ubc arts co-op annual report 2012/2013

arts co-op program2012/2013 Year end report

UBC Arts Co-op YeAr end report 2012/20132

Message froM the Dean

It’s no surprise to announce that 2012/13 has been another record-breaking year for our Co-op Program, with 375 placements in total, including 41 abroad. Although all of our domestic co-op opportunities offer extraordinary experiences for our students, I want to take this opportunity to focus on our international co-op opportunities, the growth of which have paralleled UBC’s rise as a global university. I’ve long believed that North American universities need to look out on global horizons. For our students to be competitive in a world of international travel, trade, and communication, they have to be world-ready, proficient in intercultural communications, and intellectually cosmopolitan. They need the opportunity to learn as they travel and to engage in and out of the classroom at UBC and beyond. The rich professional and personal experiences our students are gaining by completing co-op work terms in cities as diverse as Hong Kong and Geneva, to name but two, lie at the heart of why co-op programs are so vital: because they immerse students in an opportunity to learn outside the classroom, demanding much from them personally and professionally while providing a bridge through to promising careers. This is particularly true of students who move to a new country for their co-op terms. The depth and breadth of the co-op experience helps our students to see new horizons for themselves and their degrees, and to see their futures and the world in new ways. I encourage you to take a few minutes to read the many student and alumni profiles in this report to really get a sense of the transformative power of the co-op experience. These transformations are made possible by the hundreds of remarkable employers who hire our students here and abroad and are our partners in educating tomorrow’s leaders. As always, on behalf of the Faculty of Arts, I want to thank you for working with us again this year. Gage AverillDean, Faculty of Arts

UBC Arts Co-op YeAr end report 2012/2013 3

Message froM the Director

I’m delighted to share our 2012/13 annual report with you. It’s been a fabulous year with a record number of Arts students working domestically and also in 9 countries abroad. This success is a result of the commitment our employer, student, and faculty partners make to co-operative education and the excellent work of our remarkable staff team. Thank you! Placement highlights include:

• 14% increase in placements from 2011/12, making this our best year yet

• 11% of our placements, or 41, were international, a 24% increase from the previous year

• Government continues to be our largest employment sector, up 2% from last year

• Our co-op students earned $3,140,356 million in total salaries this year

This year we undertook a major survey of our employers. Highlights include:

• 99% of employers would recommend our program to others in their field

• The high calibre of our students’ skill sets is the #1 reason employers hire UBC Arts co-op students

• Direct support from the co-op office during the hiring process is the most valued service we provide

We also undertook our first major survey of our alumni. Highlights include:

• 97% of our alumni would recommend our program to students

• There is a correlation between higher starting salaries after graduation and number of work terms completed

• Alumni said that one-on-one coaching with co-op staff was the most valuable part of our service

I hope you’ll take time to read the wonderful student and alumni stories throughout this report, and check out the great things our Student Association and Alumni Network have done this past year. As always, please contact me if you have questions or feedback at 604.827.5194 or [email protected]. Julie WalchliDirector, Faculty of Arts Co-operative Education Program


our rootsThe UBC Arts Co-op Program started as a pilot program in 1997 for students in the Department of English. As a result of our growth and success, the program is thriving and includes students across all undergraduate disciplines within Arts (26 different undergraduate programs in the Social Sciences, Humanities, and Creative and Performing Arts) and graduate programs in the School of Library, Archival and Information Studies.

We are now the third largest co-op program at UBC with about 549 active students in the program.

arts co-op programMission stateMentThe UBC Arts Co-op Program offers students enriched educational experiences for personal and professional growth by working with diverse community partners and sectors to provide transformative workplace learning.

The UBC Arts Co-op Program aims to:

• Provide students with the support and opportunities for career exploration, and diversification of experience and skill sets

• Develop skilled professionals who can strengthen the workforce in new and innovative ways

• Enable students to be engaged citizens who contribute positively to a global society

• Build student capacity for leadership

• Foster student and alumni connections to UBC and the local and international communities


The Arts Co-op Program placed 375 students during 2012/13 including 304 undergraduate (UG) students from Humanities, Social Science, and Creative and Performing Arts majors, and 71 graduate (G) students from the School of Library, Archival and Information Studies. This is the highest placement success in the program’s history and a 14% increase over last year’s numbers.

eMployMent by sector & regionThe public sector remained the largest employer of Arts Co-op students in 2012/13 with 50% of placements, up 2% from last year. The non-profit sector had 26% of placements (an increase of 1% from last year), with the remaining 24% working in the private sector (a decrease of 3% from last year).

In 2012/13, 72% of our placements were in the Lower Mainland area, 3% on Vancouver Island, 3% in other BC locations, 12% in other Canadian provinces and territories, and 10% in foreign countries.

eDucating global citizens: international placeMentsThis year 41 students completed co-op terms in Australia, China, France, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, and the United States – a 24% increase from last year. Since the Program’s inception in 2000, Arts Co-op students have worked in over 27 different countries.

We know that living and working abroad is one of the most powerful educational experiences students can have, and want to ensure all students who want international co-op experience have access to challenging opportunities.

Year UG G Total

99/00 112 - 112

00/01 119 - 119

01/02 144 - 144

02/03 134 15 149

03/04 189 25 214

04/05 182 20 202

05/06 212 28 240

06/07 220 46 266

07/08 264 54 318

08/09 223 39 262

09/10 201 37 238

10/11 215 61 276

11/12 265 64 329

12/13 304 71 375

Total 2789 460 3249

Year Placements% of total

99/00 10 9%

00/01 10 8%

01/02 10 7%

02/03 15 10%

03/04 18 8%

04/05 19 9%

05/06 35 15%

06/07 25 10%

07/08 43 14%

08/09 29 11%

09/10 16 7%

10/11 23 8%

11/12 29 9%

12/13 41 11%

Total 298 10%

facts & figures

international placeMents

placeMent history

report on eMployer & aluMni arts co-op surveys survey indicates high employer and alumni satisfaction

Thank you to all the employers and alumni who responded to our recent surveys. We consistently strive to offer employers easy access to the highest calibre UBC students, while maintaining positive relations with our alumni and we value your feedback.

What our employers are saying

• The high level of skills and experience of our students is the #1 reason why employers recruit from UBC Arts Co-op

• Direct follow up from our office after a position is posted is the most important communication for employers

What our alumni are saying

• 97% of survey respondents would recommend the Program to other students• One-on-one meetings with our advisors/coordinators are ranked as the most useful

resource of co-op

We’ll be making Program improvements based on the survey results in the year ahead and will continue to monitor the quality of our Program. Thank you for your continued support. We invite you to share ideas and feedback with us anytime.

high calibre stuDentsPotential undergraduate Arts Co-op students go through a rigorous and competitive application process, as we strive to admit outstanding students who will meet the needs of our employers.

We assess students’ suitability for the Program by reviewing their academic achievements, previous work and volunteer experiences, interpersonal skills, writing abilities, and career motivation. After reviewing applications, we select the strongest students to participate in group interviews where students are asked both behavioural and standard interview questions. Following this, students deliver a brief presentation and complete an independent writing assignment.

We invest in this rigorous selection process to ensure that we consistently deliver the highest calibre students for our employers.


stuDent salary averages

Since the Program’s launch in January 2000, Arts Co-op student wages have totaled over $26 million!

The following salary data shows co-op salary averages by employment sector. Undergraduate students earn an average of $1,948 per month while on Arts Co-op work terms, while graduate students earn an average of $2,838 per month. In total, undergraduate Arts Co-op students earned $2,432,072 in salaries during 2012/13, and graduate Arts Co-op students earned $708,284 in salaries, for a total of $3,140,356 earned in 2012/13.

An undergraduate student will earn on average a total of $26,014 over 3 work terms. Students who choose to do an optional fourth co-op work term before graduation will earn an average of $35,759 and students who choose to do an optional fifth co-op work term will earn an average of $45,872.

unDergraDuate salary by Work terM

Work term Average salary1 $8,0212 $8,7533 $9,240

total $26,0144 $9,7455 $10,113

total $45,872

3500

3000

2000

2500

1500

1000

500

0public privatenon-

profitoverall

$1

,89

8

$2

,92

7

$1

,87

4

$2

,38

3

$2

,07

1

$3

,20

5

$1

,94

8

$2

,83

8

Undergraduate

Graduate

unDergraDuate anD graDuate salaries by sector


stuDent achieveMents

2012 ubc arts co-op stuDents of the yearThe Arts Co-op Program recognized each of the three winners for outstanding achievement in all aspects of student performance, including academics, the workplace, and professional and/or community involvement with a monetary award recorded on the student’s transcript.

slais Mlis co-op dAnielle WestBrook Master of Library and Information Studies Work term: Technical Services Co-op Student, UBC Library

slais Mas co-op Helen BroWn Dual Master of Archival & Master of Library and Information Studies Work term: Archive Project Coordinator, Playwrights Theatre Centre

unDergraDuate arts co-op reBekAH pArker Bachelor of Arts, Interdisciplinary Studies Work term: Student Development Assistant, UBC Engineering Student Development

co-op stuDent Wins national recognitionUBC Arts Co-op student Rebekah Parker has been recognized as one of the nation’s best co-op students by CAFCE for 2012 (Canadian Association For Co-operative Education). Rebekah was awarded an honourable mention for her work term at UBC Student Development, Engineering. She excelled in key initiatives such as the Engineering Mentoring Program and Imagine Day UBC Orientations, impressing her supervisor with “exceptional professionalism, initiative, and quality of work in all aspects of her role.”

It’s the second year in a row that a UBC Arts Co-op student has received this national honour. Rebekah also received an honourable mention as BC Co-op Student of the Year from the Association for Co-operative Education BC/Yukon.

Image: Rebekah Parker (center) receives certificate of national co-op recognition from Julie Walchli, Director of the UBC Arts Co-op Program (left) and Emily Wyatt, Student Development Coordinator, Engineering (right).


stuDent intake & selectionDuring our annual intake in Fall 2012, we received 285 applications from undergraduate students and admitted 191. For the graduate program, we received 56 applications from SLAIS students and admitted 48.

stuDent involveMentThe Arts Co-op Students’ Association (ACSA) strives to create a community for students and alumni to connect with their peers, and to share their co-op experiences and career aspirations. As the first co-op student association at UBC, ACSA organizes events to enhance students’ professional skills and provide them with an opportunity to get to know others in the program so they can learn from one another, have fun and stay connected.

ACSA’s 7 teams are led by students and elected by Arts Co-op students:

• Publishing Team• Social Team • Finance & Promotions Team• Web Team • Mentorship Team• Alumni Relations Team• Professional Development Team

In addition to regular professional development workshops, mentoring, and a range of social events, ACSA also contributes a portion of each students’ membership fees to the UBC United Way campaign, helping to raise awareness of the needs and services within our local community.

To learn more about ACSA and their accomplishments, and to read their online blog, visit ubcacsa.wordpress.com


types of knoWleDge• Archaeological

methods and principles

• Data collection and analysis

• Economic modeling

• Environmental assessment

• Environmental economics

• Finance• Fundraising• Geographic

Information Systems

• International development

• International peace & security

• Policy analysis• Quantitative

& qualitative research

• Statistical analysis

• Survey design & implementation

• Technical & research report writing

• Anthropology • Mathematics• Cognitive Systems • Political Science• Economics • Psychology• First Nations Languages • Social Work• Geography • Sociology• International Relations • Speech Sciences• Linguistics • Women’s & Gender Studies

alex chen international relations Major, french Minor

As an International Relations major, Alex believes that co-op has provided him a greater understanding of potential careers, both within and beyond his field of study. Working as a Junior Political Officer at Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada in Ottawa, Alex supported divisional operations and prepared briefings for the Minister, while also learning about the process of policy-making in action. Alex had a professional revelation through his work as a Communication Assistant for the UBC Centre for Arts and Student Services. As a result, he is now entering into his final year at UBC with a career goal of working in the communications field.

ashley van Der pouW kraan geography Major

As a Geography major, with a focus on Environment and Sustainability, Ashley aspires to one day assist in the creation of protected areas in Canada. Her work term as a Science Facilitator at Science World brought her closer to her goal. She completed wide-ranging tasks such as developing and managing a planting plan and helping in the redesign of the science park website. Through her co-op she was exposed to “the newest ideas in sustainability” and gained an understanding of “how to promote an appreciation and enjoyment of our ecological community,” knowledge she will apply to her studies at UBC. Ashley believes co-op is helping her to “develop the skills and network connections [she] will need to thrive after graduation.”

social sciences Majors


types of knoWleDge• Communications• Fundraising• Intercultural

communication• Language

abilities: Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, South Asian Languages, Spanish

• Museum collections

• Policy development & analysis

• Program administration

• Research & analysis

• Technical & business writing

• Translation

• Asian Area Studies • German• Asian Languages and Culture • Spanish• Canadian Studies • History• Classical Studies • Near Eastern Studies• Classics • Philosophy• English • Religious Studies• French • Romance Studies

huManities Majors

aMy suen english literature Major, commerce Minor

As a writer Amy was keen to apply and challenge herself. Through co-op she has successfully held the position of Techincal Writer at Nokia, Global Relay and Samsung. In each of these three positions Amy developed technical skills that she “would not have been able to learn in the classroom.” She is now familiar with Adobe Creative Suite, and can design webpages using HTML. In addition, she expanded her professional network and further strengthened her interpersonal communication skills in professional settings. At Nokia Amy received a Peer-to-Peer Recognition Award for her Competitive Analysis Presentation. Her co-op experiences have solidified her future career aspiration of working in the high tech industry.

ariana louWe philosophy Major

Ariana entered the co-op program with the goals of broadening her skill set and improving her resume and portfolio. She affirms that co-op provided her with excellent networking opportunities and helped her to gain strong professional work experience. Before joining co-op Ariana’s experience focused mainly on customer service, but through co-op she expanded her skill set and learned to adapt her critical thinking and analytical skills gained as a Philosophy student to the workplace. For the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association, Ariana created strategic communication plans and successfully coordinated Viva Vancouver events in partnership with the City of Vancouver. She is now planning for a future career in public relations, communications and event planning.


zoya Mirzaghitova art history Major

Zoya’s desired career as a curator is a challenge to begin. Co-op enabled her to gain experience in curation at both the Campbell River Art Gallery and the Satellite Gallery. In her positions she organized and administered various gallery programs and successfully increased Campbell River Art Gallery’s program attendance by 90%! She is now confident and excited about her future career path, and places high value on participating in co-op, stating that “it will be an asset to me for years to come.” After her co-op position finished at the Satellite Gallery, she was offered a permanent part-time position, an opportunity she claims would not have been possible without the experience and connections she gained in co-op.

WenDy chan creative Writing Major, sociology Minor

Managing donor relations at Kids Up Front Foundation Vancouver has demonstrated to Wendy how relevant the skills are that she is gaining from her Sociology degree. Co-op, she feels, has meaningfully supplemented her studies as she is able to witness various sociological theories come to life in her position in a non-profit organization. She expresses a deep appreciation to co-op for giving her the confidence to pursue positions and to be proud of what she can offer.

“UBC Arts Co-op is a great learning experience – every application and interview I have done has given me the opportunity to grow and improve,” says Wendy. She strongly believes that co-op has given her a competitive advantage in the job market after graduation.

creative & perforMing arts Majors

types of knoWleDge• Arts

administration• Creative writing• Digital arts• Film production• Fundraising• Music education• Music

composition & performance

• Painting, photography, print media, sculpture

• Theatre design, directing & acting

• Acting • Music• Art History • Theatre• Creative Writing • Theatre: Design & Production • Film Production • Visual Arts• Film Studies


Masters Degrees• Library &

Information Studies (MLIS)

• Archival Studies (MAS)

• Joint Archival & Library Studies (MASLIS)

types of knoWleDge• Electronic

information retrieval

• Internet research• Knowledge

management• Management

principles• Organization of

information• Records

management• Research and

analysis• Web site design

and content development

• Asian Area Studies • German• Asian Languages and Culture • Spanish• Canadian Studies • History• Classical Studies • Near Eastern Studies• Classics • Philosophy• English • Religious Studies• French • Romance Studies

the ischool@ubc

chelsea shriver Dual Master of library and information studies / Master of archival studies program

Chelsea’s long standing interests in archives and rare books came together when she landed her dream co-op job at UBC Library, Rare Books and Special Collections (RBSC). In her position she worked with a range of materials and people. This experience has helped her to confirm her future aspirations of working in a similar environment. Chelsea was also able to put into practice project and time management skills while working on large scale projects such as exhibition and collection space planning. At RBSC Chelsea had the opportunity to apply the knowledge gained in her Dual degree and states that she “gained a good deal more confidence in [her] abilities through [her] co-op position with RBSC.” She speaks highly of her supervisors for adding depth to her experience at RBSC.

Dan collins Master of archival studies program

Dan credits co-op for showing him how to prepare for interviews and write strong resumes. Tailoring his resume proved successful, as his applications landed him co-op positions at the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame Museum and Archives in Toronto and the Arts Club Theatre Company in Vancouver. Daniel gained not only strong archival experience in these positions, but also incredible practical experience such as having an increased understanding of how organizations work and how to deal with colleagues - lessons that will prove invaluable for years to come. Through his co-op positions he has had the opportunity to work on a diverse range of projects from creating displays of archival material to leading a team of volunteers through website creation.


jessica MoerMan | b.a. english literature, 2008 Director of youth programs, food security & literacy, south vancouver neighbourhood houseThrough co-op Jessica experienced non-profit and private sector work. As a Museum Assistant, she designed child-friendly programs for the Whistler Museum & Archives and also led activities and mentored high school students at South Vancouver Neighbourhood House (SVNH). Her most memorable experience was working as a homeroom teacher in Mexico. In this role she soon learned that although she enjoyed the challenges of teaching she “craved more adult interaction in addition to that with children.” Upon returning from Mexico she accepted a part-time position back at SVNH where she wrote a grant that was successful in expanding the program and thus landing her a full-time position as the Director of Youth Programs, Food Security & Literacy. Currently, Jessica is working toward completing an M.A. in Community Development with a focus on non-profit management.

alison atherton | b.a. canadian studies, 2010 negotiation analyst, aboriginal affairs and northern Development canadaIf asked “How did you get into federal work?” without hesitation Alison would reply “Arts Co-op!” Alison took full advantage of the government opportunities provided in co-op. She started at the Canada Border Services Agency on the front line where she learned how to determine if travelers were non-compliant. In her second co-op with Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, she developed and delivered support services for Aboriginal athletes and coaches and supported First Nations negotiations. After completing consecutive co-op terms at Aboriginal Affairs, she was offered the opportunity to bridge into the department. She has been working there ever since, and now works collaboratively to resolve historic grievances between Canadian and First Nation communities.

anran luo | b.a. international relations and french, 2011 business Development Manager, blue umbrella (hong kong)With a sense of adventure co-op opened up several international opportunities for Anran. She tackled the challenges of moving to new countries, gaining independence teaching English at Colegio Madison Bilingue in Mexico, and developing strong presentation skills in her time at Time Warner in Hong Kong. Through these experiences she also gained intercultural and workplace skills.

Anran’s time in Hong Kong was invaluable. There she learned about Blue Umbrella, the company she now works for. In her current role, Anran manages a team of staff and works on marketing and business strategy projects. Reflecting back on her relocation experience, she acknowledges that without her Time Warner co-op she would “not have discovered this opportunity, an experience that has helped me professionally as well as personally.”

aluMni profiles


aluMni profiles

jocelyn hallMan | Masters in library and information studies, 2010, librarian, bcg engineeringBeing in the co-op program allowed Jocelyn to learn about the importance of designing library services in a real-life setting which shaped the professional librarian that she is now. Starting as a Student Librarian at Environment Canada, Jocelyn worked with mentors who were both academically and professionally supportive of her growth. She created thousands of catalogue records, provided outstanding services to library users, and mastered the workings of a special library. With her abundant knowledge in library services her career took off and she now works as the first Corporate Librarian at BGC Engineering. She has built a library from the ground up and knows that co-op was vital in preparing her for roles like her current one.

tiMothy hunt | Master of archival studies, 2009 eDMs coordinator, e-Division (british columbia), rcMpTimothy credits co-op as being essential to his graduate education and a critical factor in his current employment at the RCMP. While in co-op Timothy worked at Citizenship and Immigration Canada, where he piloted an electronic document management system and conducted research on best practices in information management. He felt a profound sense of achievement in sharing his findings with colleagues during a day-long seminar. The secret to Timothy’s success was remaining in touch with the professionals he met on his co-op term. In doing so he “was made aware of a bridging opportunity” that Timothy states “helped me get my foot in the door in the federal public service.”

aluMni relationsThe UBC Arts Co-op Alumni Network started in 2010 and the Organizing Committee is currently made up of Bobby Huang (BA ‘09), Robyn Laughlin (BA ‘08), and Zack Lee (BA ‘08). They work closely with the Arts Co-op office and the Arts Alumni Relations office to connect alumni, staff, current students and the university. The group holds networking events throughout the year, and shares professional advice with current students through pre-employment conferences and the ACSA mentorship program.

Our alumni also play a critical role in supporting the growth of our program. In the fiscal 2012/13 year, UBC alumni posted 70 co-op positions with our program, accounting for 7% of total postings.


eMployer representativesAndreW FAbro, Head of Library Services, Environment CanadaChristine GerGiCh, Supervisor and Appellate Court Records Officer, Superior Courts JudiciarykAthy Gibler, Executive Director, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese GardenPriA sAndhu, Executive Director, Professional Association of Residents of BCshAWn CrAWFord, Project Manager, Research Unit, Aboriginal Affairs & Northern Development Canada

faculty MeMber representativesJudy broWn, Associate Head, Senior Instructor, Department of EnglishsAlly hermAnsen, Associate Dean (Centre for Arts Student Services), Senior Instructor Geography ViCtoriA lemieux, Assistant Professor, SLAIS

arts co-op aluMni representativesbobby huAnG, Analyst, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development CanadaJoCelyn hAllmAn, Librarian, BGC EngineeringmAryn WAllACe, Resource Development Specialist, United Way of the Lower MainlandoliVer ZihlmAnn, Development Officer, UBC Faculty of Applied Science timothy hunt, EDMS Coordinator, RCMP

aDvisory coMMittee MeMbers 2012/2013

stuDent representativesdAn GilleAn, Dual JonAthAn sChAtZ, MLISmelAny rodGers, Political Science/English Undergraduate Student, Executive Coordinator of Arts Co-op Students’ Associationryley humPhry, SociologyVAlerie leVeille, Dual

ubc staffAnnA Jubilo / erin WAtkins, SLAIS Co-op CoordinatorJulie WAlChli, Director (Committee Chair)miChelle mAllette / dAn slessor, SLAIS Student Services CoordinatorsheilA AshWell, Associate Director


ubc arts co-op staff

julie Walchli, Director

Julie has worked in the field of co-operative education since 1997 when she founded the first co-op education program in Arts at UBC in the English Department. Since then she has helped to create an Arts-wide program that offers career training and opportunities to students throughout all undergraduate programs and a graduate co-op program in the School of Library, Archival, and Information Studies. During 2008/09 she completed a secondment as Senior Advisor, Strategic Initiatives with the UBC Go Global International Learning Programs Office, creating a Student Safety Abroad policy and resources for UBC’s two campuses, and a handbook for faculty members leading Group Study Programs Abroad.

Julie has served in a number of leadership roles in the BC co-op community, and is currently President of the Association for Co-operative Education BC. A graduate from UBC’s B.A. and M.A. programs in English, Julie taught in the English department from 1993-97 and co-edited Landmarks: A Process Reader for Canadian Writers. Recognitions include the Canadian Co-op Association’s Dr. Graham Branton Research Award (with the ACE-BC Research Committee), UBC’s President’s Service Award for Staff Excellence and the Association of Co-operative Education BC award for outstanding contributions.

Undergraduate Degree: B.A., English (Honours) & Political Science (UBC) Graduate Degree: M.A., English (UBC)

sheila ashWell, associate Director

Sheila has been working in the career education and employment services field since 1995. Starting with youth in the secondary school system, she moved on to employment coaching, workshop delivery, and employer relations with Career Services at UBC, but has spent the last 12 years actively involved in the growth and development of UBC’s Arts Co-op Program.

An alumna of UBC’s Psychology Program, Sheila understands the value of an Arts degree. Sheila’s primary responsibilities are to manage the undergraduate Arts Co-op program, including the co-op student recruitment process, developing and delivering our “Illuminate” pre-employment conference series, 1:1 coaching and advising of students, conducting site visits, and maintaining positive relationships with the varied employer groups. In 2007 she completed her M.Ed. in Counselling Psychology from UBC, in 2008/09 she served as Acting Director, and in 2009/2010 she took a personal leave to act as UBC’s Loaned Representative to the United Way of the Lower Mainland and to volunteer/travel in East Africa. Sheila is the recipient of the 2008 Dean of Arts Award for Staff Excellence.

Undergraduate Degree: B.A., Psychology (UBC) Graduate Degree: M.Ed., Counseling Psychology (UBC)


anna jubilo - on leave 2013/2014 slais co-op coordinator Anna has a wide-ranging background in librarianship, program coordination, communications, and administration; extensive experience working with and participating in international exchange programs; as well as several years of experience at UBC, working with various departments and programs in the Faculty of Arts. She first worked with Arts Co-op in 2001 during a work term as a shared Communications Assistant with the Dean of Arts Office. Her other co-op positions were as a Technical Communicator for TELUS Enterprise Solutions and as an Academic Office Assistant with the YMCA International College. While completing her M.L.I.S. degree at UBC, Anna completed her practicum and professional experience with the Vancouver Art Gallery Library, worked as a Coordinator for VPL’s Summer Readalong Program, and as a work-study student, managing the Department of Linguistics’ Reading Room. Undergraduate Degree: B.A., English & Linguistics (UBC) Graduate Degree: M.L.I.S. (UBC)

heather liau - on leave 2013/2014 Manager, Marketing & industry relationsHeather’s main role at the Arts Co-op office is to expand the program through active marketing, industry outreach, and brand awareness, with the goal of significantly increasing the number of job opportunities for Arts Co-op students. In her previous experience, Heather’s marketing initiatives have brought international attention to British Columbia’s technology industry. In 2004, she launched BC’s first International Partnering Forum at the Vancouver International Digital Festival. Through personalized business matchmaking, Heather provided an avenue for local companies to pitch to the likes of international producers and distributors such as Cartoon Network, BBC, Flickr, and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Most recently, Heather led product launches and interactive and print marketing for Vision Critical, makers of the world’s most adopted online research platform. Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor of Commerce (UBC)

erin Watkins - leave replacement slais co-op coordinatorWith a passion to advise and support students, Erin joined the Arts Co-op team as a co-op alumni and a M.L.I.S. graduate of the iSchool at UBC. She brings to the Arts Co-op team a background in marketing and design, as well as experience working in public and academic libraries. She uses her broad experience to enhance student learning, effectively manage employer relations while also advising students. Erin has produced ALA award winning marketing materials, both in her co-op at the UBC Library Development office and for the North Shore Writers Festival. Erin completed her SLAIS practicum at Emily Carr University of Art and Design, and has since worked at North Vancouver District Public Library, Vancouver Public Library, Surrey Libraries and Simon Fraser University Library.Certificate: 2D Communication Design (ECUAD)Diploma: Marketing Management (KPU) Undergraduate Degree: B.A., Communication (SFU) Graduate Degree: M.L.I.S. (UBC)

blair slater - leave replacement Manager, Marketing & industry relationsBlair has always been a strong advocate of the UBC Arts Co-op program and co-operative education. After graduating from UBC Arts Co-op, Blair returned to his first co-op employer, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, where he managed different locations and hired and supported numerous co-op students. Since then, he has worked as a tour operations manager in Europe, and most recently as a district manager in marketing and sales with ADP Canada.Blair maintained his connection with co-op by sitting on the Arts Co-op Advisory Committee and participating in the mentorship program. He is responsible for expanding the Program by finding new employers and managing relationships with existing ones. He also uses his experience as a co-op alumnus and co-op employer to actively help advise and counsel current students.Undergraduate Degree: B.A., Political Science & History (UBC)


ubc arts co-op staff

Merry Wang - on leave 2013/2014 coordinator, information ManagementHaving graduated from the UBC Arts Co-op Program in May 2005, Merry has first-hand knowledge of the value of co-operative education. Through the Arts Co-op Program, Merry learned how to apply the skills she developed as an International Relations major in a variety of work environments. Merry completed her co-op work terms at S.U.C.C.E.S.S. (as an Assistant Program Coordinator), Atira Women’s Resource Society (as a Human Resources Assistant), and TRIUMF (as a Technology Transfer Assistant). Merry hopes that through participation in the Arts Co-op Program, students, employers, and faculty members will realize that a Liberal Arts education prepares students for a wide range of career opportunities. Merry is the recipient of the 2012 Dean of Arts Award for Staff Excellence. Undergraduate Degree: B.A., International Relations (UBC)

DaviD yuen - leave replacement program assistantDavid graduated in May 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations as well as considerable experience and passion in student affairs. As an Arts Co-op alumnus, David completed co-op work terms with Science World, UBC Student Development, and UBC International Student Development. David was also an active campus and community leader through his involvement with UBC Orientations, World Vision UBC, and the Global Lounge. These experiences helped augment his dedication to the enriching value of experiential learning, education, and student leadership outside the university classroom.Since August 2012, David has been supporting the essential operations of the Arts Co-op Program. As the Program Assistant, he manages all stages of the co-op hiring process in close collaboration with students, employers and stakeholders.Undergraduate Degree: B.A., International Relations & Psychology (UBC)

roger ling program assistant, coordinator, information ManagementAs a graduate of the Arts Co-op Program, Roger directly experienced the invaluable challenges and rewards that co-operative education offers. He successfully completed domestic and international co-op work terms as the Business Administrator of a locally-owned coffee enterprise as well as a Native English Teacher for iTTTi Japan Co. Ltd.. These unique co-op experiences played a crucial role in Roger’s personal and professional learning, and now he is excited to empower Arts students to attain similarly life-changing opportunities.Roger is also an avid cyclist and currently serves as the President for the Vancouver Galaxy Lions Club, a local service and fundraising organization. Undergraduate Degree: B.A., Sociology & Family Studies (UBC)

Arts Co-op Office buchanan C121 - 1866 main mall604.822.1529 [email protected]

Hire edUCAtionThe UBC Arts Co-op Program has students available each January, May, and September for 4 or 8-month paid work placements. Undergraduate students study a wide range of courses in Social Sciences, Humanities and the Creative and Performing Arts. Graduate students from the School of Library, Archival and Information Studies are also available.

ubc arts co-op annual report 2012/2013

Documents