Laura McFarland

I am now working as a Campaign Manager at the United Way of Winnipeg (I got the job!!) This is my DREAM JOB that I didn't expect to land for a few more years, and I need to tell you that I know I would not be here if it wasn't for the support, mentorship and learning that I received at Confederation College that took place through many different vehicles. I started a little over a month ago, which has consisted of A LOT of training (lots of numbers, analyzing, strategic planning, goal setting,  etc ...)   In a nutshell, I suppose you could say that my job is "relationship fundraising".I support volunteers at the top of their industries as they reach out to their associates to make charitable contributions to support United Way's work in the community. ($18.2 million was raised in 2009, I have not yet set the goal for my portfolio, but it will be around the $2 million mark for 2010!)

First off, the Program that got me here; Recreation and Leisure Service.  Lynne Peters, Peter Gallagher (in the first year) and the other faculty in the Rec program helped to shape my organizational, interpersonal skills, and technical skills. (Along with a 4 month internship with United Way of Thunder Bay, which was a huge asset in getting this position).

There was also my involvement with SUCCI (Student Union).  Honestly, when I first started in Student Leadership I thought it would be an "easy job", which turned out to become a passion.  As a student leader, I had exposures and opportunities that many people never get the opportunity to experience at such a young age.  I became educated in so many aspects of the world that I would probably have never been interested in, including politics, social issues, collective agreements, as well as complicated and large budgets. I've had experiences such as sitting on  interview panels, speaking to large and important crowds and politicians, advocacy, fundraising, events management, human resources, motivation, running meetings, mentoring other students, conflict resolution and the list goes on and on and on.  These experiences have shaped me to be someone who I would never imagined I would be.  I have acquired confidence in myself and my work.. however this did not come as easily as it sounds.

When I started as President of SUCCI, I had no idea what I was doing.  

I was quiet in meetings because I was trying to learn and soak it all in, and I wasn't sure if I did speak, that I would even be listened to.  However, it didn't take me very long to figure out that the College community are here for students first and WANTED to know what the students had to say.  Occasionally I was wrong, or my ideas were idealistic, however I had amazing mentors and friends who would bring me up to speed on history, or who supported me in learning at my own pace.

I have acquired many unofficial mentors.  I cannot name them all, because everyone who I had any involvement with at the college taught me something.  From the helpful Residence staff, to SUCCI staff, to my friends in Resource Development who taught me about Fundraising. To the College Management team, to Support Staff (and Financial Aid where I worked one summer). I have received the most well-rounded education that I could ever imagine.

However, I know that learning is lifelong, and I am hoping to return to school at some point to further my education, either in Resource Development or Project Management.

I would like to applaud Confederation College for setting me on a path that I am so excited to be on! 

Take care and good luck.