Career Mentor – Bonnie Snow

Bonnie Snow is one of 700+ Career Mentor volunteers who devote time to meeting and supporting University of Manitoba students. Each year, career mentors share their knowledge and advice to guide the career plans and contribute to the success of students. In celebration of 25 successful years, 25 career mentors have agreed to share their career stories and advice…

Briefly, tell us about your job. What do you find most rewarding? What are your greatest challenges within this profession?

I am the program supervisor at Adoption Options Manitoba Inc. I oversee the day-to-day operations of the agency and also provide direct service to clients; birth parents, adoptive parents, and adoptees.

The most rewarding part of my job is being part of a process that is life changing for people. This, however, is also the most challenging part. Adoption is an intense emotional process. We often refer to it as “bittersweet,” a combination of the greatest joy and the deepest sorrow.

While you were completing your degree, what experiences and activities helped bring you to your career decision or helped you succeed in your occupation?

My choice in field placements greatly impacted my career path following graduation. My first two jobs after graduation where with the organizations where I completed my placements.

Describe your career planning journey. Please include any highlights, bumps or roadblocks.

In the past I have had a tendency to change jobs every five years or so. This has never been intentional, but a result of different opportunities presenting themselves.

My current position involves a combination of personal and professional experience. My husband and I were fortunate enough to adopt our two children through Adoption Options. When the opportunity to work at Adoption Options came up, I knew it was the right place for me.

What inspired you to be a Career Mentor?

I was contacted by the university and I thought it was a great idea.

What advice do you have for students who are interested in following in your footsteps?

I wouldn’t change anything regarding my educational and career choices. I feel that a degree in social work allows for many different employment opportunities in many different fields. This allows for some freedom in exploring other options if and when you feel a need for change.

What career advice do you have for university students?

Make wise choices in your field placements and treat it as a job and a learning experience. This will be a great potential professional reference.

Stay tuned for more career mentor profiles! From September 25 to November 2 the Career Mentor Program will be profiling 25 dedicated and wonderful mentors from across several sectors. To view more career mentor profiles and learn about the anniversary event on November 2, 2015, please visit the CMP 25th Anniversary website.

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