I had this Friday off from work because Tom thought I could use the rest and prepare for the move. So I took the time to go visit Craig, the ministry's contract consultant, and see what he's up to. This is the guy who is very interested in me working for him... so right now we're just keeping line of communication open... and see what develops when I graduate.
Anyways, so on Friday he had a meeting with Director of Policy of a mining association and invited me to lunch with them. It turns out that the director is the daughter of Ambassador to France. Lunch was great, both of them are really good friends so it wasn't a formal business lunch. She mentioned she would like me to help her develop a Asia-Pacific Initiative for her organization... and this would be a joint project with Craig...
Got a lot of ideas running through my head right now... only 4 more days till I move!
Oh man... you have no idea how much I'm looking forward to going to Prince George. Bob was in town last week and we started talking about the fieldwork I'll be doing for him... travelling to the mine sites and see the animals like deers, moose, bears, wolves and more. Between him and the two geologists, they will try to get my out of the dorm as often as they can, which means 2-3 day trips... FREAKING AWESOME!!! I can't wait till I try some moose meat...
So only 10 days till I drive up and move into the dorm at the College of New Caledonia.
Yeah I know I haven't updated in a while... been really busy with work and hanging out with friends. I do want to wish everyone a Happy Easter!
I would say a lot has happened in the past month or two with work and social life. The truth is I haven't been happy at all with work, which is beginning to affect my mood. I keep thinking that this is not where I want my life to be right now... I should be ahead. Work overall has been good, but not satisfied with my limited job duties as a co-op student. I have, however, been able to do some senior work when it comes to working with the Chinese... e.g. fly to Prince George 2 weeks ago and then last week I was asked to advise them on BC's land-use and permitting laws in a meeting I hosted by myself... kinda cool eh? Unfortunately this only takes up a small portion of my time due to the stage of their project.
There are times when I am reminded I could be doing much more if only I graduated. I've been getting job offers and interests from big and small consulting firms. That said, I don't think I would take back what I've done the past few years... switching my minor from History to Asian studies and picking up a Chinese certificate in my 3rd year. Then in my 5th year started the 4 semester co-op program... Lastly travelling for 3 summers instead of taking courses. All this have postponed graduation for another 2-3 years. Regardless, I can say a good reason why I'm getting these job offers is because of my experiences and diverse educational background...
Sometimes I cannot accept the fact I'm not doing my Masters right now... I mean I've been in undergrad since 2000, already 6 years. Last week I met Dr. Potter, who is the Director of the Institute of Asian Research at UBC. I met him at a conference and he invited me to his office to discuss how I am suited for his program. Score for me... but after the meeting I don't think it is my #1 choice anymore. When I get my M.A., I want to do 1) resource management, 2) international relations, 3) policy-making and 4) doing all this in Vancouver. This program is too focused on Asia and most jobs are in Asia or the nation's capital, Ottawa.
So now I am giving my #2 and #3 choices some serious thoughts. They are SFU's Public Policy Program and Resource and Environmental Management. The question is which of these 3 programs will best satisfy my four criterias mentioned above...
On May 3rd I will be driving up to Prince George (9-10 hrs north) to start my new job for the Ministry till August 11th. This will be good for me... I'll be out in the field, and finally putting together what I've been doing in the office for the past 8 months. So lots of travelling... on May 17th will be flying to Fort St. John to help the Chinese in a committee meeting with other ministries such as Forest, Environment, Integrated Land Management Bureau, Transportation as well as First Nations. Best of all... travelling to new places. :)
I will probably not be updating till the day before I leave or when I get settled there.