC).
I: How did you find out about your Career Boost position?
S: I’ve always been interested in contributing to my community, whether it’s in the form of a job, volunteering or getting involved with projects both on and off campus. I found out about my current job while working out and playing sports at the RAC.
I: How has working an on-campus job helped you?
S: Being part of the CSO team has benefited me by allowing me to stay close to campus, making my classes easier to attend before or after a shift. It has also vastly improved my general communication skills. Plus, the job experience for my resumé doesn't hurt!
This Career Boost job requires me to adjust on the fly to different customers and their requests, and to find a solution to their needs. As a Graphic Communications Management student, we’re taught that we’ll be dealing with clients on a daily basis in the future. Addressing customer problems in my CSO role provides relevant skills to support my future ambitions.
Ido: Describe your Career Boost position!
Aiya: I work as a National Recruitment Ambassador. I support events like Open House, conduct campus tours and connect with prospective students to share my experiences at TMU.
I: How did you find out about your Career Boost position?
A: I was searching for opportunities to get involved on campus and came across the Career Boost job portal. I was excited to find a role that allowed me to connect with students and represent the university.
I: How has working an on-campus job helped you?
A: Working on campus has helped me build confidence in my communication and professional skills. It has also made me feel more involved in the TMU community.
Regularly communicating with prospective students and guiding them through their educational journey has strengthened my interpersonal skills, which is highly relevant to my Psychology program. Gaining experience in building social connections and demonstrating active support develops the skills needed to become a practitioner in the future.
Ido: Describe your Career Boost position!
Rishni: I work for the Student Awards and Scholarships Office (SASO) as an Administrative Assistant. I create and manage scholarship application forms for applicants, coordinate web update requests for the TMU website, and review and update award-related tasks within the system to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
I: How did you find out about your Career Boost position?
R: I was searching for ways to get more involved on campus when I came across the Career Boost job portal. I was especially interested in finding a role where I could build new skills, gain meaningful experience and contribute positively to the campus community.
I: How has working an on-campus job helped you?
R: Working an on-campus job has improved my attention to detail and problem-solving abilities, while allowing me to contribute directly to my campus community. Being on campus has also made it much easier to balance work and school, since I can conveniently go to my shifts before or after classes without long commutes.
Working as an Administrative Assistant has strengthened my ability to stay organized, manage detailed information and communicate effectively. This directly supports my studies where research precision and lab coordination are essential. The experience also builds a strong foundation for my future career by improving my ability to work in structured clinical and research settings that require accuracy, collaboration and attention to detail.
If you’re seeking a way to gain work experience as a TMU student, build skills and stay connected to campus, there’s a Career Boost job out there that fits your interests and schedule!
Until next time,
Ido, your student ambassador