When I first entered Royal Columbian Hospital for my practicum, I was extremely nervous. It felt like everything was becoming real, but after just a few hours, I realized that I had actually learned everything I needed back in school. It was much easier than I had expected.
A few days after starting my practicum, I submitted my resume to the lab manager, and they scheduled an interview for me.
Naturally, I was very nervous about the interview, but it went incredibly well. I answered all the questions confidently because we had practiced them repeatedly in school. On my last day at Royal Columbian, as the supervisor was about to sign off on my practicum, he told me, “We have no issues with students from Stenberg College. They always learn everything very well at school.”
My second practicum site was Ridge Meadows Hospital, where I also submitted my resume.
Getting the Job
I clearly remember my last day of practicum, which was a Friday, when my manager called me into her office. I was nervous, thinking I must have made a mistake. But the situation turned out to be completely different.
The manager said, “I reviewed your resume, spoke with the person who interviewed you, and discussed your performance with the staff here. Everything I heard was great, and I’d like to offer you a job.”
I was overwhelmed with joy and almost started to cry. I asked, “When can I start?” and she replied, “Monday!”
The feeling of being offered a job right after completing my practicum was surreal. It was the moment I realized that all the hard work and learning during my time at Stenberg College had paid off. It was the start of my professional journey, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunities I had. I was now ready to take on the challenges of the real world and begin my career as a Medical Lab Assistant.
My journey at Ridge Meadows Hospital began with excitement and a sense of accomplishment. On my first day, I was no longer a student; I was an official employee with a steady income. It felt incredible to see my hard work pay off and to secure a stable job. I was hired as a casual employee, and even though I didn’t have a permanent position, I was thrilled about the opportunity. I worked Monday to Friday for three weeks as part of my orientation, and the experience was a great way to adjust to the role.
Receiving my first paycheque was a moment I’ll never forget. The feeling of earning money for the first time was indescribable, and I treated myself to a small gift to celebrate this achievement.
Big, Positive Life Changes
A few months later, my husband and I realized that with two incomes, it was time to take the next step: buying a house. We were overjoyed when we finally purchased our own home. This milestone made life much easier and more comfortable for us.
Shortly after we purchased our home, I was hired as a casual employee at Burnaby Hospital in addition to my position at Ridge Meadows. I was working at two hospitals, and the experience was enriching. My career was moving forward, and I could see everything falling into place.
About a year and a half after I was hired at Ridge Meadows, I applied for a permanent position at Royal Columbian Hospital. With the experience I had gained and the increased seniority from my time working in both hospitals, I was able to secure the permanent position I had been working towards.
The sense of security that came with a permanent role was a huge relief. Today, since we can work in two different hospitals, I work part-time at Royal Columbian Hospital while maintaining my casual position at Burnaby Hospital. This flexibility allows me to gain valuable experience in both places and continue to grow professionally.
Happy and Fulfilled
Looking back, I’m proud of how far I’ve come—from being a casual hire with no guarantees to now having a stable career with two job opportunities. It’s been an exciting and rewarding journey, and I’m excited to see where it takes me next.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Stenberg College for providing the knowledge and support that helped me reach this point in my career. The education and skills I gained there have been invaluable, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity to have been part of such a wonderful college.
Mahboobeh E. is a Stenberg College Medical Lab Assistant (MLA) graduate and a Student of the Year finalist, representing the MLA program in 2023. She is currently working as an MLA at Royal Columbian Hospital and Burnaby Hospital. When she isn’t supporting her community through her work in the hospitals, she is spending time with her two young boys and loving husband.
