Riley Tajcnar has embraced two key life lessons since graduating from UBC Okanagan’s management program: the importance of broadening knowledge beyond one’s primary discipline and the value of asking questions and seeking support. Riley credits UBCO’s well-rounded courses and supportive faculty for equipping her with versatile skills in areas like accounting and professional communication, which have been instrumental in her career. Since earning her degree, Riley has worked with non-profit organizations, using her education to make a meaningful difference in her community while engaging with talented artists and entrepreneurs. Currently pursuing a post-graduate certificate in database administration, Riley is excited to combine her management background with specialized technical skills to explore new opportunities in unique and diverse communities.
Q: What drew you to the Bachelor of Management program at UBCO?
A: My learning style made it clear that small class sizes and strong campus support would be key factors in choosing the right university. UBCO stood out from the other universities I applied to because of its intimate learning environment, which has made a lasting impact on my education and career. After graduating, I’ve worked alongside peers from universities where large classes were the norm, and it’s made me even more grateful for the personalized learning experience UBCO provided.
Another major draw for me was UBCO’s diverse Bachelor of Management program. The wide range of courses, including unique options like non-profit management, equipped me with a strong foundation for a varied and exciting career path.
As someone who loves the outdoors, UBCO’s proximity to incredible skiing, hiking, climbing, and biking trails also helped me maintain a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle during my studies.
Q: What were some of your biggest takeaways from the program?
A: There are two big takeaways, or life lessons, that have guided me following my Management undergrad. I’ve really benefited from the well-rounded courses required by UBCO and while I did not focus on accounting, the base accounting courses have been very useful in my professional life. My life takeaway from this is to take every opportunity you have to broaden your knowledge outside of your main discipline. I found both management and non-management faculty to be very receptive and supportive of students who asked questions and for support on complicated topics. As I’ve started my career, I continue to ask questions and support from my supervisors and co-workers. This practice of asking questions and support when needed has been very beneficial and has resulted in very positive feedback in my positions post-grad. I would attribute this to the supportive nature of UBCO professors, and as a benefit of small class sizes. Take every opportunity to ask a question!
Q: What was the most rewarding part of the program?
A: Following my graduation in 2023, I have had the opportunity to work at two different non-profit organizations. Every day I get to use my education to help and support those in my community and engage with truly amazing artists and entrepreneurs. While still in my undergrad, I also had the opportunity to work with nonprofits and government organizations that help a wide array of communities. Being able to apply what UBCO taught me to have a measurable and meaningful impact on the communities I live in has been incredibly rewarding.
Q: What advice or insight would you give to a prospective student considering this program?
A: Consider what “optional” non-management electives would benefit your ideal career. Literature and writing classes have been very useful for professional oral and written communication, even though I work in data analysis and management. Skills learned in literature classes have garnered professional praise and success and were some of the most beneficial courses I took in my undergraduate degree. These courses also exposed me to a wide array of backgrounds in other education disciplines and broadened the type of organizations I considered applying to with my management degree following graduation. I would also encourage students to build strong work-life balance skills right from the get-go, and work to carry those skills into your professional life. Hobbies, exercise, getting enough sleep and eating are extremely important to academic and professional success. UBCO students are very lucky to enjoy outdoor hobbies right out their front doors!
Q: Were you involved in any clubs or organizations on campus? If so, what inspired you to get involved?
A: When I lived in Kelowna I was able to be a part of the outdoors club. It was a great way to meet like-minded peers, gain new hobbies, and gain confidence in trying new things. During the Covid-19 pandemic I moved away from Kelowna, but I still remained involved with Faculty of Management activities such as the Vancouver business trip. I got involved as a way to build professional connections for post grad opportunities, and the trip did just that. During the trip I also made some amazing friends and built close professional connections with many other management students. The Management Student Association works hard to put on events throughout the school year which are a great way to meet other students and get support during exams. I highly recommend every management student to try one of the business trips to either Calgary or Vancouver.
Q: Did you participate in any co-op placements or internships during your time at UBCO?
A: I did not apply to be part of the co-op positions placement specifically, but I did take initiative to gain strong experience through summer internships. One internship even transferred to part time project work through the fall semester while I was taking a lighter course load. I worked for provincial and federal governments for summer internships. Both positions have been very useful in kick starting my post-grad career. I was also a data analyst for a Chamber of Commerce and had the opportunity to run an eight-month long business life cycle analysis project from the planning to presentation and report writing phase.
A co-op position is a very useful option offered by UBCO, and it is a good idea to speak with an advisor to determine if it would be the right choice for you. Either through co-op or summer internships, professional experience during your undergrad is very important for reaffirming and refining the skills you are learning in your studies and will set you apart in post-grad job applications. Co-ops and internships will help you build connections and help you better plan what career path you want to take. UBCO co-ops as well as career fairs are a great way to build professional connections and opportunities.
What is your current occupation and your future career goals?
A: I am currently a contract administrator at Banff Centre for Arts & Creativity. My career has increasingly focused on database management and administration since graduating, so I decided to pursue a post-graduate certificate in Database Administration, which I’m thoroughly enjoying. My goal is to combine my Management degree with this certification to explore new and exciting job opportunities in unique and vibrant communities.
Q: Do you have anything else you would like to share?
A: When beginning my degree, one of my mail goals was to live in amazing places and work in a field that really interest me. Not even two years post grad I have started a career in data analytics and management, and have a window view of some of the most famous mountains in Canada. Whether you want to wind up working for a big four firm or take a slightly different route, UBCO has provided me and my other classmates with the education and experience necessary to achieve our career goals.