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For this issue of the Torch Alumni magazine, Trip Essentials, we spoke with alumni in travel-related industries, including John Wensveen, president of the International Space University. Wensveen embraced the idea of using “reverse engineering” to accomplish a goal. Put another way, you figure out where you want to be and go backwards to find the steps to get there, while acknowledging there might be off-ramps along the way.

Alumni career educator Kerry Vaughan specializes in helping UVic grads work toward reaching goals. She, too, supports the notion of mapping out a plan and taking intentional steps, even if the progress might seem slow. She is upfront about the reality that, depending on where you live, your chosen field and your experience, the job search might be tough right now—and that can take a toll on mental health.

Applying for too many jobs at once is a common mistake, she says. Sometimes, an eager alum has fanned out with dozens of queries and resumes. Her advice might be to slow down, reassess and reconsider to make sure applications are customized. “So, really just pausing, thinking about what you're doing that's working for you and what isn't.”

Job seekers might need to take work not directly in their field to get by. In this case, she suggests trying to find something “adjacent” or with skills that might transfer. Volunteer work can develop skills and contacts that push your application into the “yes” pile. The job-search journey can be long—so celebrate the wins, however small, whether it’s being selected for an interview or earning a new credential.

When crafting a resume, Vaughan suggests framing work responsibilities as achievements. An applicant might write that they increased engagement by a certain percentage, rather than the summary “responsible for marketing emails.”