Karen Beaudin Native Studies Alumni

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

I am a community resource coordinator at the City of Winnipeg, Community Services Department. I work in a community development field and enjoy working with community groups in the Downtown and Elmwood areas. I find it rewarding to work in the community to create new programming as identified by the community members. There are challenges that take time to overcome, such as budget issues and conflicts amongst groups and community.

What experiences and activities helped you to map out your career pathway?

Volunteering with various Indigenous organizations and working with community groups allowed me to network and make new contacts. I enjoy working with people and this job opportunity was a community development position that gave me the opportunity to work with people in the community.

As a student, did you see yourself in your current career? What stayed the same and/or changed?

No, I did not see myself in my current career. Professional development, attending workshops and going back to university to get a social work degree was an asset. There is always something new to learn; the community is changing all the time.

What advice do you have for students who are interested in pursuing a degree in native studies?

Take the time to volunteer with non-profit organizations and build a relationship with people in the community. Participate in community workshops and talk to Elders in the community.

What job search advice do you have for students and recent graduates?

There are many sites on the internet that advertise jobs. Another opportunity is to get your name on community distribution lists, where the community jobs are posted and advertised.
Networking at different events, meetings in the community and building relationships with people may sometimes lead to job information and a potential employer getting to know you and your skill set.

Tell us a fun fact about your career path. 

I have had the opportunity to work in various jobs with the City of Winnipeg. I have worked as a dental assistant, a community development worker and an Aboriginal outreach worker. My current role is as a community resource coordinator working in the Downtown and Elmwood neighbourhoods.

I started teaching square dancing to the kids in Lord Selkirk Park many years ago and now square dancing is offered as a program in the community. I also helped coach a 10 year old boy’s hardball team at Turtle Island. At some of our games, it was like watching the Bad News Bear movie where the kids were laying on the field, picking dandelions and not really focusing on the game. The team was provided with two hardball workshops and really improved their game. They won a few games and did really well in the playoffs.