Kass McColeman

My name is Kassandra Brunet-McColeman; I’m currently in the Master of Library and Information Studies program at the University of Ottawa. I completed my bachelors degree in Film Studies (major) and Art History (minor). I'm currently seeking a co-op placement for May-August and/or September-December (2025). I'm looking to apply what I've learned to a practical environment. I've studied information management, research analysis, metadata, information resource discovery, information/media/digital literacy, and much more. My greatest skillset is communication as I've worked profusely in customer service (cosmetician, lifeguarding, food services, cashier, etc.). I hope to bring some of my skills and continue to learn and expand my understanding of the information environment through new experiences. 

As a medical device reprocessing tech, I've learned about the life cycle of information/documents (acquisition, cleaning, evaluation, assembly, sterilization, storing, delivery) all while recording parameters and ensuring the quality of the product meets safety standards. This position required competencies in communication (interdepartmentally, with external clinics, and within our team) to ensure that we work effectively especially with time sensitive items. I also understood that confidentiality is of the utmost importance and patient care is at the forefront of the organization.

Lifeguarding helped me develop my leadership skills as I was the head lifeguard for a team. I was entrusted to maintain standards of safety while ensuring that my team followed policies and procedures aligned with the City of Greater Sudbury and the YMCA standards. I also worked to teach people life saving skills/basic swim skills in order to contribute to the well-being of the public. I learned to work with people from different walks of life, backgrounds, and abilities which taught me to be flexible with my approach to teaching.

Customer Service work allowed me to interact with the public and build relationships with regular and new customers. I enjoyed problem solving and providing people the products that they required. I also worked in housekeeping which taught me to value/uphold standards for guests. I understand that an individual's contribution reflects the organization and that one needs to think of themselves as an ambassador.

Preforming Arts coaching has been a great way to improve the ways that I approach lesson planning. It has helped me be more creative in the ways that I take on challenges. I have not only learned to be a better teacher but also a better student. I have learned the importance of ‘checking-in’ with people and how they are feeling. I think that a humanist approach to teaching/learning is really beneficial for people to enhance their experiences in various environments. 

I'm currently in the Masters of Library and Information Studies at the University of Ottawa. I'm in the second semester of a two year program for which I'm looking to participate in a co-op opportunity between May-December (2025) which would leave me 1 semester from January-April afterwards. I'm looking to do my co-op in the hopes of potential full time work after graduating.