TMU students land cool summer jobs
Incoming first year student Vic Gerrard spent the summer working on freelance projects including photographing concerts. Photo by Bailey Buck Poirier
It’s no secret that the student and youth job market has been tough this year. But many TMU students have beat the odds, landing cool summer jobs.
In this two-part series, we talk to six standout students whose summer jobs are leading them closer to their dream careers.
Meet the first three below:
- Vic Gerrard, freelance photographer, graphic designer and video editor
- Jaylen MacMillan, ambassador, Georgina Public Library
- Shaylene Abrey-Webster, Chemical Compliance team, Collins Aerospace
Vic Gerrard
Freelance photographer, graphic designer and video editor
Journalism, 1st year
Vic Gerrard got her start as concert photographer by reaching out to local bands and photographers. Photo by Shauna Hilferty.
Vic Gerrard's first day as a journalism student hasn’t happened yet but she’s already well-versed in the hustle.
At just 16-years-old, she attended a Waterparks concert and later saw photos from the show. She decided she wanted to take concert photos too.
“I got to work reaching out to photographers and bands in my local scene and learned as much as I could. By December 2024, I had landed my first local show and by March 2024, I got my first official media pass with the band that inspired me in the first place,” said Gerrard.
That first media pass to photograph pop rock band Waterworks in New York stands out as one of Gerrard’s favourite memories.
“I met so many new friends and it was definitely an experience I will never forget,” she said. “Another amazing memory I have was when I got my first all-access pass to photograph the band Catch Your Breath from the sidestage. I had been extremely sick but I pushed through so I could photograph. Again, I met so many important people and made so many connections, as well as got some nice recognition from the bands.”
As a freelancer, Gerrard works for herself, photographing concerts and artists in-studio, editing video and creating graphics for clients. “I love my job a lot and I can’t imagine doing anything else,” she said.
Her biggest piece of advice? Have no fear.
“Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and pitch yourself to people you deem are ‘out of your league.’ As long as you’re polite and respectful, pitch yourself to everyone you can and anyone you want to. Be confident in yourself, jump right in and go for it!” says Gerrard.
Jaylen MacMillan
Georgina Public Library ambassador
English Literature, 3rd year
Jaylen MacMillan (right) attended the York Region Pride Parade with fellow 2SLGBTQAI+ librarians and allies.
Jaylen MacMillan started working at the Georgina Public Library (GPL) in high school. This summer, she took on a bigger role with bigger responsibilities.
As GPL ambassador, MacMillan’s responsibilities include community outreach through events, school visits and social media; assisting The Summer Reading and Learning Club at four library branches; and designing two weekly programs for children—one focusing on STEAM activities and one on literacy and reading.
“The best part of my job is by far the community. Being the GPL ambassador has allowed me to meet so many lovely people from across Georgina. It’s always very sweet when people greet me with recognition and share that they remember seeing me at an event or in my videos on the GPL Instagram page,” said MacMillan.
Making social media content has been a highlight for MacMillan.
“Whether it was doing silly dances, sketches or hopping on the latest trends, it always sent a wave of laughter throughout the library,” she said.
MacMillan credits her co-workers with teaching her about career development, libraries and what it means to feel truly welcome in a community.
“I hope I’m having some impact on how future generations view libraries and literacy. In a time when libraries are under attack by AI and politics, it feels rewarding to reach out to my community and hear their thoughts on what their library can do to support them best,” said MacMillan.
Her biggest piece of advice for job hunters? Just go for it.
“Before applying to this position, I was nervous. I truly believed the job was beyond my capabilities. But I was wrong. If I had never applied, I would have never known that,” she said.
Shaylene Abrey-Webster
Chemical Compliance team, Collins Aerospace
Aerospace Engineering, 4th year
Through her summer job at Collins Aerospace, Shaylene Abrey-Webster is helping to ensure airplanes meet environmental regulations.
Shaylene Abrey-Webster’s summer job is bringing her one step closer to achieving her career goals.
The fourth-year co-op student wants to work in the aerospace industry after she graduates. This summer, she landed a job at Collins Aerospace—one of the largest landing gear manufacturers in the world.
“My job is to ensure that every substance being put on the landing gear, whether it be paint or corrosion protection plating, is compliant with environmental regulations around the world,” she said.
As part of the chemical compliance team in Materials and Process Engineering, Abrey-Webster helps promote sustainability in the aerospace industry. She also gets to learn something new each day.
“I’ve enjoyed learning about the intricacies within the industry and the implications of chemical use in everyday life,” said Abrey-Webster.
Her advice for finding a job that aligns with your career goals?
“Be patient and apply to lots of jobs. Sometimes it takes 20 or more applications to get one interview but stay positive! If a job interview doesn’t go well, the experience and practice of interviewing will help you ace the next one,” she says.
Stay tuned for part 2 of this series to meet three more TMU students working in sports betting, food research and finance.
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