Connie Wu
Why did you choose your program at UBC and what did you enjoy most about it?
The UBC Media Studies program stood out as my number one choice among all media-related programs in Canada. Its unique course design, combining artistic, technical, and analytical skills, aligned perfectly with my interests in the evolving digital media landscape.
I was also particularly drawn to its small cohort size. The resulting close-knit community made my university life exceptionally heartwarming. Through shared laughter, collective struggles, and the bonds formed in tackling mandatory courses together, I found an invaluable support system that exceeded my expectations. I couldn’t have asked for a more enriching experience.
What were some of your most meaningful experiences at UBC?
In my second year, I joined a student-led dance crew at UBC called Sparks Dance Crew. The experience quickly became a source of pure joy. Dancing with a group of like-minded girls offered a stress-relieving escape and also contributed to my happiest moments at UBC.
During my final year, I participated in UBC’s Work Learn Program and secured a position as an events assistant with UBC’s Department of Asian Studies. This exposed me to Canadian work culture for the first time and, subsequently, influenced my decision to pursue a career in higher education after graduating.
What choices did you make at UBC that contributed to your career success / journey?
My mantra was simple: to explore as much as I could. From working part-time at a fashion retail store to interning with a tech company, and from working in Asia to working in Canada, my internships in different cities exposed me to various work cultures and allowed me to grasp diverse job tasks. While accumulating communications-specific experience, I also delved into different industries.
These experiences became pivotal in shaping my post-graduation planning. While immediate breakthroughs weren’t evident after each internship or volunteer opportunity, I later realized how these individual experiences resembled interconnected dots, seamlessly leading me to where I am today.
What was your first job after graduation and what other jobs did you have before your current position?
Launching into a full-time position as a communications and events coordinator at UBC’s Department of Asian Studies shortly after graduation was a stroke of luck. After three years of learning and growing, I’ve transitioned into my current role of communications specialist with the School of Population and Public Health.
Is your current career path as you originally intended? What challenges did you face in launching your career?
Well, yes and no. Yes, because I was determined about my career path in digital marketing and storytelling. The no comes from my initial aspirations being rooted in the fashion industry. I never expected to find myself working in the education sector.
As for challenges, graduating in 2020 came with unprecedented hurdles due to the scarcity of job opportunities at the time. This made job hunting, especially for a new grad like me, exceptionally challenging. Fortunately, I was able to extend my Work Learn contract after graduation and this brought a glimmer of hope to my job search.
What do you like about your current job and what do you find challenging? How does it relate to your degree?
I never imagined being exposed to medical topics at work, yet here I am, actively promoting research and studies in population and public health. The most rewarding aspect is inadvertently training myself as somewhat of an industry expert. Collaborating with talented minds who are passionate about their research continually inspires and motivates me.
In my daily tasks, managing a website and running social media have become integral. I’m thankful for having been introduced to these areas through UBC’s mandatory media courses. A visual arts course tasked us with designing a personal website while an information studies course required us to run a social media account for a month and analyze its performance. Courses like these have proven fundamental in shaping my approach to the tasks I perform today.
From your experience, what has been the value of having an Arts degree?
My Arts degree has equipped me with critical thinking skills, a creative approach, and a mindset that questions the binary nature of answers.
What advice would you give to students and alumni interested in breaking into your industry?
You don’t necessarily need a degree in media studies to be a digital marketer or a communicator, though it’s undoubtedly an asset. If you are interested in this field, invest in it and go for it. Additionally, building a diverse skill set beyond academic qualifications is crucial in the rapidly evolving digital marketing field.
What advice would you give your graduating self?
Don’t be afraid of failure and rejection! Every stumble is a step forward, and, by the end of the day, rejection often turns out to be a redirection towards new and unexpected opportunities. Embrace the journey, and remember that each setback is a chance to learn and grow.
Connie Wu
Why did you choose your program at UBC and what did you enjoy most about it?
The UBC Media Studies program stood out as my number one choice among all media-related programs in Canada. Its unique course design, combining artistic, technical, and analytical skills, aligned perfectly with my interests in the evolving digital media landscape.
I was also particularly drawn to its small cohort size. The resulting close-knit community made my university life exceptionally heartwarming. Through shared laughter, collective struggles, and the bonds formed in tackling mandatory courses together, I found an invaluable support system that exceeded my expectations. I couldn’t have asked for a more enriching experience.
What were some of your most meaningful experiences at UBC?
In my second year, I joined a student-led dance crew at UBC called Sparks Dance Crew. The experience quickly became a source of pure joy. Dancing with a group of like-minded girls offered a stress-relieving escape and also contributed to my happiest moments at UBC.
During my final year, I participated in UBC’s Work Learn Program and secured a position as an events assistant with UBC’s Department of Asian Studies. This exposed me to Canadian work culture for the first time and, subsequently, influenced my decision to pursue a career in higher education after graduating.
What choices did you make at UBC that contributed to your career success / journey?
My mantra was simple: to explore as much as I could. From working part-time at a fashion retail store to interning with a tech company, and from working in Asia to working in Canada, my internships in different cities exposed me to various work cultures and allowed me to grasp diverse job tasks. While accumulating communications-specific experience, I also delved into different industries.
These experiences became pivotal in shaping my post-graduation planning. While immediate breakthroughs weren’t evident after each internship or volunteer opportunity, I later realized how these individual experiences resembled interconnected dots, seamlessly leading me to where I am today.
What was your first job after graduation and what other jobs did you have before your current position?
Launching into a full-time position as a communications and events coordinator at UBC’s Department of Asian Studies shortly after graduation was a stroke of luck. After three years of learning and growing, I’ve transitioned into my current role of communications specialist with the School of Population and Public Health.
Is your current career path as you originally intended? What challenges did you face in launching your career?
Well, yes and no. Yes, because I was determined about my career path in digital marketing and storytelling. The no comes from my initial aspirations being rooted in the fashion industry. I never expected to find myself working in the education sector.
As for challenges, graduating in 2020 came with unprecedented hurdles due to the scarcity of job opportunities at the time. This made job hunting, especially for a new grad like me, exceptionally challenging. Fortunately, I was able to extend my Work Learn contract after graduation and this brought a glimmer of hope to my job search.
What do you like about your current job and what do you find challenging? How does it relate to your degree?
I never imagined being exposed to medical topics at work, yet here I am, actively promoting research and studies in population and public health. The most rewarding aspect is inadvertently training myself as somewhat of an industry expert. Collaborating with talented minds who are passionate about their research continually inspires and motivates me.
In my daily tasks, managing a website and running social media have become integral. I’m thankful for having been introduced to these areas through UBC’s mandatory media courses. A visual arts course tasked us with designing a personal website while an information studies course required us to run a social media account for a month and analyze its performance. Courses like these have proven fundamental in shaping my approach to the tasks I perform today.
From your experience, what has been the value of having an Arts degree?
My Arts degree has equipped me with critical thinking skills, a creative approach, and a mindset that questions the binary nature of answers.
What advice would you give to students and alumni interested in breaking into your industry?
You don’t necessarily need a degree in media studies to be a digital marketer or a communicator, though it’s undoubtedly an asset. If you are interested in this field, invest in it and go for it. Additionally, building a diverse skill set beyond academic qualifications is crucial in the rapidly evolving digital marketing field.
What advice would you give your graduating self?
Don’t be afraid of failure and rejection! Every stumble is a step forward, and, by the end of the day, rejection often turns out to be a redirection towards new and unexpected opportunities. Embrace the journey, and remember that each setback is a chance to learn and grow.
