Building networks and cultivating future-proof skills: Benefits of Becoming a Wavemaker

Student Profile: Alser, Yukon University

When Alser, a Yukon University student studying Business Administration, heard about the Wavemakers program he was immediately intrigued. A completely virtual, metaverse enabled work-integrated learning experience that focused on future-proof skills and provided access to incredible mentors and speakers seemed like an opportunity he just couldn’t pass up. 

“My interest and skill-set is in technology and I was really interested to see how the program would be delivered,” says Alser. “It is a totally different way of delivering this type of program and I wanted to experience that.”

The virtual aspect made the program much more engaging than a typical video meeting. “Rather than having a video in front of you, you’re engaging with an avatar — you can customize your avatar, even learn dance moves and move around the virtual campus. It definitely enhanced my interactions with other participants.”

Alser, who is a first-generation immigrant from the Philippines, has called Yukon home since coming to Canada in 2012. Through Wavemakers he was able to build strong networks and connect with students across Canada, in places like Calgary, Ottawa and Toronto. Each Wavemakers cohort is split into teams to work together on a project focused on finding solutions to a challenging issue. Despite being separated by thousands of kilometres, Alser and his team — who dubbed themselves the “Solution Surfers'' — played on each other’s strengths and came together to deliver a strong presentation. The process helped them develop the mindsets and cultivate the skills they’ll need in the workplace in the future —skills like teamwork, collaboration, empathy and organization.

“The program is structured so well and while I was participating in it, it almost felt like I was in a real-world physical workshop. It’s very immersive and it was a great way for me, being in a remote community, to still feel connected,” says Alser. 

He recommends the programs to other students, including those who might not be as comfortable or familiar with virtual reality technology or the metaverse, because it’s a great way to learn these skills that will be so important in the workplace of the future. 

“It’s a great program to really pique people’s interest in these topics and the technology. The experience can help take you a step further,” he says. Having access to so many experts in innovation and technology was another big draw. 

“Listening to these well-established people who provided so many insights in each session was really valuable,” says Alser. “That resonated a lot with me.”

Having the opportunity to hear from experts and mentors, ask questions, and then apply those learnings was inspiring, says Alser. “It was a privilege to be able to participate and connect with others across the country and to represent the Yukon identity as well.”

About Wavemakers

The Wavemakers program is a first-of-its-kind work-integrated learning program that leverages cutting-edge, accessible virtual reality technology and forward-thinking speakers. Wavemakers provides post-secondary students from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives with the opportunity to come together, develop and cultivate future-proof skills, and build long-lasting connections with industry leaders, to help their transition into the workplace. It’s about providing meaningful opportunities to a diverse community of future leaders who can tackle today’s big challenges with even bigger and bolder ideas that will carry us into a more positive and inclusive tomorrow.