BCIT Computer Systems Technology student Sally Poon is Chair of the BCIT Student Association (BCITSA) Downtown Campus (DTC) – a role where she aims to help improve daily life for the students who study here. With a mix of full-time programs and Flexible Learning the Downtown Campus is located at the heart of Vancouver’s business and tech core. In addition to her studies, Sally works to promote the Student Association’s services and to organize networking and community events that enrich the student experience.
Enhancing the well-being and personal success of students
BCIT involves students in the planning, development, and evaluation of services, including working closely with the Student Association. There are spaces for students to learn, work, and socialize. For example, the recently completed Tech Collider—an open-concept innovation zone that is designed to bring students and industry partners together for events and engagements. It has quickly become a favourite spot for students to collaborate.
Sally discovered her passion for programming while studying Psychology at UBC and decided to enhance her technical skills after completing her degree. Now a full-time Computer Systems Technology student, she began her journey during the pandemic. She first met the other students in her cohort before school even started. Through Reddit, she was invited to a Discord server, where those who have been accepted to the program can begin to get to know one another outside of class. This is one way that each Computing cohort gets to know who they will be studying with over the next couple of years.
Connections that launch careers
Connecting is an essential part of the student experience. That’s why Sally was eager to participate in a student club. Clubs are a great opportunity for students to network and learn about their chosen fields. Sally joined the Women in Computing club and became the Treasurer and Communications Director. “This is an amazing group that puts on fantastic career events,” she lights up when describing them. The club conducts mock interviews and resume reviews, hosts guest speakers, and organizes office tours of potential employers. “And the club is open to any gender. Its main goal is to support diversity in computing.”
SEE MORE: Three reasons to work with BCIT Computing students
As Downtown Campus Chair, Sally proposes events that enhance student life. So, she is organizing a post-exam destress event that will include board and video games, as well as student club recruitment tables. Additionally, since the BCITSA office at DTC is tucked away, Sally brings the Student Association into the student space. Setting up a table with tasty treats, she hosts Snack and Chats to check in and ask students how they are doing.
Advocacy that helps students thrive
Sally views her role as a voice on behalf of her peers. Whether she’s advocating for a community fridge, or helping a student create a Computing Flexible Learning club—students’ well-being is at the forefront.
“The DTC community is very close, and all departments work together to create a great experience for students, faculty, and staff alike,” says Jimmy Kim, Associate Director of Corporate Services at BCIT. While some people might think the downtown culture is hard to break into, for Sally it’s quite the opposite. With its smaller classes, “You can learn all your classmates’ names,” she says. “It’s a close-knit group that feels like a community. One of the best perks in this more intimate learning setting is being in a space that is built with technology students in mind.”
About Life at BCIT Series
The Life at BCIT Series depicts moments in the lives of students each contributing uniquely to the richness and diversity of the BCIT community. Follow along on BCIT News to get a glimpse into the lives of BCIT students. Visit our Future Students page to learn more about studying at BCIT.
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