Rosalyn C. RainDancer
Why did you choose your program at UBC and what did you enjoy most about it?
I entered the Interdisciplinary Program almost by accident, as by Year 2/3, I had changed my major five times and the Dean suggested that I may be a good fit for the inaugural Interdisciplinary Program. I was in the first cohort of Interdisciplinary BA graduates.
I took courses in subjects that I really wanted to study, which spanned English literature, women’s studies/gender studies, history, business, politics, anthropology/sociology, and counselling psychology. I also gave myself permission to extend my degree to six years, which allowed me to live in residence, volunteer in a variety of leadership roles, complete the Arts Co-op Program, go on exchange and even take a term off to pursue a creative writing program. When I graduated, I felt ready, prepared and confident to step out into the world as a young professional.
What were some of your most meaningful experiences at UBC?
There were so many! But if I were to choose a few, it’s definitely my time at International House as a volunteer Peer Program Leader and then as Orientation Program Coordinator staff. That was a dream job for me; it was also the most challenging job I had as a student.
I chose to specialize in Ethnic and Intercultural Studies and having the opportunity to apply what I was learning in a real-world context was one of the highlights of my undergraduate experience. Participating in and completing the Arts Co-op Program is a close second, as I literally would not have had the career development competencies and job readiness if it were not for the training, support and experience that I gained from Co-op.
A third highlight was taking an unconventional course on migrant communities from History Professor Henry Yu, going on exchange to UCLA, and then being part of a team of student fellows to co-found a brand-new learning and research initiative called INSTRCC (INitiative for Student Teaching and Research in Chinese Canadian Studies) that I happened to also birth the name for!
What choices did you make at UBC that contributed to your career success / journey?
For me, it was choosing the academic, learning and leadership opportunities that spoke to my heart and mind. I deliberately sought out opportunities that I wanted to experience; if an opportunity didn’t exist, then I created it or asked for support in creating it.
What was your first job after graduation and what other jobs did you have before your current position?
My first job after graduation was as a Communications Officer/Audit Analyst with the Ministry of Small Business and Revenue. It was a provincial government job in Victoria. I had completed co-ops in marketing/communications and I felt like I won the post-graduation job lottery in landing a great government job straight out of graduation!
I was in that role for two years when I realized that being a government worker was not for me. I grew up in a family of entrepreneurs; it was in my blood. In 2008, I embarked on a decade-long career journey in social entrepreneurship, either starting or growing a number of projects and ventures that focus on social/environmental impact. This lead to my current business: the world’s first holistic and integrated business leadership coaching, management training and strategic growth consulting firm.
Is your current career path as you originally intended? What challenges did you face in launching your career?
Definitely not what I originally intended!
When I was at UBC, I thought I wanted to be a writer or a counsellor. I even took some pre-requisite courses for an MFA in Creative Writing as well as for an MA in Counselling Psychology. I was almost sure that I would enter a Masters Program within a few years out of graduation.
Now, 12 years later, a Masters degree is still a possibility, but I’ve carved out an entrepreneurial career path that is truly my heart’s purpose. I fully believe that we all have a responsibility to share our innate skills and gifts to contribute to a better world.
It’s not easy walking an unconventional career path. I encountered challenges in terms of family members not understanding what I was doing, business leaders who didn’t take me seriously because I was a young Asian woman of colour, and the more common challenges of entrepreneurs – the stress and burnout, business partners that were not the right fit, new/changing market conditions, or simply decisions or mistakes that cost me time, money, and a lot of heartache. Through it all, the lessons learned far outweighed the adversities and challenges that came my way.
What do you like about your current job and what do you find challenging? How does it relate to your degree?
Currently, I have the honour to work with leaders, founders/CEOs, and entrepreneurs in growing their business to align with their true heart’s purpose and build companies that are extraordinary and impactful in every way. I truly feel that my life’s work has prepared me to support my chosen niche and I’m grateful to wake up every day and work with some of the most inspiring people on the planet.
From your experience, what has been the value of having an Arts degree?
An Arts degree teaches you how to learn and grow, which is what life’s journey is all about. It teaches you how to think and how to explore the world and what’s right for you. It’s a journey of self-discovery that I believe is the most important competency for success today.
Are there any other achievements or activities you would like to highlight?
Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure and privilege to mentor UBC and SFU students one-on-one or via career info fairs, employer visits, and mock interviews/pitches. I love seeing young entrepreneurs learn and thrive, and one of my greatest joys is providing them with a space to share what’s in their minds and hearts and being that person that believes in them.
What advice would you give to students and alumni interested in breaking into your industry?
Recognize that your life is going to be very different than most of your peers. Your career will never be a straight line. You are going to need the support of an inner circle of family and friends who understand and accept the path you’ve chosen.
You are going to need to build an inner resilience that comes from “just doing it” and learning from your mistakes. The earlier you can get involved in your first venture/business, the better. Make mistakes early and often and as cheaply as possible. Gather mentors and other entrepreneurs around you to support and challenge you.
What advice would you give your graduating self?
There is no such thing as “arriving” or being successful “after” you land that dream job, secure the next promotion, or earn yet another piece of paper. It’s a journey, and the reward is in becoming more of your authentic self. Trust yourself and have fun!
Rosalyn C. RainDancer
Why did you choose your program at UBC and what did you enjoy most about it?
I entered the Interdisciplinary Program almost by accident, as by Year 2/3, I had changed my major five times and the Dean suggested that I may be a good fit for the inaugural Interdisciplinary Program. I was in the first cohort of Interdisciplinary BA graduates.
I took courses in subjects that I really wanted to study, which spanned English literature, women’s studies/gender studies, history, business, politics, anthropology/sociology, and counselling psychology. I also gave myself permission to extend my degree to six years, which allowed me to live in residence, volunteer in a variety of leadership roles, complete the Arts Co-op Program, go on exchange and even take a term off to pursue a creative writing program. When I graduated, I felt ready, prepared and confident to step out into the world as a young professional.
What were some of your most meaningful experiences at UBC?
There were so many! But if I were to choose a few, it’s definitely my time at International House as a volunteer Peer Program Leader and then as Orientation Program Coordinator staff. That was a dream job for me; it was also the most challenging job I had as a student.
I chose to specialize in Ethnic and Intercultural Studies and having the opportunity to apply what I was learning in a real-world context was one of the highlights of my undergraduate experience. Participating in and completing the Arts Co-op Program is a close second, as I literally would not have had the career development competencies and job readiness if it were not for the training, support and experience that I gained from Co-op.
A third highlight was taking an unconventional course on migrant communities from History Professor Henry Yu, going on exchange to UCLA, and then being part of a team of student fellows to co-found a brand-new learning and research initiative called INSTRCC (INitiative for Student Teaching and Research in Chinese Canadian Studies) that I happened to also birth the name for!
What choices did you make at UBC that contributed to your career success / journey?
For me, it was choosing the academic, learning and leadership opportunities that spoke to my heart and mind. I deliberately sought out opportunities that I wanted to experience; if an opportunity didn’t exist, then I created it or asked for support in creating it.
What was your first job after graduation and what other jobs did you have before your current position?
My first job after graduation was as a Communications Officer/Audit Analyst with the Ministry of Small Business and Revenue. It was a provincial government job in Victoria. I had completed co-ops in marketing/communications and I felt like I won the post-graduation job lottery in landing a great government job straight out of graduation!
I was in that role for two years when I realized that being a government worker was not for me. I grew up in a family of entrepreneurs; it was in my blood. In 2008, I embarked on a decade-long career journey in social entrepreneurship, either starting or growing a number of projects and ventures that focus on social/environmental impact. This lead to my current business: the world’s first holistic and integrated business leadership coaching, management training and strategic growth consulting firm.
Is your current career path as you originally intended? What challenges did you face in launching your career?
Definitely not what I originally intended!
When I was at UBC, I thought I wanted to be a writer or a counsellor. I even took some pre-requisite courses for an MFA in Creative Writing as well as for an MA in Counselling Psychology. I was almost sure that I would enter a Masters Program within a few years out of graduation.
Now, 12 years later, a Masters degree is still a possibility, but I’ve carved out an entrepreneurial career path that is truly my heart’s purpose. I fully believe that we all have a responsibility to share our innate skills and gifts to contribute to a better world.
It’s not easy walking an unconventional career path. I encountered challenges in terms of family members not understanding what I was doing, business leaders who didn’t take me seriously because I was a young Asian woman of colour, and the more common challenges of entrepreneurs – the stress and burnout, business partners that were not the right fit, new/changing market conditions, or simply decisions or mistakes that cost me time, money, and a lot of heartache. Through it all, the lessons learned far outweighed the adversities and challenges that came my way.
What do you like about your current job and what do you find challenging? How does it relate to your degree?
Currently, I have the honour to work with leaders, founders/CEOs, and entrepreneurs in growing their business to align with their true heart’s purpose and build companies that are extraordinary and impactful in every way. I truly feel that my life’s work has prepared me to support my chosen niche and I’m grateful to wake up every day and work with some of the most inspiring people on the planet.
From your experience, what has been the value of having an Arts degree?
An Arts degree teaches you how to learn and grow, which is what life’s journey is all about. It teaches you how to think and how to explore the world and what’s right for you. It’s a journey of self-discovery that I believe is the most important competency for success today.
Are there any other achievements or activities you would like to highlight?
Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure and privilege to mentor UBC and SFU students one-on-one or via career info fairs, employer visits, and mock interviews/pitches. I love seeing young entrepreneurs learn and thrive, and one of my greatest joys is providing them with a space to share what’s in their minds and hearts and being that person that believes in them.
What advice would you give to students and alumni interested in breaking into your industry?
Recognize that your life is going to be very different than most of your peers. Your career will never be a straight line. You are going to need the support of an inner circle of family and friends who understand and accept the path you’ve chosen.
You are going to need to build an inner resilience that comes from “just doing it” and learning from your mistakes. The earlier you can get involved in your first venture/business, the better. Make mistakes early and often and as cheaply as possible. Gather mentors and other entrepreneurs around you to support and challenge you.
What advice would you give your graduating self?
There is no such thing as “arriving” or being successful “after” you land that dream job, secure the next promotion, or earn yet another piece of paper. It’s a journey, and the reward is in becoming more of your authentic self. Trust yourself and have fun!
