Beata Chami
Why did you choose your program at UBC and what did you enjoy most about it?
I initially chose to pursue a degree in Political Science because I was interested in global affairs and had aspirations of becoming a human rights lawyer.
Then, in my first year, I took Spanish as an elective out of pure curiosity and because I had a bit of a travel itch. That decision led to the opportunity to study Spanish in Argentina through the Department of French, Hispanic and Italian Studies.
By the time I returned home, I was completely captivated by the language and culture. I decided to pursue Spanish more deeply, which ultimately led me to double major in Political Science and Spanish.
What were some of your most meaningful experiences at UBC?
There are many!
- Meeting classmates from ALL over the world—I got to connect with some incredibly intelligent and fascinating people
- All-day study sessions with friends at the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre and Library
- Supporting students as a Go Global Ambassador
- Storm the Wall
- Chicken sandwiches from the deli for lunch
- Dancing at The Pit on Wednesday nights with friends
What choices did you make at UBC that contributed to your career success / journey?
Looking back, I didn’t overthink the opportunities I pursued. If something sounded interesting, I said “yes” and trusted that I’d figure out the rest along the way.
That willingness to explore opened the door to experiences with a wide range of people, perspectives, and cultures, all of which played a meaningful role in shaping who I am today.
What was your first job after graduation and what other jobs did you have before your current position?
After graduation, I worked in a variety of roles while figuring out my next steps. These roles included working as a teller at a credit union, a front desk clerk at a community center, and a server and supervisor at a Mexican restaurant.
Is your current career path as you originally intended? What challenges did you face in launching your career?
My current career path is not what I originally set out to pursue. I began my academic journey with the intention of going into law. However, through conversations with law students and practicing lawyers, I gained a clearer understanding of the day-to-day realities of the profession and realized it didn’t align with what I was most drawn to at the time.
That shift in direction deepened when I began volunteering in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Through this experience, I discovered a strong connection to supporting people’s mental health and well-being, which led me to pursue counselling psychology. Along the way, I developed a deeper understanding of both my own emotional capacity and the kind of work that felt most sustainable for me.
Ultimately, this journey led me to the field of organizational psychology. Today, my work focuses on understanding human behaviour in the workplace and supporting leaders and organizations in creating environments where employees feel safe, supported, and can thrive.
What do you like about your current job? How does it relate to your degree?
In my current role as an industrial psychologist and executive coach with Magnify Consulting, I enjoy that every day brings new challenges and opportunities to learn. I especially value the chance to work closely with people, whether that’s facilitating group discussions or working one-on-one with leaders. Helping individuals and teams reflect, grow, and navigate complex challenges is incredibly rewarding.
One of the more challenging aspects of the work is that organizational dynamics are rarely straightforward. People, teams, and systems are complex, and meaningful change often takes time, patience, and thoughtful dialogue. Navigating these dynamics while helping others gain insight and move forward is both challenging and motivating.
My Arts degree played an important role in preparing me for this work. It helped me develop strong critical thinking and communication skills, as well as an evidence-based approach to understanding human behaviour. These are skills that are central to my everyday work.
From your experience, what has been the value of having an Arts degree?
Although my career ultimately took me in a different direction (I ended up pursuing further academic training in organizational psychology and mediation), my time at UBC Arts was instrumental in shaping how I think.
With the guidance of professors, teaching assistants, peers, and challenging coursework, I learned to approach problems with curiosity, critical thinking, and an evidence-based mindset. These skills continue to play a central role in how I structure and facilitate my work today.
What advice would you give to students and alumni interested in breaking into your industry?
If you want a stimulating career that allows you to learn about yourself and others, this is a great industry to consider.
I would encourage students to stay curious about human behaviour and how organizations function. Seek opportunities to observe leadership and team dynamics, and invest in developing strong listening, communication, and analytical skills. These are at the heart of effective organizational psychology and executive coaching.
What advice would you give to your graduating self?
It’s okay to be interested in multiple areas and to explore different paths. Early in your career, experimentation is an important part of the learning process. Don’t be afraid to fail forward. Each experience, whether it works out or not, helps clarify what belongs in your journey.
Every experience is a gift, even if it doesn’t feel like it at the time, because it helps you piece together the puzzle of what really matters to you. Everyone I’ve met so far with a fulfilling career has taken a unique and often unanticipated path.
Stay curious, take chances, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. It’s worth it, I promise.
Beata Chami
Why did you choose your program at UBC and what did you enjoy most about it?
I initially chose to pursue a degree in Political Science because I was interested in global affairs and had aspirations of becoming a human rights lawyer.
Then, in my first year, I took Spanish as an elective out of pure curiosity and because I had a bit of a travel itch. That decision led to the opportunity to study Spanish in Argentina through the Department of French, Hispanic and Italian Studies.
By the time I returned home, I was completely captivated by the language and culture. I decided to pursue Spanish more deeply, which ultimately led me to double major in Political Science and Spanish.
What were some of your most meaningful experiences at UBC?
There are many!
- Meeting classmates from ALL over the world—I got to connect with some incredibly intelligent and fascinating people
- All-day study sessions with friends at the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre and Library
- Supporting students as a Go Global Ambassador
- Storm the Wall
- Chicken sandwiches from the deli for lunch
- Dancing at The Pit on Wednesday nights with friends
What choices did you make at UBC that contributed to your career success / journey?
Looking back, I didn’t overthink the opportunities I pursued. If something sounded interesting, I said “yes” and trusted that I’d figure out the rest along the way.
That willingness to explore opened the door to experiences with a wide range of people, perspectives, and cultures, all of which played a meaningful role in shaping who I am today.
What was your first job after graduation and what other jobs did you have before your current position?
After graduation, I worked in a variety of roles while figuring out my next steps. These roles included working as a teller at a credit union, a front desk clerk at a community center, and a server and supervisor at a Mexican restaurant.
Is your current career path as you originally intended? What challenges did you face in launching your career?
My current career path is not what I originally set out to pursue. I began my academic journey with the intention of going into law. However, through conversations with law students and practicing lawyers, I gained a clearer understanding of the day-to-day realities of the profession and realized it didn’t align with what I was most drawn to at the time.
That shift in direction deepened when I began volunteering in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Through this experience, I discovered a strong connection to supporting people’s mental health and well-being, which led me to pursue counselling psychology. Along the way, I developed a deeper understanding of both my own emotional capacity and the kind of work that felt most sustainable for me.
Ultimately, this journey led me to the field of organizational psychology. Today, my work focuses on understanding human behaviour in the workplace and supporting leaders and organizations in creating environments where employees feel safe, supported, and can thrive.
What do you like about your current job? How does it relate to your degree?
In my current role as an industrial psychologist and executive coach with Magnify Consulting, I enjoy that every day brings new challenges and opportunities to learn. I especially value the chance to work closely with people, whether that’s facilitating group discussions or working one-on-one with leaders. Helping individuals and teams reflect, grow, and navigate complex challenges is incredibly rewarding.
One of the more challenging aspects of the work is that organizational dynamics are rarely straightforward. People, teams, and systems are complex, and meaningful change often takes time, patience, and thoughtful dialogue. Navigating these dynamics while helping others gain insight and move forward is both challenging and motivating.
My Arts degree played an important role in preparing me for this work. It helped me develop strong critical thinking and communication skills, as well as an evidence-based approach to understanding human behaviour. These are skills that are central to my everyday work.
From your experience, what has been the value of having an Arts degree?
Although my career ultimately took me in a different direction (I ended up pursuing further academic training in organizational psychology and mediation), my time at UBC Arts was instrumental in shaping how I think.
With the guidance of professors, teaching assistants, peers, and challenging coursework, I learned to approach problems with curiosity, critical thinking, and an evidence-based mindset. These skills continue to play a central role in how I structure and facilitate my work today.
What advice would you give to students and alumni interested in breaking into your industry?
If you want a stimulating career that allows you to learn about yourself and others, this is a great industry to consider.
I would encourage students to stay curious about human behaviour and how organizations function. Seek opportunities to observe leadership and team dynamics, and invest in developing strong listening, communication, and analytical skills. These are at the heart of effective organizational psychology and executive coaching.
What advice would you give to your graduating self?
It’s okay to be interested in multiple areas and to explore different paths. Early in your career, experimentation is an important part of the learning process. Don’t be afraid to fail forward. Each experience, whether it works out or not, helps clarify what belongs in your journey.
Every experience is a gift, even if it doesn’t feel like it at the time, because it helps you piece together the puzzle of what really matters to you. Everyone I’ve met so far with a fulfilling career has taken a unique and often unanticipated path.
Stay curious, take chances, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. It’s worth it, I promise.
