Christine Yang and Arts Internship Program Coordinator, Robyn Begg, at the Dean's Reception for Graduating Student Leaders. Christine received the Arts Internship Program Student of the Year award.
Program of study: Sociology
UBC affiliations: Arts Internship Program, Arts Undergraduate Society, Arts Tri-Mentorship Program
Awards: Arts Internship Program Student of the Year Award
Where can we connect with you? LinkedIn, Instagram
How did you choose your academic program?
I decided to major in Sociology after taking an introductory course with Chris Mackenzie. He was so inspiring and taught me how to apply theoretical concepts to daily life. I love how relevant Sociology is. It has made me more aware and critical about what’s going on around the world. The way I perceive things shifted when I started seeing the connection between my personal experience and the wider society (or what C. Wright Mills would call applying our “sociological imagination”).
What were your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?
My biggest challenges had always been the lack of self-confidence and the pressure I gave myself, so I decided to restructure the way I think. Instead of doubting and pitying myself, I asked, what else can I do to improve? In second year, I applied to the Arts Internship Program and got a position with Access Pro Bono. It was through this position that I found my real passion. My supervisor Erin taught me so much and connected me with many professionals in the same field. I think I have been very lucky to have these role models to look up to. From this whole experience, I learned to have more faith in myself and trust the timing of my life.
I think I have been very lucky to have these role models to look up to. From this whole experience, I learned to have a bit more faith in myself and really trust the timing of my life.
What did you learn from your internship placement with Access Pro Bono?
Besides developing my professional skills and network, I think the biggest thing I’ve learned is knowing how to be a good listener. The majority of our clients are impoverished, marginalized or disabled and it is not uncommon to spend an hour or so on the phone with each client helping them with their legal situation. I try to be as meticulous as I can to make sure they understand what steps they can take and what their options are. I often act as their first point-of-contact, and direct them to the suitable services or resources if our organization is unable to assist them. There are also times when the clients just want to have someone to vent to when dealing with frustrating situations, so I always try to put myself in their shoes and understand where they are coming from. I’ve come to realize that helping people is a privilege. I want to do work that I know will bring positive value into other peoples’ lives.
How has your involvement with the Arts Internship Program impacted your career goals?
This internship experience has put me on the right path towards my career development. As a sociology major, I am interested in studying how society impacts individuals and how policies create inequalities. Prior to my involvement with AIP, I knew I wanted to do something that could help people, but the idea was so abstract that I wasn’t exactly sure how my personal interests and skills could translate into workplace qualifications. As I started getting more familiar with my role at Access Pro Bono and talking to like-minded mentors in the field, my passion for social justice initiatives and human rights deepened, and I realized this is something that I would love to pursue in the future. I came into the program as a lost second-year student trying to navigate her way into the professional workforce. A year later, I am evidently more confident in my abilities and in knowing where my future path will lead me.
I came into the program as a lost second-year student trying to navigate her way into the professional workforce. A year later, I am evidently more confident in my abilities and in knowing where my future path will lead me.
What are the top three things every UBC Arts student should do before they graduate?
- Broaden your personal and professional connections. A lot of times it’s not about what you know, but who you know. I highly suggest reaching out to different people for a coffee chat or informational interview, and developing a network of mentors. After attending networking events, I like to reach out to people who do work that I’m interested in. It is a really efficient way to network. I find that if you are genuine and willing to learn, then people usually love sharing their experiences with you.
- Your university experience is what you make of it, so go explore your interests and try different things. I always knew I wanted to come out of UBC with more than just a degree on paper. I think that we find ourselves and our passions in the most unexpected places, and you only realize that after you have put yourself out there. It’s okay to find out that you don’t enjoy doing the things you thought you would, it just means you are one step closer to discovering what’s right for you.
- Appreciate the things we learn in Arts. Besides sociology, I’ve also really enjoyed taking courses in other disciplines like political science, history and psychology. I love when I can use the things I learned in these classes in my conversations with friends and family, or even at networking events! (Yes – use your knowledge to impress your future employers.) It changes the way you think when you can apply theories to everyday life.
