Krista Steeves is director of the newly-formed Department of Experiential Learning and Career Development at Mount Allison, located on the second floor of the Wallace McCain Student Centre.

Experiential learning or hands-on learning builds on students’ academic and personal experiences, inside the classroom, the local community, in the workforce and around the world. Opportunities take on a wide variety of forms including but not limited to class projects, field trips, workshops, and community service learning, and internships.

“Our office and services are still very much evolving, but we work to link students with opportunities in experiential learning, through community service, internships both on and off-campus, as well as offering career counselling and guidance in these areas,” she says.

The Department of Experiential Learning and Career Development supports hands-on learning and career development opportunities for all Mount Allison students.

“We work in partnership with students, faculty, staff, as well as community members and employers to help develop new opportunities for students and hopefully better prepare them for their next step following Mount A, whatever that path that may be,” explains Steeves.

A graduate of Mount Allison, Steeves earned her degree in sociology and anthropology and was involved in many aspects of campus and residence life.

“Studying in this area helped me discover my true passion, people. It really helped to lay the foundation of where I would go professionally,” she says. “I also worked as a residence assistant and assistant don in Trueman and Palmer residences.”

Building on her academic and student experience, Steeves has gathered an extensive background in the area of student life. She began her career in the residence office at St. Francis Xavier University and then returned to Mount Allison to work in conference services. From there she headed to Victoria College at the University of Toronto where she worked in campus life and residence life, eventually becoming associate dean. She also earned two master’s degrees, one in education in theory and policy studies and one in psychotherapy.

Originally from Riverview, NB, Steeves says she and her family were excited to return to the Maritimes last year.

“When the opportunity to help build experiential learning at Mount Allison came up, I knew I wanted to be a part of this,” says Steeves. “The theory of what we’re trying to do, linking experiences to future careers, I feel that’s played out in my own life. My academic studies and my work experiences as a student helped me learn what I really wanted to do and transition into my career.”

Students can find out more about Experiential Learning and Career Development services and upcoming opportunities and workshops at: https://www.mta.ca/careers/, on social: FB, @mountallisoncareers; Instagram: mta_experientiallearning or visit the office on the second floor of the Wallace McCain Student Centre.