During their years of study at the University of Victoria - and post graduation - UVic students and alumni alike are known for contributing to the betterment of society at home and internationally through research, dynamic Co-operative Education programs and rewarding careers.
UVic: On the job
by Lori Bamber
When Brad Forth graduated from the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Victoria in 1988, there was no question about where he would find employment, or whether he would achieve success.
The year before, during a UVic co-op placement with Power Measurement Ltd., the Electrical Engineering graduate helped design a micro-chip-based power meter that would generate more than $1 million in sales the following year and grow from there. One might even say Mr. Forth’s trajectory had been set: he would go on to become the company’s CEO, and an Ernst and Young Pacific Entrepreneur of the Year, building a $200,000 (annual revenue) start-up into an international provider of enterprise energy management systems with annual revenues of over $45 million.
Not surprisingly, he is also one of UVic’s most ardent supporters, having come full circle from co-op student to co-op employer. “You become far ore valuable to employers if you have that sense of context and know how to apply the theory you’ve learned,” he says. “It sets you apart as a potential employee. And you also have the opportunity to see numerous businesses, to develop an evolved sense of what’s going to be gratifying to you.”
“Employers also benefit,” says Mr. Forth, “through a steady stream of fresh ideas and talent, often from different parts of the world.”
Since initiating two small co-op education programs in 1976-77, UVic has arranged 46,527 workterm placements. Today, the university offers experiential learning in every undergrad degree. Last year, UVic’s 2,651 work-term placements provided students with opportunities to put their skills to use in business, government and non-profit organizations – in Canada and 28 countries worldwide.
In a global economy that is becoming more interconnected each day, UVic’s International Exchange Program also provides students with unique insight into other cultures.
UVic partners with approximately 100 universities in over 25 countries, enabling UVic students to explore other cultures and academic systems while earning academic credit at home.
Jorga Zabojova was born in the Czech Republic, spent her teenage years in Victoria, and has taken her UVic-earned skills abroad using a different path. The 2004 British Columbia Rhodes Scholar graduated with distinction from UVic’s Faculty of Science with a Bachelor of Science in Honours Biology.
“UVic offers an excellent learning environment,” she says. “It allows students to broaden their horizons and gain an appreciation of what lies beyond their bachelors degrees.”
Today, Ms. Zabojova is excited about her research at Oxford, and is looking forward to returning to Canada to pursue her studies in clinical medicine, but she also looks back on her time at UVic with gratitude.
“UVic is very accommodating to your needs, whether you realize it at the time or not. I think a high priority is put on students; this atmosphere allowed and even encouraged me to talk to professors and administrators – without their help I would never have had the opportunities I have.”
For students who want to continue their studies closer to home, the University offers masters or doctoral programs in 41 different departments.
Dr. Aaron Devor, dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, says, “Students wishing to pursue graduate studies here will find a great range of expertise, from Physics to Fine Arts. We also offer some very interesting and unique programs: Cultural, Social and Political Thought; Indigenous Governance; and Dispute Resolution, for example.
“In the sciences, we’re doing incredible work in oceanography with our VENUS and NEPTUNE projects. We have one of the best law schools in the country, and our astronomy program is among the best worldwide. This is a place that is full of life, energy and tremendous opportunity. There is so much going on here – it’s very inspiring.”
Jennifer Margison, manager of the Career Services department at UVic, is witness to the cumulative value of this rich environment, as the Career Services Centre helps students translate their education into satisfying and rewarding careers.
“We deal with critical transition points – from school to work, back to school, on to other opportunities – and that determines our students’ career success and satisfaction,” she says. “We work with students starting from the first year, helping them to develop ongoing supportive relationships.We facilitate connections between our students and the rest of the world.”
In the final analysis, of course, a university education’s value is measurable only after the fact, and from that perspective, UVic’s grad success statistics are inarguable. An independent study found that, two years after convocation, fully 97 per cent of UVic graduates were ‘satisfied or very satisfied’ with their academic experience – a strong expression of confidence in their preparedness for the future.
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