Student Support

Hi everyone! My name is Kristen (she/her) and I am a second-year PhD student in Sociology. Broadly speaking, my research interests are critical race and critical whiteness, particularly pertaining to the social landscape of Thunder Bay, Ontario.

As a graduate peer mentor, my hope is to not only make new students feel welcome in our department, but also to maintain a sense of belonging for those who are already in the department by co-hosting weekly coffee hours with Ryan and organizing various activities and workshops that will address both academic and social needs within and beyond the department.

I hope to foster a sense of community that will underlie what we do; I am passionate about the wellbeing of my peers and creating an equitable, accessible, and respectful atmosphere within which all students in our department can feel heard, supported, and can reach their full capabilities as they flourish on their own journeys here at Carleton.

If you want to get in contact, please feel free to email me at KristenKowlessar@cmail.carleton.ca!

Hey all! My name is Ryan (he/him), and I am a second year PhD student in the Sociology department. My research focuses on far-right groups in Canada and explores why young (primarily white) men are joining white nationalist groups. Broadly speaking, my research interests includes topics such as Globalization, Masculinity, Racism, and perceived Victimhood. This year, I – alongside Kristen – will be acting as your graduate peer mentor! It is my hope to build a community of support that enhances teaching assistants facilitation of online tutorials as well as their own studies in a virtual setting. In doing so, I want to co-construct a space that is inviting, inclusive, accessible, positive, safe, and emotionally supportive for all.

Throughout the year, I will be co-hosting weekly Coffee Hours and will be organizing various activities and workshops that will enhance your experience at Carleton while familiarizing you with the peers in your cohort and department faculty. I hope to see you all (virtually) throughout the term and am looking forward to taking on this role!

As always, if you want to get in contact or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email me at RyanHopkins@cmail.carleton.ca.

Hi! My name is Sarah Rodimon and I’m the Graduate Student Transitions Mentor for 2020-2021. I’m also a recent PhD graduate from Carleton’s Department of Sociology and Anthropology, and the former Executive Director of Planned Parenthood Ottawa.

As this year’s mentor, I’ll be coordinating and organizing the Graduate Transitions Workshop Series to help equip graduate students and recent alumni with resources, strategies and information about a wide range of career paths available post-grad school. These hands-on, skill-building workshops will cover a range of topics, from developing essential tools for the job market (i.e., preparing your CV, resume and teaching dossier) to navigating the job market (i.e., networking, applying for postdocs, and preparing for academic job talks and alt-academic interviews). And since it’s 2020, we’ll also talk about what it means to be seeking employment during a pandemic, and how Covid-19 is impacting the way we think about the job market.

I’ll also be offering 1-on-1 peer mentorship for graduate students seeking individualized support. Looking for feedback on your CV or resume? Need a second set of eyes to review your cover letter? Or maybe you simply need someone to talk to while you’re figuring out the next steps in your career? I’m here to help! Don’t hesitate to email me at sarah.rodimon@carleton.ca.

You’ll also find me on Facebook, where I’ll regularly circulate job postings for academic and alternative-to-academic career paths. If you haven’t already, make sure to join the Facebook group! Members are also welcome to post any relevant job postings they come across, making it a great resource for staying up-to-date on current job openings. Not on Facebook? No problem! Give me a shout and I’ll make sure to keep you in the loop.

The Graduate Student Transitions Program is a wonderful opportunity to meet and connect with folks who are navigating the job market, and to share advice, information, and support with one another. I’m thrilled to be this year’s mentor and look forward to working with you in this new stage of your career!

Additional information and resources are also available on Carleton’s Career Services page. Career Services is Carleton University’s centralized office supporting all students and alumni across the different disciplines and levels of study on their career paths.

Please click here for more information about common areas of employment for Anthropology graduates. In addition, click here to check out what some of our very own M.A. and Ph.D. graduates in Anthropology are currently up to.

Please click here for more information about common areas of employment for Sociology graduates, and here to see what some of our own M.A. and Ph.D. graduates in Sociology are currently up to.