“Can you tell us a bit about yourself—your name, the program you were part of, your graduation year, and what you’re doing now?”
Hi everyone, I am Lynnet Hamblin. I joined the University of British Columbia in 2014 (from Kenya), where I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics with a Minor in Commerce, graduating in 2018. Currently, I work at a bank as a Senior Advisor, helping clients navigate financial planning solutions. Becoming a Mastercard Foundation Scholar in 2014 was a life-changing opportunity that shaped my academic and personal growth. As a student, I embraced new experiences with curiosity. The same mindset has guided my journey post-graduation, allowing me to adapt to new environments and have the confidence that I am doing my best. My goal is to use my knowledge and skills to better myself and the communities that I am part of.
Can you tell us about your journey since graduating?
Since graduating from UBC in 2018, I’ve built a career in financial services in Vancouver, working as an advisor at two of Canada’s largest banks. Beyond my career, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program has given me some of my closest friends, who have helped make Canada a home away from home. Vancouver holds a special place in my heart—it has shaped my professional journey and where I met and married my best friend. After 10 years here, I’m grateful for everything this city has given me.
What habits or routines help you manage stress and take care of yourself in your career and personal life after graduation?”
I’ve adopted a few routines that help keep me balanced. One thing I’ve embraced is finding ways to automate my life and create routines that are easy to follow. For example, I schedule my gym sessions for three days weekly on my calendar. This removes the need to think about it, and I show up when it’s time. It’s one less thing to process mentally. Additionally, I’ve found that going to the gym right after work instead of heading home first has made a huge difference in my attendance and consistency. This small adjustment has helped make fitness a regular part of my life without struggling to find extra time later in the day. These habits reduce decision fatigue, improve productivity, and help me stay consistent with self-care. It’s all about discovering little habits that can optimize my lifestyle and reduce stress in the process.
What key lessons or insights would you like to share with current Mastercard Foundation Scholars and Alumni as they prepare for life after graduation?
Embrace the Journey – Celebrate your milestones, big or small. Life after graduation is about more than just career success—it’s about building a life you love.. After graduating, I struggled to find a job because I didn’t have a specific career path mapped out with my degree. Your first job, especially right after graduation, may not be where you want to be—but keep showing up. Things will get better. Your career path may not be linear, and that’s okay. Be open to exploring different roles—you never know where your skills and passions might align. Keep learning, stay persistent, and trust that each step leads you in the right direction.
Lynnet ‘s journey reminds us about the importance of embracing milestones no matter how big or small. After joining the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program she has been open to exploring new opportunities that have come her way which has shaped her professional journey.