Emily Whiting
Why did you choose your program at UBC and what did you enjoy most about it?
When I chose Gender, Race, Sexuality, and Social Justice (GRSJ) as my major, I was truly following my heart. I’ve always been passionate about social change and this program offered me the opportunity to not only pursue that, but also introduced me to the theoretical side of feminism and activism, which I quickly fell in love with. Because the systems of oppression we study in GRSJ are evident everywhere, at all times, I felt as though I could always connect my lived experience in the world with the topics we covered in class. More so, I felt safe to share my experiences in class and was always met with acceptance and understanding by my peers and my professors.
What choices did you make at UBC that contributed to your career success / journey?
I began my study in GRSJ not knowing how I would use my degree and although it was daunting, I’m grateful I trusted my instinct to major in an area of study I was passionate about. In the past, I had been told that Arts degrees “weren’t practical” and that I should major in something that “guaranteed” me a job post-grad. The decision I made to trust my gut and pursue GRSJ was the best decision I made during my degree.
What was your first job after graduation and what other jobs did you have before your current position?
Throughout my degree, I worked seasonally as a radio operator for wildfire emergency services in order to fund my studies. During my last semester at UBC, I started my photography business, and then began working in child care after graduation.
What do you like about your current job and what do you find challenging? How does it relate to your degree?
Self-employment is both the most rewarding and the most challenging aspect of my job(s). I feel as though the flexible structure of GRSJ classes really prepared me for freelance work, as it taught me how to self-motivate, develop, and follow through on ideas. Choosing a variety of electives within Arts opened my mind up to different ways to approach a theory or issue. From this, I feel I’ve gained the ability to evaluate circumstances and stretch and adapt my creativity to fit within them.
What advice would you give to students and alumni interested in breaking into your industry?
Don’t stop learning post-grad. Aim to understand the clients you’re working with and their positionality in the world. Practice empathy.
What advice would you give to your first-year self?
Trust your gut! You – and you alone – know the best path for your future.
Emily Whiting
Why did you choose your program at UBC and what did you enjoy most about it?
When I chose Gender, Race, Sexuality, and Social Justice (GRSJ) as my major, I was truly following my heart. I’ve always been passionate about social change and this program offered me the opportunity to not only pursue that, but also introduced me to the theoretical side of feminism and activism, which I quickly fell in love with. Because the systems of oppression we study in GRSJ are evident everywhere, at all times, I felt as though I could always connect my lived experience in the world with the topics we covered in class. More so, I felt safe to share my experiences in class and was always met with acceptance and understanding by my peers and my professors.
What choices did you make at UBC that contributed to your career success / journey?
I began my study in GRSJ not knowing how I would use my degree and although it was daunting, I’m grateful I trusted my instinct to major in an area of study I was passionate about. In the past, I had been told that Arts degrees “weren’t practical” and that I should major in something that “guaranteed” me a job post-grad. The decision I made to trust my gut and pursue GRSJ was the best decision I made during my degree.
What was your first job after graduation and what other jobs did you have before your current position?
Throughout my degree, I worked seasonally as a radio operator for wildfire emergency services in order to fund my studies. During my last semester at UBC, I started my photography business, and then began working in child care after graduation.
What do you like about your current job and what do you find challenging? How does it relate to your degree?
Self-employment is both the most rewarding and the most challenging aspect of my job(s). I feel as though the flexible structure of GRSJ classes really prepared me for freelance work, as it taught me how to self-motivate, develop, and follow through on ideas. Choosing a variety of electives within Arts opened my mind up to different ways to approach a theory or issue. From this, I feel I’ve gained the ability to evaluate circumstances and stretch and adapt my creativity to fit within them.
What advice would you give to students and alumni interested in breaking into your industry?
Don’t stop learning post-grad. Aim to understand the clients you’re working with and their positionality in the world. Practice empathy.
What advice would you give to your first-year self?
Trust your gut! You – and you alone – know the best path for your future.
