Where are they now?

Name: Jackie Ellefsen          

Occupation: Community Development Coordinator

Employer: Alzheimer Society London and Middlesex

Program: Not-for-Profit Management Diploma Program

What are your three key strengths?

1. communication (specifically writing)
2. an ‘ideas’ person
3. organized

Reason for taking course/program?

I really wanted to work in a sector that was not only challenging, but also personally rewarding. After my undergrad I was looking into possible post-graduate programs and found the Not-for-Profit Management Program at Continuing Studies and it seemed like a perfect fit.

What three adjectives would you use to describe the course/program?

1. Applicable
2. Interesting
3. Educational

What stands out about what you have learned?

Learning about fundraising, the Board of Directors structure, and just the overall environment of a nonprofit has been invaluable in my career so far. In addition, many of the instructors left us with resources and materials that have been very useful in my current position.

How are you using what you have learned, and what difference is it making in your professional and personal life?

As I mentioned, I’m using the information and resources I acquired from the course almost daily in my current position. Because the instructors were professionals from the field, they helped to give me a real understanding of the nonprofit culture, and have become wonderful resources themselves. I currently work at an organization that I am passionate about, and I absolutely love my job.

How would you describe your experience at Continuing Studies?

Our class size was very, very small. Sometimes as few as two people (including me). Needless to say, the experience was definitely tailored to each individual. In some classes there were students who were already working in the field, who offered a different perspective during classes and could often help us to relate by providing real life examples.

How was the experience of going back to school as an adult learner?

I had only been out of school for about a year, so I felt quite natural. Although because I had chosen the program out of a passion for the nonprofit sector, my experience was certainly more rich than it had been during my undergrad.

Compared to other courses you may have taken elsewhere, what makes Continuing Studies different?

I think what makes Continuing Studies different is the small class sizes, but more importantly the caliber of the instructors. The learning experience was absolutely incredible for me, and has essentially helped me to acquire a job that I love.