Vivian Poupart

You never know when a skill you learn will be useful later in life. 

Career questions with Vivian

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

I love data analysis and explaining legal documents to people. I started out in administration, and over the years I ended up in human resources as I knew how all the systems and collective agreements worked. 

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

It’s important to have the right mix of soft and hard skills. Knowing how and when to talk to people and having clear communication methods are essential. However, it's equally important to have the technical skills to back it up. For example, knowing how to do your own research and present it in a way that a five-year-old can understand can set you apart. 

How did Concordia prepare you for your career? 

Learning to network! You can have the best ideas in the world, but if you don't know who to talk to about them, then they won't go anywhere. Also, learning how to learn. In the "real world," there often isn't a syllabus or clear instructions on what you need to do. Learning how to figure things out independently, and when to ask a supervisor, is very important. 

What is a standout memory from your time at Concordia? 

David Howes class on Art, Aesthetic and Anthropology really opened my eyes to the possibility of exploring the world in ways that I wouldn't have considered otherwise. 

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

You never know when a skill you learn will be useful later in life. At Concordia, I focused on classes related to legal theory and gender theory. Since graduating I've continued to do more professional development in Excel, Python and project management.

Learn to do all you can and don't turn down any opportunities, even if you don't think you are ready for them.

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

The government is introducing new data privacy laws, and we must make many changes to adapt. There is also an increase in the number of groups that are unionizing, so it's important that all the collective agreements align. 

Feeling inspired?

• Improve how you learn and identify areas for growth with resources from the Student Success Centre. 
• Learn how and when to communicate complex ideas to different people through FutureBound’s communication workshops.
• Network with potential employers at recruitment events and career fairs.
• Connect with Career Counselling & Education Transitions to start planning your career path.