Alex Ozols
Why did you choose your program at UBC and what did you enjoy most about it?
I was always interested in how the human mind works. I knew that if I had a degree in psychology it would help me in the future when I became an attorney. The thing I enjoyed most about psychology was using the knowledge I got from the subject matter to develop better memorization and study techniques which have stuck with me throughout my career.
What were some of your most meaningful experiences at UBC?
I remember there were times when I was really stressed out with school and I just took a second to look around the campus and realize how amazing of a place UBC really is. I would go behind the anthropology building and hike down to the beach where I would just sit. I would look at the totem polls and think about the history and know that there is more to life than just worrying about an exam. It helped to be able to escape within minutes and be in one of the most peaceful settings in the world.
What choices did you make in your undergrad that contributed to your career success / journey?
Doing the Go Global program was something that I think did help. I planned on going to law school in the U.S. so I went with Arizona State University for my Go Global program.
I also think just working hard at UBC contributed to my success. UBC is one of the most competitive schools not only in Canada but throughout the world. Being able to study daily, organize an exam schedule and get in there and perform on the exams were life skills that I developed. To this day, before I do a trial, I prep the exact same way I did for an exam when I was in undergrad.
What was your first job after graduation and what other jobs did you have before landing your current position?
After graduation at UBC I went straight to law school. My first job coming out of law school was working as an attorney at a large criminal defense law firm. I now own several law firms in San Diego.
Is your current career path as you originally intended? What challenges did you face in launching your career?
Yes it is. I wanted to be a lawyer since I was a young child. I grew up coming from nothing, I didn’t have my education paid for but instead had to work for everything I had. I only had one parent around throughout my entire childhood. So financially I had challenges, but I knew if I just worked hard enough and got enough experience, I would not have any issues.
What do you like about your current job and what do you find challenging? How does it relate to your degree?
I like communicating with people – that’s my favorite part of my job. The challenging parts are just dealing with the stresses of others and the stresses of life. As a criminal defense lawyer I have to take on a lot of roles. I have to be someone’s advisor, friend, therapist and so much more. Clients will often ask me things like “Should I break up with my significant other” or “What do you think I should do for a career?”. I cannot go one week without telling someone “that is not a legal question, that is more of a personal question”.
My career relates to my degree because a background in psychology gave me a better understanding of how the mind works and how to relate to people.
From your experience, what has been the value of having an Arts degree?
The skills I learned in my arts degree are skills that I use every single day. Learning about people and how the world works is so important in business and marketing.
Are there any other achievements or activities you would like to highlight?
I am a television legal analyst for CNN, MSNBC, CBS National, Good Morning Britain, FOX National, FOX Business News, ABC, NBC, CW, One America News Network and a bunch of local news networks here in San Diego. Oh and CBC National News! Being from Canada, getting to be on CBC as a legal analyst was one of the highlights of my career.
What advice would you give to students and alumni interested in breaking into your industry?
Work hard and don’t ever give up on your dreams. Personally I can’t stand people who make excuses. I paid for my undergrad by working and I paid for law school on a scholarship. I interned at several different places before I graduated law school and I worked so hard in those jobs that I made it impossible for them to not hire me after graduation. Anyone can do it, anyone can be successful. Set a goal and then do not stop until you reach that goal.
What advice would you give your graduating self?
You are going to be fine. Relax, it will all work out.
***
Watch a video of Alex Ozols discussing current US laws on MSNBC.
Alex Ozols
Why did you choose your program at UBC and what did you enjoy most about it?
I was always interested in how the human mind works. I knew that if I had a degree in psychology it would help me in the future when I became an attorney. The thing I enjoyed most about psychology was using the knowledge I got from the subject matter to develop better memorization and study techniques which have stuck with me throughout my career.
What were some of your most meaningful experiences at UBC?
I remember there were times when I was really stressed out with school and I just took a second to look around the campus and realize how amazing of a place UBC really is. I would go behind the anthropology building and hike down to the beach where I would just sit. I would look at the totem polls and think about the history and know that there is more to life than just worrying about an exam. It helped to be able to escape within minutes and be in one of the most peaceful settings in the world.
What choices did you make in your undergrad that contributed to your career success / journey?
Doing the Go Global program was something that I think did help. I planned on going to law school in the U.S. so I went with Arizona State University for my Go Global program.
I also think just working hard at UBC contributed to my success. UBC is one of the most competitive schools not only in Canada but throughout the world. Being able to study daily, organize an exam schedule and get in there and perform on the exams were life skills that I developed. To this day, before I do a trial, I prep the exact same way I did for an exam when I was in undergrad.
What was your first job after graduation and what other jobs did you have before landing your current position?
After graduation at UBC I went straight to law school. My first job coming out of law school was working as an attorney at a large criminal defense law firm. I now own several law firms in San Diego.
Is your current career path as you originally intended? What challenges did you face in launching your career?
Yes it is. I wanted to be a lawyer since I was a young child. I grew up coming from nothing, I didn’t have my education paid for but instead had to work for everything I had. I only had one parent around throughout my entire childhood. So financially I had challenges, but I knew if I just worked hard enough and got enough experience, I would not have any issues.
What do you like about your current job and what do you find challenging? How does it relate to your degree?
I like communicating with people – that’s my favorite part of my job. The challenging parts are just dealing with the stresses of others and the stresses of life. As a criminal defense lawyer I have to take on a lot of roles. I have to be someone’s advisor, friend, therapist and so much more. Clients will often ask me things like “Should I break up with my significant other” or “What do you think I should do for a career?”. I cannot go one week without telling someone “that is not a legal question, that is more of a personal question”.
My career relates to my degree because a background in psychology gave me a better understanding of how the mind works and how to relate to people.
From your experience, what has been the value of having an Arts degree?
The skills I learned in my arts degree are skills that I use every single day. Learning about people and how the world works is so important in business and marketing.
Are there any other achievements or activities you would like to highlight?
I am a television legal analyst for CNN, MSNBC, CBS National, Good Morning Britain, FOX National, FOX Business News, ABC, NBC, CW, One America News Network and a bunch of local news networks here in San Diego. Oh and CBC National News! Being from Canada, getting to be on CBC as a legal analyst was one of the highlights of my career.
What advice would you give to students and alumni interested in breaking into your industry?
Work hard and don’t ever give up on your dreams. Personally I can’t stand people who make excuses. I paid for my undergrad by working and I paid for law school on a scholarship. I interned at several different places before I graduated law school and I worked so hard in those jobs that I made it impossible for them to not hire me after graduation. Anyone can do it, anyone can be successful. Set a goal and then do not stop until you reach that goal.
What advice would you give your graduating self?
You are going to be fine. Relax, it will all work out.
***
Watch a video of Alex Ozols discussing current US laws on MSNBC.
