Experiential Learning Showcase: Gursharan Kaur
Feb 18, 2025 | Experiential Learning
Canadore College is a leader in experiential learning, which is most simply described as “learning by doing.” We are excited to share the story of how one of our passionate students, Gursharan Kaur, translated her experiential learning opportunities into professional growth and success in her field.
Canadore was the clear college of choice for Gursharan. “I wanted a college that would give me a firm footing in the field I was pursuing,” she says. “My kins’ praises for this college inspired me to make it my choice. Furthermore, what sold me on the college was its idea of learning by doing.”
“At Canadore, one gets to fully immerse in hands-on training, which proves to be a pivotal experience,” she says. “It establishes a connection between what you learn in class and real-life situations. Simply put, it is like the difference between reading a recipe and actually cooking. You can follow the instructions, but until you get your hands dirty and mix the ingredients, you will not really know how it all fits together.”
Gursharan first completed Canadore College’s Environmental Management program, where she learned about environmental field techniques (such as snow, water, and soil sampling, preserving, and testing), geomatics (including an introduction to GPS and GIS technology), and water and wastewater treatment. “We also enjoyed a tour to North Bay’s drinking water treatment plant as well as wastewater treatment plant,” she shares. “My academic dedication paid off with outstanding grades, earning me sponsored training from the Walkerton Clean Water Centre on water treatment operations.”
In her first year at Canadore, Gursharan also landed a part-time laboratory assistant position with Near North Laboratories Inc., which she attributes to the guidance and endorsement provided by her professor. “I can never thank my honourable professors enough for their willingness to speak to my abilities,” she says.
By the time her first program ended, Gursharan received a job offer from Ontario's Ministry of Environment, Conservation, and Parks, where she began working as a Drinking Water Assistant. In this position, she collaborated with Water Inspectors to ensure compliance in designated areas of North Bay and Timmins. In this role, Gursharan applied her theoretical knowledge through conducting on-site chlorine residual tests, collecting microbiological samples, utilizing data analysis skills, and engaging in outreach and education activities.
Over the summer, Gursharan also stepped into the role of Sustainability Development Student Assistant at Canadore. “I was able to assist with monitoring Blanding's turtle nesting sites, gaining valuable experience and insight under the guidance of brilliant coordinators and fellow workers.”
Gursharan then enrolled in the Mechanical Techniques – Plumbing program to broaden her skills for a water treatment operator’s role. Here, she received hands-on training with industry-standard plumbing tools, pipes, and appurtenances in Canadore’s simulated lab, as well as workplace health and safety. “I am deeply enjoying and extensively learning in this program,” she says. “What stuck with me was how the environmental concepts I learned in my previous year of Environmental Management are applied in real-life plumbing scenarios to stay on top of water quality, treatment equipment, and effective distribution.”
“This experience is giving me a solid foundation to prepare me for a career as a water treatment operator, where I can make a real difference in keeping our water clean and safe.”
Gursharan shares that she’s found her experiential learning to be directly applicable to real-life situations, ranging from troubleshooting plumbing problems in her house, to inspecting water treatment plants alongside Water Compliance Officers/Inspectors, to collaborating with Ministry of Environment, Conservation, and Parks professionals on environmental monitoring projects.
Gursharan offers the following experiential learning advice for other students:
- Pitch in. “I started building my experience by proposing to volunteer, and from there I landed a good job and a network of brilliant minds. One opening can be a turning point in your life.”
- Don’t shy away from mistakes. “We have all heard of the cliché ‘mistakes are an essential part of the learning curve,’ but it is not until we have lived through our share of mistakes that we truly understand the depth of those words.”
- Stay curious. “Ask questions, and do not be shy to ask for help.”
- Celebrate successes. “Cherish and celebrate your every move to keep you motivated and going. Stay persistent! Your grind should never stop!”
Throughout her journey, Gursharan has exemplified the power of experiential learning at Canadore, applying her knowledge for real-world success.
Click here to learn more about experiential learning at Canadore.
If you are a Canadore student with an experiential learning experience you would like to have showcased, please contact the Manager of Experiential Learning at jeremie.carreau@canadorecollege.ca.