In today's fast-paced society, there are virtually unlimited opportunities availabe for finding and creating employment. So a little advice, from someone who has been through it, can help you choose which direction you want to take your career in. The COGS Program has hosted two Career Discussion Panel Events featuring COGS alumni and cognitive science-related industry professionals. Students learned where a BA in Cognitive Science can take them -- in the workplace or graduate school. Take advantage of our detailed guide to the discussion panels with career advice on how to plan your degree with the future in mind, the best way to gain research experience for graduate school, how Cognitive Science shows up in workplaces every day, and even how much money you might expect to make after graduation. Watch video clips of event highlights and read our panelists' advice.
Below, you can read in-depth interviews with some of SFU Cognitive Science Program's most active graduates on how their Cognitive Science BA has played an important role in their careers.
- "So many times I find myself reflecting on things I learned in Cognitive Science, and being able to apply them right away. It happens all the time." says Ken MacAllister. Read more...
- "Know your degree!" says Kimberly Voll, a former CogSci Students Society President who is now a Lecturer at UBC. Read more...
- "Technical Writing employers were really receptive to this degree. Sometimes I had to explain the skills I learned, but once they knew, they thought it was excellent." shares Lindsay Burrell. Read more...
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"Do job shadowing, see what people do day-to-day, go with them and 'be in their shoes'" advises Speech Language Pathologist, adds Ronda Day. Read more...
Interviews with SFU Cognitive science alumni
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Inside Sales and Marketing
Just before Harry White applied for Fall graduation, we asked him to tell us a bit about the work he was already doing. While completing the last course requirements, he was already working. Here’s what he told us. Read Harry's interview... |
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Training & Development Manager
Ken worked as a Consultant designing and managing company training projects for 10 years prior to starting his BA in Cognitive Science at SFU. He is currently pursuing an MA in Educational Technology & Learning Design at the School of Interactive Arts & Technology (SIAT), and recently started as the Training & Development Manager for Bycast. Read Ken's interview... |
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Technical Writer
Lindsay was a Technical Writer for several years before completing her Cognitive Science BA at SFU. She remains employed in Technical Writing, and is currently enrolled in an MA Philosophy program also at SFU. Read Lindsay's interview... |
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Lecturer
Kimberly is a graduate of the Cognitive Science Program at SFU. While an undergrad, she created the Cognitive Science Newsletter, the Students Association, and several other initiatives. She continued on to complete her PhD in Computer Science at SFU, and is currently a Lecturer at UBC. Read Kimberly's interview... |
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Software Developer
Caroline was also the Cognitive Science Students Association President when she studied at SFU. Her course-work focused on Psychology, Computing, and Linguistics. She recently joined Sophos (1100 – 1500 people worldwide) where she works as a Software Developer. Read Caroline's interview... |
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CNC Programmer/Team Leader
Brett earned his Cognitive Science BA in 2003. He has worked as a CNC Programmer/Machinist in the lower mainland for over 5 years and, is always looking for new ways to apply Cognitive Science at his job. Read Brett's interview... |
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Speech Language Pathologist
Ronda completed a joint major in Philosophy / Linguistics / Psychology at SFU, then achieved her Masters at the UBC School of Audiology and Speech. She now works as a Certified Speech Language Pathologist in Lloydminster, Alberta. Read Ronda's interview... |
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PhD Student, Psychology
After graduating from the Cognitive Science Program at SFU, Jedediah Achieved his MA in Psychology at Lehigh University in psycho linguistics and connectionism. He is currently pursuing his PhD at Lehigh with Mark Bickhard, in Foundational Issues in the study of the Mind. Read Jedediah's interview...
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BA Student, Psychology
Rahul Bader started at SFU in 2002 and graduated in 2008. He achieved a Bachelor of Arts in Cognitive Science and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music. In 2005, Rahul had the chance to attend the Ghana Field School, studying West African music and dance, while staying at the University of Ghana through SFU International. Read Rahul's interview...
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