Note: The Brock Employee Feature is a Q&A-style series that aims to highlight those who contribute to the University’s positive working environment and make a difference in the campus community. The full series is available on The Brock News. Employees interested in being featured are asked to fill out an online form.

As a Learning and Development Specialist in the Office of People and Culture, Samantha Vandermolen (BBA ’20) is dedicated to enhancing the professional growth and experiences of Brock’s staff and faculty.

What is your Brock career story?

I began my journey at Brock University in 2015 as a lifeguard while pursuing my studies. Over the years, I took on various roles in residence, which allowed me to develop valuable leadership and interpersonal skills. After graduating, I returned to Brock as a Recruitment Officer, where I had the privilege of attracting talented domestic and international students to our campus.

Later, as a Talent Development Specialist with Goodman Career, I coached business students, guiding them toward achieving their career aspirations. Today, I’m proud to serve as the Learning and Development Specialist with the Office of People and Culture, focusing on enhancing the professional experiences of Brock’s dedicated staff and faculty.

Throughout my journey, I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with incredible teams across campus, each contributing to the rewarding experiences that have shaped my path at Brock.

What does your team do?

The Office of People and Culture develops strategies and administers programs, policies and procedures to effectively manage the employee life cycle. Our goal is to foster a sustainable, high-performing organization and ensure Brock remains a preferred place to work and study.

As the Learning and Development Specialist, I support Brock’s staff and faculty by creating opportunities for career growth and leadership development. My work focuses on helping individuals harness their strengths, build essential skills and advance within the University, all while contributing to Brock’s mission and overall success.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

In my role, I develop and manage two leadership development programs at Brock — Emerging Leaders and Leading at Brock — while also contributing to initiatives such as management development, mentorship programming and creating a comprehensive training calendar for staff and faculty.

The most rewarding part of my work is engaging with the Brock community to identify areas for growth and tailoring programs to meet staff needs based on their feedback. I find immense fulfilment in positively impacting the working lives of others and seeing how my efforts contribute to their satisfaction and success within the University.

Are you a Brock graduate?

I hadn’t initially planned to attend Brock University — until I came across an online ad that changed everything. The opportunity to study abroad, experience a new culture and earn two business degrees sparked my interest, and I decided to take a leap of faith. That decision led me to what has become my home.

In 2020, I graduated from the International Double Degree program at the Goodman School of Business with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resource Management and a Bachelor of Science in General Management from The European Business School. Embracing the spirit of lifelong learning, I’m now pursuing a Master of Education at Brock part time.

What do you like about working at Brock?

The sense of community was one of the first things that drew me to Brock when I visited as a prospective student, and it remains one of my favourite aspects of working here. Across campus, I’ve had the privilege of meeting incredible people, building lasting friendships and experiencing the shared values that make Brock truly unique.

There’s something special about the “Brock-ness” of this community — a feeling you can’t replicate anywhere else. Whether collaborating across departments, attending events or simply engaging in day-to-day tasks, the people here make every moment meaningful and rewarding.

What do you do for fun?

In my spare time, I enjoy bouldering — a form of rock climbing similar to what we have on campus, but with shorter walls and no ropes or harnesses. It’s an activity that pushes me physically and encourages me to take calculated risks, all while keeping me active and having fun.

Bouldering isn’t just a great workout; it’s also a mental challenge. Each climb feels like solving a puzzle, which makes the experience even more rewarding.

What is a fact most people would be surprised to learn about you?

I love to bake, although it wasn’t long ago that I somehow managed to both burn and undercook Pillsbury sugar cookies at the same time. With a bit of trial and error, I’ve come a long way. Now, I enjoy taking on fun bakery creations and experimenting with fresh bread recipes.