Where are they now? – Profiling Chris Wilson

The objective of our initiative ‘Where are they now?’ is to create a forum or a bridge for German alumni to share their career stories with current students, and for students to ask alumni questions about careers. We kicked off the project in June 2017, by emailing German alumni, asking them if they would be willing to share their career stories with current students of German studies. Response was very positive, with over 15 alumni from a wide variety of careers, inside and outside of academia, indicating their interest in participating.

This project was led by Joan Andersen, as part of her volunteer position as Alumni Ambassador and Executive in Residence. Joan is a German alumna of the University of Toronto, and moved into a career outside of German studies after graduating with a Master’s Degree. Joan conducted a telephone or email interview with each participant with the objective or drafting a 5-8 minute long article profiling his/her career.

We will publish one or two ‘Career Profile’ articles every month which we hope our readers will find informative and maybe even inspirational. We welcome your feedback on this initiative by sending Joan an email at j.andersen.ma@gmail.com

Our third article profiles the career of Chris Wilson.

Welcome to this edition of ‘Where are they now’? In this article, we profile Chris Wilson – UofT 2004. I hope you find this article interesting and maybe even inspirational.

Chris graduated from the University of Toronto in 2004 with an Honours BA, German was his major. He also was an exchange student at the Universität Bonn 2001-2002. He also graduated from George Brown College in 2007 with a graduate certificate in Strategic Relationship Marketing. After graduating, he worked as Manager of Client Experience at TemboSocial in Toronto. Between 2009 and 2015, he worked as a Digital Strategist for Nerd Communications in Berlin. He then decided to do freelance work as a Digital Strategist during the next year. We caught up with Chris in Berlin where he is a Digital Product Designer and Partner at Keep Studio, which was established in 2016.

1. What made you decide to pursue German studies at the U of T?

I started studying German in high school (3 years of classes), and discovered I had an affinity for the language.
I was already considering studying literature / philosophy / linguistics, and the German program allowed me to combine those things in a way that suited me.

2. Describe your current position and job responsibilities. What career path lead you to your current job?

I run a two-man digital design and consulting studio in Berlin, Germany.
One aspect of the job is the design work itself – I focus on user experience and information architecture for the apps and websites we work on for clients, while my partner does the visual design.
The other aspect is the running of the business – networking, business development, bookkeeping, meetings, etc.
Client communication is 100% in German, currently all clients are in Germany.
My current job was made possible by: a) my knowledge of German language and culture, and b) my knowledge and experience in the field of software / online marketing and experience design.

3. How did you come to select this position as your career?

It was always clear to me that I wasn’t interested in pursuing academics as a career.
Upon graduating, I realized that I would need additional academic credentials to break into the software / digital job market (my other area of interest). This led me to enrol in the graduate program at George Brown.
I found my first job during my studies at George Brown – the CEO came to present in one of my classes, and I applied for a job directly.
The transition from marketing to design happened while working at the ad agency (Nerd Communications), where I worked closely with designers to create online experiences for campaigns.
I founded my current company with the art director from the aforementioned agency.

4. What made you decide to pursue a career abroad?

I didn’t move because of a particular job, it was more of a personal choice to try living in another city that I very much enjoyed spending time in already – and I’ve now been here in Berlin for 8 years.

5. What does a typical day at work for you look like?

We share an office with another two-man company of industrial designers.
Mornings: review daily / weekly tasks with partner, client communication / calls.
Rest of day: do design work for various jobs (either on the computer or workshop-style, depending on tasks).
Regularly: business travel within Germany for meetings, bizdev, etc.

6. What do you like most about your job?

The ability to help clients create positive experiences for their clients.
Making order (usable interfaces) out of chaos (complex business requirements).
Freedom of choice that comes with self-employment.

7. What are some of the challenges that you face on a day-to-day basis?

Balancing “doing business” and design work so that both get the attention they need.
Communicating the importance of usability and clarity to relatively old-fashioned German corporate clients.

8. What skills do you possess that make you a good fit for your current job?

Attention to detail
Communication (especially listening!) skills / empathy
Understanding of both business and user priorities
Of course, being fluent in German

9. How have your German studies equipped you with the skills you need to do your job?

Without in-depth knowledge and understanding of the language, I wouldn’t be able to do my job in Germany.
Understanding of German culture / customs is also a plus.

10. What are your ultimate career goals?

Growth of my current company
Taking on more international projects
Location-independence (so I can work from anywhere and spend more time with my family in Canada, etc.)

11. What do you do in your spare time?

Travel, primarily within Europe
Enjoying the city and its surroundings: food, live music, nature, etc.

12. What advice do you have for German students who are pursuing their studies with the goal of securing meaningful employment post-graduation, outside of German studies (AND, if you have any advice – for those who want to pursue careers related to their German studies or post graduate German studies)?

A BA degree in German is likely not going to be enough to get you an entry-level job in an unrelated field, unless the company is German or handles German clients.
Be prepared to undertake other, more practical studies (as I did) in order to get your first job.
Alternatively, consider interning in the summer during your studies to get experience in the field you’re interested in.
Don’t be afraid to explore your existing network (family, friends, professors) to see if they can connect you with someone for advice or even a job interview.
Make sure you understand why you are studying German… Is it for personal interest only? Do you intend to go into academia / government / culture? Be realistic about what value your studies / language skills will have to your eventual potential employer.

*13.What advice do you have for graduates seeking positions abroad?***

Do your homework on visas and their requirements and limitations – arrive totally prepared when it’s time to apply for them.
Be prepared to actively build your network in a new place. It can be hard to start fresh in a new place where you don’t know anyone.
If you can secure a job before moving abroad, so much the better – but be clear about what it is you’re committing to.
If you have a chance to do an exchange program in your intended country of residence, definitely give yourself the benefit of that experience. Or consider doing postgraduate studies there as a way to get established in that country.

14. For those readers who want to learn more, how can they contact you?

Personal email at: hi@chrilson.com