Jane Ramil

I’m currently a graduate student at Concordia in the History Department and I'm an administrative technician at a psychiatry and addiction clinical research lab at the CRCHUM. Outside of my education and work endeavours, I am also a member of the collective Filipinos of Montreal where we build community through art, storytelling and meaningful dialogue.

Career questions with Jane

What do you love most about your work, and what inspired you to pursue this career in the first place? 

I was inspired to pursue a career in the field in the first place because of my years of experience in healthcare administration. At school, I enjoy discovering more about the Filipino community in Montreal! My work as an undergraduate student in our student club inspired me to become more involved in the Filipino community. 

Looking back, what skills have been the biggest gamechangers in your career? 

Studying sociology helped me develop strong writing and critical reading skills, particularly the ability to synthesize complex ideas in accessible ways. The discipline’s emphasis on multiple perspectives also trained me to think holistically and cultivate empathy when approaching social issues.

How did Concordia prepare you for your career? 

The sociology department’s faculty encouraged rigorous critical thinking throughout my studies. Concordia’s resources supported my personal well-being and helped me explore diverse career paths, with Career Advising and Professional Success and mental health services playing an especially important role. Joining the Filipino Organization of Concordia University Students (FOCUS) was also formative.

What is a standout memory from your time at Concordia? 

This might sound cheesy, but I always cherish the friendships! Studying with my friends at the library and eating at nearby restaurants are some of the fondest memories I have of my time at Concordia.

If you could give your younger self one powerful piece of advice, what would it be? 

I would tell her to embrace the unknown! I've taken on opportunities not being fully sure if I was ready to take on the challenge. At times, it felt like I was taking detours, but I realize looking back that all these opportunities were necessary in bringing me where I am today.

After my sociology degree, I did a brief stint in urban planning. Although I realized that urban planning was not the best fit for me, I worked on projects with my student union which led me to other community projects and eventually shaped my decision to pursue graduate research on the Filipino community in Montreal.

What’s the most exciting shift happening in your industry right now? 

In academia, it's exciting seeing more Filipino researchers! Likewise, I'm seeing a lot more researchers of different cultural communities at my workplace!

Feeling inspired?

• Make friends through the Sociology and Anthropology Student Union or other clubs.
• Browse the CAPS online job bank for opportunities or connect with the CAPS team to gain work experience.
• Connect with Career Counselling & Education Transitions to plan your career path.