Dana Puli
Why did you choose your program at UBC and what did you enjoy most about it?
I chose the UBC Political Science program because I have always been interested in governance and political strategy across different countries. The program’s breadth, spanning history and theory to quantitative reasoning and current world affairs, allowed me to explore diverse perspectives.
Taking other UBC courses with the Department of Anthropology and the Institute for Gender, Race, Sexuality and Social Justice (GRSJ) was very interesting for me because of their connections with my program. I found the depth and diversity of my studies at UBC truly fascinating.
What were some of your most meaningful experiences at UBC?
One of the most meaningful experiences I had at UBC was my ability to build a community through the friends I made. UBC has a diverse range of clubs you can join, and being a part of UBC Dance Horizons provided me with an outlet to express myself creatively and allowed me to meet people with shared interests, leading me to find my closest friends.
Like any other UBC student who moved away from home for the first time, I actively found ways to foster a community. In joining, I had the ability to co-lead a dance team called UBC Dance Horizons Intensive, lead workshops, and grow my organizing skills.
What choices did you make at UBC that contributed to your career success / journey?
I firmly believe in being active within the UBC community and fostering relationships with professors and peers. This allowed me to be where I am now. The connections I made opened doors to different volunteer and work opportunities which positioned me well for the career I’m in today.
I also made use of resources such as the UBC Career Centre and CareersOnline Job Board which can help students strengthen their résumés and plan their careers.
What was your first job after graduation and what other jobs did you have before your current position?
I’m currently in my first job after graduation as a fundraising and donation engagement coordinator at the Victoria Women in Need Community Cooperative (WIN). Alongside working at WIN, I prioritize volunteering and advocating for the Filipino community in the Lower Mainland and in Victoria, BC.
I hold an array of volunteer roles including as a communications manager for Alliance Philippines Cultural Heritage Association and as a board member with the Philippine Bayanihan Community Centre. These roles advocate for Filipino-Canadian representation, culture and youth, and for providing resources and opportunities for Filipino migrants.
Before stepping into my current position at WIN, I worked at the North Shore Women’s Centre as a girl’s empowerment summer program assistant. I also had a placement at the Department of Justice Canada as a Federal Student Work Experience Program student. Additionally, throughout my time studying at UBC, I worked in a variety of retail settings.
Is your current career path as you originally intended? What challenges did you face in launching your career?
Initially, I wanted to pursue a career in law, even starting out my time at UBC in the law and society stream of the Coordinated Arts Program. However, during my studies and through taking courses in anthropology and GRSJ, I began to develop a strong interest in working within the non-profit sector.
Prior to joining the non-profit sector, I realized that I needed to sharpen my skills in data entry, graphic design, and customer service. I was able to work on these skills through volunteering and have now transferred them to my current role. They have been vital to my success in the non-profit sector.
What do you like about your current job? How does it relate to your degree?
I deeply appreciate how each day differs from the next. Having a diverse workload is something I truly value, and it drives my passion for working in the non-profit sector. There is always something to do, and it’s enriching to always be looking for different solutions and compromises to ensure we’re serving our community as efficiently as possible.
From your experience, what has been the value of having an Arts degree?
Having an Arts degree has provided me with the ability to look at world affairs through multiple perspectives and with transferable skills that can be applied to different career paths.
Through writing papers, taking quantitative-focused courses, and engaging with different theories from across a variety of departments at UBC, I have developed a well-rounded skillset.
My studies at the Faculty of Arts also pushed me to understand the deep complexities of global and social issues which helped me develop my critical and analytical thinking.
What advice would you give to students and alumni interested in breaking into your industry?
I highly recommend reaching out to any non-profit organizations that you’re interested in and asking to volunteer! There are always ways you can help out, and I believe there is a tremendous amount of transferable skills you can gain through volunteering that can assist you with your career journey.
What advice would you give to your first-year self?
Don’t be scared to reach out and use all of your resources at UBC. I truly believe in the power of fostering your community through joining clubs and in using the UBC Career Centre for assistance. These tools and tactics are integral resources that can help you plan your future.
Dana Puli
Why did you choose your program at UBC and what did you enjoy most about it?
I chose the UBC Political Science program because I have always been interested in governance and political strategy across different countries. The program’s breadth, spanning history and theory to quantitative reasoning and current world affairs, allowed me to explore diverse perspectives.
Taking other UBC courses with the Department of Anthropology and the Institute for Gender, Race, Sexuality and Social Justice (GRSJ) was very interesting for me because of their connections with my program. I found the depth and diversity of my studies at UBC truly fascinating.
What were some of your most meaningful experiences at UBC?
One of the most meaningful experiences I had at UBC was my ability to build a community through the friends I made. UBC has a diverse range of clubs you can join, and being a part of UBC Dance Horizons provided me with an outlet to express myself creatively and allowed me to meet people with shared interests, leading me to find my closest friends.
Like any other UBC student who moved away from home for the first time, I actively found ways to foster a community. In joining, I had the ability to co-lead a dance team called UBC Dance Horizons Intensive, lead workshops, and grow my organizing skills.
What choices did you make at UBC that contributed to your career success / journey?
I firmly believe in being active within the UBC community and fostering relationships with professors and peers. This allowed me to be where I am now. The connections I made opened doors to different volunteer and work opportunities which positioned me well for the career I’m in today.
I also made use of resources such as the UBC Career Centre and CareersOnline Job Board which can help students strengthen their résumés and plan their careers.
What was your first job after graduation and what other jobs did you have before your current position?
I’m currently in my first job after graduation as a fundraising and donation engagement coordinator at the Victoria Women in Need Community Cooperative (WIN). Alongside working at WIN, I prioritize volunteering and advocating for the Filipino community in the Lower Mainland and in Victoria, BC.
I hold an array of volunteer roles including as a communications manager for Alliance Philippines Cultural Heritage Association and as a board member with the Philippine Bayanihan Community Centre. These roles advocate for Filipino-Canadian representation, culture and youth, and for providing resources and opportunities for Filipino migrants.
Before stepping into my current position at WIN, I worked at the North Shore Women’s Centre as a girl’s empowerment summer program assistant. I also had a placement at the Department of Justice Canada as a Federal Student Work Experience Program student. Additionally, throughout my time studying at UBC, I worked in a variety of retail settings.
Is your current career path as you originally intended? What challenges did you face in launching your career?
Initially, I wanted to pursue a career in law, even starting out my time at UBC in the law and society stream of the Coordinated Arts Program. However, during my studies and through taking courses in anthropology and GRSJ, I began to develop a strong interest in working within the non-profit sector.
Prior to joining the non-profit sector, I realized that I needed to sharpen my skills in data entry, graphic design, and customer service. I was able to work on these skills through volunteering and have now transferred them to my current role. They have been vital to my success in the non-profit sector.
What do you like about your current job? How does it relate to your degree?
I deeply appreciate how each day differs from the next. Having a diverse workload is something I truly value, and it drives my passion for working in the non-profit sector. There is always something to do, and it’s enriching to always be looking for different solutions and compromises to ensure we’re serving our community as efficiently as possible.
From your experience, what has been the value of having an Arts degree?
Having an Arts degree has provided me with the ability to look at world affairs through multiple perspectives and with transferable skills that can be applied to different career paths.
Through writing papers, taking quantitative-focused courses, and engaging with different theories from across a variety of departments at UBC, I have developed a well-rounded skillset.
My studies at the Faculty of Arts also pushed me to understand the deep complexities of global and social issues which helped me develop my critical and analytical thinking.
What advice would you give to students and alumni interested in breaking into your industry?
I highly recommend reaching out to any non-profit organizations that you’re interested in and asking to volunteer! There are always ways you can help out, and I believe there is a tremendous amount of transferable skills you can gain through volunteering that can assist you with your career journey.
What advice would you give to your first-year self?
Don’t be scared to reach out and use all of your resources at UBC. I truly believe in the power of fostering your community through joining clubs and in using the UBC Career Centre for assistance. These tools and tactics are integral resources that can help you plan your future.
