LFS Where I Connected my Passion for Food Systems and Research

About

Name	Parisa Kabir
Title	Research Analyst
Company	Broadstreet Health Economics and Outcomes Research
Grad year	2023
Program	Bachelor of Science in Global Resource Systems

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Parisa’s love for food drove her decision to join the Faculty of Land and Food Systems (LFS). As she explored the various programs within LFS, she discovered the Global Resources System (GRS) Program which perfectly aligned with her interests in global food and health systems.

As Parisa reflected on her time in LFS, she shared how it shaped her decision to pursue a career in research post-graduation. She also provided tips and tricks on how to maximize your university experience, emphasizing the importance of networking and utilizing the resources.

Why did you choose your program in the Faculty of Land and Food Systems and what did you enjoy most about it?

I think with many students in LFS, I love food! Where it comes from, how we produce it, the stories behind the products and cuisines, and how it impacts our lives and health are all topics that interest me, and so LFS was a natural choice. In my first year, I learnt about the GRS Program and its global-in-scope approach to understanding food and health systems and knew this was the program for me.

What was you first job after graduation and what other jobs did you have before your current position?

My first job after graduation was a short-term position as a legal writer at Deloitte which differed from my long-term career goals but assisted me in leveraging my strengths. After this position, I started my Masters of Science degree at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. The position, although not in my field of study, helped me gain further experience and learn about a different industry.

During my undergraduate degree I did hourly work with the Centre for Gender and Sexual Health Equity as a Research Assistant throughout the course of my degree, which aligned more closely with my career aspirations. Part-time roles during university were very important to my career journey and I would encourage students to remember that all experiences have value.

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

I originally thought I’d be a dietitian and was admitted to the Faculty through the Food, Nutrition and Health program. However, I fell in love with research as I progressed through my degree. UBC is a great institution and is one of the best in Canada, which allowed me to be exposed to the breath and scope of a research career. One of the main challenges I faced was learning that academia and research requires a lot of introspection and self-reflecting. The type of research you want to do, why you want to do it, and who does it affect are very important questions to ask yourself as you embark on your journey.

Now that you have completed your undergrad and, in your career, what advice would you give to your past self or current LFS student?

There is power in being a student, especially being a UBC and LFS student. Take advantage of those networking and professional opportunities. Attend conferences (there are often student discounts), reach out to professors and industry professionals in your field (you would be surprised how many of them will want to connect with you), and do activities that you are passionate about whether academic, work-related, or not!

What resources would you recommend for students who are looking to enter your industry and/or profession?

If you are looking to work with a professor at UBC on their work/research I used the UBC graduate website for open research projects and looked up researchers who are recruiting/open to work with undergraduate students. The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Club is also a great resource for opportunities.