Hometown: Keelung, Taiwan
What are you up to post graduation?
Management consulting in Toronto.
Alvin Lin
How did your economics degree prepare you for a life after graduation?
An economics degree conditions you to view issues with a more holistic perspective and to consider problems, even those which are inherently immeasurable, with a quantifiable, structured approach. Being comfortable with tackling ambiguity using a data-driven and holistic mindset is key for succeeding both in and out of the workplace. Not to say I’ve gotten there, but the economics degree is a step in the right direction.
Why study economics at UBC?
The economics professors at UBC not only are invested in the growth of their students, but also genuinely want to get to know them as people. University can be a daunting and defining stage of our lives, and having profs who are both inspiring and welcoming makes all the difference.
Why did you choose the BIE program?
The novelty and the cohort model. I was drawn by the idea of not only having the ability to pave a path forward being among the first graduating classes, but also maneuvering that path with friends from a myriad of backgrounds.
What was the one memorable or best experience at the VSE?
Walking to Great Dane on a sunny spring afternoon after a long, light-deprived work session in the basement of the Iona Building for a quick coffee break. Ended up bumping into and chatting with friends / profs in the stairwell, in the hallway, on the “field” behind Iona — you get the idea! The 5-minute break ended up lasting over half an hour, and the sense of community never felt stronger.
What advice do you have for BIE students?
On a career-related note: as you enter the job market, consider what you distinctly bring to the table as an economics student. Our degree opens doors to many career paths for which economics may not be the “archetypal” background — know that you do not have to fit that archetype and be confident and clear in your unique value prop. On a community-related note: make an effort to get to know everyone in your cohort and your profs. They’ll become your friends and advocates for life.
Favourite place in Vancouver?
The seawall.
