Pathfinder Career Narratives is an ongoing series tracking the career choices and experiences of doctoral graduates. You can see all of the posts in the series here. You can find all the Pathfinder resources and opportunities here. Today’s blog is written by Dr Conny Scheffler, Program Coordinator for the Interdisciplinary Biodiversity Solutions Collaboratory (IBioS) at the University of British Columbia. You can find Dr Scheffler on LinkedIn.
Name: Conny Scheffler
Doctorate subject area and year of completion: Geoinformatics and Hydrology, 2008
Role and employer: Program Coordinator for the Interdisciplinary Biodiversity Solutions Collaboratory (IBioS) at the University of British Columbia
Approximate salary bracket for this type of role: $6,000 – $8,700 CDN/monthly
Reflecting on my career journey, I realize my once so carefully planned path is a weaving of experiences that have shaped who I am today. I began my academic journey in Germany, studying Geography with minors in remote sensing, meteorology, and forestry. This path led me to a doctoral project in geoinformatics/hydrology and, ultimately, a postdoctoral position at the University of British Columbia (UBC). Until then, everything felt aligned as I followed the rules of the traditional academic route. But life, as it often does, had other plans.
During my postdoc, I found out I was expecting my first child. This joyous news came with unexpected mental health challenges. In hindsight, the diagnosis of postpartum depression turned out to be a blessing in disguise. It forced me to confront my priorities and values more deeply. Up to that point, my career had been driven by external expectations, neglecting what truly resonated with my heart and body. It was time for a change.
So, I made a pivotal decision: I shifted my focus toward overall wellbeing. I enrolled in a coaching program that emphasized the mind-body connection, which became a transformative experience. After completing my training, I initially focused on building a business. However, I soon realized I missed the camaraderie and structure that comes with working alongside colleagues. Fortunately, a job opportunity at UBC’s Graduate School emerged, perfectly matching my skills and interests, and to my surprise, I was the successful candidate. So, I began managing the Graduate Pathways to Success program, an award-winning professional development initiative for graduate students. Over the next five years, I witnessed firsthand the highs and lows that graduate students face. I firmly believe that every student who is accepted into their program has earned their place at graduate school. Yet, I also know that the journey can feel isolating at times. My mission became clear: I wanted to become a pillar of support, believing in these students and providing them with the resources and guidance they need to thrive.
As time passed, my passion for research was reignited, but in a way I hadn’t anticipated. I found joy in hearing students express their excitement about their contributions to society. Their enthusiasm was contagious and reminded me of the profound impact we can have as change-makers. This realization propelled me to support these emerging leaders further.
Today, I serve as the program coordinator for the Interdisciplinary Biodiversity Solutions Collaboratory at UBC. This role allows me to connect faculty from various disciplines to collaboratively address the biodiversity crisis—a cause I deeply care about. Witnessing the synergies that arise from these connections brings me tremendous joy. One of my favourite aspects of my current role is organizing the Graduate Student Seminar Series. This initiative creates opportunities for graduate students to engage with leading experts and explore interdisciplinary approaches to complex problems. My background in research, combined with my coaching experience, equips me to hold space for meaningful conversations and foster collaboration. In my day-to-day work, I focus on communication and relationship-building. Event planning and logistics are key components, as is the promotion of our events to ensure strong participation. I enjoy finding and inviting speakers who can inspire and inform our students. Additionally, I manage budgeting and accounting responsibilities, which helps me maintain the program’s sustainability. I also have been involved in grant writing, helping to catalyze research.
Mentoring and advising student employees adds another layer of fulfillment to my work. I love helping them develop their skills while navigating the challenges of their roles. It’s incredibly rewarding to see them grow and contribute to our initiatives and goals. As I reflect on my path, I’m grateful for the twists and turns that have led me to where I am today. Embracing the unexpected has allowed me to align my career with my values, prioritize my wellbeing, and support others in their academic journeys. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most fulfilling paths are the ones we never anticipated.
In sharing my story, I hope to inspire others who may feel lost or overwhelmed in their own journeys. It’s okay to pivot and reassess your path. Sometimes, the most rewarding experiences come from embracing change and pursuing what truly resonates with us. Whether we’re navigating the complexities of academia, steering into parenthood or exploring new career opportunities, it is a good reminder that we are unique, as will be our journey through life.
As I continue my journey, I am leaning more into my values of authenticity, empathy, wellbeing and connection as my guides, and I will remain committed to fostering a community where everyone feels valued and empowered. Together, we can create lasting impacts that resonate far beyond the university, contributing to a more sustainable and equitable future. In the end, it’s all about connection—connecting with others, with our passions, and with the world around us.
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