Building the Future Workforce: Summer Students Share Their Experiences
This summer, Circle of Care welcomed university students from a range of disciplines, including social work, nursing, therapeutic recreation, and information technology, supporting their professional growth through hands-on learning opportunities.
In a time when meaningful early-career opportunities can be difficult to find, these placements help students apply their academic learning in real-world settings, build networks, and develop confidence navigating the workplace.
The benefits extend beyond the students. Their new perspectives, curiosity, and ideas contribute to our teams and help strengthen the work we do every day. Many students go on to pursue careers in the health and social services sector, bringing their experiences with them, while others return to Circle of Care in full-time roles. By investing in student learning, we are helping to build the future workforce in health and social services.
As the summer comes to a close, our students reflected on what they learned about the sector, the organization, and their own professional growth. Their experiences highlight the value of creating meaningful opportunities that support the next generation of professionals and strengthen the communities we serve.
Greg S., Adult Day Program Recreation Student
My first summer at Circle of Care gave me the chance to work directly with clients at the Adult Day Program (ADP) and learn how different roles come together to create a positive experience for participants. I became more comfortable managing multiple responsibilities and supporting programming. One of my favourite moments was when I led a game of balloon badminton and saw how much fun the clients had. Another moment that stayed with me was watching a client who rarely joined activities dance with the group. I’m also proud to have helped set up the Snoezelen room at the ADP, creating a welcoming space that clients can enjoy. This summer showed me how small moments and thoughtful programming can make a real difference in someone’s day.
Misbah P., Client Services Student
This summer, I had the opportunity to work with the Sinai Health to Home team and gain insight into the work involved in supporting clients and bringing new programs to life. Working alongside caring and knowledgeable colleagues gave me a new perspective on the impact of community-based care and provided me experiences that I’ll carry with me throughout my future nursing career. One of the highlights of my summer was attending the Nursing Week Lunch, where I listened to nurses speak about their experiences and passion for the profession. As I wrap up my second summer at Circle of Care and prepare to enter my final year of nursing, I’m leaving with a stronger appreciation for the people I’ve met and worked with.
Emma S., Volunteer Resources Student
My summer with the Volunteer Resources team gave me the chance to turn ideas into programs while becoming more comfortable taking the lead. I enjoyed planning and facilitating activities, and learning how much thought goes into creating meaningful experiences for clients and volunteers. A highlight was when I helped bring a karaoke program to life and saw participants come together through music, laughter, and a lot of singing. I also loved spending a day at Sunnybrook Park with seniors, volunteers, and staff, where we enjoyed the outdoors and painted rocks. After my first summer at Circle of Care, I’m proud of the connections I helped create and the confidence I gained along the way.
Mahima U., Hospice & Bereavement Student
Returning to Circle of Care for a third summer gave me the chance to take on new challenges. My work with clients taught me how important it is to listen carefully, navigate difficult conversations, and respond to people’s individual needs with compassion. Knowing I had a team that encouraged me and gave me the space to reflect and learn, I became more confident stepping outside my comfort zone. I’m thankful to the Hospice and Bereavement Team for another meaningful summer, and for the lessons I’ll take with me throughout my social work career.
Naseem M., IT Student
Over the summer, I gained hands-on experience with troubleshooting, account and device management, process documentation, and remote staff support, while becoming more confident in solving problems independently. I particularly enjoyed getting to know my coworkers through team meetings and conversations in the office. One project I’m especially proud of was improving the IT asset inventory process by creating a more efficient workflow, making it easier to manage device information and saving the team valuable time.
Elion A., Transportation Student
My second summer at Circle of Care was an opportunity to step into my role with greater confidence and become more comfortable communicating with clients, staff, and colleagues. I especially valued being part of a workplace where people were approachable and willing to help, which made it easy to learn and take on new challenges. Some of my favourite parts of the summer came through both my day-to-day responsibilities and the connections I built with colleagues across the organization. These connections made my experience especially memorable, and I’m grateful for the people who helped make my second summer here such a positive one.
