Career Studio

Making your way in the professional world involves more than just what you know. How you act and present yourself is just as important. At Vancouver Island University, a key focus is on preparing our students for the realities of the workplace. This includes the critical social skills needed to succeed in Canada’s unique business environment.

Alisha Feser’s decision to pursue a Sociology degree at Vancouver Island University would ultimately lead her to the Master of Community Planning program. Fueled by her drive to find a career “dedicated to reducing human inequalities,” Alisha embraced every opportunity for growth and self-discovery that VIU offered her. The Nanaimo-raised graduate now works in a leadership role with the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District.

With two upcoming career fairs in the works, we thought now was a good time to offer some advice to help you prepare to put your best foot forward. Don’t miss the career fair for on-campus jobs on September 14 and a career fair for off-campus employment opportunities on September 15. Secure the position you want by following these tips:

Ted Nathanson is currently the manager of Wildplay in Nanaimo, a position he has held since February 2019. His journey to this position began when Ted decided to enroll in VIU’s Tourism Management program.

Here’s what he says about his working at Wildplay and how VIU helped prepare him for it.

VIU History student Ethan Hummel put his classroom learning into practice at the Nanaimo Museum. He worked as a heritage interpreter at the museum through the Young Canada Works program this spring and last fall. 

Ethan says his first-year history classes gave him a strong base for working in the Nanaimo Museum. He also gained a new perspective on Canadian history because the museum works closely with Snuneymuxw cultural knowledge experts and Elders.

Olivia Wright grew up in Whitehorse, Yukon, and moved to Nanaimo just before starting high school. During her Grade 12 year, she applied to the Bachelor of Business Administration program at VIU.

“My dream is to own a successful business that positively impacts others,” she says.

Olivia is starting her career in human resources as an intern with Western Forest Products. Here’s how VIU is helping her get where she wants to go.

It took Emily McComb half a year to find her fit at Vancouver Island University. After spending a semester exploring a nursing career, she made the switch to tourism management – a decision she’s never regretted now that she’s thriving as a sports management professional. Emily graduated from VIU in 2021 with a Bachelor of Tourism Management degree, as well as a diploma in Sports and Recreation Management and a certificate in Event Management.

When Tapiwa Shoko, also known as Taps, began searching for post-secondary opportunities, Vancouver Island University caught his eye due to the hands-on learning opportunities available. Taps, from Harare, Zimbabwe, graduates from VIU this June with a Bachelor of Hospitality Management. He is currently working as a student ambassador and for VIU Residences and exploring future options.

Fernando Jesus Medina Moreno’s university experience was so much more than what he learned in the classroom. The Bachelor of Business Administration student from Mexico City got involved in many different aspects of university life. Throughout these experiences, he picked up many important soft skills as well as the knowledge he gained from his courses. He graduates this June and hopes to work for a marketing agency on Vancouver Island.