Madeleine Natale
Why did you choose your program at UBC and what did you enjoy most about it?
I had originally intended to major in psychology. After taking a gap year between my first and second year at UBC to be an au pair (nanny) in France, I came back completely in love with the French language and decided to use my degree to continue to delve into it. I think I even maxed out on the amount of French classes I was allowed to take! The French program at UBC was exceptional. Professors like Alain-Michel Rocheleau and Richard Hodgson brought the language to life, and allowed me to continue, in a way, to live in a Francophone setting.
What were some of your most meaningful experiences at UBC?
My most meaningful experience was my semester abroad at KU Leuven. Going on exchange was one of the most impactful decisions of my life. I learned so much about myself and about different cultures. Studying Flemish Primitive art and then going to Bruges to see the art in person was indescribable. Eight years later, I still have friends across the globe from my time in Leuven. If you can go on exchange, go!
What choices did you make at UBC that contributed to your career success / journey?
My Work Study position as a French assistant is what made me realize how much I love higher education, and how I wanted to work in that environment. Since graduation, I have worked in three different higher education institutions, and continue to love it, to this day.
As well, I took many Italian classes during my degree. One professor, Luisa Canuto (who is amazing and everyone should take her classes!) told us about her degree in Second Language Acquisition. At the time, I didn’t even know this was an option, and a big light bulb went off for me as soon as she mentioned it. I ended up doing a Masters in the same field, because of her. Upon the suggestion of yet another excellent professor in Montreal, I found a way to marry my two worlds: law career advising and language. I completed my MA while working full time, and used my research to help the students I was working with. I presented my findings on second language recruiting in the legal profession in Montreal at an international conference in 2016.
What was your first job after graduation and what other jobs did you have before your current position?
I went to live in Italy and then Montreal after graduation, wanting to use the languages I had acquired during my time at UBC in my career. I started working at McGill University’s Faculty of Law, which is a bilingual faculty, with bilingual supervisors. I wanted to put my skills into practice. I stayed in Montreal for four years, before briefly moving back to the West Coast and working at UBC. I have since found myself in Calgary, where I plan to stay long term.
Is your current career path as you originally intended? What challenges did you face in launching your career?
No, but I didn’t really have any specific intentions. I had a passion for language and let that lead the way. Working in a second language is certainly a challenge, but it’s a great way to improve and grow. Embracing challenges is what led me to relate so well to law students, who are often go-getters themselves. I love working with students to help them grow and flourish in their careers.
What do you like about your current job and what do you find challenging? How does it relate to your degree?
Being a career advisor for law students is not necessarily related to my degree, but I don’t think I would have gotten to where I am today without it. It’s all a part of my journey. Having a second languages is always useful. Even here in Alberta, I got to use my language when liaising with a partner organization about a French-language access to a justice initiative. You just never know!
From your experience, what has been the value of having an Arts degree?
My degree and my time at UBC helped form and shape who I am and gave me access to experiences and people who were invaluable to my progression in life.
What advice would you give to students and alumni interested in breaking into your industry?
Take advantage of on-campus career opportunities if you would like to get into higher education. Get to know the folks who are doing what you’d like to do. Take them for coffee and ask lots of questions. They will become your future contacts and potentially future colleagues. You never know where your path is going to take you, so always keep doors open. Be curious, be professional.
Madeleine Natale
Why did you choose your program at UBC and what did you enjoy most about it?
I had originally intended to major in psychology. After taking a gap year between my first and second year at UBC to be an au pair (nanny) in France, I came back completely in love with the French language and decided to use my degree to continue to delve into it. I think I even maxed out on the amount of French classes I was allowed to take! The French program at UBC was exceptional. Professors like Alain-Michel Rocheleau and Richard Hodgson brought the language to life, and allowed me to continue, in a way, to live in a Francophone setting.
What were some of your most meaningful experiences at UBC?
My most meaningful experience was my semester abroad at KU Leuven. Going on exchange was one of the most impactful decisions of my life. I learned so much about myself and about different cultures. Studying Flemish Primitive art and then going to Bruges to see the art in person was indescribable. Eight years later, I still have friends across the globe from my time in Leuven. If you can go on exchange, go!
What choices did you make at UBC that contributed to your career success / journey?
My Work Study position as a French assistant is what made me realize how much I love higher education, and how I wanted to work in that environment. Since graduation, I have worked in three different higher education institutions, and continue to love it, to this day.
As well, I took many Italian classes during my degree. One professor, Luisa Canuto (who is amazing and everyone should take her classes!) told us about her degree in Second Language Acquisition. At the time, I didn’t even know this was an option, and a big light bulb went off for me as soon as she mentioned it. I ended up doing a Masters in the same field, because of her. Upon the suggestion of yet another excellent professor in Montreal, I found a way to marry my two worlds: law career advising and language. I completed my MA while working full time, and used my research to help the students I was working with. I presented my findings on second language recruiting in the legal profession in Montreal at an international conference in 2016.
What was your first job after graduation and what other jobs did you have before your current position?
I went to live in Italy and then Montreal after graduation, wanting to use the languages I had acquired during my time at UBC in my career. I started working at McGill University’s Faculty of Law, which is a bilingual faculty, with bilingual supervisors. I wanted to put my skills into practice. I stayed in Montreal for four years, before briefly moving back to the West Coast and working at UBC. I have since found myself in Calgary, where I plan to stay long term.
Is your current career path as you originally intended? What challenges did you face in launching your career?
No, but I didn’t really have any specific intentions. I had a passion for language and let that lead the way. Working in a second language is certainly a challenge, but it’s a great way to improve and grow. Embracing challenges is what led me to relate so well to law students, who are often go-getters themselves. I love working with students to help them grow and flourish in their careers.
What do you like about your current job and what do you find challenging? How does it relate to your degree?
Being a career advisor for law students is not necessarily related to my degree, but I don’t think I would have gotten to where I am today without it. It’s all a part of my journey. Having a second languages is always useful. Even here in Alberta, I got to use my language when liaising with a partner organization about a French-language access to a justice initiative. You just never know!
From your experience, what has been the value of having an Arts degree?
My degree and my time at UBC helped form and shape who I am and gave me access to experiences and people who were invaluable to my progression in life.
What advice would you give to students and alumni interested in breaking into your industry?
Take advantage of on-campus career opportunities if you would like to get into higher education. Get to know the folks who are doing what you’d like to do. Take them for coffee and ask lots of questions. They will become your future contacts and potentially future colleagues. You never know where your path is going to take you, so always keep doors open. Be curious, be professional.
