Welcome to Digital Nova Scotia Ainsley and John!

We are thrilled to welcome two incredible students to the DNS team this fall! Up first to tell us a bit about themselves is our Project Coordinator, Ainsley Wallace.

Tell us about yourself Ainsley!

I’m originally from Ottawa, Ontario and moved to Halifax a year ago to attend Dalhousie University. I’m entering my third year of the bachelor of Commerce Co-op program with a major in Marketing Management. My previous co-op was in the not-for-profit sector at Skills Canada Nova Scotia. I enjoy working at a not-for-profit and hope to continue pursuing opportunities in the sector. In my free time I like to read, try different restaurants around the city, and cuddle with my cat. What excites you the most about the tech sector in Nova Scotia? I love that technological skills are being taught to a wider and more diverse audience in the province. I’ve learned the importance of these skills over the past two years working and attending university online. I hope to see the growth continue to include more underrepresented groups within the sector. While you work or study, what do you have playing in the background? My playlist changes depending on my mood, the weather, and the season. On any given day my background music would include the entire discographies of Taylor Swift *(Taylor’s Version), Harry Styles, and One Direction. What do you love most about your program at University? The best part of my program is the three work terms. I get the opportunity to explore different career paths before making the decision to commit to one field in my post-graduate job. I have already had the opportunity to work in marketing, event planning, and now project coordination. What is your dream career? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years? I would love to work in the marketing industry, specifically digital marketing. I’m looking forward to the next year of my program which will specialize more heavily in this field. Staying in Halifax is the goal but I could also see myself moving back home to Ottawa to be closer to my family. What’s something you’re passionate about? I love to read in my freetime, preferably outside on my deck. I’ve read almost 50 books this year and I’m hoping to reach 75 by the end of 2022! It’s hard to pick a favourite but Little Women by Louisa May Alcott is such a comfort book that I always find myself returning to. What three items would you take with you on a deserted island? I would bring some sort of solar powered ipod, headphones, and a copy of Little Women.

Quick hitters!

Spring or Fall? – Fall Android or iPhone? – iPhone Comedy or Thriller? – Comedy Coffee or Tea? – Tea Chocolate or Vanilla? – Chocolate Laptop or Desktop? – Laptop Breakfast or Dinner? – Dinner Early Bird or Night Owl? – Early Bird Ocean or Lake? – Ocean Fun fact – I used to play baritone in my high school band Up next is our Project Coordinator, John Vernon who will be supporting our Skills for Hire Atlantic and Get into IT Programs!

Tell us about yourself John!

I was born and raised in Calgary Alberta and am currently in my 3rd year at Dalhousie University in the Business Commerce program. I am a part of a large family of 6, for which I am the middle child. I would say that I am an outgoing and extroverted person who loves to help out in any way possible. What excites you the most about the tech sector in Nova Scotia? The expansion of the tech sector within the past few years especially since Covid started has been tremendous. I am very excited to see the future of tech in Nova Scotia within the next few years especially. While you work or study, what do you have playing in the background? Usually, I like to listen to music, more specifically, hip-hop/rap or country music but it really depends on which mood I am in. What do you love most about your program at University? I would probably have to say the Coop program. This program has helped me by leaps and bounds in developing essential skills but another great aspect of this program is the sense of community in the program. What is your dream career? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years? I am still unsure of my dream career but I have always thought that sports marketing would be very interesting. And within 5-10 years I am not sure where I see myself but hopefully I am enjoying it. What’s something you’re passionate about The Calgary Flames. Ever since I can remember I have been watching the Calgary Flames play, and I don’t see myself changing anytime soon. What three items would you take with you on a deserted island? Duct tape, a knife, and sunglasses.

Quick hitters!

Spring or Fall? – Spring Android or iPhone? – iPhone Comedy or Thriller? – Thriller Coffee or Tea? – Coffee Chocolate or Vanilla? – Chocolate Laptop or Desktop? – Laptop Breakfast or Dinner? – Dinner Early Bird or Night Owl? – Night Owl Ocean or Lake? – Lake Fun fact – Most people who find this out about me are usually surprised that I am good at squash and played for two years when I was in elementary school.