Carole Joling
Why did you choose your program at UBC and what did you enjoy most about it?
After I immigrated to Canada from the Netherlands in 1960, my high school teachers in Merritt, BC recognized my facility with languages and encouraged me to apply to UBC’s Faculty of Arts, to study in its literature and languages courses.
Being on campus, especially during the first year, led me to participate in the social events of the UBC International House, where I made many friends. Combining study with socializing is so important as a new student.
What were some of your most meaningful experiences at UBC?
Fort Camp living. Plus, joining the AIESEC organization’s UBC Chapter – as a business-oriented club, it complemented my literary studies.
And, the use of the UBC Library’s collection and services – leading me to work there part-time, and eventually to apply for its Bachelors in Library Science (BLS) program.
What choices did you make at UBC that contributed to your career success/journey?
The BLS degree opened up to me the world of information and communication (which at that time grew exponentially with the widespread introduction of computers, software, and applications), especially in the areas of information storage, sharing and retrieval. My career took off, and my 35 years in information management work have been most interesting and rewarding on both a professional and personal level.
What was your first job after graduation and what other jobs did you have before your current position?
My first professional job was Government Documents Librarian at UBC. Since then, my jobs have been at the federal and international level: in the Ministries of Citizenship and Agriculture (both in Ottawa), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (in Rome), and the International Development Research Centre in Ottawa.
Is your current career path as you originally intended? What challenges did you face in launching your career?
Although I’ve been retired for some time now, the challenges facing new graduates today may not be so different as what I faced then. Graduates should have flexibility in expectations, humbleness in attitude when facing the world, a desire for continuous learning, and above all a respect for different opinions, experiences and cultures.
From your experience, what has been the value of having an Arts degree?
A passion for people and the world we live in. Also, the confidence that a wide-ranging education brings to one’s work and life, as well as an appreciation for the many aspects of the civilization we are part of.
What advice would you give to students and alumni interested in breaking into your industry?
Open your eyes and heart to the many opportunities that exist and match them to your own interests and skills.
Carole Joling
Why did you choose your program at UBC and what did you enjoy most about it?
After I immigrated to Canada from the Netherlands in 1960, my high school teachers in Merritt, BC recognized my facility with languages and encouraged me to apply to UBC’s Faculty of Arts, to study in its literature and languages courses.
Being on campus, especially during the first year, led me to participate in the social events of the UBC International House, where I made many friends. Combining study with socializing is so important as a new student.
What were some of your most meaningful experiences at UBC?
Fort Camp living. Plus, joining the AIESEC organization’s UBC Chapter – as a business-oriented club, it complemented my literary studies.
And, the use of the UBC Library’s collection and services – leading me to work there part-time, and eventually to apply for its Bachelors in Library Science (BLS) program.
What choices did you make at UBC that contributed to your career success/journey?
The BLS degree opened up to me the world of information and communication (which at that time grew exponentially with the widespread introduction of computers, software, and applications), especially in the areas of information storage, sharing and retrieval. My career took off, and my 35 years in information management work have been most interesting and rewarding on both a professional and personal level.
What was your first job after graduation and what other jobs did you have before your current position?
My first professional job was Government Documents Librarian at UBC. Since then, my jobs have been at the federal and international level: in the Ministries of Citizenship and Agriculture (both in Ottawa), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (in Rome), and the International Development Research Centre in Ottawa.
Is your current career path as you originally intended? What challenges did you face in launching your career?
Although I’ve been retired for some time now, the challenges facing new graduates today may not be so different as what I faced then. Graduates should have flexibility in expectations, humbleness in attitude when facing the world, a desire for continuous learning, and above all a respect for different opinions, experiences and cultures.
From your experience, what has been the value of having an Arts degree?
A passion for people and the world we live in. Also, the confidence that a wide-ranging education brings to one’s work and life, as well as an appreciation for the many aspects of the civilization we are part of.
What advice would you give to students and alumni interested in breaking into your industry?
Open your eyes and heart to the many opportunities that exist and match them to your own interests and skills.
