On March 5th, the Interdisciplinary Studies (IDST) program held its first ever Alumni Career Panel. This event featured Saif Ali, a Business and Configuration Analyst; Sarah Ling, a Community Historian and Documentary Filmmaker; and Annika Nunan, a Policy Analyst. These alumni have found unique ways to apply their interdisciplinary degrees and education in their professional and personal lives and enthusiastically spoke to current IDST undergrads about their experience.
“You are the owner of your program,” Saif explained, and you understand it better than anyone else. Each alumnus reaffirmed the importance and benefits of an Interdisciplinary Studies degree in a growing, connected world, and the importance of having confidence in articulating it. Annika emphasized the strength of being an IDST student: we are not only experts in one area of study, but of multiple areas, and are unique in our ability to make connections and insights between them. This interdisciplinary skill is relevant and beneficial to real-world and workplace settings.
Sarah emphasized the non-academic skill of Interdisciplinary Studies students who are tasked with building and finding community during their degree, and the natural connections that form with people in many different areas of study and walks of life.
The panelists offered personal advice to students, including encouraging graduating students to frame their degree in accordance with the careers they are applying to, advocating for themselves and making connections in their fields, and engaging in any activities and events that can help foster independence and self-growth.
When asked about what students got out of the Alumni Career Panel, the common consensus was that everyone felt more confident and reassured about their post-grad plans with an IDST degree. As IDST is a degree that can open many doors, students also agreed that our unique perspectives aid us in trying out different paths throughout our careers and building community. Students also expressed they collectively felt a great sense of pride in IDST as members of the community had this event as an opportunity to connect and communicate despite the different paths we all pursue at UBC.
“I should do what I am interested in. I was told not to rush but also to not take the opportunities at UBC for granted as an undergrad.”
The event saw great success with interesting and insightful questions being asked by the audience, with a group of students even staying after the event to chat with our alumni. We sincerely hope that this Alumni Career Panel will be the first of many in the coming years! A big thank you to Saif Ali, Sarah Ling, and Annika Nunan for their time and words of wisdom, and the members of the Interdisciplinary Studies staff, and Student Association for their contributions in running this event!
Post written by:
Shannon Lee is a fourth year IDST student with focuses in Asian Studies, English, and Creative Writing.
Amy Perrin is a third year IDST student with a theme in Ethics, Responsibility, and Social Change.
