Claire Seaborn
Why did you choose your program at UBC and what did you enjoy most about it?
I chose the Coordinated Arts Program because it offered smaller class sizes and the chance to take multiple classes with the same group of people. I am still in contact with many of my classmates more than 10 years later!
What were some of your most meaningful experiences at UBC?
I absolutely loved the elective courses I took in the Department of Theatre & Film. I had the opportunity to work on several theatre productions, including as a stage manager, lighting designer and stage crew member, and produced several short films. While my film and theatre courses were not directly related to my degree in political science and geography, I value what they taught me in terms of creativity and team work.
What choices did you make at UBC that contributed to your career success / journey?
The best decision I made was to work part-time at the UBC Sustainability Office throughout my degree as a Campus Sustainability Coordinator. In this role, I gave tours of LEED certified buildings, organized student sustainability programs, and presented at conferences and events.
Since this job was part of the Work Learn Program, I was able to earn a part-time income from an employer that respected my course schedule and obligations, while also providing learning and mentorship for after my degree.
What was your first job after graduation and what other jobs did you have before your current position?
An internship at the Embassy of Canada in Washington, DC in the environment and energy section. I heard about this opportunity through a classmate at UBC who did the same internship the year before. I was thrilled with this position since it directly related to my studies in political science and geography.
While I have held many other jobs since, my work at the Embassy played an important role in me landing the job that I held over the past year in Ottawa – worked as a senior advisor to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Catherine McKenna. In this role, I advised the Minister on issues related to climate change, impact assessment for industrial projects, waste and plastics, international trade, and parks and conservation.
Is your current career path as you originally intended? What challenges did you face in launching your career?
Pretty much! I mean, I could not have predicted the exact path, but Claire as a UBC student would not at all be surprised to see what Claire is doing now. I have faced lots of set-backs in getting to where I am today, so it has taken longer than I expected, but now I am where I want to be. The challenges were primarily around rejection – from jobs, programs, promotions – but I think each rejection has just motivated me to try harder.
From your experience, what has been the value of having an Arts degree?
Exploring interests. Learning to write. Thinking critically. Good preparation for law school!
Are there any other achievements or activities you would like to highlight?
For my third year I did an exchange at the University of Edinburgh as part of the Go Global Program. About six years later, I ended up moving back to the United Kingdom for a year and think my exchange at the University of Edinburgh was really helpful in landing a job at a law firm in London, England.
What advice would you give to students and alumni interested in breaking into your industry?
Develop a personal brand that tells a story while incorporating your personal and professional interests.
What advice would you give your graduating self?
Do fewer things really well, rather than dividing your energy between too many things.
Claire Seaborn
Why did you choose your program at UBC and what did you enjoy most about it?
I chose the Coordinated Arts Program because it offered smaller class sizes and the chance to take multiple classes with the same group of people. I am still in contact with many of my classmates more than 10 years later!
What were some of your most meaningful experiences at UBC?
I absolutely loved the elective courses I took in the Department of Theatre & Film. I had the opportunity to work on several theatre productions, including as a stage manager, lighting designer and stage crew member, and produced several short films. While my film and theatre courses were not directly related to my degree in political science and geography, I value what they taught me in terms of creativity and team work.
What choices did you make at UBC that contributed to your career success / journey?
The best decision I made was to work part-time at the UBC Sustainability Office throughout my degree as a Campus Sustainability Coordinator. In this role, I gave tours of LEED certified buildings, organized student sustainability programs, and presented at conferences and events.
Since this job was part of the Work Learn Program, I was able to earn a part-time income from an employer that respected my course schedule and obligations, while also providing learning and mentorship for after my degree.
What was your first job after graduation and what other jobs did you have before your current position?
An internship at the Embassy of Canada in Washington, DC in the environment and energy section. I heard about this opportunity through a classmate at UBC who did the same internship the year before. I was thrilled with this position since it directly related to my studies in political science and geography.
While I have held many other jobs since, my work at the Embassy played an important role in me landing the job that I held over the past year in Ottawa – worked as a senior advisor to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Catherine McKenna. In this role, I advised the Minister on issues related to climate change, impact assessment for industrial projects, waste and plastics, international trade, and parks and conservation.
Is your current career path as you originally intended? What challenges did you face in launching your career?
Pretty much! I mean, I could not have predicted the exact path, but Claire as a UBC student would not at all be surprised to see what Claire is doing now. I have faced lots of set-backs in getting to where I am today, so it has taken longer than I expected, but now I am where I want to be. The challenges were primarily around rejection – from jobs, programs, promotions – but I think each rejection has just motivated me to try harder.
From your experience, what has been the value of having an Arts degree?
Exploring interests. Learning to write. Thinking critically. Good preparation for law school!
Are there any other achievements or activities you would like to highlight?
For my third year I did an exchange at the University of Edinburgh as part of the Go Global Program. About six years later, I ended up moving back to the United Kingdom for a year and think my exchange at the University of Edinburgh was really helpful in landing a job at a law firm in London, England.
What advice would you give to students and alumni interested in breaking into your industry?
Develop a personal brand that tells a story while incorporating your personal and professional interests.
What advice would you give your graduating self?
Do fewer things really well, rather than dividing your energy between too many things.
