growth mindset
F a c u l t y P e r s p e c t i v e
Lifelong Learning:
An interview with
Dr. Wisanu Krutngoen
Assistant Professor, ACSS, UCW
What advice do you have for staying motivated to learn once students are out of an academic environment?
As students do have different work/life environments (and also different conditions that I may not know of thoroughly), I usually motivate them with my personal experience and rather simple logic in learning and life. I would mention the great value of being curious and staying positive and open to possibilities. Genuine curiosity leads us to stay humble and find answers/solutions, and finding answers leads us to learn, either in academics or in personal (simply looking for Nepalese food in Vancouver, for instance). I believe staying curious keeps us human, to continue to evolve and to improve ourselves for a better us. Besides being curious, staying positive and open to any possibilities will provide a strong framework to balance the attitude. Then it will couple the mindset to be able and ready to learn, anytime the opportunity arises. One can be their teacher and their student once the mindset is open to all possibilities with a positive attitude. I believe this is a self-starting step to be able to stay motivated without a heavy burden on the back of the mind.
What are some practical ways graduates can keep their skills relevant in a fast-changing job market?
Take challenges as opportunities - take weakness as pathways to strength. Start with keeping your eyes opened and notice what is missing or not current in your resume, then take actions either via academic (e.g., AI knowledge online training, volunteer with organizations in line with your career, complete professional certificate programs, etc.) or associating yourself with the organization and people either within the selected career you are in (e.g., become a member of the chamber of commerce to learn more), or in general (e.g., join the Vancouver running society to get to know people who are highly achievers - because those high achievers (e.g., marathon runners) are usually represent group of highly motivated people, then reflected in their career, etc.). This way you keep yourself updated with practical approaches, both career path and as a person.
How important is goal setting for early career professionals, and how should they approach it?
My suggestion is to keep your goal firm and clearly defined (meaning you know fully what you already have or what you need to have for you to realistically reach that goal)- and realize that actions are needed for one to get to that goal, while doing your best under your current conditions. Having a goal without reaching out or walking towards that goal will not yield any positive result. One key truth is also about taking consideration of time - time is moving (no matter if you move or not) - and how you move with time defines how soon you will reach your goal.
What role does networking play in long-term career growth, and how can young professionals do it effectively?
Networking provides the leading suggestion on what/how/where/who are possible keys (that can be found) to open the career doors you want to walk in, or to advance further into your career path. Networking, though, is not an interview, not the promises, not the certificate, not the medal of honour; it is the familiarity/understanding of who the professionals in the career path are, what they are doing, how they are doing, and who they are associating with.
Young professionals would enjoy these possibilities when they start networking with enthusiasm and with consistency, always showing up is a great start. Learn what the organizations in your career would organize the meeting/open house/meet and greet/party - then participate and interact with everyone as much as possible, if you were given a business card/contact information (which you are likely to) then drop a note/email to say thank you after the event - and perhaps introduce yourself. Keep doing that!
What kind of mindset should students adopt to continue growing personally and professionally after graduation?
As a person who are always curious and enjoys being active both mind and body, I suggest students (after graduation) should always stay open to opportunities and possibilities, in all areas of career-related, health and fitness, academic upgrade/update, social connection, spiritual and religious (if applies), as well as personal relationships. These components are critical for mature-minded individuals to have firm foundations in their approach of life, because when these pillars of life foundation are firmly established, the continuation of growth in both personal and professional will almost certainly be maintained.
Can you suggest habits or routines that support continuous learning and self-improvement in a professional setting?
I am a firm believer in taking time for preparation, but I operate with freedom, joy, and integrity. I believe taking time to prepare starts with our individual needs - take care of those personal needs (family, friends, financial, health - very important, leisure and hobbies - as ones need their time for themselves to relax and to replenish their souls, and last - your sanity - you know when and where to stop) - do this first on a daily basis.
Then, move on to career aspiration - every day at work - ask yourself genuinely and truthfully,
1. What do I want out of this work?
2. What do I want to accomplish from this work?
3. In what ways can I enjoy myself more from this work?
4. What can be done better from what I am currently doing?
5. How can I make this work be my best achievement without losing my head?
and 6. Can I have more fun with my work differently from yesterday, but still make it work as effectively?
These would throw a lot of energy into our daily life and daily work, while maintaining our important parts (like family and our individual needs) to be in check.
S t u d e n t V o i c e
Constant Practice, Clear Purpose & the Growth Mindset
Aekkus Singh Arora
We’re taught from a young age that practice makes a man perfect. But as we navigate through the ups and downs of life , that idea becomes a blurry concept. The basic meaning of practice changes in our lives. It becomes harder to define, harder to hold onto, especially when you’re in survival mode as an international student in Canada.
When I moved to Canada, I felt lost and, to some extent, dejected. I kept asking myself one question constantly: Did I really come all the way here for this? Working odd jobs just to make ends meet, sitting through courses I wasn’t always interested in, and constantly feeling the need to have a smile on your face just so that at least your family back home stays positive and optimistic, it was all very overwhelming.
The hustle and bustle of Vancouver brings about a sense of isolation; it made me feel small in the grand scheme of things. But maybe that’s what brought about a change in my thinking. That feeling of smallness turned into a quiet fire. I wanted to matter. I wanted to upskill and grow. So I showed up no matter what, I stayed committed not only to my academics and work but especially to myself. No two days were the same. I felt the rollercoaster ride emotionally, where one day felt smooth and the other based a new set of challenges on my face. And yes, it got hard to balance everything. There were sleepless nights filled with self-doubt. But now as I reflect on my journey so far, I know now that those moments were part of the process and might as well be some of the important ones.
Moving to Canada will always be one of the hardest decisions I’ve made. But it has shaped my personality, forced me to grow emotionally, to become accountable and dependable for other people, and to realize that no matter how small, we all have a role to play in making a difference.
Although I am still figuring out what to do next, I’ve learned that one needs to knock on each and every door that might open to fresh new opportunities. I’ve had the wonderful set of professors at UCW. I know that I carry those connections with me as I strive to grow both academically and professionally.
I have always believed that consistency beats talent. No one expects you to be perfect; it's all about the efforts you put in each day in order to become the best version of yourself. You just have to keep showing up, keep practicing, and keep going regardless of what happens.
Success isn’t merely monetary or something to do with designations and promotions. It’s about how you make people feel and how they perceive you. It’s the impact you leave behind and not just a title on your LinkedIn profile or resume.
So if you are reading this , remember to not give up. Things get better with time; it's all about the right mindset. You are not alone, so breathe and relax; every step counts, no matter how small.
Think Big & Make an Impact !
Syed Rehan Hussain
A country like Canada is known for its standardized education system and the opportunities that it gives everyone. Moreover, UCW stood out for me because of its focus on students’ development and engagement with the environment, small class sizes, and experienced faculty who bring real-world insights into the classroom. Moreover, it switches on the creative and innovative bulb in students’ minds.
UCW’s networking opportunities have been significant in preparing me for the real-time market. The university’s Career Development Center offers workshops, resume reviews, and career fairs that connect me with professionals who are doing exceptionally well in their fields. For instance, I had the pleasure of meeting the WhiteCap marketing director and PR team, who provided a visual blueprint to start my journey as a sports analyst.
Many students work part-time in retail, hospitality, or administrative roles to support themselves and gain Canadian work experience. I decided to learn culinary skills from local restaurants and chefs, who referred me to become a line chef in a Premium VIP lounge. I am pretty proud of my skills and knowledge, which I gained in this one-year culinary journey.
The only difficulty I came across was time management, which was a significant challenge in the beginning. Balancing coursework, exams, and a part-time job was stressful, especially during peak academic periods. Additionally, adapting to Canadian workplace culture, communication styles, and the harsh winters can be an adjustment for international students. Working part-time has helped me improve my communication, teamwork, and customer service skills.
Working in a busy environment has allowed me to thrive in a fast-paced setting, thereby building stronger industry knowledge and a professional network.