Karyna McDonald
AUSU Administrative Assistant
Email - ausu@ausu.org
My name is Karyna McDonald and I am the Office Coordinator for the AUSU office
located in Edmonton. I am typically the voice on the other end of the phone when you call into our offices, as well as
the replier to emails sent to the main ausu e-mail address. The most important part of my job is to ensure that members
who desire our assistance are met with friendly, professional service in an expedient manner.
Many years ago, my family immigrated to Canada from Singapore when I was 6 months old. I spent my childhood and
teen years in Edmonton and went on to Carleton University to work on a Combined degree program in Biology and Psychology.
I spent 8 glorious years in stunning Ottawa before coming back home to Edmonton to be closer to my family.
Since returning from Ottawa, I've embarked on a few different career journeys, ranging from a Training Officer in
a big-box hardware store, to being a certified Insurance Broker, to teaching ESL in China. It's taken awhile to figure out
"what I want to be when I grow up" but I've found that I enjoy Administration. It allows me to work in varying
industries while honing and improving on the same set of skills.
I joined the staff of AUSU in July 2009. I remember when I first saw the job posting for this position. It detailed
how the successful candidate would be a support person for a University's student union. I naturally assumed the position
was within the University of Alberta and remained with this erroneous presumption until moments before my interview. I'd
heard of Athabasca University - barely- but was unaware of the scope of programs it offered through distance education.
I recall swallowing back my disappointment that the job wasn't with the U of A, and thought to myself that the job sounded
pretty interesting nevertheless. At least it was a post-secondary institution. Education was one area I had not done
administration in, and was very eager to do so.
Fellow AUSU members, it has been 7 months since I came on board and I can honestly say that I have one of the best
jobs in the world. I work with incredible people who are devoted to higher learning, I am blessed with the opportunity to
speak with student members from all over the world, and I probably work in one of the most beautiful office spaces in all
of Downtown Edmonton. I am in the enviable position of working for the organization that advocates for the rights of the
student - my rights. There is nothing more rewarding than knowing that the work you provide makes a difference in the lives
of 40,000+ students. Most importantly, I work alongside a University that caters to people like me: busy, employed individuals
with families who don't have the time or inclination to sit in a classroom or lecture hall. I am currently working toward a
degree in Human Resources and Labour Relations and the flexibility works beautifully with my hectic schedule. After that, I
plan on working on a French degree and then maybe some graduate studies. I pride myself on being a life-long learner and
with AU, the sky is the limit.
For those of you in the Edmonton area, our office is open between 8:30-4:30 Monday to Friday. Feel free to drop
by and say hello if you're in the ELC to write an exam, or if you'd like to discuss your experiences with AU. If you aren't
able to physically visit our offices, I am at your service through our above-mentioned email address or by phone at
1-800-788-9041 ext 3413. It is my pleasure to be a resource for all AUSU members, and I look forward to assisting you in
any way that I can.
| 
