This month, BSAP caught up with Camille Bayarcal, the 2022 Baxter Student Ambassador from Seneca Polytechnic. Read on to learn how Camille now helps current Seneca students achieve success in their co-op placements and teaches in the department where she earned her diploma.
What is your current job?
I work at Seneca Polytechnic as a field placement assistant for work-integrated learning, and part-time as a dual credit professor.
Please describe your job duties or what a typical day is like. What do you enjoy about your job and what is most rewarding?
As part of the Work Integrated Learning, my role centers around building strong connections between our students and industry partners through various networking opportunities. I ensure that every student is gaining experiential learning experience at a regulatory compliant organization.
As a professor, I teach students an introductory course about North American tourism destinations. In this course, students get to have a broader knowledge of what makes a destination unique and popular. I bring them virtually to different places that makes their learning more engaging and exciting. Every class is like a new adventure.
I am very proud to be part of an institution that creates great student experiences and provides enriching learning opportunities. The feeling of imparting knowledge and witnessing students’ eyes light up whenever I introduce a new destination or beautiful place to discover makes building content for every lecture worthwhile. The industry has been incredibly rewarding to me, and teaching is my way of sharing that knowledge and experience with the next generation.
You help coordinate field placements for tourism and hospitality students. Can you share a piece of advice for students embarking on a field placement or new career?
Be present at every opportunity to learn new things and engage with people at all levels to gain new perspectives. In your job search, learn about the company’s culture. It is a great starting point for success when your core values align with those of the company. The skills that you have learned from your professors give you an edge to secure a role in the field. You are more than capable of overcoming challenges that may come your way.
Also, there’s no straightforward path in navigating your career. There will be ups and downs, and you can learn a lot from a bad experience. Do not lose hope if you have faced rejection. View it as a redirection towards better opportunities.
What has been your career path so far? What experiences led you to your current role?
My career path has come full circle. While completing my studies at Seneca Polytechnic from 2020 to 2022, I gained valuable co-op experience that immersed me in the role as a support. I learned from exceptional mentors and colleagues who have seen my potential and trusted me to continue contributing to the department. In early 2024, I was offered the opportunity to teach in the Dual Credit program, where I integrated my previous career as a travel agent, my past travel experiences, and my knowledge into the classroom. This teaching experience significantly advanced my career goals. Currently, I’m transitioning into a more dynamic role within Seneca’s Work Integrated Learning. My primary focus is on enhancing the quality of student experiences and ensuring a consistent and positive experience for our industry partners, all while aligning with Seneca’s strategic plan.
What career opportunities are you looking forward to in the future?
While I am incredibly grateful for my career progression over the past years, I still see opportunities for continued growth. I look forward to continuing to collaborate with industry partners and contributing to the growth and success of every individual I meet. I have always mentioned in the past that I see myself contributing to the sustainable future of the tourism and hospitality industry and I believe that through my roles, I help in achieving that goal.
Can you describe the importance of co-op placements for tourism and hospitality students? Why should businesses consider hiring students and recent grads?
Co-op or experiential learning opportunities are designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice. This is a great opportunity for students to have more access to actual tools being used in the industry, allowing them to sharpen the skills that they already have. On-the-job experience will enhance their understanding of the realities of the industry, which shapes them up to have more chances of getting hired after graduation.
For businesses, hiring students and recent grads significantly contributes to the sustainability of the industry. Students have fresh perspectives; their enthusiasm brings a positive environment to the workplace and their innovative ideas contribute to daily operations. There are countless benefits for these stakeholders.
Congratulations to Camille on her new teaching role! Her career is a wonderful example of following your passion, seizing opportunities and building relationships. We can’t wait to see what she does next.