Torontonian Sydney Woods started her first year at York University last September, but realized pretty quickly that she wasn’t ready to commit to a four-year degree.

“Initially my plan was to move to New York or out west,” she says. “But then I realized I didn’t really have enough money to go anywhere. So when I found Mobilize and discovered all I needed to pay for was my flight there, I was sold.”

Sydney’s Mobilize experience started off in Fort McMurray, Alberta, where she worked in housekeeping at the Sawridge Hotel. She found it tough at first, but in the end, she says it was a rewarding experience.

“It really helped me learn teamwork and time management,” she says. “Plus, it’s so good to be able to look back at that first placement and say that I worked hard and accomplished a tough job well.”

Building skills in Banff

Her second and third placements were both in Banff at the Banff Lodging Company, where she had plenty of opportunities to learn on the job.

“I started off as a host, and was later trained to do prep and line work in the kitchen. I also worked as a server too, balancing all three jobs every week. This was hands-down the best opportunity I’ve had because it helped me build various skill sets – and it looks great on my resume.”

In her front-of-house role as a host, Sydney learned to communicate with customers and fellow employees, gaining valuable interpersonal abilities that will translate well into any career she chooses to pursue. She also built up her knowledge of the food and beverage industry. But it was in the kitchen where she learned her most valuable skill.

“Being on the line in a busy kitchen taught me one thing I can carry with me wherever I go,” she says. “How to stay cool and efficient under pressure.”

New friends and fun adventures

But Mobilize isn’t just about work. It’s about having an amazing experience in a part of Canada you’ve never lived in before, with great people who share your workdays – and your downtime.

“My podmates have become some of my best friends,” says Sydney. “They’re amazing people who have taught me so much – I can see myself travelling everywhere with them. Mobilize tries their hardest to pair you up with people you can connect with, and they did an amazing job matching me with my angels Ana Maria and Madison.”

  

Sharing the Mobilize experience with new friends and podmates.

Living in Banff for eight months has given Sydney a chance to sample several seasons’ worth of an incredible Canadian location. She has hiked and ridden horses in the Rockies, gone skiing and snowboarding, canoed on Lake Louise in summer and walked its frozen expanse in winter, attended two Calgary Flames hockey games and visited the largest mall in North America.

   

Enjoying the beauty of the Rockies.

So would she do it all again, knowing what she knows now?

“Absolutely!” she says. “If it weren’t for Mobilize, it would have taken me forever to save the money to move out west. I would have had to put a lot of time into finding work and a place to live, too. Mobilize makes it so easy to sign up, and they have everything lined up for you. Plus the hard workers at head office keep us updated and check in to make sure everything is running smoothly.”

Sydney’s year in the program has been completed. So what’s up next for this accomplished Mobilizer?

“Either work at Mobilize head office or stay in Banff a little longer then move to New York,” she says. “Now that I have a year of experience under my belt, there are definitely plenty of opportunities out there for me!”

And good news for Sydney and Mobilize – she has accepted a position with us and is headed to Mobilize HQ in Toronto by the end of the month.

Are you a Mobilizer in waiting?

If you want to travel across Canada, build work skills and get paid, Mobilize offers an amazing work adventure that will let you do just that. Plus, your housing cost is included for the season. Get in touch to find out more today!