EWO Member Spotlight |
Jason Peng
he/him
Manager, Experiential Learning
Mohawk College
Roles/Involvement with EWO: Member of EWO, Member of the EWO Awards & Recognition Committee
Tell us a little bit about your career and why you do what you do?
I began my career by taking a typical career exploration survey. The result recommended that I avoid sales jobs or otherwise people-focused careers. I’m so glad that I challenged that, and so fortunate that I was hired into a sales role. Eventually, sales and education collided when I worked at a small company that provided educational lab equipment to post secondaries. I loved traveling across the country, seeing the impact of my work on the students who used the equipment in classes, labs, and research projects. I then moved into a role in Co-op Education at Brock University where I supported the Math and Science co-op programs, and later to Mohawk College supporting our Business co-op programs. It has been a rewarding and fulfilling experience working with passionate individuals and teams, and witnessing the transformation in students before and after their co-op experiences. Currently, I am stepping into a new role as Manager of Experiential Learning at Mohawk College. I am excited to learn from other practitioners, and to participate in ambitious and challenging projects to enhance WIL and EL at the college.
Who are you outside of work? Where would we find you on a weekend or holiday?
As if a new job wasn’t enough change, my wife Elaine and I are expecting our first baby at the same time. The last several months have been a mad rush to prepare for her arrival. I anticipate way too many diaper changes and sleepless nights, but will always have an interesting podcast or YouTube rabbit hole playlist to accompany us through the tireless chaos. I’m optimistic about preserving a few key things: continuing my garden, relaxing at the beach, (eventually) teaching our dog Marvin how to fetch, and traveling the world as a family.
What would you recommend to a new professional getting involved in WIL and EL in Ontario?
Say yes to opportunities! As practitioners, we always give this advice to students starting their own WIL and EL journeys. In co-op, I would encourage students to take initiative, accept new projects and expand their networks. But admittedly, I only started embracing this ethos recently and it has—without a doubt! —positively influenced my personal and professional development. From meeting new people, tackling ambitious projects, joining committees, to accepting new career opportunities – it’s an empowering word and mindset.
What concerns you about the future of Co-op/WIL and EL in Ontario/Canada?
I’m concerned broadly about the potentially vicious cycle of credentialism, and this is where WIL and EL can really help us consider alternatives. Firstly, education is expensive and the opportunity cost of delaying work to pursue additional credentials is compounding and often a barrier. Secondly, many new graduates pursue additional credentials not because they need to, but because they feel unprepared or unsure of their future – I am a datapoint here. Thirdly, we should collectively (education and industry) consider how competencies and expertise can be best demonstrated – is it through credentials? WIL and EL directly address these 3 issues.
What keeps you motivated? What inspires you?
When I’m in a rut, feel unproductive, or procrastinating, I look to my parents for inspiration. We are immigrants to Canada and I’m profoundly proud of what they’ve accomplished to set us up for success. With limited education, a few dollars to their name, and a seemingly insurmountable culture shock, they worked incredibly hard to chase a better life for my sister and I. It’s a reminder for me to work harder, and be grateful for the opportunity to both benefit from higher education, and to work to improve its accessibility, quality, and relevancy for others.