What are your main responsibilities or activities in your current position?
As a postdoctoral fellow (PDF) at UBC, my main responsibilities include managing and executing experiments, assisting in the supervision and mentorship of graduate students, coordinating communications with industry partners, and presenting and analyzing research data. These activities aim to support our research objectives and foster collaboration between academia and industry.
How does your current work relate to your graduate degree?
Continuing as a PDF in the same department as my graduate degree has allowed me to directly apply the knowledge and skills gained during my studies to my current work. The in-depth understanding of my field and familiarity with experimental setups have been instrumental in advancing my projects. Additionally, the networks and communication skills I developed in graduate school have been invaluable for collaborating effectively with colleagues and industry partners. My familiarity with departmental resources and protocols has also enabled a smoother transition into my role, allowing me to contribute efficiently to ongoing research.
What do you like and what do you find challenging about your current position?
In my current position, I enjoy the opportunity to apply my years of industry experience within an academic setting, where I can focus on advancing research and supporting graduate students. However, transitioning from a student to a professional in academia has highlighted some unique challenges. Unlike the student experience, where responsibilities are primarily focused on learning and individual research, my current role involves multiple stakeholders, including industry partners, academic supervisors, and students I mentor. This shift has required me to manage higher levels of accountability and balance differing expectations from each stakeholder.
While my industry background has equipped me with the skills needed for these responsibilities, the reduced flexibility in decision-making compared to my previous industry roles has been an adjustment. In industry, decision-making often moves more quickly and independently, while in academia, the collaborative nature of work often necessitates alignment with others before proceeding. From these challenges, I’ve learned the importance of adaptability and refined my communication skills to meet the diverse expectations of both academic and industry stakeholders. If I were to approach this role differently, I would focus even earlier on establishing clear communication channels and aligning goals across teams to ensure smooth collaboration and reduce potential bottlenecks.
Is your current career path as you originally intended?:
My current career path is somewhat aligned with my original intentions, though practical considerations like job market conditions and the availability of roles for recent graduates have played a significant role in shaping it. I am grateful for the opportunity to work in academia, as it allows me to continue engaging in research while also connecting with industry partners—a balance I find rewarding. That said, my long-term commitment to this path will depend on several factors, including salary, work schedule, environment, and growth potential. Ideally, I aim for a position that not only provides professional development opportunities but also supports work-life balance and a positive work culture. These elements will ultimately influence whether I stay in academia or consider a shift toward industry in the future.
What motivated you to pursue graduate work at UBC?
I was motivated to pursue graduate studies at UBC due to its reputation as a prestigious and highly-ranked university with a strong focus on research and innovation. The chance to study at an institution known globally for academic excellence was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. Additionally, the appeal of living in beautiful British Columbia, with its natural landscapes and high quality of life, was a significant factor. The multicultural atmosphere in Vancouver also offered a welcoming and diverse community, making it an ideal environment for both personal and professional growth.
What did you enjoy the most about your time as a graduate student at UBC?
As a graduate student at UBC, I truly enjoyed the unique balance of academic and personal experiences the university offered. UBC provides the flexibility to explore various interests alongside studies, allowing me to fully engage with both campus life and the beautiful surroundings of British Columbia. I loved being able to enjoy the stunning landscapes, especially during the summer, and appreciated the mild climate that made outdoor activities so accessible. Living on campus was another highlight, as it provided a strong sense of community and made it easier to participate in university events. Additionally, the opportunity to work part-time was invaluable, helping me manage expenses and gain practical experience. Altogether, it felt like a complete package, and I appreciated every aspect of my time there.
How did the graduate degree at UBC help you achieve your career and/or personal development goals?:
Graduating from a highly ranked university like UBC has been invaluable in helping me achieve both my career and personal development goals. A degree from UBC holds significant weight in both academia and industry, giving graduates a competitive edge and placing them at the top of candidate lists for desirable positions. UBC’s strong connections with industry provide ample opportunities for networking and building relationships that can lead to career advancements and open doors to ideal job roles. Additionally, working with distinguished professors and experts at UBC has been a tremendous advantage. Their mentorship and the exposure to cutting-edge research and high-tech skills have not only enriched my experience as a student but have also prepared me with the up-to-date knowledge needed to excel in my field.
What key things did you do, or what attitudes or approaches did you have, that contributed to your success?
One of the key factors contributing to my success was finding a balance between my personal life and academic responsibilities. Maintaining this balance allowed me to stay focused and be more effective and productive in both areas. I found that setting boundaries and prioritizing time for self-care and personal interests helped me avoid burnout, ultimately enhancing my performance in my studies. Another important approach was developing strong budgeting and financial management skills. Living in an expensive city like Vancouver, it was essential to manage finances carefully to maintain a high quality of life. Making informed financial decisions and keeping track of expenses enabled me to focus more on my studies and less on financial stress. I believe that these practical life skills, alongside academic efforts, were crucial to achieving success during my time as a graduate student.
What is your best piece of advice for current graduate students preparing for their future careers?
My best advice for current graduate students is to actively expand their professional network through collaborations with other universities and industry partners. Building strong connections early on can open doors to future opportunities and provide valuable insights into different career paths. Additionally, try to view your research with an industrial perspective—identify the key skills that would make your work applicable in real-world settings and focus on developing those skills alongside your studies. This dual approach of networking and skills-building will help bridge the gap between academia and industry, preparing you to transition smoothly into your future career.