Today@Dal

Three questions, each answered in 150 words or less. One-Minute Meeting is a quick and easy way to get to know more about your colleagues, new and old. Learn how you can nominate someone at the bottom of this post.

Today's meeting is with Michelle Patrick, Student Success Career Advisor, Bissett Student Success Centre and President, Dalhousie Professional & Managerial Group.

What’s your favourite thing about working at Dal?

My favourite thing about working at Dal is the people — colleagues and students — that I have connected with over the years. Dal might be the “big” university, but it is small in the sense of making connections — both professional and personal. I love hearing from students who I supported through my various roles before they were even a Dalhousie student, who are now graduating or getting into the program that was part of their long term goals. The opportunity to engage with folks beyond your own department through projects or committees keeps things interesting and contributes to my appreciation for the work of others across the institution. Many colleagues have turned into great friends, and I’ve reconnected with some “long lost” friends here, too. I have certainly missed running into folks while walking around campus . . . hopefully that will happen again soon!!

Which has been more valuable in your career, your education or your experience, and why?

I don’t think that one has really been more valuable than the other for my career path. Without my education, I would not have the knowledge and skills to achieve success with my experience. Some of my experience has come from connections made through my education. Throughout my experiences — and various jobs — I am continually building on that knowledge and enhancing skills that have furthered my career. Do I use my biology knowledge every day, definitely not — but my understanding of the research process, ability to think critically and process complex information, collaborate and lead, have all come from a combination of my education and experiences. It really depends on what your educational background is and the experiences that you have had. For me, both have shaped my career equally.

What’s the most surprising thing we might see on your resume/cv?

You will find that I was a member of the Canadian Forces for 17 years with the reserves as a cadet instructor! Throughout those 17 years, I taught sailing in the summers while I was in university (best summer job ever!) and on weekends in the fall and spring, was the Commanding Officer of the local Sea Cadet unit in Halifax, Coordinator of the Shearwater Sail Training Centre, an instructor with the regional instructor school, and retired at the rank of Lieutenant (Navy) with my Canadian Forces Decoration (CD).

Now, nominate someone you'd like to see on One-Minute Meeting.

Is there someone at Dal you'd like to know more about? Email today@dal.ca to suggest them for a One-Minute Meeting. Please provide contact information for the person you are nominating and let us know if you are comfortable with them knowing you nominated them (in case they ask). We'll then send the nominee an email seeing if they'd like to participate.

Previously on One-Minute Meeting:
 

Wanda Ince, Program Coordinator with the Transition Year Program

Ray Bundy, Utility Service Person with Facilities Management

Vanessa Jackson, Executive Assistant, Dean’s Office, Faculty of Medicine

Tracy Kittilsen, Manager of Extended Learning at the Faculty of Agriculture

Jennifer Devitt, Training Coordinator in the Office of the University Veterinarian