Friday 15 April 2016

Career Snapshot - Chris Bacivan - Job Shadow Week Participant 


We caught up with Chris Bacivan, an Alumni of the UofA who completed his undergrad in 2014 with a B.Sc in Chemical Engineering. For the past two years Chris has been working at Deloitte LLP as a Reservoir Engineer where he focused on oil and gas reserve estimation, statistical resource studies, economic evaluations, and energy advisory services.  

Why did you choose to participate in Job Shadow Week?

I chose to participate in Job Shadow Week to gain insight on career paths for engineers, gain exposure to the realities of the workplace, and develop my network of industry professionals. 

Who did you shadow? What did you do?

I narrowed the list of 205 hosts down to a single company, C-FER Technologies.  C-FER was the best match for my education, career path, interests, and curiosity. The company helps clients by de-risking new technologies using testing, analysis, and applied R&D. C-FER’s world-class testing facility, which I got to visit, pushes vendor products like pumps, pipes, valves, and fittings, to their limits. I shadowed Brian Wagg, the Director of Business Development and Planning at C-FER Technologies. We spent the afternoon together discussing our career paths, work experiences, and the industry. Brian did a really great job of explaining C-FERs business model. He also shared with me some great advice and even put me in touch with a contact so that I can expand my industry network. We took a break from the meeting room and toured the office. Brian showed me the large-scale testing facility which was made up of hydraulic machines, thick concrete walls, and heavy equipment scattered in various corners of the massive industrial shop. 

Who would benefit from the Job Shadow program? And why?

I highly recommend the UofA Job Shadow Week to students and alumni. I personally wish I had this program during my undergrad because it would have helped me understand what options I have after graduation. It’s not a big time commitment and the Career Centre does so much work to ensure students get a wide range of hosts that are qualified, professional and ready to mentor. Who you would like to shadow were you to participate in the program again? If I were to participate in this program again I would like to shadow an investment banker, equity analyst/associate, or portfolio manager. 

Thursday 7 April 2016

Career Snapshot - Ben Throndson - Job Shadow Week Participant 


This week we caught up with Ben Throndson a third year Political Science major and Sociology minor. When not studying, he serves as the VP Communications for the Political Science Undergraduate Association and as a Councillor on the SU’s Students’ Council, representing Arts students’ interests.

What was one of the best pieces of advice that you received throughout your degree? Did this advice have a lasting impact on your career path? 

One of the pieces of advice that I remember most clearly from Orientation was the suggestion to be active outside of classes on campus. As a first year, I was nervous enough just being in a new environment that “getting involved” did not particularly appeal to me. While I eventually became comfortable enough to step out of my comfort zone, it wasn’t until recently - during the second half of my third year - that I have had a chance to stop and take stock of all the advantages associated one gains from participation in extracurricular activities. In hindsight, I can confidently say that extracurricular involvement is one of the best ways to make the most of one’s time as a U of A Arts student. 

Through my involvement with the Political Science Undergraduate Association and the Students’ Union, I’ve had the chance to make many new friends, apply what I’ve learned in class, and developed skills that will serve me throughout the rest of my life. Additionally, I’ve had the opportunity to learn more about the legislative process - an interest which I hope to pursue throughout my professional career.

Serving as VP Communications of the PSUA has been a really enjoyable experience. Not only have I learned a lot from my fellow Executive team members, I have had the chance to help build a stronger and more cohesive Political Science department. It’s great to be a part of such an exciting, fascinating, and friendly community, and I’d wager that similar opportunities for personal development and growth can be found within many other student groups at the U of A. Find one that interests you, and get in touch with them!

Another fantastic way to get involved on campus is to run for election to a representative position. I am very thankful for my friends who encouraged and helped me to run for Students’ Council, as representing students has turned out to be a really rewarding challenge. While it is nerve-wracking to let one’s name stand for election, the opportunities that serving in this position has provided in terms of meeting new people, learning more about University governance, and advancing change make the entire experience worthwhile. Please get in touch with me at bthronds@ualberta.ca if you are interested in running for Students’ Council or any other representative position on campus, and I’ll do my best to provide helpful advice!

What is a career challenge that awaits you after graduation? 

Moving forward, the next challenge that awaits me is making the transition from undergraduate studies to law school. While I’m not certain exactly what my career trajectory will look like, I am confident that the leadership skills and strong relationships that I’ve developed by being an active member of the U of A community will serve me well throughout my life.