Aaron Chin
Why did you choose your program at UBC and what did you enjoy most about it?
I chose Political Science and Economics as I always knew I wanted to go into business but wanted to round myself in other areas. Political Science helped with my writing, my speaking, and taught me how to form arguments. Economics gave me a great understanding of the economy and how things can be predicted ahead of time.
What were some of your most meaningful experiences at UBC?
Some of my most meaningful experiences at UBC included Imagine Day, attending Homecoming for football games, and attending Block Party! The best part of all these events was the fun you had and the community you felt a part of.
What choices did you make at UBC that contributed to your career success / journey?
A big choice was to join as a student-athlete for the rugby team. This really challenged me to learn how to prioritize as I had to juggle practice, games, workouts, studying, and class. As I’ve entered the workforce, one of the areas that have allowed me to excel as CEO is being able to prioritize very efficiently.
What was your first job after graduation and what other jobs did you have before your current position?
First job after graduation was as a Purchasing Assistant at Organika where I later moved to the sales side. Knowing both the operational and the sales and marketing sides of the business has really helped me step into my current position as CEO seamlessly.
Is your current career path as you originally intended? What challenges did you face in launching your career?
Yes, my career is currently on the path I originally intended. The biggest challenge in my career has been shedding being labeled as the “entitled owner’s son.” For the first three years, I was the first one in the office and the last to leave. It took me these three years to really shake off what people thought because I was seeing the difference in our company and the waves we were making in the industry. Furthermore, I also started very young (under 30) in an industry where it’s traditionally older Caucasian leaders (over 50) making the decisions.
It is very rare to see a young Asian male leading a nationally recognized health and wellness brand across Canada, and I take great pride in this. This also lead me to not be afraid of building a team full of young professionals and new immigrants that bring amazing skills that typically wouldn’t be hired in an “established natural health company.” I take a lot of pride in being at a trade-show and seeing our booth as one of the most inclusive diverse teams (age, ethnicity, sex).
Over the past five years at Organika, the organization and the way we operate has undergone a complete 180. The change initiative has included: a completely new leadership team at the executive and management levels; a keen emphasis on establishing and protecting the Organika culture; and leveraging training and development opportunities. As a result of this change, revenue has increased by 3x, and profit by 10x since I have taken on the leadership role.
What do you like about your current job and what do you find challenging? How does it relate to your degree?
I love that my job allows me to be creative and the natural health and wellness industry is something I’m very passionate about. It relates to my degree because an Arts degree offers you the chance to take different classes that can help unlock the creative side of you.
From your experience, what has been the value of having an Arts degree?
The biggest value is creating a more well-rounded individual. People can always get into business and apply from Arts to things like an MBA, but rarely the other way around. It also allows you the time to truly figure out your passion and what you want to do.
What advice would you give to students and alumni interested in breaking into your industry?
The biggest advice would be to make sure you’re passionate about living healthy because it’s an industry that is extremely competitive and if you’re not naturally passionate about it, you will be spotted from a mile away. I would also say be yourself and know hard-work and dedication will go a long way in advancing your career.
What advice would you give your graduating self?
Dream big and don’t think ever for a second you’re going to get anything handed to you.
Aaron Chin
Why did you choose your program at UBC and what did you enjoy most about it?
I chose Political Science and Economics as I always knew I wanted to go into business but wanted to round myself in other areas. Political Science helped with my writing, my speaking, and taught me how to form arguments. Economics gave me a great understanding of the economy and how things can be predicted ahead of time.
What were some of your most meaningful experiences at UBC?
Some of my most meaningful experiences at UBC included Imagine Day, attending Homecoming for football games, and attending Block Party! The best part of all these events was the fun you had and the community you felt a part of.
What choices did you make at UBC that contributed to your career success / journey?
A big choice was to join as a student-athlete for the rugby team. This really challenged me to learn how to prioritize as I had to juggle practice, games, workouts, studying, and class. As I’ve entered the workforce, one of the areas that have allowed me to excel as CEO is being able to prioritize very efficiently.
What was your first job after graduation and what other jobs did you have before your current position?
First job after graduation was as a Purchasing Assistant at Organika where I later moved to the sales side. Knowing both the operational and the sales and marketing sides of the business has really helped me step into my current position as CEO seamlessly.
Is your current career path as you originally intended? What challenges did you face in launching your career?
Yes, my career is currently on the path I originally intended. The biggest challenge in my career has been shedding being labeled as the “entitled owner’s son.” For the first three years, I was the first one in the office and the last to leave. It took me these three years to really shake off what people thought because I was seeing the difference in our company and the waves we were making in the industry. Furthermore, I also started very young (under 30) in an industry where it’s traditionally older Caucasian leaders (over 50) making the decisions.
It is very rare to see a young Asian male leading a nationally recognized health and wellness brand across Canada, and I take great pride in this. This also lead me to not be afraid of building a team full of young professionals and new immigrants that bring amazing skills that typically wouldn’t be hired in an “established natural health company.” I take a lot of pride in being at a trade-show and seeing our booth as one of the most inclusive diverse teams (age, ethnicity, sex).
Over the past five years at Organika, the organization and the way we operate has undergone a complete 180. The change initiative has included: a completely new leadership team at the executive and management levels; a keen emphasis on establishing and protecting the Organika culture; and leveraging training and development opportunities. As a result of this change, revenue has increased by 3x, and profit by 10x since I have taken on the leadership role.
What do you like about your current job and what do you find challenging? How does it relate to your degree?
I love that my job allows me to be creative and the natural health and wellness industry is something I’m very passionate about. It relates to my degree because an Arts degree offers you the chance to take different classes that can help unlock the creative side of you.
From your experience, what has been the value of having an Arts degree?
The biggest value is creating a more well-rounded individual. People can always get into business and apply from Arts to things like an MBA, but rarely the other way around. It also allows you the time to truly figure out your passion and what you want to do.
What advice would you give to students and alumni interested in breaking into your industry?
The biggest advice would be to make sure you’re passionate about living healthy because it’s an industry that is extremely competitive and if you’re not naturally passionate about it, you will be spotted from a mile away. I would also say be yourself and know hard-work and dedication will go a long way in advancing your career.
What advice would you give your graduating self?
Dream big and don’t think ever for a second you’re going to get anything handed to you.
