Independent Studies | University of Waterloo

Recent BIS Grads at Work

Given the diverse range of interests and prior experience of Independent Studies students, it's not surprising that they've entered many fields of endeavour after receiving their BIS degree. Often this came after they had completed further university studies. Graduates from earlier years have gone on to senior positions in government and corporations, developed their own business enterprises, and become established professionals, including university professors. Others have become deeply involved with family and local community activities.

Here are some examples from graduates during the last few years.

Communications Specialist, Myrias Marketing and Communications, Cambridge Ontario
Director, Theatre Company ICASTICO, Toronto, Ontario
Executive-Director, Cambridge Home support, Cambridge, Ontario
Farmer and part-time researcher for the local historical society, Plattsville, Ontario
Freelance Sculpture/Teacher, Canada and Italy
Lecturer, Computer Science program, University of Waterloo
National Systems Engineer, RSA Security Inc., Toronto, Ontario
Program Analyst, Manufacturer Insurance, Waterloo, Ontario
Recreation Therapist, Petrolia, Ontario
Registered Midwife, Milbank, Ontario
Sales Representative, University Press Group, Toronto, Ontario
Self-Employed Consultant: Enhanced Image, Waterloo, Ontario
Self-Employed Registered Movement Therapist, Boston, Massachusetts
Senior Corporate Business Planner, Environment Canada, Hull, Quebec
Staff Person in a group home for the mentally-challenged, Kitchener, Ontario
Systems Analyst, TransCanada Pipelines Ltd., Calgary, Alberta
Teacher of Dance, National Ballet School of Canada, and Co-Artistic Director/Founder KAEJA d'Dance Inc., Toronto, Ontario
Teachers of English as a Second Language, Japan, Korea

Recent BIS Grads in Post-degree Studies

PhD candidates:

Cognitive Science Laboratory, McMaster University
Juris Doctor Degree, University of Queensland, Australia
Microbiology and Immunology, University of Western Ontario
Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto
Psychology, York University
School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, England
Watershed Ecology, Trent University

Masters candidates:

Architecture, University of British Columbia
Bioinformatics, University of British Columbia
Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), U.S.
Distance Education, Athabaska, Alberta
Electrical & Computing Engineering, University of Toronto
English, University of Toronto, University of Waterloo, University of Western Ontario
Environmental Studies, York University
Law, University of Sherbrooke, Quebec
Movement Therapy, Lesley University, Boston
Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto
Psychology, University of British Columbia
Religious Studies, McGill University, Quebec
Sociology, Queens University, Kingston

Words of Advice From BIS Graduates

Eric LaForest (2007):

I wanted to extend my post-secondary education and what I wanted to study the most was not in any engineering textbook nor taught in any class. The IS program provided me with the environment I needed to grow in, with enough freedom to go off the beaten path, to wander across faculties while providing abundant guidance to maintain high academic standards. Studying in IS is self-disciplined work. It is also extremely rewarding and meaningful. Success in IS comes from steady effort and from knowing not to be more or less reserved as the situation demands, but more or less bold.

Independent Studies thesis: Second-Generation Stack Computer Architecture

Eric is currently pursuing graduate studies at the University of Toronto, Electrical & Computing Engineering.

Jeffrey Charles (2006):

51 98 88 45 __*
Do you know the next two digits in this sequence? (Hint: Think outside the box.)

The Independent Studies program truly distinguishes itself from any university program available in Canada. You work differently, think differently, and stand out among your peers - because you are different. Independent Studies provided me with the opportunity to develop an education in a field that I was passionate about. At the same, it demanded of me to develop my own organizational, communication and strategic thinking skills. working in the program really taught me to understand how I learn things and that I cannot learn enough whether in school or out.

I challenge anyone enrolled or considering joining IS to push the boundaries of your own mind. Leap out of your traditional way of thinking and do it in the IS environment where it is not only encouraged but expected of you. The experience is life changing. Everyone involved in this amazing place is a unique spark for your inspiration and ideas, especially your own peers. We're a unique community and I encourage you to get involved and work with one another to really stretch the limits of your thinking, learning, and living. Think outside the box and the results will amaze you.

Independent Studies thesis: The Funkification Project

* The last two digits in the sequence above are 67. The pattern is UW's phone number!

Gail Kunkel (1999):

I entered Independent Studies to prepare for graduate school. As a mature student I required a program that would strengthen my academic credentials and augment my previous university education, work experience and volunteer training.
Independent Studies thesis: Defining and measuring 'Coping' Humour: Testing for Psychometric Properties of the Uses-of-Humour Inventory

Gail is now a PhD candidate in Psychology, York University, Toronto, Ontario.

Vanessa Compton (1998):

If the futurologists and cultural theorists are to be believed, we will all be constantly re-inventing ourselves in the coming millennium. If that is the case, then the Independent Studies program looks to the laboratory for a working model in related skills training. I am very glad I had the opportunity to work there.
Independent Studies thesis: Rosenstiehl at Chartres: The Mathematics of the Cathedral Labyrinth

Completed a Masters degree and is currently a PhD candidate at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), University of Toronto.

Diane Cizek (1996):

None of the restrictions you face in other departments applied. However, Independent Studies students have to be more organized and focused about what they want to do. It takes high levels of discipline, self-motivation and creativity to develop one's own program of study and see it through.
Independent Studies thesis: The Rothko Chapel: A Tragic Sense of Place

Diane now teaches art classes and manages a therapeutic running club at the YMCA in Burlington, Ontario.

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With Your BIS This page was last reviewed on March 22, 2011