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Connecting with the UBC Sauder alumni network after graduation

Sabrina Dammolz
Posted ─ 2025-11-26
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Congratulations to the newest UBC Sauder graduates! As our latest alumni step into new opportunities, the UBC Sauder School of Business remains a lifelong community. That has been true for Sabrina Dammholz, a 2022 graduate of the Bachelor of Commerce. She began her career in investment banking at Scotiabank, moved into venture capital at Point72 Private Investments, and most recently co-founded a stealth artificial intelligence venture. Dammholz shares how she stays connected with the alumni network and simple ways new alumni can do the same.  

How did your UBC Sauder experiences shape your career path? 

My experiences at UBC Sauder form a diverse toolkit that I continually draw from — exploring careers in finance through the Co-op program, teaching through UBC Sauder LIFT, and diving into entrepreneurship with New Venture Design (NVD) and the Creative Destruction Lab (CDL).
 


Taking both NVD and CDL during my final year showed me how I could combine my interest in finance with a passion for building and entrepreneurship — a perfect platform for my move into venture capital. These programs gave me the clarity and confidence to pursue roles in investment banking, strategy, and eventually, founding my own venture in AI.

My co-op role in investment banking at Scotiabank was instrumental. It showed me the work and the value of a great team, which is why I returned to Scotiabank full-time after graduation.
 

How do you stay connected to the UBC Sauder community? 

Connection has always been at the center of my journey, from leading tutorials for COMM 101 and 202, mentoring through UBC LIFT, to organizing events like BizWeek with the Commerce Undergraduate Society (CUS).

My ability to connect and unite people has become a career accelerator, enabling me to drive meaningful impact through organizations like the Emerging Venture Capital Association (EVCA) and the Scotiabank Women Initiative.

After graduation, I’ve made it a priority to keep relationships warm with friends, professors and alumni. When I moved to Seattle, I worked with the Development and Alumni Engagement team, which helped me connect locally with other alumni based here. Back in Vancouver, I’m reconnecting with professors like Conor Topley, and Jeff Kroeker to help out with COMM 202 and UBC Sauder LIFT.
 


Why do you think it is important to stay connected with UBC Sauder after graduation? 

When I was a student, alumni who took time to share their experiences made such a difference for me. Now I get to be that person for current students, and it feels good to give back to a community that's been so supportive.

After graduation, it’s harder to make friends outside of work, so having an extra layer of community matters. Professors remain important connections and thoughtful sounding boards. I also learn from peers who share a UBC Sauder foundation. Hearing what others do in different industries is refreshing.
 


What advice would you give to new graduates on retaining their connections with the UBC Sauder community? 

  • Give yourself time to adjust to work life.
    Even though co-op prepares you well, the transition to full-time work is still a big change. When I was a student, we talked a lot about getting jobs but not so much about what it's like day-to-day or how to think about your career over the long term.
  • Start with what already matters to you.
    Think about what parts of UBC Sauder you loved most—maybe it was a specific class, a club you were involved in, or a professor who inspired you. Focus on keeping those connections alive first, then build from there.
  • Your UBC Sauder connection continues after graduation.
    Your UBC Sauder journey doesn’t end with graduation. It’s a community that you can lean on. Professors bring a wealth of guidance during career transitions, and peers offer cross-industry perspectives that bring new ideas and open doors. You can also look for alumni and classmates in your company or city
  • Set a realistic cadence and protect your energy.
    Choose a commitment you can keep, such as two hours a month for mentoring or one mixer each quarter. It’s okay to say no so you can follow through on the priorities that matter.