Alumni on Success

Zak Witkower

First, it’s important to acquire discipline-specific skills, but equally important to acquire skills that make you desirable to a wide variety of possible careers. For me, this was statistics and data science. I attained a quantitative methods minor alongside my PhD. For...

Arman Hejazi

First and foremost, take care of your mental health. I was reading an article once that mentioned almost 50% of graduate students (in their study) were suffering from anxiety and/or depression. This is quite common and could impede your creativity. Next, try to go above and...

Sean Xia

There will be times that someone shuts the door right on your face. There will be many cold faces and rejects. But remember, it's not personal. They are just doing their job and mind their business. Eventually, you will earn their respect by being persistent and "aggressive...

Kingsley Eze

I advise current graduate students to take advantage of the many learning opportunities such as speaker series, events, and networking opportunities. Keep an open mind and ask questions because you will be exposed to things you might not even know existed. Finally, connect...

Anam Elahi

I think all graduate students should remain persistent and keep a strong focus towards the direction that they want to take, while taking small steps towards it. The path of hard work does eventually wind up to success. Other than that, students should make best use of...

Jenna Buhrmann

It’s important as a new professional and recent graduate to stay open to new experience. Entering into the field post graduate is difficult and you may not get the position you want right from the start but any experience can be a good experience if you put the work in. It’...

Duncan Chambers

No human being has ever done anything that they didn't choose to do. No one can force you to learn anything, take any job, or follow any order. You always have the power to choose what you learn, who you help, and how you act in the world. I think the UBC motto has...

Chihori Tsukura

Be curious, and when you find an opportunity - an opportunity to learn, an opportunity to enjoy your day - just give it a try for every opportunity! I recognize that I devoted the most of my time for studying, and (although that is what I, at that time, probably needed) I...

Ikennah Browne

I would advise every graduate student to be very proactive about their desired career and seek out opportunities that align with this career trajectory very early. This offers the advantage of getting some experience in the desired field very early on as well as the...

Ali Zwicker

When you graduate, know that you have a solid foundation. It is okay, and even expected, for you not to know everything. You already have the skills you honed during your program to continue asking questions, reflecting, and proposing ideas – these will continue to serve...

Jaqueline Brower

Get clear on your dreams, gifts and needs for support. Surround yourself with people who can support you. Practice self compassion, recognize your limitations and know that everyone in every job is human. You will be new and have a giant learning curve, and that is part of...

Callie Camp

Have an open mind and immerse yourself in the experiences you are presented with! If you are returning to school after a long break or are leaving one career path for another, don’t worry that the experience you gained in your “past life” won’t be relevant. I’m continually...

Emily Wale

Each of us has a unique set of strengths and a story of our own; graduate school is a great place to apply new learnings and self-reflection to purposely choose the next step and direction towards a fulfilling future career that is right fit for you. Use all the resources...

Esther Ocheni

Be as openminded, curious and teachable as you can be.

Brigid Goitse Conteh

Graduate studies is a journey, as a graduate student, you will learn a lot about yourself and what you want to do once you graduate.

Adrianna Spyker

When you exit graduate school, remember that you still do not know everything and there is lots to learn. Remember to enter your career humbly and willing to learn. Teamwork and collaboration are key aspects in many work environments and it is important to cooperate with...

Samuel Adeyanju

My advice to current graduate students is to take advantage of every resource and opportunity provided by UBC from educational resources for learning and research, to career and networking resources and opportunities. As much as they work hard to succeed in their classes...

John Ede

Learn as much as you can, across as many disciplines as possible and from all sources available to you. Keep an open mind and be prepared to take detours from your original plan - take up opportunities as they come and keep your eyes on your end goal. It is often the case...

Olen Gunnlaugson

Follow what makes you come alive in your life and work and be uncompromising about this.

Drea Brake

Breathe. Life is long, and you will likely end up going in some unexpected directions. Breathe, and enjoy where you are and what you are doing right now, because it will pass. Breathe, and fill each day with things that you enjoy, because you never know where you will end...

Elisabeth Schrottner

Be bold in exploring different paths, and be open to new opportunities! If needs within an organization arise and you know that you are qualified for the work, propose a solution and offer your skills and expertise. It's worth the risk!

Javier Alvarez-Jaimes

Learn as much as you can but don't neglect to cultivate soft skills. Being human and capable to relate to others may be as necessary and will definitely compliment your acquired knowledge. Love every opportunity to serve in the university life, join some committees, and...

Nathalie Gettliffe

They need to cherish this time and take hold of every opportunity for practicum, interdisciplinary and international studies.

Jayne Knight

Seek out good mentors and don't be afraid to ask for help.