Editor’s note: This interview is part of our Humans of GradSimple “Check-In” series, where we revisit past guests to see how their careers and lives have evolved since their first feature.
Read Grace’s original story here →.
Disclaimer: The views expressed by our interviewees are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of GradSimple. We only edit these responses for clarity. All opinions remain those of the interviewee.
- Year Of Graduation: 2021
- College/University: University of British Columbia
- Major: History
What do you do for a living, or how are you supporting yourself right now?
I’m working in the recruiting industry for a leading ATS software (Applicant Tracking System) and hiring platform. I’m part of their technical team where I do a mix of helpdesk, debugging, and collaboration with our engineering staff. On a typical day, I spend around three hours on the help desk, and the rest is spent doing hands-on technical work. I really enjoy it. I love my manager and my teammates. It’s been a very different experience compared to my previous tenure in fintech.
Does your job relate to your field of study? If so, is working in your field what you imagined it would be? If not, does that bother you?
Nope, my job isn’t related whatsoever to history. I spent like a week looking for history-related roles in the months leading up to graduation, and realized quickly that it just wasn’t feasible if I wanted to be employed semi-quickly. I had the added pressure of being an international student who was dating another international student, and in order for us both to stay in Vancouver, we needed jobs.
I don’t really care that I don’t work at a museum. I chose income and security over pure passion. You’re lucky if you can have both, but it was clear that it was going to be an either or in my situation, when looking longterm. I don’t regret a thing.
How does your role now compare with your first role after graduation? Are you happy with where your journey has led you so far?
My first job was at a large fintech startup, and I’ll be honest, it was not for me. I would get a pit in my stomach every morning thinking about the work I had to do that day. I didn’t connect with most of my colleagues, and I was bounced between like five or six managers in various restructurings, so I didn’t really get to build lasting relationships with leadership. It was also an industry I didn’t mesh with, very fast paced and intense. The environment works for some people, and doesn’t for others.
I felt overwhelmed and burnt out after about a year, but stuck around for nearly three more because the thought of leaving scared me more than the thought of staying. I got comfortable and I’d been out of the job search cycle for so long at that point. I’d also never been without a job in my adult life, ever. I signed my first contract before graduating from university. While I’m thankful for that, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t going a little crazy. Some PTO here and there can only get you so far.
I ended up leaving that company after nearly four years, and took a month off at the beginning of 2025. I was still applying to jobs, but not with a high level of urgency. I had savings and a boyfriend (now fiancé) who I lived with and was willing to support me while I took time for myself.
It was late January when I started interviewing with the company I now work at. I got an offer mid February, and started early March. I’m very happy with where my journey has led me, even through my first job. I learned what I look for in a manager, I learned the importance of supportive colleagues, and how vital it is to have strong working relationships.
In the long run, it’s going to be very, very hard to succeed at a job and environment you find no joy in.
What does purpose mean to you? Do you think you’re living a purpose-driven life?
Purpose is personal, and I think it changes drastically throughout the stages of one’s life. Right now, purpose means testing new recipes, pushing myself at the gym, playing video games, baking fresh bread for loved ones, writing, and getting married in the spring. In five years, purpose will probably mean something entirely different: starting a family, adopting another dog, figuring out how mortgages work…I don’t know! My purpose is defined by the things that bring me the most joy.
How do you define being a successful person?
Being able to support myself and my fiancé is success. Being healthy and happy is success. Building a life in a different country, and navigating how to do adult stuff while my family lives across the border is success. Being able to look back at all the hard days, the confusing days, the frustrating days, and recognizing they’re behind you, is success. You’re successful as long as you’re (mostly) moving forward!
If we traveled three years into the future of your life, what do you want to achieve? What would you hope has changed?
Okay first of all I just turned 27, so I’ll be 30 in three years. 30 used to feel very far away and kinda scary, but now it feels exciting.
I hope to be progressing further in my career at my current company. It’s a place where I can really see myself growing, which is awesome. I also would like to travel to new countries. My fiancé and I run back to Japan at every chance we get, but I’d love to have visited South Korea and China by the time I’m 30.
What’s the biggest lesson or piece of advice you can offer new graduates?
Advocate for yourself, trust your gut, and focus on building strong relationships.
And check in with your parents!
Connect With Grace
- LinkedIn: @GraceLivengood
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