Flavour of the Month: Matcha
We chat about matcha, applied biology and career development with Aldona Czajewska, the new VP of Professional Development in the LFS Young Alumni Council.
Batchelor of Science in Applied Biology, 2017
What is your favourite flavour and why?
Matcha. It’s green and healthy!
What are the highlights of your career since you graduated?
After graduation from my Applied Animal Biology degree, I worked in different roles such as in research labs, student affairs and the sustainability field. Although I never really had a linear career path, I was always interested in teaching and learning and my former roles mostly had that common theme related to education. There were times when I thought I’d never use the knowledge I gained from my LFS courses, but I was surprised that the knowledge and experiences I obtained helped me in all my roles. It goes to show you that every course, every degree and every job teaches you something new that you can use in the future and nothing is ever wasted.
What activities, programs, and extracurricular projects did you pursue as an LFS student?
I was involved in various Work Learn positions, such as illustrating biology lab manuals and developing animated homework videos for first year Physics students. I also had the opportunity to be an undergraduate teaching assistant for an entomology class and worked with students in a laboratory setting which solidified my passion for working with students and teaching.
What are your highlights of studying Applied Biology at LFS?
I appreciated the hands-on and work-integrated learning in many LFS courses and the opportunity to select electives that aligned with my interests and schedule. The flexibility of Applied Biology was nice, and I learned the importance of networking with faculty members and gaining experience in research and lab settings. The tight-knit community of LFS was something I really valued, a place where I didn’t feel I was a number, but that I mattered.
Do you have some top tips for new alumni looking for their first job?
Tapping into your existing network (past professors, staff, friends, etc) is very important and so is unitizing your LinkedIn profile to search for professionals working in your field of work or to discover new interests or career paths. Doing informational interviews is one of my top tips as well: you can’t be what you can’t see! The UBC Career Centre has amazing resources to support new alumni find their first job as well. Finally, join the LFS Young Alumni community and attend our events!
As the new VP of Professional Development on the LFS Young Alumni Council, what are you most excited about?
As VP of Professional Development on the LFS Young Alumni Council, I’m passionate about helping alumni develop their professional careers. I’m interested in expanding networking events, guest speaker talks, and career workshop opportunities. There is a lot of potential to support LFS alumni in their professional development journeys, and I’m so excited to be part of it. Follow Us on LinkedIn!
And finally, where on campus is your go-to place to eat and/or place to relax?
Steve’s Poké Bar is a great place for food at a good price! Nitobe garden is a secret place I go for relaxation.
Tagged with: Alumni, Young Alumni Council