Learn More About the Work-study Program from the Faculty of Architecture
Become a Work-study employer - Apply by July 21, 2025
The Work-study Program offers part-time on campus positions for University of Manitoba students with financial need. It is a great experiential learning opportunity for students to gain and build on their skills, while also providing rewarding experiences for employers. The Work-study team interviewed an employer from the Faculty of Architecture alongside their hired Work-study student from the 2024-2025 term to gain some insight of the impact of the program.
Employer Interview: Brandy O’Reilly
Please introduce yourself. Where do you work on campus and what is your role? Please feel free to share any other relevant information you would like.
My name is Brandy O’Reilly and I work as the Communications and Special Projects Coordinator in the Faculty of Architecture. Our hub within the faculty is called the Partners Program and in our office we coordinate all internal and external events, communications as well as student awards, student exchange and the co-op program.
How long have you been an employer with the Work-study Program?
2017-2018 was the first year we hired a Work-study student.
How did you hear about the Work-study Program?
The first time I heard about the program was via a university-wide email.
How would you describe your experience with the Work-study Program?
I think the Work-study program is such a valuable initiative on campus. Many students are faced with financial challenges while they are trying to pursue higher education. This program supports students by creating on-campus opportunities that allow them to give back to the UM community while gaining experience and building their resumés.
From an employer’s perspective, the process of posting a position, hiring a student, and receiving wage reimbursement is straightforward and efficient. This smooth experience speaks volumes about the dedication and organization of the Work-study Program coordinator and support team. They ensure that both students and employers are well-supported throughout the process.
Would you consider the Work Study funding to have been helpful for your office/department? (For example, were there any projects or assignments your office was able to complete with the help of the Work-study Program funding?)
The Work-study Program has consistently been an incredible resource for our office. Like many units on campus, we have limited funds for special initiatives, tasks or projects. This past year was the 65th Anniversary of the John A. Russell Building. Although not necessarily considered a milestone year, it was important to our faculty to celebrate it in some way. With the commitment of our Work-study student, Rafay Ali Aziz, we were able to compile in-depth research on the building and the first Dean of our Faculty, John A. Russell. Rafay was able to bring the research to life by creating a visual presentation that was on display during our Year End Exhibition to be enjoyed by our students, alumni and community members.
How does the Work-study Program differ from other opportunities that fund student employment?
I’m unsure how it differs since it is the means that I use to hire student support in our office.
Were there any key takeaways related to the program that you would like to share?
I encourage any faculty or staff member who has a project or role that could offer a learning experience to consider participating in this program. By hiring through Work-Study, you not only gain support for your unit or initiative, but you also play a direct role in supporting a student’s academic journey and future success.
Student Interview: Abdul Rafay Ali Aziz
Please introduce yourself. What do you study? Where did you work on campus, what was your role? Please feel free to share any other relevant information you would like.
Hi, my name is Abdul Rafay, and I recently graduated in the spring with a Bachelor of Environmental Design under the Faculty of Architecture. Through the Work-Study Program, I worked as a research assistant under the faculty, specifically on a project celebrating the 65th anniversary of the John A. Russell Building. My role involved historical research, collecting personal stories from students, alumni, and professors, and curating an exhibition that was featured as part of the faculty’s end-of-year exhibition celebration.
How long have you been a student with the Work-study Program?
I participated in the Work-Study Program during the 2024–2025 academic year, this was my first time being part of it.
How did you hear about the Work-study Program?
I first heard about the Work-Study Program through the Faculty of Architecture’s Student Advisors and Program Coordinators. The faculty sent out well-organized emails highlighting the value of the program and the diverse opportunities available. I applied for the Research Assistant position, as it closely aligned with my interests as an architecture student.
How would you describe your experience with the Work-study Program?
My experience with the Work-Study Program was incredibly meaningful, both personally and professionally. It offered an opportunity to step outside of coursework and apply my interests in architecture through storytelling and design to a real-world project that directly impacted the faculty I’m part of. I wasn’t just doing research, I was investigating and sharing stories that define the identity of the Faculty of Architecture. Being entrusted with curating an exhibition felt both exciting and humbling, especially knowing that it would be seen by students, faculty, alumni, and visitors.
The role helped me build confidence in working independently, but it also taught me how to collaborate effectively with my mentors, and other students. I was supported in the position by Brandy O’Reilly and Dean Mimi but also given the opportunity to take creative ownership of the project. It helped me see how architecture is not just about designing buildings but about holding and sharing stories.
Are there any projects or assignments that you were able to work on during your time with the employer in the Work-study Program?
Yes! The biggest project I worked on was curating an exhibition for the 65th anniversary of the John A. Russell Building. This involved gathering archival material of the John A Russell building from library and archival resources, such as photographs and initial drafted drawings from the time John A Russell taught at the Faculty as Dean. Aswell as conducting interviews with professors and students and finally accumulating the information into designing the exhibition layout and content. It was presented publicly during the faculty’s end-of-year exhibition, and it felt amazing to see people engage with the stories and visuals we had put together.
How did the Work-study Program enhance your experiential learning at the University of Manitoba? (For example, did you develop specific skills or competencies that you feel will be beneficial for your future career goals?)
The Work-Study Program really brought my academic learning to life. It allowed me to take the creative and technical skills I’ve been developing in the Faculty of Architecture and apply them in a setting that required both independence and collaboration. Through the process of researching, archiving, and curating, I learned how to translate abstract ideas into something tangible and formulative.
I developed strong research skills, especially in how to navigate archival material and conduct interviews in a conventional and intentional way. I also gained experience in exhibition design, thinking through spatial layout, storytelling, visual engagement. Aswell, creating a deeper appreciation for graphic design, as the exhibition allowed me to become a storyteller for the Faculty of Architecture. It wasn’t just about portraying information, it was about creating an experience that allowed people to connect to the building, and to each other.
Beyond technical skills, I learned how to assess and manage timelines for myself, as well communicate and collaborate with my mentors. My mentors especially allowed me to experience the project through creative freedom, which allowed me to more experimental and learn through the process. At the end, the project helped me see how meaningful architecture can be when it engages with peoples lived experiences. That lesson will continue to influence how I approach design in my career.
Were there any key takeaways related to the program that you would like to share?
A major takeaway from the Work-Study Program was realizing how, especially in my role, students can feel empowered when given the opportunity to exercise creative freedom in projects that have a meaningful impact on both the faculty and the student body. Often, students can feel like they’re just helping with small tasks or busywork, but in this role, I was given real responsibility, to be curating an exhibition that would be publicly showcased and deeply connected to the history and identity of the Faculty of Architecture.
That trust made me feel valued and motivated to put my best effort into every aspect of the project. It reinforced that students are capable of contributing in significant ways when given the opportunity and support. This experience has shaped how I view my role as a student, as not just as a learner but as an active participant in shaping the university community and its stories. It’s a reminder that when given a space to grow both professionally and academically, students will feel entrusted, and the results will reflect the environment the students are reflected in.
How to Apply
If you are interested in being a Work-study employer for the 2025 – 2026 term, you can submit job positions to UMConnect through the Work-study module, the deadline to submit is Monday, July 21 at Noon! If you are new to the Work-study Program, please fill out the New Work-study Staff/Faculty Account Registration form by Friday, July 18 at Noon to start submitting jobs.
For students interested in applying for the Work-study Program, the application portal will open on UMConnect by Monday, August 4. To review the eligibility requirements for the program, visit the Work-study website. To avoid delays in your application, apply for government student loans as soon as possible.
If you have any questions about the program, reach out to Madison Bonnefoy, Work-Study Coordinator or Lindsey Hiebert, Career Consultant at wkstudy[at]umanitoba[dot]ca