Alumni on Success

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...

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...

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...

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...

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.

Andrea Bundon

Pursue things that excite you and trust the rest will fall into place. Finding the right job is a weird combination of opportunity and preparation–but you can only control one part of that equation so work on that. Don't underestimate the value of having good people skills...

Jane Yuexian Wang

I would like to encourage graduate students to pursue their passion and seize every opportunity to interact with the professionals with career paths that interest them. Showing your strong interest and willingness to learn goes a long way and you will be surprised where...

Dan Macmaster

Be open-minded. Make connections. Network while being a student. Go to as many conferences as possible and have business cards ready.

Jimmy Thomson

Don't think of yourself only as a student. Yes, you have schoolwork. But bridging that gap between school and your career will be all that much easier if you take the time to develop a portfolio of work that you can plunk down on a future boss's desk your first week out of...

Katie Hyslop

Networking is important, but it doesn't have to happen at cocktail parties or business lunches. Choose programs with professors who can help you make connections in your chosen field, and take all the internships you can get, even the ones at less prestigious or well-known...

Peter Caravan

To have an open mind to opportunity and to follow your interests.

Andrea Brooks

Find a way to blend your passion with your academic studies. This will serve you well in the long run.