Belinda Chen, BSc’07, MSc’11

What was your first job after graduation?

Working as a research assistant at UBC Hospital

What would you tell your graduating self?

Be open to possibilities, never say no as you never know where you path may take you

What was the best advice that you received?

People want to be seen, heard and understood. By applying that to my personal life and career life, I feel has made all the difference in my successes.

What was the lesson you learned the hard way?

Learn to speak up, even if you are afraid of failing. When you don't, often people take your silence as acceptance, which is not always a good thing if you want to be seen as a leader

If you could go back in time, what would you do differently?

I would take courses outside my field and take advantage of school exchanges. The more experiences and chances you take while you are young help you to grow as a person and also open your eyes to more possibilities that are open to you.