#PointParkWorks: Organizational Leadership Student Lorraine Hamstra Gains Real-World Experience Through Co-op Student Profile
Meet Lorraine Hamstra '21
- Job Title & Employer
- Store Assistant, Co-op, Mission Thrift Store London
- Major/Program
- Organizational Leadership
- Graduation
- April 2021
- Hometown
- Strathroy, Ontario
- High School
- London Christian High
- Now Living In
- London, Ontario
- Hobbies & Interests
- Reading, music (piano), being in community with friends and family, crocheting and sports.
"Get out into the world and put action behind the book knowledge gained from in-class education. Real-life experiences, whether good or bad, build character, allow for deeper self-discovery and teach the value of working on a team and building relationships."
Tell us about your co-op position.
I never thought I would be working in retail, let alone at a thrift store. I became part of the Mission Thrift Store London team in September and have loved every minute. My role involves a wide variety of tasks from volunteer management and social media, to handling administrative duties and engaging with and helping customers.
What do you enjoy about your co-op?
The most enjoyable part of my co-op position is working alongside and encouraging our volunteers. The Mission Thrift Store has four full-time paid staff and over 150 volunteers. It is a privilege to be part of a team of people who give freely and generously of their time and allow me to enter in and share life with them.
In what ways have our faculty and staff impacted you?
I will always speak highly of the faculty and staff at Point Park University. I came in as an international student and was guided through the extensive paperwork process every step of the way. The international office staff were always friendly and willing to take time to answer my questions. The Rowland School of Business faculty were equally amazing. I also came in as a transfer student; therefore, I only need to take two out of the four years of the Organizational Leadership degree. Patrick Mulvihill was vital in making my schooling dreams and desires come true to meet my needs and life circumstance. I'm very grateful for the leadership Point Park University has in place.
What are your career goals and how do you think Point Park will help you reach them?
I love working with and supporting people. Through my co-op position, I see how I enjoy and thrive in a volunteer-driven environment. I can see myself being a part of this organization for quite some time.
What advice do you have for Point Park students who are considering doing a co-op?
Do it! Get out into the world and put action behind the book knowledge gained from in-class education. Real-life experiences, whether good or bad, build character, allow for deeper self-discovery and teach the value of working on a team and building relationships.