Meet Rayanne. She has been wearing several hats as a summer student at Neil Squire’s Prairie Regional Office.

She has studied administration at the University of Regina (opens in a new window), having completed both her Level 1 and Level 2 certificates.

“I have mild cerebral palsy (opens in a new window), and I deal with anxiety and depression,” she explains.

Rayanne found out about Neil Squire while participating in the New Opportunities for Work (NOW) Program (opens in a new window) with Partners in Employment.

This summer, she has been an important part of the Neil Squire team, covering various tasks from computer tutoring to administrative work.

“I have been working in a Computer Comfort Coordinator position,” she explains. “This involves teaching clients various computer skills to utilize in gaining employment – things like Microsoft Excel (opens in a new window), Word (opens in a new window), Outlook (opens in a new window). I also do administration work such as file auditing, answering phones, customer service, inventory, organization, and everyday general office duties.

“My favourite part about the work is that it helps make others’ jobs easier by alleviating some of their tasks and that it serves a clientele that I can often relate to and empathize with.”

Rayanne’s summer internship at Neil Squire is partially covered by the Canada Summer Jobs (new window) program. Neil Squire has been an employer under this program for over 10 years.

Rayanne says her experience has gone “very well”, adding, “I have gotten to sharpen admin skills I already have, while also picking up new skills when it comes to teaching and computer programs. It’s a team-based environment, relaxed in the sense that everyone is willing to work with you, and encourages you to ask questions.”

What’s next? Her plan is to find employment in office-related or retail positions within the nonprofit/humanitarian industry or the service industry.

All the best, Rayanne!