Work It: A UVic career exploration podcast

On this episode, we are speaking with Julie Claveau, a UVic physics and astronomy graduate who manages Earth Observation satellite programs and previously worked as Canada’s deputy mission manager for the James Webb Telescope. She is also an advocate for diversity and inclusion, and is a blogger, a Youtuber, an avid World of Warcraft gamer, a violist, a dancer, a baker, a gardener and a mom of three. We talk with Julie about learning to trust yourself, following your passion, dismantling imposter syndrome and so much more!Resources from this episodeThe UVic Co-op ProgramAccessing career support Connect with usSign up for our weekly e-newsletterFollow UVic Co-op and Career on social media (02:32) - Julie breaks down the steps in her career path - from working at McDonalds to working in government (04:58) - What Julie has learned from her diverse career experiences (hint…it’s about trusting yourself) (06:37) - How Julie turned her passion for space into a career in science (08:40) - Julie shares what she’s most proud of from her time at UVic and in her career (10:42) - Julie tells us why it’s key to have diverse perspectives and lived experience to solve problems in science (12:40) - How Julie strives to achieve work/life balance in these busy times (14:30) - Julie shares advice about how to carve out a career in science (16:40) - How to get rid of imposter syndrome (even Julie has it!) (17:55) - Julie tells us how her time at UVic inspired her pathway (19:58) - Why you shouldn’t underestimate your own special mojo (21:10) - Rapid fire questions (21:29) - Julie’s favourite class at UVic (22:03) - Favourite drink when studying (22:21) - Favourite campus building to spend time in (22:32) - Why Julie would do it all again and her love of physics

On this month's episode, we’re digging into a question that can seem a bit scary—what happens if you want to change your career path? Luckily, we’re joined by Kerry Vaughan, who is UVic’s career educator for alumni. She speaks to us about:what happens if your career looks and feels different than you were hopinghow common it is to make a major changehow UVic Career Services can help you plan your next stepsPlus, Emma shares her own career journey and how her goals have changed.Resources from this episodeMeet with your career educatorCareer options for your program areaConnect with usSign up for our weekly e-newsletterFollow UVic Co-op and Career on social media (02:00) - How common is it to want to change your career path? (03:00) - Examples of students and grads who have made a career transition: tips and tricks (07:02) - What can you do if you’re feeling stuck? How your career educator can help you figure it out. (11:10) - Emma shares her experience of shifting careers what she learned and how she found her passion. (15:10) - How to navigate a big change (17:02) - What if your career looks and feels different than you were hoping? (20:12) - How to decide that you’re ready for a career change AND how we can help (21:30) - Why you don’t have to have it all figured out

On this month's episode, we're speaking with mechanical engineering alumni Graeme Gordon, who ditched the oil and gas industry to transform his passion for Magic: The Gathering trading cards into a thriving business. He is the founder of TCG Machines, which produces automatic trading card sorting machines for commercial use. In the past four years, Graeme’s business has grown into a multi-million-dollar business with 27 full-time employees and machines operating in ten countries (at the time of recording, there were 20 employees, proof that it's growing fast!). We chat with Graeme about how he pivoted to become a business owner, the path to launching his own business, and what he's learned along the way. Resources from this episodeTCG MachinesThe UVic Co-op ProgramAccessing career support Connect with usSign up for our weekly e-newsletterFollow UVic Co-op and Career on social media (02:10) - How did changes to the oil and gas industry impact Graeme's career path? (04:15) - Where did Graeme's passion for tabletop card games like Magic The Gathering come from? (06:55) - How did playing Magic The Gathering lead Graeme to launch a card sorting business? (08:41) - How did Graeme go from sorting business idea to the reality of launching a company? (09:48) - The importance of validating that there’s a market for your idea (10:22) - All about TCG Machines - growing pains, and the reality of building a business (14:16) - Using Reddit as a marketing tool (14:50) - How UVic shaped Graeme’s career path (16:25) - What is next for Graeme and TCG? (17:25) - Graeme’s advice for students interested in launching their own business (19:37) - What has surprised Graeme about being involved in the gaming card industry? Psst…it may involve Post Malone! (20:54) - Rapid fire questions (21:05) - Favourite snack while on campus (21:10) - If you could be a student again for one day, what would you do? (21:43) - What was the hardest engineering project that you worked on?

On today’s episode, we're tackling a pretty common question—what the heck can you do with your degree? Whether you’re considering what program to pursue or are about to graduate with a degree, it can be hard to know what’s next. We’re joined by Joy Andrews, one of UVic’s amazing career educators, who will walk us through:how to identify your passion and your strengthshow to find the right employerputting together an elevator pitchthe perks of meeting with your career educator Students and alumni can book one-on-one appointments with Joy and her team.Resources from this episodeMeet with your career educatorConnect with usSign up for our weekly e-newsletterFollow UVic Co-op and Career on social media (02:10) - - What does it look like to meet with your career educator? (02:45) - - Step 1 - Identify your passion - what made you want to do your degree? (03:55) - - Step 2 - Figure out your strengths - what are you proud of? (06:00) - - Step 3 - Digging deeper - understanding your strengths, passions and career fits. (07:05) - - Step 4 - Exploring possible career paths (08:06) - - Step 5 - Planning your next steps (09:05) - - Step 6 - Sharing resources and contacts so you can learn more (09:55) - - What if you don’t have any idea of what you want to do? (10:56) - - How do you find the right employer? (11:55) - - How to put together an elevator pitch (14:15) - - How to prepare for a job interview (14:40) - - How to navigate today’s labour market (16:03) - - What are the perks of an appointment with your career educator?

On our season 3 kick-off episode, we speak with Fiona Wong, a UVic Law graduate with a passion for labour and employment law. She has served as President of the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers, helped produce an award-winning law documentary called “But I Look Like a Lawyer”, and launched a podcast featuring Asian-Canadian lawyers.During her time at UVic, Fiona founded the First Generation Network at UVic to reduce barriers for law students who are the first in their family to attend post-secondary.We talk with Fiona about facing discrimination as an Asian student and lawyer, how her identity shapes her career in law, and much more.Resources from this episodeFirst Generation NetworkBut I Look Like a LawyerUVic LawThe UVic Co-op ProgramAccessing career support Connect with usSign up for our weekly e-newsletterFollow UVic Co-op and Career on social media (02:52) - What drew Fiona to the field of law? Why UVic? (04:42) - What inspired Fiona to start the First Generation Network to connect with other students who are the first to attend post-secondary? (07:30) - What does it mean to be a labour and employment lawyer, as well as a civl rights lawyer? (09:50) - Fiona tells us what she loves most about her job (12:05) - Fiona shares how her identity as an Asian woman has shaped her experience in the field of law (15:50) - What opportunities does Fiona see for change in removing barriers for Asian students to study and practice law? (18:12) - Fiona gives advice to students who are interested in a career in law (22:39) - What’s next for Fiona? (24:04) - Rapid fire questions (24:20) - Favourite off-campus spot (24:55) - Favourite on-campus spot (25:05) - Faculty members who inspired Fiona

Don’t want to commit to just one career path? Being flexible can lead you on some amazing adventures. On today’s episode, Katy and Emma speak with Mark Leiren-Young who was UVic's second ever double major, in Theatre and Creative Writing and who currently works as a UVic professor in the Writing department, among many other roles. We chat with Mark about:Working in creative fields as diverse as writing award-winning movies The Green Chain and the Hundred-Year-Old WhaleHosting the Skaana podcast, where he covers ocean-related environmental issuesTouring Canada as half of the comedy duo, Local AnxietyTeaching classes on the Marvel and DC universes…and much more! Resources from this episodeSkaana podcastUVic Writing ProgramThe UVic Co-op ProgramAccessing career support Connect with usSign up for our weekly e-newsletterFollow UVic Co-op and Career on social media (00:00) - Music intro (00:32) - Welcome and host intros (02:18) - All about Mark Leiren-Young (03:20) - Stumbling into a journalism job after graduating in the late 80's (05:42) - Why it's important to study something you love (06:56) - A cornucopia of all the jobs that Mark has done in the arts (09:17) - What's the common thread in careers by creative people? (11:02) - How Mark started writing tv scripts in the 90's, starting with an episode of The X Files (12:22) - How Mark landed the writing gig for the Orca Exhibit at the Royal BC Museum and became "the whale guy" (16:05) - How Mark became a podcaster focused on stories about Orcas (20:15) - How Mark helps students from all disciplines tap into their creative side in FA 101 "Creative Being" (23:43) - Mark's advice on how to translate your passion for the arts into a career you love (26:02) - Rapid fire: what's something on campus that's stayed the same since the 80s (26:51) - Rapid fire: best place to grab food on campus

Wondering if you should come back to school for a graduate degree? It’s a big question, but we’re here to help. This week, Katy and Emma connect with Allison Benner, the associate director of UVic’s Career Services team to talk about:What kind of research to do Whether it’s worth the time and moneyThe reality of today’s economy and the job marketResources from this episodeAccessing career support Co-op for graduate studentsApplying to graduate schoolConnect with usSign up for our weekly e-newsletterFollow UVic Co-op and Career on social mediaPhoto by Kimberly Farmer on Unsplash. (00:00) - Intro music (00:32) - Welcome & introductions (02:32) - Introduction to Allison Benner, associate director of UVic Career Services (03:32) - Allison shares what she learned from dropping out of her first graduate school (06:16) - How to decide what the right grad program is for you (09:35) - How to stand out in your grad school application (13:00) - How to approach applying to grad school if you've been out of school for a while (14:34) - The cost of going to grad school (16:52) - Do you need to go to grad school to get a good job? (18:52) - How to make the most of your grad school experience (19:56) - How co-op can enrich your grad school experience (22:43) - What to research when you're looking at grad schools (27:02) - How grad school can help you follow your passion

Have a business idea? Not sure how to get it off the ground? In this episode, Emma and Kate speak with Ashley and Robert Roulston, co-founders of Industrial Plankton, a company that makes equipment to grow live algae cultures that are used to stabilize the aquaculture food chain. Fourteen years into their business, they share tips on:How to form a partnership that combines different degrees and skill setsWhat it’s like to build a business from scratchWhy they hire UVic co-op students …and much more!  Resources from this episodeIndustrial PlanktonThe UVic Co-op ProgramCoast Capital Innovation CentreAccessing career support Connect with usSign up for our weekly e-newsletterFollow UVic Co-op and Career on social media (00:00) - Intro music (00:32) - Welcome and introductions (02:45) - The algae of it all: how is algae used in aquaculture and biotechnology? (04:20) - What technology does Industrial Plankton make and how does this help the world? (05:08) - How did Ashley and Robert come up with the idea for their business, Industrial Plankton? (06:35) - How to set yourself up for success when partnering in your own business (07:57) - How to start an entrepreneurial business as a student (11:05) - How have things changed 14 years into your business? What have you learned? (12:32) - What skills do you look for in an employee? (13:53) - Ashley and Robert share what they learned through the co-op program (15:42) - What do co-op students do at Industrial Plankton? (17:24) - What does a day-in-the-life look like as business owners? (20:12) - What are some of the most exciting problems that Industrial Plankton helps solve? (21:41) - How Industrial Plankton is tackling climate change and ecological restoration (23:46) - Rapid fire questions with Ashley and Robert about their time at UVic (29:10) - Episode credits

Learn what self-disclosure means in the workplace.

How the heck do you gain experience related to your degree if you don’t have a job?  For a lot of us, we might be up to our eyeballs in schoolwork, or we’re taking care of family members, or maybe we’re already working just to pay for life—we might not be in the position to take part in co-op or pursue a job in our area of study. In this episode, Katy and Emma chat with some of UVic’s career educators and community-engaged learning coordinators to talk about:What to do if you’re approaching graduation and need work experienceHow to get experience through your coursesSpecific suggestions for different program areas like science and fine artsResources from this episodeThe UVic Co-op ProgramAccessing career support Connect with usSign up for our weekly e-newsletterFollow UVic Co-op and Career on social mediaPhoto by Charles Etoroma on Unsplash (00:00) - Intro music (00:32) - Welcome and introductions (03:48) - How do you start a career when you don't have work experience? (05:15) - How can you identify the skills that you have from your academics? (07:27) - How doing coursework that connects with the community help you gain experience? (09:50) - How can you gain experience related to your studies when you're in school, for free? (12:36) - Our guests share their tips for gaining hands-on experience (15:50) - How to support yourself financially while gaining experience related to your studies (17:38) - How to find the perfect job for you (19:16) - What skills and experience are most important for students seeking jobs? (22:28) - How can you find out what it's like to work for a particular employer? (27:51) - How can fine arts students prepare for work and post-graduate studies? (30:47) - Why your time at school is about the now and why it's important to be yourself (29:58) - How can science students prepare for work and post-graduate studies? (36:32) - Episode credits

What you study is just a starting point: the possibilities are endless when it comes to what you can do with your UVic degree.  Emma and Katy chat with Matt Heywood, a UVic mechanical engineering graduate who is the founder of Heywood Academies, a local tutoring company that supports students in math, science and engineering.  Join us as we talk with Matt about: Trying out a wide range of career options in his quest for the right fit, including experiences at a start-up, with BC Transit, in a machine shop and now as his own bossGiving yourself space and time to figure out what you what to do for a careerBecoming your own bossThe value of trying jobs through the co-op program…and much more!  Resources from this episodeHeywood AcademiesThe UVic Co-op ProgramAccessing career support  Connect with usSign up for our weekly e-newsletterFollow UVic Co-op and Career on social media (00:00) - Theme music (00:33) - Intros and welcome (02:38) - Introducing Matt Heywood, founder of Heywood Academies and UVic grad (03:09) - What's it like to change direction on your career path? How did you end up at UVic? (04:16) - How does the bridge engineering from Camosun to UVic work? What are the pros? (05:39) - What if you don't know what you want to do as a career? (06:39) - What drew you to engineering at UVic? (07:34) - How did co-op help you figure out what you wanted to do? (14:19) - Where did you work when you graduated from engineering? (16:05) - What made you pivot from working as an engineer to launching a tutoring company for engineering students? (18:26) - What is Heywood Academies? Who does it help? (23:13) - What have you learned about being an entrepreneur? (24:26) - What advice do you have for engineering co-op students? (29:01) - Rapid fire questions about your time at UVic

How can you use AI as you search for work? What should you look out for and how can you leverage these tools? Katy and Emma chat with career educator Karae White about how to best use generative AI and machine learning to search for work, write résumés and cover letters, prepare for interviews and more.  Resources from this episodeAccessing career supportThe UVic Co-op ProgramUsing AI in your work searchVMock: a free AI tool for UVic students looking for workConnect with usSign up for our weekly e-newsletterFollow UVic Co-op and Career on social mediaPhoto by Cash Macanaya on Unsplash (00:00) - Intro music (00:31) - Welcome and introductions (03:20) - What does a UVic career educator do? (05:30) - How can AI help you understand your skills and potential jobs? (08:20) - Understanding Chatgpt and the risk of "hallucinations" (12:32) - Is AI going to take your job? (13:35) - How to create accurate and effective content with AI (17:30) - How are employers using AI in the hiring process? What should your applications look like? (21:42) - Using VMock, a free tool for UVic students to help you write AI-proof applications (22:45) - How can job seekers be successful today with AI being so prevalent? (25:00) - How to use AI as a tool as you think about possible careers (26:14) - How to use AI when putting together a résumé and cover letter (27:05) - The best way to use AI in your job interview (28:08) - How AI is contributing to the fourth industrial revolution and how this impacts job seekers and the labour market (31:18) - Resources to help use AI in your work search

On the first episode of season 2, hosts Katy and Emma speak with Jayesh Vekariya, a UVic MBA graduate who is the CEO and one of the founders of Joni, a Victoria-based company that produces organic, sustainable menstrual products. Jayesh is also one of UVic’s 2024 Emerging Alumni. Join us as we talk with Jayesh about: how growing up in Gujurat, India inspired him to launch a business that tackles sustainability and poverty reductionwhat it was like pivoting from a career in pharmacy to pursue his third graduate program at UVictackling the issue of period povertyfinding a business partner in Linda Biggs, who previously served as chief operating officer at Victoria-based reusable food wrap company Abeego…and much more!  Resources from this episode·       Joni·       Emerging Alumni Award·       The UVic Co-op Program·       Accessing career support  Contact usSign up for our weekly e-newsletterFollow UVic Co-op and Career on social media (00:00) - Intro (00:32) - Welcome to today's episode (01:39) - Introducing Jayesh Vekariya (02:12) - What does Joni produce? (03:38) - Addressing sustainability and accessibility in menstrual care (06:24) - How do you develop an idea you had as a student into a viable business for community? (09:34) - How did you choose menstrual products as a business focus? (10:38) - How did you tackle branding? (12:13) - Why was it important to find a business partner? (00:15) - How did your co-op experience help you develop your business? (18:34) - How do co-op students help you as an employer? (20:26) - Why did you choose UVic? (21:51) - What advice do you have for students interested in entrepreneurship? (25:00) - Rapid fire questions about Jayesh's time at UVic (26:18) - If you could do it all again, what would you do more of?

How can you avoid burnout by practicing self-care at work?  Katy and Emma chat with career educator Darcie Gabruck about recognizing signs of burnout, setting boundaries in the workplace, setting up strategies for sustainable self-care, and addressing and healing from burnout when it happens.  Resources from this episode·      UVic Student Wellness·      UVic Career Services·      UVic Multifaith Centre Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter Follow UVic Co-op and Career on social media

What can you do with a degree in… history?  Katy and Emma chat with guest Natasha Thambirajah about how a history and political science degree led to a career in digital health public policy.  Natasha Thambirajah is a third-generation public servant and has worked for the Province of BC since 2006. Over the past 15 years, she has led nationally recognized examples of transformative, citizen-centred public policy, including the prize-winning BC Services Card and the modernization of gender identity expression on government-issued identification. Natasha completed a double major Bachelor of Arts in history and political science at UVic, and holds a Master of Arts from the University of Manitoba and a Master of Science in Public Health from the London School of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. This podcast was created while Natasha was still working for the Province of BC. She recently left government to establish her own inclusive, equitable and BIPOC friendly strategic management consultancy, Haven Consulting. Join us as we talk about: ·      Strategies for making change in public health policy·      Working in government as a BIPOC woman·      Building equity through digital health policy·      Creating a strong team as a manager and leader·      Tips for students who are interested in a career in the public service And much more!  Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter Follow UVic Co-op and Career on social mediaNatasha's consulting firm: Haven Consulting

How can you practice self-advocacy at work?  Katy and Emma talk with career educator and international student advisor Amy Chen about self-identification during the job search and application process, your rights and responsibilities in the workplace, and how you can advocate for yourself on the job.  Resources from this episode:  ·      Disability Alliance BC: Disclosing Your Disability Guide·      BC Human Rights Tribunal·      BC Human Rights Clinic (free legal services)·      Lime Connect·      CanAssist at UVic·      Canada’s Best Diversity Employers·      Accessible Employers – A President’s Group Initiative·      Indigenous Work-Integrated Learning Resource Hub·      Resources from our website Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter Follow UVic Co-op and Career on social media

What can you do with a degree in… commerce and entrepreneurship? Katy and Emma connect with guest Kat Craats about her career as a marketing professional in the adventure tourism industry, plus her freelance photography business!  Kat Craats is a photographer, outdoor enthusiast and adrenaline-junkie living in Squamish, BC. UVic’s BCom program inspired her love of marketing, setting her on the path to becoming the Marketing Manager at WildPlay Element Parks. Tune in to hear our conversation:·      How Kat found her first co-op job as a business student·      How networking can help you find a job·      Building a thriving freelance business while working full-time·      Sustainability in marketing and advertising ·      How to pitch creative projects to your manager at work and much more!  Resources from this episode·      Kat’s website·      Find Kat on Instagram·      Find Kat on Facebook·      Networking tips from UVic Career Services Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter Follow UVic Co-op and Career on social media

How can you feel confident during job interviews?  Katy and Emma talk with career educator Selina Jorgensen about how to feel confident and succeed during job interviews! Learn how to answer the most difficult interview questions, prepare effectively for job interviews, and manage your nerves.  Resources from this episode: ·      Job interview tips on our website·      Use VMock’s AI tool to practice before job interviews·      Attend a career workshop at UVic Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter Follow UVic Co-op and Career on social media

What can you do with a degree in… global business? Katy and Emma chat with guest Dayah Johal about her journey to a career in public service.  Dayah Johal is an alum of the Master in Global Business program at UVic, who now works for the provincial government. She found her way to this career path after completing a co-op term with the BC Public Service. Join us as we talk about: ·      Choosing to pursue graduate studies and the impact of remote learning·      Building cultural intelligence and global communities·      Growing your skills by experimenting with different types of jobs·      How business skills translate to a career in government·      Getting started in a career in the public service Resources from this episode: ·      uvic.ca/coop·      uvic.ca/career-services Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter Follow UVic Co-op and Career on social media

How can you stand out when you’re applying for jobs? It can be intimidating to put yourself out there and apply for jobs when you're just beginning your career. How can you make a great impression, showcase your skills and stand out to recruiters?  Katy and Emma talk with career educator Richard Myers about how to make an impact with your resume and cover letter during the job application process! Learn how to read a job posting effectively, identify your key skills, and showcase your experience during your job search. Plus, we talk about strategies for effective networking, how to use LinkedIn to help your job search, and how AI can help you read a job posting.(00:00) - Intro  Resources from this episode ·      Use VMock’s AI tool to build your resume·      Attend a career workshop at UVic·      Job application tips on our website Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter Follow UVic Co-op and Career on social media

What can you do with a degree in… Indigenous Studies and Environmental Studies? Learn all about a career in ecological restoration work in British Columbia waterways. Katy and Emma talk with guest Hannah Gentes about her role with Coastal Restoration Society. Hannah Gentes is a Saulteaux-Metis woman currently living in Lekwungen territory. She is a Senior Project Manager and Indigenous Initiatives Lead with the environmental non-profit Coastal Restoration Society. She has a bachelor’s degree in Indigenous Studies and Environmental Studies from the University of Victoria. She will be starting a master’s project in Indigenous-led restoration at the School of Environmental Studies at the University of Victoria in September 2023. She is passionate about Indigenous Environmental Stewardship, community building, and land-based learning. Outside of work and school, Hannah enjoys hiking, paddling, making art, and music.  Join us as we chat about: ·      Working in ecological restoration and the environmental sector·      Centering Indigenous communities in ecological restoration work·      Finding workplaces that align with your personal values·      Self-care and avoiding burnout at work·      Getting started in a career in the environmental sector Resources from this episode ·      uvic.ca/coop·      uvic.ca/career-services·      https://www.coastrestore.com/·      https://acewilbc.ca/projects/indigenous-wil-resource-hub/Read a transcript of this episode Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter Follow UVic Co-op and Career on social media