Desiree Adib
Why did you choose your program at UBC and what did you enjoy most about it?
I chose to double major in geography and political science as a less math-intensive alternative to studying commerce. The intersection of both majors was something I enjoyed, and this choice ended up providing me with a foundation for my work as a current affairs journalist for a large news organization based in New York City.
I also quite enjoyed courses at UBC’s Department of Geography, especially the human geography curriculum, and I remember Professor Derek Gregory having a big impact on the development of my critical thinking skills.
What were some of your most meaningful experiences at UBC?
I had so many, but my favourite was hands down working on The Ubyssey, UBC’s student-run newspaper. Some of my memories include taking photos of a student protest movement and of the student body president at the time. I also remember being shy about writing news stories, but getting encouraged to do so by my editors. They helped me gain the confidence I needed, and I remember the magical feeling of having my first byline.
I kept all the clips from my Ubyssey work and was then inspired to apply to Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism. When I was accepted, it changed the course of my life, I moved to New York, and have lived here ever since. It was The Ubyssey that started it all.
Another fond memory I have is hanging out in the old Student Union Building with my friends speaking about politics and philosophy. It was a great time.
What choices did you make at UBC that contributed to your career success / journey?
I think my undergraduate degree helped build a foundation for the work I do now covering current affairs. For example, I reflect on my political science and international relations classes when covering the conflict in Israel.
I also think about all the critical thinking that was encouraged when I was writing my geography papers. All of this formed the basis for where I have ended up today, with one my most important choices being to work for The Ubyssey as a photographer and writer.
What was your first job after graduation and what other jobs did you have before your current position?
My first job after graduation was with a wall covering company. Afterwards, I got a job as lead assistant to a principal architect at an architecture firm. Both of these jobs were obviously completely different from what I am doing now! I took these jobs to earn an income while figuring out whether I should go to law school or grad school for journalism. I ended up taking the journalism path at Columbia University.
After completing graduate school, I got a job at CBS News, then CNN, and eventually ABC News where I am now. I have worked my way up through almost all of America’s major broadcast and cable networks, as well as through one in Canada (CBC).
Is your current career path as you originally intended? What challenges did you face in launching your career?
My career path didn’t take me exactly where I originally thought it would. I had initially intended to get into the Bachelor of Commerce program offered by UBC’s Sauder School of Business. Unfortunately, my math skills were not up to par for this path and I ended up pivoting to political science and geography.
My ultimate goal was to go to law school. I sat the LSATS and got into some Canadian law schools, and I also applied to one journalism program—the one at Columbia. I got in, and, having discovered my passion for journalism at UBC through working on The Ubyssey, I knew I had to go.
What do you like about your current job and what do you find challenging? How does it relate to your degree?
My current job is great! I work as a senior editorial producer for all of ABC News. ABC is one America’s top three major broadcast networks, so the job is prestigious and impactful.
I help book major interviews on the network for a variety of stories including breaking news and political events. I love the flexibility of being able to work on many different kinds of stories and speak to some of the top experts in their fields.
I also love being able to cram quickly on a topic and learn everything about it so I can help with relaying that information to our viewers. The work relates to my UBC degree because so much of what we cover is politics. It takes me back to my classes on political theory and war coverage, and also geopolitics from my geography major.
The most important skill I gained at UBC was learning to think about things creatively and critically. It’s a skill I use every day as I formulate questions for our interviewees and think about narratives for stories we are going to report on.
As for what I find challenging, there are a lot of things. You have to be a diplomat sometimes, able to code switch and learn to talk to people in different ways depending on their circumstances. You have to be able to read the room and use your best judgement, and work under a lot of pressure while remaining calm and composed.
From your experience, what has been the value of having an Arts degree?
My Arts degree gave me a valuable broad overview of a variety of topics related to current affairs and the world today. It also allowed me to try out different courses and see where my true interests lay. I think one of the main objectives of a university education is to help you find your eventual path by providing you with the space to sample a variety of subjects and topics.
What advice would you give to students and alumni interested in breaking into your industry?
Get an internship! Don’t be afraid to send your resume around and pitch yourself. The people who stand out to me are the ones who speak up, raise their hands, and have ideas. Also, make sure you are in love with what you do because it can be challenging.
What advice would you give your graduating self?
I would have told myself not to worry so much about figuring out my path because this will happen eventually. I was really worried about getting a good job or the right job right after graduating, and I wanted to do this right away. I was in a big rush, and I wish I hadn’t been. I wish I could have taken my time a bit more and enjoyed myself and my youth. I was career-oriented, which is a good thing, but I shouldn’t have been so stressed out about it.
Living life to the fullest and enjoying what life has to offer is important. Stop and smell the roses! That’s what I would have told myself back then.
Desiree Adib
Why did you choose your program at UBC and what did you enjoy most about it?
I chose to double major in geography and political science as a less math-intensive alternative to studying commerce. The intersection of both majors was something I enjoyed, and this choice ended up providing me with a foundation for my work as a current affairs journalist for a large news organization based in New York City.
I also quite enjoyed courses at UBC’s Department of Geography, especially the human geography curriculum, and I remember Professor Derek Gregory having a big impact on the development of my critical thinking skills.
What were some of your most meaningful experiences at UBC?
I had so many, but my favourite was hands down working on The Ubyssey, UBC’s student-run newspaper. Some of my memories include taking photos of a student protest movement and of the student body president at the time. I also remember being shy about writing news stories, but getting encouraged to do so by my editors. They helped me gain the confidence I needed, and I remember the magical feeling of having my first byline.
I kept all the clips from my Ubyssey work and was then inspired to apply to Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism. When I was accepted, it changed the course of my life, I moved to New York, and have lived here ever since. It was The Ubyssey that started it all.
Another fond memory I have is hanging out in the old Student Union Building with my friends speaking about politics and philosophy. It was a great time.
What choices did you make at UBC that contributed to your career success / journey?
I think my undergraduate degree helped build a foundation for the work I do now covering current affairs. For example, I reflect on my political science and international relations classes when covering the conflict in Israel.
I also think about all the critical thinking that was encouraged when I was writing my geography papers. All of this formed the basis for where I have ended up today, with one my most important choices being to work for The Ubyssey as a photographer and writer.
What was your first job after graduation and what other jobs did you have before your current position?
My first job after graduation was with a wall covering company. Afterwards, I got a job as lead assistant to a principal architect at an architecture firm. Both of these jobs were obviously completely different from what I am doing now! I took these jobs to earn an income while figuring out whether I should go to law school or grad school for journalism. I ended up taking the journalism path at Columbia University.
After completing graduate school, I got a job at CBS News, then CNN, and eventually ABC News where I am now. I have worked my way up through almost all of America’s major broadcast and cable networks, as well as through one in Canada (CBC).
Is your current career path as you originally intended? What challenges did you face in launching your career?
My career path didn’t take me exactly where I originally thought it would. I had initially intended to get into the Bachelor of Commerce program offered by UBC’s Sauder School of Business. Unfortunately, my math skills were not up to par for this path and I ended up pivoting to political science and geography.
My ultimate goal was to go to law school. I sat the LSATS and got into some Canadian law schools, and I also applied to one journalism program—the one at Columbia. I got in, and, having discovered my passion for journalism at UBC through working on The Ubyssey, I knew I had to go.
What do you like about your current job and what do you find challenging? How does it relate to your degree?
My current job is great! I work as a senior editorial producer for all of ABC News. ABC is one America’s top three major broadcast networks, so the job is prestigious and impactful.
I help book major interviews on the network for a variety of stories including breaking news and political events. I love the flexibility of being able to work on many different kinds of stories and speak to some of the top experts in their fields.
I also love being able to cram quickly on a topic and learn everything about it so I can help with relaying that information to our viewers. The work relates to my UBC degree because so much of what we cover is politics. It takes me back to my classes on political theory and war coverage, and also geopolitics from my geography major.
The most important skill I gained at UBC was learning to think about things creatively and critically. It’s a skill I use every day as I formulate questions for our interviewees and think about narratives for stories we are going to report on.
As for what I find challenging, there are a lot of things. You have to be a diplomat sometimes, able to code switch and learn to talk to people in different ways depending on their circumstances. You have to be able to read the room and use your best judgement, and work under a lot of pressure while remaining calm and composed.
From your experience, what has been the value of having an Arts degree?
My Arts degree gave me a valuable broad overview of a variety of topics related to current affairs and the world today. It also allowed me to try out different courses and see where my true interests lay. I think one of the main objectives of a university education is to help you find your eventual path by providing you with the space to sample a variety of subjects and topics.
What advice would you give to students and alumni interested in breaking into your industry?
Get an internship! Don’t be afraid to send your resume around and pitch yourself. The people who stand out to me are the ones who speak up, raise their hands, and have ideas. Also, make sure you are in love with what you do because it can be challenging.
What advice would you give your graduating self?
I would have told myself not to worry so much about figuring out my path because this will happen eventually. I was really worried about getting a good job or the right job right after graduating, and I wanted to do this right away. I was in a big rush, and I wish I hadn’t been. I wish I could have taken my time a bit more and enjoyed myself and my youth. I was career-oriented, which is a good thing, but I shouldn’t have been so stressed out about it.
Living life to the fullest and enjoying what life has to offer is important. Stop and smell the roses! That’s what I would have told myself back then.
