Work It: A UVic career exploration podcast

Carving out a creative career: an interview with Mark Leiren-Young

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 Whale Hosting the Skaana podcas...

Is grad school worth it? The pros and cons of doing a graduate degree.

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 money The reality of today’s economy and the job market Resources from this episode Accessing career support Co-op for graduate students Applying to graduate school Connect with us Sign up for our weekly e...

Blending business and science to change the future of algae: an interview with Ashley and Robert Roulston

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 sets What it’s like to build a business from scratch Why they hire UVic co-op students …and muc...

How co-op can help you develop a career you love

How networking can help you develop a career you love

What does self-identification mean in the workplace?

Learn what self-disclosure means in the workplace.

Is it normal to feel nervous during your interview?

What to do if your mind goes blank during an interview

What does a good cover letter look like?

How to overcome feeling discouraged during your work search

Using the interview to learn about work culture and fit

Should you apply to jobs if you don't have a lot of experience?

How to get experience in your field without a job

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 grad...

The power of switching career paths: an interview with Matt Heywood

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 mach...

How to use AI in your work search

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 episode Accessing career support The UVic Co-op Program Using AI in your work search VMock: a free AI tool for UVic students looking for work Connect with us Sign up for our w...

Building a sustainable future: an interview with Joni founder Jayesh Vekariya

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 reduction what it was like pivoting from a career in pharmacy to pursue h...

Preventing burnout and practicing self-care at work

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...

Leading equity in public health

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...

Self-advocacy and self-identification in the workplace

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 · ...

Creativity in adventure tourism

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: · Ho...

How to prepare for job interviews

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...

Making a difference in the clean energy sector

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 co...

How to stand out when applying for jobs

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 ...

A career in Indigenous environmental stewardship

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 ...