Mark Phelps, a recent UBC graduate with a BA in Political Science and Economics, recently finished his final Co-op position with the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) focused on raising Canada’s investment profile during the Winter Games.
Mark’s academic background in political science and economics prepared him well for his Co-op terms. He started out with the North Vancouver Chamber of Commerce as an Information Counselor, providing information and assistance to tourists navigating around the city and surrounding areas. Developing his research and analytical skills, he monitored industry trends in the biotechnology field with a Seattle-based company named Pan Asia Biofuels. He then returned to the political sphere at a work term with the United States Consulate, where he created presentations to outline new trade objectives of the Obama Administration. Because Mark’s term coincided with country’s transition to the new Obama administration, he was truly able to apply his knowledge of political and economic affairs outside the classroom and into a dynamic practical setting.
This extensive experience paved the way for Mark to work with DFAIT on the Olympic file. Behind the sporting events, street parades, and Quatchi mascots, the Olympics turned Vancouver into a prime destination for promoting and conducting international investment. On this basis, Mark’s Co-op term focused on the sole goal of promoting investment in Canada. He worked with “VANOC, the IOC, and embassies abroad to coordinate 2010 themed events, focusing on priority countries” with ripe investment potential, and worked to raise Canada’s profile as a “stable investment climate.”
Through his Co-op terms, Mark has learned some invaluable lessons that he will bring with him beyond graduation: “Always make sure you know what you’re doing. Freedom and flexibility within your role is important, but always consider the guidelines laid out for you by your supervisor.” He also emphasizes the importance of asking questions and networking, “It’s not all about what you know, but who you know. Take advantage of the position you’re in and talk to people. If you don’t, you could be missing out on some great opportunities.”
For students considering joining the Arts Co-op Program, Mark says simply, “Do it. I was on the fence, but now I can say with a 110% certainty that this was the best decision I made at UBC.” Through Co-op, Mark realized the versatility of an Arts degree and that knowing what you don’t want to do is just as valuable as knowing what you do want.
Mark will continue to pursue a career in international trade and hopes to get a permanent job with the Foreign Affairs and International Trade in the near future.
