1. What prompted you to enroll in the Research Administration Certificate?
Getting into Research Administration program was a purposely made decision. I moved to Canada a year ago and brought dual degrees in biotechnology and business administration along with experience in academic administration from back home. With a desire to work in a managerial role within Canadian life sciences industry, I started looking for a customized course designed to help professionals gain knowledge and skills required by the industry. My search finally ended when I came across Mohawk College’ Research Administration Certificate program. I never thought I could find a program which specifically prepares professionals to work in research/academic set-ups while performing managerial tasks. The objective of this course was aptly matching with my requirements & I gave no second thought and applied for the September 2020 intake.
2. How many courses have you completed to date?
I have started the program from September 09, 2020 and enrolled in two courses right now and hoping to finish by the end of this year.
3. How have you as a student benefited from CARA membership?
CARA membership has exposed me to an entirely new world of administrative professionals working in different domains in academic & research institutions. I came to know about CARA only as a requirement to get enrolled into Research Administration Certificate Program offered by Mohawk College. But when I joined as a member, it offered me dual benefit of acquiring information about latest updates in my area of interest & opportunity to network with research administrators across Canada. Needless to say, CARA’s mentorship program certainly is a tool to help you learn and enhance your skills under the supervision of a seasoned professional. For me, CARA is an amazing platform for professional networking, learning & sharing of inter-institutional information and finding relevant job opportunities.
4. How many hours a week do you spend on your studies?
I spend 6-7 hours/week and the flexible nature of the program allows me to balance my professional, social and personal life.