Transferred from: DSC Design Can
Hi, I'm Jane. I graduated from UBC with a Master's degree in Urban Design, and after graduating, I joined a real estate company to start project management, and then I had work experience as a Chinese builder, non-profit organization, and a part-time self-media blogger (Xiaohongshu @ Quduoduo3). In today's article, I will share with you my learning experience in urban design at UBC and my experience in urban architecture in Canada, I hope it will be helpful to you!
+01. How fragrant is a year of urban design projects at UBC?
UBC's Master of Urban Design program is a one-year master's program, but you can get a three-year work permit after graduation. Not only is it rich in curriculum, but it also has a lot of highlights. One of the highlights is its Go Global program, which gives us the opportunity to experience local life in another country. During my year of study, we went to India, a country that I might not have had the opportunity to travel on my own. There, we listened to lectures from local professors and learned about Mumbai's urban development and construction, as well as the planning they were doing. This experience not only broadened my horizons, but also gave me a deeper understanding of urban design.
+++ Jane participates in the Go Global project in urban design
In addition, the curriculum of UBC's urban design program is very interesting. For example, we have a case study course where the professor takes us around the Greater Vancouver area and conducts in-depth research on each city. This way of teaching gave me a deeper understanding of Vancouver and laid a solid foundation for my future studies.
When it comes to why I chose to study in Vancouver, the main reason is that I love Canada as a country and UBC is highly ranked both nationally and internationally. Compared with the 2-3 year graduate programs in China, I prefer the 1 to 2 year study system in Canada, which I feel is more efficient. Moreover, the tuition fee for UBC's urban design program is relatively reasonable, about $40,000 a year.
+++ UBC Urban Design Graduate School
Finally, I would like to say that everyone's situation is different, and when choosing a school and major, you must choose a school and major according to your own interests and actual situation. I hope my sharing can be helpful to everyone, and you are welcome to learn more about the schools here and find the most suitable path for you.
+02. From NGO to real estate company, I have repeatedly jumped sideways in the construction industry
In Canada, there are indeed significant differences between the two professions of urban design and urban planning. Urban planning is more theoretical, involving urban development strategy and political aspects, while urban design is more oriented towards the field of design and focuses on practical design applications. However, in practice, these two fields often intersect and require practitioners to have comprehensive knowledge and skills.
Personally, I don't think the Canadian market for the urban design profession is very good, which is also a point worth paying attention to. During the job search process, many large companies may be more inclined to look for talent with a background in architecture or landscape. Therefore, it will be more competitive for urban design students to broaden their knowledge and increase relevant practical experience.
In my work experience, I have accumulated some experience in project management in real estate companies, and I have been exposed to real estate-related professional knowledge, which is very helpful for my career development. During your experience working at NGO (Non-Governmental Organization), you have gained an in-depth understanding of social issues and public causes, which has had a positive impact on my outlook on life and values.
+++ Vancouver Urban Design Street Exhibition
Headhunters played a very important role in my job search. Headhunters can help connect job seekers with employers and provide the first round of screening services, thus improving the efficiency of job searching. In addition, I believe that work experience and personality also play a very important role in job hunting. Work experience is a testament to your abilities and skills, while personality determines whether you will be able to integrate into the team and build good relationships with your colleagues.
In closing, I would like to say that no matter what field you work in, you need to maintain a positive attitude and a spirit of continuous learning. Only in this way can we remain competitive in the ever-changing market environment and achieve our career goals.
+03. What is the salary in the construction industry?
Canada's living environment is indeed very attractive, whether it is the abundance of natural resources or the diversity of food culture, it is unforgettable. Canada is an ideal place for many international students and immigrants to study and work.
I feel very relaxed working in Canada overall, which is one of the reasons why many people choose to stay here. Moreover, there are a wide range of employment opportunities in fields such as urban design, landscape or architecture, whether it is the government, design companies or real estate companies. I think that in the government or in the private sector, the salary is usually higher. If you have a little bit of a hard job, I would recommend working in a design or real estate company, because in fact, in Canada as a whole, if you work in a government or a non-profit organization, you can lie flat.
My experience of getting the card was also relatively smooth. After graduating, I got a three-year work visa, and after one year of work, I started to apply for my PR card, which is the federal fast YM lane. In this way, you can apply after you have one year of local work experience. This scoring system is based on your age, English scores, work experience and educational background. Before the age of 30, there will be a bonus point in age, plus I have a master's degree, this will also add a big score to me.
I've been living in Vancouver for 6 years now and have a deep affection for the city. In my spare time, I'm a lifestyle blogger who shares my experience of studying abroad in Canada, as well as some tips and outfits for eating, drinking, and having fun. I hope that through my sharing, more people can understand Vancouver, UBC, and the charm of urban design. Overall, my experience of living and working in Canada has been very rich and interesting. Not only did I gain valuable experience, but I also found a job and lifestyle that I was interested in. I believe that in the future, you will continue to write more wonderful stories here.
Interviewee|Jane
拍摄｜剪辑｜编辑 | Yun
Editor-in-Chief | Pengfei