Christine Gilbert, BA’91

What was your first job after graduation?

Bank teller, CIBC

What would you tell your graduating self?

This job will have relevance to your future, even though you don’t see it now. Also, do some proper career exploration. Volunteer more.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In my current position.

What is the biggest mistake you make at your job/ job interview?

Actually, always did very well in interviews. But I don’t think I screened well enough to narrow down who I should be targeting for interviews. I applied for everything and usually got the interview and usually the job offer. But the job was not always the best fit.

If you weren’t in your current job field, what would you be doing?

Probably Human Resources/Recruitment.

What was the most important connection you made?

That’s a tough one, it’s been over 20 years since graduating and there have been many. Probably one through SFU. The manager who interviewed me. I didn’t get the job. It went to an internal candidate. But the manager was very helpful, saw potential in me and encouraged me to keep applying to SFU.

What was your ‘aha’ moment? Walking into an ESL school for an interview.

The feeling, the buzz of the school environment compared to the corporate environments I had been in, felt much more suitable and energizing.

What was the best advice that you received?

Everything happens for a reason.

How do you make the best of all situations?

Always being on the lookout for opportunities to learn.

What was your most embarrassing moment at work?

Spilling a huge cup of coffee on top of the presentation laptop while facilitating a workshop for a group of 30 students.

What was the lesson you learned the hard way?

You don’t know what you don’t know.

What is your best memory from your time at UBC?

Dance classes & performances with the UBC Dance Club.

What did you think you would be doing when you started university?

Lawyer

What is your dream job?

Campus Recruitment Manager/Career Advisor, which what I’m doing now.

If you could go back in time, what would you do differently?

Take HR at UBC. Or maybe counselling