U of T one of Canada's Top 100 Employers
Published: October 12, 2012
When Allison Quennell decided to further her education, she was concerned about the course load and the high academic expectations.
What she didn’t have to worry about was her employer’s reaction.
“Working at U of T has enabled me to fulfill a personal goal of furthering my education that I otherwise might find difficult to achieve,” says Quennell, who is the EMBA Careers Services Director at the Rotman School of Management. “I’m extremely grateful that I was able to take advantage of such a fantastic opportunity.”
Employee development and education benefits were one of the many reasons the University of Toronto was named as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers for the sixth consecutive year. U of T is one of five educational institutions on the list, which highlights employers across the country who offer exceptional workplaces.
“The university is committed to offering educational opportunities for its staff by supporting both internal and external training initiatives,” says Rosie Parnass, Director of U of T’s Organizational Development & Learning Centre (ODLC) and Quality of Work-Life Advisor. “After all, our core business is education. It only makes sense to support our staff in pursuing their own educational goals.”
Quennell was not only supported through her Masters in Counselling Psychology at OISE, but was able to complete her practicum requirement with Parnass at ODLC. During the practicum she met with Parnass weekly to review her progress as a counsellor and the clients. Working in ODLC provided Quennell with opportunities to learn more about the university and to meet other staff while enhancing her counselling technique.
U of T provides an exceptional work environment not just for those seeking education, but those providing it to students. Professor Shafique Virani of the Department for the Study of Religion points out that U of T is one of the world’s most important centres for the creation, preservation and dissemination of knowledge.
“Every day, I have the opportunity to interact with brilliant faculty colleagues who are making new discoveries, talented support staff who care deeply about the mission of the university and passionate students who have a burning desire to change the world and make it a better place,” he says. “What more could anyone want?”
Learn more about why U of T is a great employer on the Award's Reasons of Selection page.
