Spencer van Vloten
Why did you choose your program at UBC and what did you enjoy most about it?
I often find political discussion to be toxic and dividing. You can take two people who are compatible in nearly every way, could be the greatest of friends, but have them differ on a political issue—one that doesn’t even impact their own lives—and suddenly they want nothing to do with each other.
But I have always been community-focused, and as I got older I realized the importance of understanding how our elected representatives, government staff, and public systems impact our social and economic conditions. Recognizing that these structures greatly shape everyday life, often in ways people don’t see directly, pushed me to look deeper. Political science became a natural fit in that respect.
I think what I enjoyed most about UBC’s Political Science program was learning more about the way people think about politics and what they value most in our public systems. There are many assumptions people make and they are not always accurate.
What were some of your most meaningful experiences at UBC?
Some students have one big moment that comes to define their university years such as a conference, a competition, or an overseas trip.
When I think back on my time at UBC, the most meaningful times were subdued in comparison, but powerful nonetheless. In particular, some of my most enjoyable moments were discussions, be they in class with other students, with professors during office hours, or with friends outside the Buchanan building.
I also have fond memories of rainy walks around campus, contemplating what I’d learned and what was ahead.
Not only did UBC give me new knowledge and tools, it provided me with experiences that helped fuel my desire to keep exploring.
What choices did you make at UBC that contributed to your career success / journey?
I chose to study hard and take my education seriously, but I didn’t make it my life. I think you risk burning out when you do that.
Finding a balance is important. For me, my outlet from school was in volunteering, writing, and just relaxing and reflecting, often with my cats by my side.
Learn to recognize when you need to take a step back or recharge—you will be better for it.
What was your first job after graduation and what other jobs did you have before your current position?
My first job after graduation was actually at UBC, in the Department of Philosophy, while tutoring for standardized tests (LSAT, GRE) on the side.
I was surrounded by smart people (albeit some who needed help working the printer) who were very supportive of my growth. It helped me develop basic work skills, and I enjoyed serving the UBC community of faculty, staff, and students.
From there I managed programs for people with disabilities at Easter Seals, helped run advocacy campaigns for newcomers and youth in/from care. I then worked as a staffer for MLAs (Members of the Legislative Assembly) and provincial government ministers. Now, I’m addressing one of the province’s most pressing issues as a senior advisor for BC Housing.
I am also an avid volunteer, writer, and commentator on community affairs. Some of the issues that are most important to me are poverty reduction, housing, supporting our seniors, and disability justice as well as accessibility.
Is your current career path as you originally intended? What challenges did you face in launching your career?
I never had a detailed plan mapped out such that I would be in this particular position at this specific time, but I knew the general direction I wanted to head in and I’ve been fortunate enough to follow that route.
I think one challenge I faced coming out of university was that my experience wasn’t quite commensurate with my ambition. Volunteering, participating in extracurriculars, and working during your studies are all helpful—and, who knows, maybe you’ll transform the world right away—but be prepared for a more gradual climb in your first few years.
You can still find positions that are enjoyable, relevant to your education, and help you build the skills and experience to reach your goals.
What do you like about your current job and what do you find challenging? How does it relate to your degree?
The challenging part begins with each housing project involving numerous steps with dozens to hundreds of people taking part in the process. This alone can make timing and alignment difficult. Next, add in pressure from the broader public who want more housing but often in very particular ways, and multiply this by dozens of municipalities throughout the province.
The result is a situation where you’re trying to complete a large, complex puzzle with constantly shifting pieces and the well-being of tens of thousands of people hinging on whether you get it done on time.
This being said, it’s also part of what makes the work enjoyable. Overcoming these challenges to see the pieces come together into something that changes lives makes the effort worthwhile.
From your experience, what has been the value of having an Arts degree?
The critical thinking skills I acquired have been invaluable.
You learn how to break down an issue in so many different ways. For example, you may consider questions like:
- Are there multiple causes to this problem?
- Could a perceived cause just be a coincidence?
- Has a problem changed inasmuch that the original causes are different from the factors which are making it persist?
- Why might a solution that worked in one context not work in another?
Whether you’re working in housing, poverty reduction, disability justice, or something else, being able to look at an issue critically is key to understanding what’s working, what isn’t, and what might work . This in turn encourages the development of effective, sustainable solutions.
And, of course, like a true Arts student, I became well-practiced in essay writing. This has helped me in penning nearly 200 articles and op-eds.
What advice would you give to students and alumni interested in breaking into your industry?
Here are some general pointers:
- First, take your studies seriously. You’re reaching a stage where your academic performance can permanently close the door to certain programs or career paths, sometimes before you even realize it. Don’t spend the next 50 years with regrets because you didn’t take these four years seriously enough.
- Second, while it’s great to have a direction in mind, keep yourself open to different possibilities and new experiences. You’re doing yourself a disservice if you limit yourself too soon. Some of the most rewarding paths begin where you least expect them. Or, you may end up exactly where you expected, but through a different route than you anticipated taking.
- And third, create your own opportunities. For example, if you’re looking to build experience through volunteering but don’t see any openings, email the organization directly and express your interest, or even start a volunteer initiative of your own.
When it comes to housing specifically, familiarize yourself with different types of housing, the steps that must be taken to get new projects approved (such as permitting and zoning), and the figures when it comes to housing and homelessness where you want to work (for me, this would be British Columbia and Canada). You don’t need to become an expert by the time you graduate, but a good foundation never hurts.
Spencer van Vloten
Why did you choose your program at UBC and what did you enjoy most about it?
I often find political discussion to be toxic and dividing. You can take two people who are compatible in nearly every way, could be the greatest of friends, but have them differ on a political issue—one that doesn’t even impact their own lives—and suddenly they want nothing to do with each other.
But I have always been community-focused, and as I got older I realized the importance of understanding how our elected representatives, government staff, and public systems impact our social and economic conditions. Recognizing that these structures greatly shape everyday life, often in ways people don’t see directly, pushed me to look deeper. Political science became a natural fit in that respect.
I think what I enjoyed most about UBC’s Political Science program was learning more about the way people think about politics and what they value most in our public systems. There are many assumptions people make and they are not always accurate.
What were some of your most meaningful experiences at UBC?
Some students have one big moment that comes to define their university years such as a conference, a competition, or an overseas trip.
When I think back on my time at UBC, the most meaningful times were subdued in comparison, but powerful nonetheless. In particular, some of my most enjoyable moments were discussions, be they in class with other students, with professors during office hours, or with friends outside the Buchanan building.
I also have fond memories of rainy walks around campus, contemplating what I’d learned and what was ahead.
Not only did UBC give me new knowledge and tools, it provided me with experiences that helped fuel my desire to keep exploring.
What choices did you make at UBC that contributed to your career success / journey?
I chose to study hard and take my education seriously, but I didn’t make it my life. I think you risk burning out when you do that.
Finding a balance is important. For me, my outlet from school was in volunteering, writing, and just relaxing and reflecting, often with my cats by my side.
Learn to recognize when you need to take a step back or recharge—you will be better for it.
What was your first job after graduation and what other jobs did you have before your current position?
My first job after graduation was actually at UBC, in the Department of Philosophy, while tutoring for standardized tests (LSAT, GRE) on the side.
I was surrounded by smart people (albeit some who needed help working the printer) who were very supportive of my growth. It helped me develop basic work skills, and I enjoyed serving the UBC community of faculty, staff, and students.
From there I managed programs for people with disabilities at Easter Seals, helped run advocacy campaigns for newcomers and youth in/from care. I then worked as a staffer for MLAs (Members of the Legislative Assembly) and provincial government ministers. Now, I’m addressing one of the province’s most pressing issues as a senior advisor for BC Housing.
I am also an avid volunteer, writer, and commentator on community affairs. Some of the issues that are most important to me are poverty reduction, housing, supporting our seniors, and disability justice as well as accessibility.
Is your current career path as you originally intended? What challenges did you face in launching your career?
I never had a detailed plan mapped out such that I would be in this particular position at this specific time, but I knew the general direction I wanted to head in and I’ve been fortunate enough to follow that route.
I think one challenge I faced coming out of university was that my experience wasn’t quite commensurate with my ambition. Volunteering, participating in extracurriculars, and working during your studies are all helpful—and, who knows, maybe you’ll transform the world right away—but be prepared for a more gradual climb in your first few years.
You can still find positions that are enjoyable, relevant to your education, and help you build the skills and experience to reach your goals.
What do you like about your current job and what do you find challenging? How does it relate to your degree?
The challenging part begins with each housing project involving numerous steps with dozens to hundreds of people taking part in the process. This alone can make timing and alignment difficult. Next, add in pressure from the broader public who want more housing but often in very particular ways, and multiply this by dozens of municipalities throughout the province.
The result is a situation where you’re trying to complete a large, complex puzzle with constantly shifting pieces and the well-being of tens of thousands of people hinging on whether you get it done on time.
This being said, it’s also part of what makes the work enjoyable. Overcoming these challenges to see the pieces come together into something that changes lives makes the effort worthwhile.
From your experience, what has been the value of having an Arts degree?
The critical thinking skills I acquired have been invaluable.
You learn how to break down an issue in so many different ways. For example, you may consider questions like:
- Are there multiple causes to this problem?
- Could a perceived cause just be a coincidence?
- Has a problem changed inasmuch that the original causes are different from the factors which are making it persist?
- Why might a solution that worked in one context not work in another?
Whether you’re working in housing, poverty reduction, disability justice, or something else, being able to look at an issue critically is key to understanding what’s working, what isn’t, and what might work . This in turn encourages the development of effective, sustainable solutions.
And, of course, like a true Arts student, I became well-practiced in essay writing. This has helped me in penning nearly 200 articles and op-eds.
What advice would you give to students and alumni interested in breaking into your industry?
Here are some general pointers:
- First, take your studies seriously. You’re reaching a stage where your academic performance can permanently close the door to certain programs or career paths, sometimes before you even realize it. Don’t spend the next 50 years with regrets because you didn’t take these four years seriously enough.
- Second, while it’s great to have a direction in mind, keep yourself open to different possibilities and new experiences. You’re doing yourself a disservice if you limit yourself too soon. Some of the most rewarding paths begin where you least expect them. Or, you may end up exactly where you expected, but through a different route than you anticipated taking.
- And third, create your own opportunities. For example, if you’re looking to build experience through volunteering but don’t see any openings, email the organization directly and express your interest, or even start a volunteer initiative of your own.
When it comes to housing specifically, familiarize yourself with different types of housing, the steps that must be taken to get new projects approved (such as permitting and zoning), and the figures when it comes to housing and homelessness where you want to work (for me, this would be British Columbia and Canada). You don’t need to become an expert by the time you graduate, but a good foundation never hurts.
