The search for an associate VP (AVP) career services UBC continues.
In an interview with VP Students Ainsley Carry in September, 2022, Carry told The Ubyssey that improving and expanding career development services, and finding ways to help students navigate these services, was one of his top priorities. One of the ways Carry planned to address this priority was through the hiring of an AVP directly responsible for overseeing the area.
“[The AVP is] going to build a whole new team and build out a whole new curriculum,” Carry said at the time.
However, in a recent written statement to The Ubyssey, Carry confirmed the search for the role was still ongoing.
“The search for a leader of the UBC Career Centre is continuing. The first search was not successful, and we are relaunching the search,” he said.
“It’s a specialized position requiring a unique set of experience and skills, and we’re moving carefully to ensure the right candidate is identified. We trust this upcoming recruitment will yield an exceptional leader, who will continue to advance the UBC Career Centre and the ambitions of the Student Strategic Plan.”
Under the Student Strategic Plan — which launched at the end of last year following setbacks due to the pandemic — UBC aims to provide transformative learning supported through student advising and career preparation, among other things.
When asked why the search was unsuccessful, Carry noted the specialized skill set required for the job, and emphasized the need for the right candidate.
Carry added that the job posting was being handled through an external search firm.
“[W]e have engaged Boyden Canada, Executive Search and Consulting. This opportunity will be posted in a variety of locations including the UBC site, as was the case of the previous search.”
While an ad for the position was posted online in June 2022, there does not appear to be a current posting for the role.
In 2019, the office of the VP students received student feedback which highlighted career development as a priority. Carry echoed this sentiment in his statement.
“Career development is crucial to students’ academic retention, engagement, and overall student experience, and the elevation of the UBC Career Centre remains a priority for the VP Students office.”