Asiia Plucinski, (She/Her/Hers)
Student Talent Development Specialist, Co-op Education
Brock University

Roles/Involvement with EWO: New Member

1. How many years have you been working in Co-op/WIL and/or Experiential Learning?

I am just about to celebrate my first year anniversary.

2. Tell us a bit about your career and why you do what you do.

I have come to Brock University’s Co-op Education Team as a Certified Personnel Consultant with years of high-volume recruitment and talent acquisition experience within the very fast-paced and demanding GTA market, working for some of the most renowned both in Canada and US employers, helping them fulfill their hiring needs and being the bridge between the candidate and employer. I strongly believe that I and my expertise are that inspiration and support that our co-op students need during their co-op journey.

3. What have been some of your 'ah-ha' moments in your professional experience?

This is something that I always remind our students of: we never know where our path will take us. Life is long and things change. Flexibility is key. Stay calm and keep learning and embracing.

4. Who are you outside of work? Where would we find you on a weekend or holiday?

I am a 24/7 mommy raising the future Brock Badger together with my husband – former Brock Badger.

5. Tell us about what themes or topics in Co-op/WIL/EL you are passionate about.

As a former international student, I have firsthand experience with many of the challenges international co-op students face. Balancing school with the search for internships, and then managing the internship itself, all while being far from home and family, gave me a deep understanding of what many international students go through when they enter the Canadian academic environment and workforce.

I’m also passionate about staying connected with the latest labor market trends and hiring practices. I enjoy exploring how these insights can be applied to help students succeed in their co-op and experiential learning journeys.

Additionally, I enjoy research, working with data, and using these to inform strategic decisions and planning. I like to visualize potential outcomes and think several steps ahead to create actionable plans that help achieve successful results.

6. What books are you reading or have you recently read that you would encourage others to check out?

As a devoted Netflix’s “The Crown” fan I was gifted with Andrew Morton’s “Diana. Her True Story – In Her Own Words” 25^th anniversary edition book which I am hoping to start reading any day now.

And as a crazy (in a good way) “The Office” (US) fan who re-watched the show endless amounts of times and a person who is always interested to see the other side of things aka behind the scenes, I have definitely jumped on “The Office BFFs: Tales of the Office from Two Best Friends Who Were There” by Jenna Fischer & Angela Kinsey.

7. What keeps you motivated? What inspires you?

This question makes me want to leave one of my favorite quotes by Salvador Dali here: “A true artist is not one who is inspired, but one who inspires others.”

Being a part of the most wonderful and supportive team gives me the drive to share the spark with the students, see that relief and confidence in their eyes and celebrate with them their successes as well as to reflect on past experiences and help them find new ways of doing things.