What drew you to the Bachelor of Management program at UBCO?
I was looking for a school and a program that was broad enough to be applicable to a variety of career options. I also knew I wanted to stay close to home (I grew up in Vernon) after graduation so I wanted to ensure the connections I made while pursuing my education would still be relevant to the job market I would be applying into. And it certainly helped that the campus and community are so beautiful!
What were your biggest takeaways from the program?
As frustrating as all of the group projects and presentations may have been at the time, learning to work with a variety of people towards a collective goal was probably the most applicable skill I developed. Whether you know a lot or a little about a subject, there’s a lot to navigate when collaborating. Learning and leaning into individual strengths, coordinating meetings and communications, and managing different work styles and priorities continue to be important in my current role.
What was the most rewarding part of the program?
Definitely the relationships and friendships built along the way. The program’s structure and cohorts ensure you get to know your classmates. Some of my closest friends today are those who I met while pursuing my degree.
What advice or insight would you give to a prospective student considering this program?
My best suggestion would be to get involved. In my first couple years, I just participated in the required classes and not much else.
“Once I started putting my hand up for extra-curricular volunteer roles and participating in other events, my experience became all the more rewarding – and fun! There are a ton of opportunities outside of the classroom to get involved in whatever it is that interests you. Take advantage and you won’t regret it.”
What is your current occupation and how did you get there?
I am the Vice President of Philanthropy for the Kelowna General Hospital Foundation. I attended a UBC Alumni luncheon back in 2011 when I was on the look-out for a great gig and another alumni was currently sitting on the Board of Directors with the KGH Foundation. She introduced me to the acting Executive Director and I took on a short-term contract in an admin role. Nearly 13 years later, I’m still with the organization and have grown through a variety of different roles from events and communications, to annual giving, to the VP role I hold today. I love working with my amazing team and our generous community and couldn’t be more grateful for the work I get to do each day. I didn’t realize during my time at UBCO that a career in fundraising was an option – I thought these positions only existed in urban centres. Thanks to my connection to UBC, I landed the dream job I never knew I wanted.
Do you have any career advice you’d like to share?
Find an organization that shares your own values and has a team that is aligned in purpose. The time spent is so much more enjoyable when you surround yourself with good people and challenging but rewarding work.
What are your future career goals?
For now, I plan to stay put right where I am. Health care philanthropy is an incredibly rewarding career and allows a lot of creativity, strategic planning and a very dynamic day-to-day. Eventually I may look to complete a Master’s program in Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership.
