Although just in her early 30s, Shakiba Jalal has already had several careers. If there’s one thing she has learned in life, it is that her greatest successes seem to come when she steps out of her comfort zone.
How old were you when you immigrated to Canada?
Nineteen. I’m from Afghanistan originally, but we moved to Pakistan when I was 13. I came to Saskatchewan by myself to attend university.
What was it like coming to a new country?
My first year here was the loneliest year of my life. It took a long time to make friends. Even though I spoke English, I didn’t know the culture and everything was so different. It was intimidating. I remember being so scared I dropped a class because I didn’t know how to get there.
Did you have a career in mind?
Not really. I knew I needed an education to get a good job. I had always done well in math and science, so I took biochemistry. After two years, I switched my major to computer science. I worked as a computer programmer for a few years, then got my Master’s degree in biochemistry.
When did you switch to computer education?
I was working as a biochemist when I realized something just didn’t fit. When I saw a job posting for the Computer Science Department, I decided to apply. I didn’t exactly meet the requirements, but I met a lot of them. I thought, it couldn’t hurt to apply.
Have you always liked computers?
I didn’t know anything about them until I took computer science—and the first computer science course I took, I dropped. I didn’t get it. The second time I tried, it made sense. That was an important lesson for me, not to give up.
What do you do now?
I’m the internship and academic programs coordinator for the Department of Computer Science at the U of S. I coordinate the student internship program and provide academic program support for instructors. I’m also the outreach coordinator and I teach computer science classes on campus.
Is it tough stepping out of your comfort zone?
I guess being out of my comfort zone comes naturally to me. I’ve had to challenge myself to get where I am today.
What do you like most about your career?
It’s always changing, and I’m in a role that encourages new ideas. There’s a lot of demand for computer education. I’m so glad I took that computer science course the second time; I love the career I have now.
What's the best thing about education?
It opens doors. I feel like I can do anything I want, go anywhere I want.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I might go for my Ph.D., but I think my interest is shifting toward business and entrepreneurship. I’d like to use my education and experience to create new products and services, especially educational resources. But I also want to work with non-profits, so who knows. I guess I want to be a leader.
Any advice for others challenging their comfort zones?
Be open to new possibilities, but also take responsibility for the choices you make. Sometimes things don’t work out the way you thought and sometimes you make mistakes. It happens; take responsibility and move forward. Don’t retreat and let failure defeat you. I’ve failed. I’ve made mistakes. I picked myself up and went forward. Don’t be scared to challenge yourself.
Job Prospects – Fair. Biochemists are part of a large group of physical science professionals that includes chemists, physicists, astronomers, geologists, geochemists, geophysicists, meteorologists and others. Average annual income is $79,800.
Work Environment – Research- Intensive. Most biochemists are involved in theoretical, experimental or applied research. There are career opportunities in many different industries, including agriculture, food science, health, pharmacology, industry, environment and more. It’s a job that requires patience, attention to detail and an inquisitive mind.
Education Options – Degree, Diploma. Both the U of S and U of R confer undergraduate and graduate degrees in biochemistry and chemistry. SIAST offers diploma programs in Biotechnology and Chemical Technology.