The Academic Peer Support Program – or APS program for short – is a great opportunity for international students, particularly those who use English as an additional language, to get help in enhancing their writing and presentation skills. However, like any type of program, it’s important to know who you are dealing with.

So here goes.

My name is Adnan, a current Schulich MBA student. I’ve spent the last 4 years in the content development and social media space, creating and writing stories. I’ve written over 1000 articles, made dozens of video interviews, many professional whitepapers, and participated in various competitions. Communication is a skill I take very seriously. In my spare time, I try to be a mentor to students and actively participate as an alumni contributor for my undergraduate program.

I’ve had the pleasure of working with a number of students at Schulich already, and most of them had similar questions that they wished me to help them answer. Below are a number of FAQ’s that I get from students regarding APS sessions. Hopefully they are insightful and give you some incentive to participate.

Why should I attend the APS sessions?

If you are seeking feedback for your written work or wish to understand the do’s and don’ts of written deliverables, the APS session is definitely right for you. You may also bring in your class presentations to practice your spoken English.

Are you a friendly person?

I’m pretty sure I am. Pretty sure. I think I am pretty sure…

What can I do to prepare for the session?

Print out a hard-copy, double-spaced version of your paper and bring it in. Please don’t bring your laptop. We live in a day and age where everything is tech (I know, I work in it every day). Let’s keep the wonderful art of physical edits old school shall we? Writing it down and making your own edits will help reinforce what you’ve learned.

Will you edit my resume or cover letter?

Sadly, no. If I was a career guru, I’d be in the Career Centre or running my own recruitment firm. Resume and cover letters are the domain of the CDC and its best you visit them for all your recruitment-related needs.

Do you enjoy working with students?

I do. More than the task, I enjoy the fact that you had a chance to learn something new and polish up a very important skill set. I know, sounds cliché, but nothing is more awesome than a person becoming better at something.