Asian Studies Alumni Spotlight with Shirley Nakata

Interested in what you can do with a degree in Asian Studies? In our Alumni Spotlight Interview Series, we ask our alumni about their career paths, how they became interested in Asian Studies and for any advice they would give to current students. This interview features Shirley Nakata UBC Asian Studies BA 1984 (Japanese Language). Nakata is currently the Ombudsperson for Students at UBC. 

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

I’m the Ombudsperson for Students at UBC, an office that was established in 2009 to ensure that students are treated fairly in every aspect of their university life. I’m also UBC alumnus – graduating with a BA with a double major in Japanese language and Political Science and then with an LLB.

Although I never intended to pursue the practice of law, I articled and, after getting called to the Bar, was in private practice for a few years. I then went to the Canadian Human Rights Commission and worked as a human rights investigator. After the federal government decided to centralize the Commission’s services, I worked as the Director of Professional Conduct at the BC College of Teachers, the then licensing body for teachers in BC, where I oversaw the disciplinary process. I was there for about 13 years before coming to UBC to establish the Ombuds Office.

How did you get your first job after graduating?

After graduating with my BA, I went to Japan as I wanted to take a year out before starting law school. I had quite a few friends who moved to Japan after graduating from UBC so I had a bit of a network, along with the Japanese exchange students whom I met and became good friends with at UBC. I didn’t have a job before I left Canada; I arrived in Tokyo and started looking through newspapers to find a job. I didn’t want to teach English, so I applied for and got a job supporting Japanese business people whose companies were sponsoring them to obtain their MBA’s abroad. It was a small school in Kanda – it was great fun for a year (I did end up teaching a few classes!).

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

My studies in Japanese language, history, politics and literature gave me both a broader and deeper perspective into my own heritage – which is why I decided to do one of my majors in Asian Studies. Studies in a language in particular provide you with a window into culture in a way that cannot be matched.

Having a second language is always a boost in finding a job – whether it’s a part-time job to support you through school or for your professional career. Employers appreciate the value of individuals who have understanding and insight into another culture and the ability to communicate and navigate across cultural boundaries.

Are there any opportunities in your field?

My current field in ombudsmanship is a very broad one which seems to attract people from a wide-range of skills, education and experience. I chose this particular position because I was interested in applying my legal skills in helping to build the fairest environment possible for students at UBC. As it was also my alma mater, I was very keen on giving back to an educational institution that provided me with the opportunities for my personal and intellectual discovery and growth.

Being an ombudsperson is about being an advocate for fairness and for resolution of conflict in the most informal and effective manner possible. There are ombudspersons in various levels of government, in corporate as well as educational bodies and in international agencies like the United Nations. I’d recommend it for anyone who is interested in working to foster both the individual and institutional capacity to build respectful, fair and equitable environments.

What can students/recent graduates do to get a foot in your industry?

Some faculties as well as the AMS at UBC have student ombudsperson positions, so that is a great way to learn the trade. For anyone who has an interest in social justice issues, fairness as the broader principle can manifest in many different ways and in many different disciplines. I’d recommend taking a look at the curriculum in faculties like Education, Law, Social Work, etc.

In your field what does a typical entry level position entail?

It all depends on the particular office – whether it’s in an academic, corporate or government setting. An entry level position could be an ombuds officer or an assistant ombudsperson, but it could also be an ombudsperson position as well. The Ombudsperson for BC has a good sized staff in Victoria and there are opportunities to work in different aspects of ombudsmanship – intake, informal resolution, investigation, and research.

Where can students go to network?

There are many professional networks for ombudspersons. Some are academic, while others are broader and are umbrella organizations for ombudspersons in all fields; some are local or national while others are international.

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

I say pretty much the same thing when I’m talking to students: maximize your experience at university by creating and forging strong and positive relationships with fellow students, UBC staff and faculty. Don’t put too much emphasis on the academic side of things, don’t stress too much over marks. If you are smart enough and hard-working enough to get into UBC, then you will do fine academically if you continue on that course. This is the time to explore, take risks and be enriched by the diversity that surrounds you on this campus. Don’t focus on the job that you’ll need to find once you graduate. Follow your passion and what gets you excited – it will take you to the places that will bring you the most joy and fulfillment.