Serene Chow

Serene Chow
BA’05 (Asian Area Studies)
LinkedIn

Could you go into some detail about your career path until now?

I graduated from my B.A. (Asian Studies) intending to use that knowledge to better understand Asian culture.  I went on to complete my LL.B., articles and got called to the Bar with the intention of working in private practice serving the Asian community.  Now, I am a barrister and solicitor working at a small law firm in Richmond, BC.  I practice in the areas of corporate/commercial law, real estate, family law, immigration law, and wills and estates.  I am also the President and Founder of the BC Chapter of the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers – we are a non-profit organization working to promote equity, justice, and opportunities for Asian Canadian legal professionals and the wider community.

How did you get your first job after graduating?

After graduating with my B.A. and LL.B., I wanted to work in private practice at a firm where the clientele was predominantly of Asian descent.  Midway through my B.A., I noticed a distinct lack of diversity within the legal profession.  The Asian population in BC was continually growing but there was no proportional increase in the number of lawyers of Asian background or lawyers who possess the knowledge and language skills to serve the Asian population.  As such, I was motivated to target my job search amongst firms that were focused on serving the Asian community and got a job at a small law firm in Richmond.

How has an Asian Studies degree helped you in your endeavors?

I majored in Chinese language in my Asian Studies degree which also encompassed history, literature and economics.  I chose this major because I believed it could help me understand my own heritage, hone my language skills and expose me to a broad overview of the Asian culture.  I also learnt to speak Mandarin as part of my Asian Studies degree.  Although I spoke Cantonese, Mandarin was the dialect in demand locally and globally, which is the aspect of my degree that was really attractive to employers.

What can students/recent graduates do to get a foot in your industry?  Are there any opportunities in your field?

Students generally have to complete a LL.B. / J.D. degree (depending on the jurisdiction) to prepare for a legal career.  However, completing a law degree will also provide you with transferable analytical skills and can be a stepping stone to many other industries.  Students with a law degree who do not wish to practice law can pursue careers in other areas such as policy, business, publishing, public interest organizations and human resources.

Do you have any other advice that you would like to impart to students/recent graduates?

Creating positive relationships with fellow students and mentors is just as important as maintaining your marks.  Go out to network, build a support system and enjoy your time in university.  Take courses that interest you, participate in student events and talk to people who are doing things that you feel passionate about.  Mentors are a great resource to answer your questions and give you a glimpse of what they do.  Most importantly, try to find a balance between having a general direction in sight and recognizing your natural talents in the present – it will maximize your potential and bring out the best in you.