Kagan Pittman

Emerging library, archives, student-services, and information professional with graduate training in Archives and Records Management and experience across post-secondary student support, academic administration, digital publishing, research, public engagement, retail customer service, and cultural heritage settings. Skilled in front-line inquiry response, appointment and service coordination, records and documentation, workshop and event support, report writing, digital content production, information organization, and user-focused communication. Known for patient service with diverse communities, careful attention to detail, independent project work, and an equity-focused approach to access and support.

• Ability to adapt
• Ability to lift heavy objects up to 50 lb.
• Ability to stay calm in difficult situations
• Ability to work under pressure
• Able to manage multiple projects
• Action Planning
• Activity coordination
• activity support
• Administrative Support
• Analytical
• Appointment Scheduling
• approachable
• Attention to detail
• Capable of working independently
• Cash handling
• Collections
• Comfortable in fast-paced environments
• committed to delivering high-quality results
• Communication
• Compliance
• Compliance Documentation
• Conflict Resolution
• Consistent
• Customer service
• Data analysis
• Data entry
• Google Workspace
• Inventory management
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Office
• Microsoft Word
• Organization
• Problem solving
• Qualitative research
• Teamwork
• Time management

1. Learning Strategy Advisor

   Ace Acumen Academy

   Aug 2023 to Apr 2025

   Mississauga, ON

   • Delivered front-line student and visitor support in a post-secondary environment, responding to inquiries in person, by phone, and online while maintaining a professional and welcoming service environment. • Supported international ESL students by explaining academic procedures, service options, deadlines, eligibility requirements, and next steps clearly and patiently. • Managed front desk operations in a high-traffic campus setting, resolving routine concerns, triaging student needs, making referrals, and balancing competing priorities with frequent interruptions. • Organized and led the Tutor Program, including tutor recruitment, application review, interviews, reference checks, training, appointment scheduling, and ongoing tutor support. • Planned, promoted, and delivered academic workshops and student-facing programming, preparing materials and presenting information effectively in live sessions. • Supported student administrative processes including readmission, withdrawal, tuition-balance follow-up, appointment tracking, and continuity of service through accurate documentation. • Co-chaired the Joint Health and Safety Committee, assisting with inspections, newsletters, information distribution, campus facilities/security monitoring, board presentations, documentation, policy communication, and follow-up with the Health and Safety Coordinator.

2. Freelance Research Consultant

   Perry Street Software

   May 2023 to Aug 2023

   Oakville, ON

   • Provided research consultation on survey design, data processing, analysis, and user-needs assessment. • Served as primary researcher for the design and analysis of surveys distributed across 16 language groups using SurveyMonkey. • Researched and designed a Language Quality Survey to assess translation effectiveness and improve understanding of multilingual user experiences. • Collected, organized, reviewed, and summarized survey data to identify user needs, service issues, patterns, and actionable insights. • Presented collected and processed survey data to the executive board, translating complex findings into clear conclusions and recommendations. • Managed detailed independent project work while meeting deadlines and maintaining accuracy, documentation, and stakeholder communication.

3. Volunteer Tour Guide

   Oakville Museum

   Jun 2022 to Sep 2022

   Oakville, ON

   • Opened and prepared the museum for visitors, delivered tours and learning activities, and helped maintain a safe, orderly, welcoming, and visitor-ready environment. • Engaged audiences of different ages, backgrounds, and learning needs through accessible storytelling and adaptive communication. • Answered visitor questions, supported public learning, and independently completed opening and closing procedures according to established protocols.

4. Graduate Student Researcher and Teaching Assistant

   University of Waterloo

   Jan 2021 to Jan 2022

   Waterloo, ON

   • Designed and implemented a qualitative and quantitative graduate research project using SurveyMonkey, Microsoft Excel, Scrivener, literature review methods, and research ethics practices. • Maintained contact with study participants with discretion and attention to confidentiality, consent, and research ethics requirements. • Facilitated student understanding of complex concepts by providing clear explanations, structured guidance on assignment requirements, and research feedback. • Responded to student questions with patience and clarity and maintained organized records of student inquiries and support interactions to promote effective follow-up.

5. Cashier, Gas Bar Attendant

   Canadian Tire Gas Bar+

   Aug 2017 to Feb 2023

   Oakville, ON

   • Provided customer service in a fast-paced retail environment, assisting customers with sales, purchases, inquiries, and routine problem resolution. • Used RFID scanner technology and point-of-sale procedures to support sales and service operations. • Processed cash, debit, and credit transactions and completed end-of-shift accounting, cash reconciliation, and closing responsibilities. • Answered telephone inquiries, maintained cleanliness and service-area organization, stocked/handled merchandise as needed, and followed safety, security, and operational protocols. • Worked independently during shifts, including responsibility for closing the station and ensuring the site was secure and ready for continued operations.

6. Associate Editor / Staff Writer

   ENGINEERING.com

   Apr 2015 to Aug 2017

   Mississauga, ON

   • Started as Staff Writer and was promoted to Associate Editor in Jan 2017. • Produced high-value editorial content for an engineering news website, including feature articles, sponsored content, and e-books for the Manufacturing segment. • Screened, coordinated, and managed several freelance contributors responsible for editorial and video content, maintaining regular communication and editorial follow-up. • Reviewed, edited, and published freelancer work, ensuring accuracy, readability, quality, audience fit, and alignment with digital publishing workflows. • Prepared and updated website and digital-platform content, supporting publication schedules and timely release of editorial materials. • Shot video at trade shows and in-office settings and edited video content for publication.

1. University of Toronto

   Master of Information, Archives and Records Management

   Toronto, ON

   2026

   Relevant areas include archival theory and practice, records management, appraisal, archival description, access, digital archives, preservation, information organization, project management, community archives, and GLAM-sector equity and advocacy.

2. University of Waterloo

   Master of Arts, Public Issues Anthropology

   Waterloo, ON

   2022

   Thesis: “Pagan Community Online: Social Media Affordances and Limitations in Religio-Political Sociality.”

3. University of Toronto Mississauga

   Bachelor of Arts, Anthropology & History of Religion

   Mississauga, ON

   2020

   Relevant strengths developed in qualitative research, historical research, cultural analysis, media literacy, public education, community engagement, ethics, and audience-aware communication.

4. Sheridan College

   Diploma, Print Journalism

   Oakville, ON

   2014

   Training in reporting, interviewing, editing, publication workflows, media writing, and audience-focused communication.