Graeme Wheeler
Why did you choose your program at UBC and what did you enjoy most about it?
My undergraduate experience was rather dynamic as far as selecting a final program and school. I began my academic journey at Concordia University were I studied Theatre and Performance, however, over that year I started having doubts about the trajectory of my career. Unsure of how to proceed but being originally from British Columbia, I started searching for possible programs closer to home. Deciding that UBC would be a better fit, I started my September semester doing general Arts electives in the hopes that I would discover a new direction for myself. After several meetings with Academic Advising, I was directed towards the newly established Bachelor of Media Studies.
Probably the best thing about the Media Studies program was the small cohort sizes. Over the four years in that program I became very good friends with everyone and the connections I made because of my degree path have turned out to be indispensable.
What were some of your most meaningful experiences at UBC?
Looking back at my time at UBC, I really wish I took more advantage of everything the University has to offer. I dabbled in a lot of different things, however, I guess I always felt too stressed or overwhelmed with school work to really commit myself to an extracurricular.
When thinking about meaningful experiences I had at UBC it all comes back to the people I shared them with. Everything from being a part of the inaugural graduation class of my program to helping support The Pit’s first monthly drag show.
What choices did you make at UBC that contributed to your career success / journey?
Something that I keep coming back to are the relationships I built along the way, both with fellow students and the professors. By being a part of such a small, intimate program, I was able to really get to know both my fellow students as well as the professors, some of whom have gone on to give me references for post-graduate work.
What was your first job after graduation and what other jobs did you have before your current position?
I went directly into graduate school after I graduated in April 2018, so, besides a position in fashion retail over the summer, I haven’t had any full-time work experience in the field of digital media as of yet.
I’m currently enrolled in a one year program at Cardiff University in Wales. I’m doing a Masters of Business with a specialization in Media Management. Coincidentally this is actually the university where I did my Go-Global exchange in my third year.
Is your current career path as you originally intended? What challenges did you face in launching your career?
One of the biggest hurdles I’ve experienced is applying for jobs without any practical experience in my field. I’m sure as my graduate degree continues this will become less of an issue, however, for some of the jobs I have applied for the companies have turned around and asked me to reapply when I’ve worked more.
From your experience, what has been the value of having an Arts degree?
I believe the Media Studies program in particular has prepared me for a multidimensional, ever-evolving work environment. When I began studying, I understood I was entering a field which is unfixed and changeable and I do think that the courses I took at UBC gave me a diversified skill set—one that I’ll be able to use and adapt for whichever specialization I decide on.
What advice would you give to students and alumni interested in breaking into your industry?
Be able to adapt to change and never miss an opportunity to network and collaborate. The media industry in particular is so dependent on collaboration that being able to effectively communicate is vitally important.
What advice would you give to your first-year self?
Looking back at first year, I think I needed to relax more and not stress out over small things. Your bachelor’s degree is the time that you find out what you like; both personally and professionally. By meeting so many different people, you’ll be able to discover what traits you value in your friends and what warnings signs to stay away from. You’re a good student and by attending class you’ll find yourself gravitating towards specific fields of study.
And don’t worry about computer science, you’ll pass… eventually.
Graeme Wheeler
Why did you choose your program at UBC and what did you enjoy most about it?
My undergraduate experience was rather dynamic as far as selecting a final program and school. I began my academic journey at Concordia University were I studied Theatre and Performance, however, over that year I started having doubts about the trajectory of my career. Unsure of how to proceed but being originally from British Columbia, I started searching for possible programs closer to home. Deciding that UBC would be a better fit, I started my September semester doing general Arts electives in the hopes that I would discover a new direction for myself. After several meetings with Academic Advising, I was directed towards the newly established Bachelor of Media Studies.
Probably the best thing about the Media Studies program was the small cohort sizes. Over the four years in that program I became very good friends with everyone and the connections I made because of my degree path have turned out to be indispensable.
What were some of your most meaningful experiences at UBC?
Looking back at my time at UBC, I really wish I took more advantage of everything the University has to offer. I dabbled in a lot of different things, however, I guess I always felt too stressed or overwhelmed with school work to really commit myself to an extracurricular.
When thinking about meaningful experiences I had at UBC it all comes back to the people I shared them with. Everything from being a part of the inaugural graduation class of my program to helping support The Pit’s first monthly drag show.
What choices did you make at UBC that contributed to your career success / journey?
Something that I keep coming back to are the relationships I built along the way, both with fellow students and the professors. By being a part of such a small, intimate program, I was able to really get to know both my fellow students as well as the professors, some of whom have gone on to give me references for post-graduate work.
What was your first job after graduation and what other jobs did you have before your current position?
I went directly into graduate school after I graduated in April 2018, so, besides a position in fashion retail over the summer, I haven’t had any full-time work experience in the field of digital media as of yet.
I’m currently enrolled in a one year program at Cardiff University in Wales. I’m doing a Masters of Business with a specialization in Media Management. Coincidentally this is actually the university where I did my Go-Global exchange in my third year.
Is your current career path as you originally intended? What challenges did you face in launching your career?
One of the biggest hurdles I’ve experienced is applying for jobs without any practical experience in my field. I’m sure as my graduate degree continues this will become less of an issue, however, for some of the jobs I have applied for the companies have turned around and asked me to reapply when I’ve worked more.
From your experience, what has been the value of having an Arts degree?
I believe the Media Studies program in particular has prepared me for a multidimensional, ever-evolving work environment. When I began studying, I understood I was entering a field which is unfixed and changeable and I do think that the courses I took at UBC gave me a diversified skill set—one that I’ll be able to use and adapt for whichever specialization I decide on.
What advice would you give to students and alumni interested in breaking into your industry?
Be able to adapt to change and never miss an opportunity to network and collaborate. The media industry in particular is so dependent on collaboration that being able to effectively communicate is vitally important.
What advice would you give to your first-year self?
Looking back at first year, I think I needed to relax more and not stress out over small things. Your bachelor’s degree is the time that you find out what you like; both personally and professionally. By meeting so many different people, you’ll be able to discover what traits you value in your friends and what warnings signs to stay away from. You’re a good student and by attending class you’ll find yourself gravitating towards specific fields of study.
And don’t worry about computer science, you’ll pass… eventually.