Interested in what you can do with a degree in Asian Studies? In our Alumni Spotlight Interview Series, we ask our alumni about their career paths, how they became interested in Asian Studies and for any advice they would give to current students. This interview features Chandima Silva (BA 2018). Chandima is currently managing the delivery of Computing Science graduate programs at SFU, and is also Director of Arts and Culture at the Asia Pacific Youth Council for 2019-20.

Could you elaborate on an experience that you felt was fundamental in your acquisition of the language or appreciation of the culture?

Participating in UBC tandem Language Learning Program reinforced my Mandarin speaking skills. I was taking UBC Chinese language courses at the time, but tandem provided valuable support as it offered the chance to practice oral Mandarin on a one-on-one basis. My tandem partner also shared personal experiences that gave me a better understanding of Chinese society. Language acquisition aside, it was just generally wonderful to chat with and learn about a fellow UBC student who I would otherwise likely have never encountered.

Is your current career path as you originally intended? What challenges did you face in launching your career?

I’m lucky that as I pursue my interest in international relations, I continually receive affirmation that this is the general field that I want to be in. My areas of interest have drastically evolved though. I changed my geographic focus to Asia and I developed an interest in climate change. When I notice that I am leaning towards certain areas, I take note and try to use upcoming opportunities (e.g. writing a term paper) to immerse myself in the topic and confirm my interest.

The opportunities that didn’t seem like a good fit for my interests were challenges along my career path, but they also turned out to be opportunities to develop my career. For instance, throughout my time at UBC, I never got the co-op jobs that I wanted in Global Affairs Canada. However, the positions that I got at Environment and Climate Change Canada sparked my interest in climate change.

Even now, my current trade policy job is a far cry from the international climate change cooperation that I hope to eventually to work on. I also don’t work on China, which is what I focussed on throughout school. Still, working on a dimension of Canada’s foreign policy with Asia is a fantastic start to my career. I am confident that I am developing relevant skills for future positions and I constantly seek opportunities to enhance my understanding of my interest areas. With the support of my team, I am also able to bring some of my interests to my job.

What advice would you give to students and alumni interested in breaking into your industry?

If you are looking to work on Canadian foreign policy, consider looking for positions in Ottawa. Provincial governments may have international relations-related policy jobs, but there may be more jobs available within federal government since the federal government has jurisdiction over Canada’s foreign affairs.

Also, I recommend looking at departments other than Global Affairs Canada for jobs in international affairs. While Global Affairs Canada is the main department in charge of Canada’s foreign affairs, each department has work with an international dimension, and thus have positions related to international affairs too. Even if you aim to work for Global Affairs Canada eventually, experience in other departments can be valuable as it provides insight into how other departments operate and contribute to Canada’s foreign policy.

Read the full interview here