Alumni Stories

Title: Manager, Tax
Company: Crowe MacKay LLP
Industry: Accounting

My goal was to become a tax professional that could help my friends, family, and myself pay less tax. I enjoy learning and being challenged.

It is fulfilling to continuously learn a complicated topic in an ever-changing landscape, find ways to explain it in simple terms, and help clients save money, all while doing something I am passionate about.

I worked on campus to facilitate my learning
Aside from focusing on my studies, I worked on campus to improve my skills. I mentored my peers through being an accounting tutor, Peer Supported Learning Leader, and marker. Other than that, I worked part-time at a tax preparation company during the tax season.

Practice interviews help with your nerves
A strategy I liked was to apply for more jobs than necessary and structure it in a way that your least preferred jobs come first for you to practice. These interviews help with your nerves, and since the jobs are in the same industry, many questions, especially behavioral ones, will be repeated. Try to observe how the interviewer reacted to your response, and then adjust accordingly. The worst-case scenario is you will not get an offer or a second interview, but you can treat it as a step toward improving your future. On the other hand, the best case would be receiving a job offer! Accounting firms often agree to keep offers open until a certain date, so you do not have to accept them right away.

Be proactive and get started on the process early. As someone who is new in Canada, step up and assume each job application as a practice so that you will feel more comfortable since employers ask similar situational questions.

Accounting firms usually start accepting applications for jobs and interviews around the same time. Some resources I suggest checking out are the Langara Accounting Club, accounting clubs from other post-secondary institutions, and CPABC. You will need to update your cover letter, but your resume and transcript could likely be reused for each application.

It is never too early to start networking and connecting with more people.
Your social capital is important in the business world. The majority of new hires, especially with short turnaround times, are from referrals. You never know who will become your employer, employee, client, customer, etc. in the future. Therefore, the first day of your career started the day you enrolled at a post-secondary institution, so it is important to keep that in mind and be proactive with your career.

Do not focus too much on only one event. There are a lot of opportunities to learn and experience the culture. Also, do not be afraid to be vulnerable and let people know your situation. Be open, because you do not know when an opportunity will present itself.

Title: Transition Manager
Company: Sherwin Williams
Industry: Paint

I always envisioned myself as someone who will pass on his knowledge and experience in the future, and my role as a Transition Manager allows me to do just that. I coach and help recruits as they start their journey in the company.

I went into the co-op job not knowing what I wanted to do.
Truthfully, I imagined this as just a summer job to fulfill my work experience requirement. I did not have much job experience, but I wanted to explore different avenues of business. I was fortunate to stumble onto a position that allowed me to do that. After my co-op term, the company allowed me to stay. I did not think fifteen years later that I would still be with Sherwin Williams, flourishing in a role that suits me the best. So, in terms of getting to my current career, the timing was perfect.

If I had any regrets, it is that I was too complacent. I did not take enough risks to try out different levels of management and different challenges that were available within the organization due to the satisfaction and comfort I had at my previous position in the company. Looking back, I wish I had attempted those challenges to not only build my resume, but to develop stronger skills within the company.

Sometimes being the most prepared for an interview does not necessarily mean you are the best candidate.
One of the reasons that landed me this co-op role was how I conducted myself when talking to my interviewer. I prepared for the interview just like any other candidate. However, when the interview happened, it ended up being more of a conversation with the interviewer. Everything I prepared for the interview went out the window after the first couple of minutes and we ended up talking about not only the expectations of my role for the position, but also about casual things. So, my advice is treat the interview like a conversation with friends and family. The human element is just as important as the qualifications.

Promote yourself!
Many companies look for people who are not only confident but proud too. You do not have to come off as cocky to be proud of your successes and abilities. Look for jobs that interest you and show initiative by applying even if you do not meet all the requirements. The worst thing they can do is say no. Then, you can move on to the next opportunity.

Title: Office Manager
Company: Huard Marble and Tile Ltd.
Industry: Home Design & Installation

My job as an Office Manager gives me perspective on several areas of business such as finance, administration, and marketing. I find that the most fulfilling part of my job is being able to help a medium size company grow and thrive. It allows me to learn for the future as well.

I have always given my best.
I worked a full-time entry-level job during my summer break, trying my best and working hard. When I had to return to part-time, they kept me employed and offered me a full-time position during my co-op. When my co-op ended, and I graduated, they offered me a promotion. I have always accepted jobs that are not my final goals, and I have always given my best. Eventually, I was offered more positions that were aligned with my goals.

Always believe in yourself and be proud of your story.
I used to apply to at least two jobs a day during my job search period. I feel that more than that was too overwhelming because I could not give my best to applications and cover letters. I also kept a Microsoft Word file to help me keep track of my applications. When doing an interview, believe in yourself and be proud of your story. I would suggest focusing on demonstrating skills that are useful for the job, even if you do not have the exact job description qualification required for the position.

Try to learn as much as possible.
Believe in yourself and try to learn as much as possible, no matter what position. If I could go back, I would have invested more time in doing informational interviews. Doing so made me gain a deeper knowledge about the daily life of professionals in the business and helped me create connections I will keep for life. I encourage students to book informational interviews and be a part of all professional events they can attend in the field they are interested in. Ask questions and be curious. You will take these learning with you for the rest of your career.

Title: Software Developer II
Company: Ceridian
Industry: Tech

As a Software Developer, I am part of the team who is responsible for updating the technology stack behind our Human Capital Management Software, Dayforce. The problem scope and user impacts are teaching me a lot about user experience, product design, and problem-solving. With the constant advancement of technology, it is always a good practice to keep up with current trends and practice the art of continuous learning.

Make it known that you are looking for a job.
My career strategy was to graduate from Langara with some industry experience. The EXPE 2300 course that I took and the career workshops that I attended helped me discover my skills and land my Co-op position. Eventually, my experience and transferable skills helped me land a full-time position after too. While I was looking for an employer, my strategy was to apply to as many jobs as possible, attend networking events, and make it known that I am looking for one.

Do interviews with a positive attitude!
Think of it as a conversation with friends where you talk about your experience and skills, and try to learn more about the role, the team, and the company. Researching the company before the interview will really make a difference. If I was to look back, one thing I should have done is to do multiple co-ops with different employers so that I get to experience different environments.

Keep your connections alive.
Networking is important. One way of approaching people is to listen to what they are talking about, find something to add to the conversation, then jump in and introduce yourself. This helped me ease up about the whole process. Do not worry if you did not get it the first time, just like any other activity, it comes with practice. The more you talk with people, the more comfortable you get. Creating connections with people in your field of interest and keeping those connections alive is immensely valuable for your career.

Title: Digital Marketing Manager
Company: The InsureBC Group
Industry: Insurance

I got into digital marketing about 6 years ago, and since then I realized that I am more interested in the applications of digital marketing in the financial sector. That is why I work for InsureBC. I am also the founder and CEO of Digiimark (a marketing agency based out of Vancouver). My long-term goal is to learn all the skills from different financial sectors and find different problems to solve.

Learn how to apply what you are learning in the real world!
I began by assisting a local company as a social media specialist, which exposed me to the many tools they used internally to manage and track all of their campaigns. More significantly, it taught me how to apply what I was learning in theory to real-world situations. I also networked and asked questions to industry professionals about the tools they use to manage digital campaigns, and then went home and researched those tools. From there on, I developed my self-help curriculum for all of the skills I would need to learn to start my company.

Have you applied to enough opportunities?
I swear by this rule: if you apply for 100 jobs, you will receive around 5-6 responses, 2-3 in-person interviews, and 1 job. So whenever you are having trouble finding employment after school, ask yourself whether or not you have applied to enough opportunities. Also, this is when your network comes in handy.

Use your time in school to slowly build up your stack of skills.
Pick a vertical you would like to pursue as your career and note down all the skills you would need to be successful in that career. Use your time in school and after to slowly build up your stack of skills, and do not be shy to ask help when stuck with a problem. Also, to ace your next interview, be sure that you know more about the company and the person interviewing you. Plan by preparing a presentation or elevator pitch specific to the organization. This will make a great impression and leave them wanting to learn more about you.

Title: Senior Content Marketing Manager
Company: Unity
Industry: Tech

I always saw myself working for an international tech company. I wanted something with a “cool factor” which I achieved in Unity. It is amazing to be working for the world’s most popular game engine. I like being creative and solving large organizational problems, and I can strike a balance between those two things in my current role at Unity.

Get certifications!
I worked in restaurants to pay my rent but also started consulting to gain digital marketing experience. My instructors helped me find potential work to build my portfolio, and I made sure to get certifications too. There are many free certifications, such as Google Analytics, Google Ads, Youtube, and the like. Look for opportunities to work on projects while you are in school and try to put your skills into practice. You can also do this through volunteering, or using Google Analytics Demo to practice. These helped me get a leg up over the competition and positioned me well for my first marketing job.

I got my first job through networking.
Someone I used to work with at the restaurant started a digital marketing company, I reached out and asked if they were hiring, and turns out they were! Never underestimate the power of networking; it is the reason why I secured a full-time role even before I graduated. Be prepared and rehearse when doing job interviews and anticipate some of the questions the interviewers will ask you. Most likely, there will be a conflict question , problem-solving, and one about adaptability.

Some examples are:

• Tell me about a time you had a hard conversation with your coworker
• Tell me about a time you felt overwhelmed.
• Tell me about a time you had a complex problem you needed to solve and the steps you took to solve it.

My suggestion is to find stories you can use for multiple situational questions. I also find it important to have a vision for your future roles. TELUS and Unity were both on my vision board. I do not know how it works, but it works. Next stop, Google.

Candidates that stood out were the ones who showed authenticity and sincerity.
Hiring managers are not just looking for qualifications or skills; they want to know who you are as a person. In my experience as a hiring manager, the candidates that stood out were the ones that showed authenticity and communicated with sincerity. Also, make your resume stand out. There are many tools out there to help you make attractive ones like Novoresume.

Title: Public Relations Coordinator
Company: Jelly Digital Marketing and PR
Industry: Digital Marketing and Public Relations

As a Public Relations Coordinator, the part I find the most fulfilling is helping clients and small businesses make an impact within their industry to reach their goals. Working at a Marketing Agency has allowed me to quickly grow my strengths and diversify my skills in Marketing and PR.

As someone who never knew exactly what area of marketing I wanted to work in, an agency has helped identify what companies and industries best align with my goals and better target my skills to fit this.

My current role offers a lot of opportunities within different industries, which is part of the reason it has been a great fit for me in my career path.

Volunteer, build connections, and show enthusiasm.
My career strategy involved three things: volunteering, building connections through networking, and showing enthusiasm when applying for jobs. I made sure that the role aligned with my intended goals, and I took time to approach each opportunity with a unique and tailored application. My interview tip for students is to take your time. It is easy to feel rushed under pressure, but it is best to take your time, pause, and assess the question.

Put more intention into building better connections.
Reflecting on my previous experience, I think I would have been more intentional with my volunteer work and networking meetings. It is such a great opportunity to attend these sorts of things while in school. At that time, I did not make as much of an effort to attend and grow with these events, as I felt busy with classes and work. I wish I had put more intention into building better connections for my career. I would recommend students to join BCAMA and CSMPS since both associations have great benefits and networking opportunities.

Put yourself out there!
I would recommend that students apply to jobs that align with their goals and interests. It is much easier to be enthusiastic when you are authentically interested in the company and what they have to offer. Whether this is a charity the company supports or the industry it operates in, there are many ways to find companies that align with your values. Be true to yourself and the employer will see the enthusiasm you bring. The more people you meet and the more experiences you have, the better chance of finding the right job for you. So, put yourself out there!

Title: Software Engineer
Company: Twitter
Industry: Tech

I have always been curious about how teams work cross-functionally in big tech companies, and my job as a Software Engineer allowed me to experience it first-hand. It helped me grow as an overall engineer by exposing me to things I do not normally come across with.

Hands-on experience teaches you so much more than just text-book learning.
My projects tremendously helped me develop the confidence to show up for interviews. Doing so pushed me to put my skills into action and practice what it will be like in the real world. In-person meetups helped me build connections and practice my communication skills. I remember introducing myself to people and letting them know that I will be graduating soon, and I am looking for work opportunities. I also discussed my projects and asked for their feedback. A lot of the time these were in tech company offices which kept me inspired thinking that I will someday work in a similar office space.

I got all my jobs through LinkedIn.
It is important to have a strong LinkedIn profile. Believe it or not, I got all my jobs for the past four years through LinkedIn. When I am looking for a job, I would turn on my “Open to Work” status and make sure my profile is up to date. Letting your connections know that you are available for new opportunities always helps out. Students who aspire to be Software Engineers should be thorough with CS fundamentals such as programming, data structures, algorithms, and the like. Programming platforms like LeetCode and Hackerank helps you practice questions that might end up in your coding rounds. Improving your communication skills is important too to be more confident. If I were to look back, I would invest more time in learning new technologies and working on my projects.

Do not compare yourself to other people.
Never lose hope when you are not receiving responses to your applications. Most alumni have submitted 100+ applications but you only need one “yes” to start your journey. Continuing to work on personal projects, building your Github portfolio, attending networking events, and keeping your LinkedIn profile up to date are some of my tips for students. I also believe that developing your soft skills such as communication, being a team player, and conflict resolution will help you succeed in the industry. Do not compare yourself to other people. As long as you are better than yourself from yesterday, then your journey is unique!

Title: Implementation Specialist
Company: Harris Computer
Industry: Tech

I am passionate about building a data-driven mindset in different businesses, and my role as a Technical Implementation Specialist helps me understand how projects are implemented from requirements gathering to final deployment.

I categorized my career strategy into three phases.
The first phase was survival. I did part-time jobs both on campus and in the retail industry during my first few years in Canada. The next phase was breaking the chain of part-time jobs and getting a full-time role in the tech sector. Lastly, it was to look for the best way you can help others, and be part of a global organization.

I looked for jobs using the rapid-fire strategy, then I learned this does not help.
I was searching for a job initially through a rapid-fire strategy wherein I sent multiple applications online and waited for an email from the recruiter. Eventually, I learned this does not help. Therefore, I started networking by joining tech events, college sessions, and many more. I also sought internal mentoring sessions, which enabled me to build trust with the organization’s executives, and later got my full-time offer.

You already have the necessary skills, that is why your profile was selected.
You were invited for an interview for a reason. I suggest you prepare and make the most out of it. Learn more about the business, and the community it is surrounded with. Also, do not compete with the job description, but rather integrate it with both your technical and soft skills.

Title: Program Manager
Company: Electronic Arts
Industry: Digital Interactive Entertainment

I have always wanted to work with sports and entertainment, and my current position at Electronic Arts lets me experience the best of both worlds. As a program manager, I manage competitive gaming leads in America and handle various client accounts.

Network and connect with the right people.
I put myself out there and focused on the companies I wanted to work for. I made sure to be up to date on their recruitment updates by accessing their career webpage every week to see if there were new positions aligned with what I wanted. It is also important to research the company, position, and possibly the recruiter ahead of time when preparing for a job interview. This helps you adjust your answers that fit the organization’s conversational style. The best sites to go to are company websites and LinkedIn.

Focus on your goal.
Creating my own SMART goals and then breaking them down into smaller and achievable objectives made me advance to a much steadier pace. Through these smaller goals, I have gained valuable experiences that helped me throughout my career journey. My experience in volunteering, going to the Career Centre, signing up for 1 on 1 career sessions, and attending the career workshops and events on campus helped me understand and prepare myself for the Vancouver job market. All my decisions brought me to where I am right now.

Title: Automation Scientist
Company: AbCellera
Industry: Biotech

I wanted my career path to be engaging and challenging and my job as an Automation Scientist allows me to work closely with scientists in the pursuit of discovering life-saving therapeutics.

I allotted one week per resume to understand the science each company was doing. 
While I was a student, I already wanted to step foot in the industry and I did this through volunteering in laboratories, doing my co-op, running my eight-month research project, and consistently networking with professionals in the field. While applying for jobs, I allotted one week per resume to learn and understand the science each company was doing and tailor-fit my cover letter and resume. 

Practice answering commonly asked questions like “Tell me about yourself.”
Whenever I was invited for an interview, I made sure to research the company beforehand, what they are up to, and their recent successes. I also allot time to prepare and practice how I will answer commonly asked questions like “Tell me about yourself.” 

It is perfectly okay to ask questions about your education and career. 
You need to think about it now since it is a factor that will lead to a rewarding career. It is okay to ask for help and advice from people around you. I highly encourage students to develop their communication and writing skills too. Events where you can practice your public speaking and networking, are great places to start.

Title: Domestic Marketing & Recruitment Assistant
Company: Langara College
Industry: Higher Education

I love being in academic environments as I used to be an assistant professor back in my home country. After finishing business school, I found interest in marketing and my current role as a Marketing Assistant at Langara College allows me to experience the best of both worlds.

Work on your professional branding.
As an international student, I made sure to make my presence known by volunteering in different departments and expanding my network within the college. I worked on my resume and cover letter with the help of the Co-op and Career Development Centre (CCDC), and by asking my native speaker friend to check my documents. I focused on my EXPE classes too and took advantage of booking one-on-one resume reviews with my instructor. I also checked out online resources on LinkedIn and Indeed to further expand my knowledge. Most importantly, I talked with the managers and let them know that I have the skills, and I am passionate about working in an academic setup. When preparing for an interview, I made sure to practice since it makes me feel more confident. I research the company, role, and requirements to tailor my answers based on the information I acquired. I also built connections by attending networking events, applying for different student work positions, and volunteering.

Be confident!
My tips for students to be successful in their job search are to attend CCDC workshops and events, work on their LinkedIn profiles, and network as much as possible. In the beginning, I was hesitant in exploring new careers because I did not feel confident, and I feel that I have lost many opportunities because of it. I could have had better positions and more self-esteem if I was not wrapped in my bubble of self-doubt. The workshops organized by the CCDC, my EXPE instructors, and my courses helped me a lot in building my confidence.

Title: Senior Procurement Officer
Company: WorkSafeBC
Industry: Government

While planning out my career, it was important for me to have realistic and achievable goals. I was constantly looking at and reading job postings even if I was not applying at the moment. This helped me understand the kind of candidate the company is looking for and the market for a certain job.

Give the best you can in everything you do!
My career strategy was to always be seen, do the best I can, learn always, and give my best in everything I do. Everyone notices you when you work with care and attention. I made sure to focus on people as well by asking for and understanding their needs. If you help people, you will see that when it is your time to ask for help, the deed will be reciprocated. By the time I do get invited for an interview, I try to be calm and treat it as a professional conversation between colleagues. I made sure to speak louder than just concepts by giving examples may it be work, school, or life-related.

Work. Volunteer. Rinse. Repeat.
Do your best in your work, and try to volunteer as much as you can without expecting anything in return. These experiences will help you build your character and create connections with the people around you. When everything feels too much, give yourself time to rinse and relax before going back to the grind again. In my experience, I chose to focus on studying and not work during my first year in Canada. Although everything went fine, I think doing so was not the best choice because the more you work, the more connections you have, and the more you will know about the marketplace.

Those that are not seen, are not remembered.
Make yourself remembered. Send a message to former colleagues, instructors, and people that you asked or asked you for coffee. Those that are not seen, are not remembered, so always try to keep the relationship alive.

Title: Buyer
Company: Creation Technologies
Industry: Supply Chain Management

My job as a buyer gives me the opportunity to work on projects and support internal and external stakeholders. As a buyer, I am able to help solve customer issues and fill out their needs, as well as work on electrical components. It is entirely new for me, but I am up for the challenge. My work aligns with my career goals of gaining more Canadian work experience, running big projects, and expanding my network.

I started on entry-level jobs when I arrived in Canada.
I had many years of work experience in my home country, but when I arrived in Canada, I started on entry-level jobs to get Canadian experience. Afterwards, I focused on positions aligned with my background. Now, I am working on my skills to help boost my career. While applying for jobs, my first step was to filter the job posts in which I could fulfill at least 60%-70% of the requirements before revising my resume and cover letter. I did this every weekday after working for about two to three hours.

We are not robots. Unexpected issues can happen.
When going to an interview, my first tip is to be yourself and do your best. Do not be afraid if not everything is perfect. Recruiters are people like you, and they will understand that. Next, be prepared for traditional and behavioral questions that are usually similar from one interview to another.

Examples of these questions are:

• Tell me about a time you worked under pressure.
• Tell me about a time you had the opportunity to lead
• Tell me about a time when you encountered a difficult situation with a customer

Lastly, read the job post, and think about how your experiences will fit. You are on the interview to be a solution for the company’s problem. It is essential to demonstrate that your background is a great fit.

Trust the process.
Looking back, something I would have done differently is to be more confident of my past experiences and build my network sooner. So my advice for students would be to not be afraid to apply for your dream job or company. You can be rejected many times, but the practice will help you to develop your skills for your future.