Stephanie Bailey (she/her)

Hi there! My name is Steph Bailey (she/her), and I’m an undergraduate Career Advisor here at the Centre for Career Development (CCD). Early on in my career journey, I sought the counsel of a career coach who changed my life by helping me to articulate my purpose into one succinct sentence: “To harness my creativity, empathy and privilege to support others to live meaningful lives.”

Years later, I am grateful to be doing just that as a Career Advisor, supporting undergraduate students to craft their stories and kickstart their own purpose-driven careers. My path to this work has been long and meandering – and I wouldn’t have it any other way! Some of my best stories come from the jobs I did to support myself through undergrad, like bussing tables, apprenticing as a cabinet maker and planting thousands of trees for 10 cents a pop.

Since graduating with my master’s in English Literature, I have worked in teaching, writing and fundraising roles in various work environments, from small non-profits to large, research universities. I strongly believe that all my past experiences – and missteps – enrich how I can show up for and advise students from all walks of life, who are facing big life decisions or navigating complex systems that may not always be working in their favour.

Through my work volunteering with sexual assault centres over the years, I’ve been fortunate enough to receive extensive and ongoing training in trauma-informed and person-centred care, which informs every part of my work supporting and advocating for students. I also am currently pursuing the Career Development Professional Certificate program at Conestoga College. I look forward to meeting you!

Talk to me about: Reviewing resumes and cover letters; preparing for interviews; navigating the co-op system; New Yorker cartoons; meditation; rock climbing; mental health; the use of semicolons

Education:

• Bachelor of Arts in English and Film Studies, University of Alberta
• Master of Arts in English Literature, University of Victoria 
• Career Development Professional Certificate Program, Conestoga College (in progress)