Henry "Hank" McQueen

Degree: Bachelor of Arts (Geography, Minor History), 2008
Sport: Men's Rugby, 2004-2008
Current Profession/Employer: Real Estate Development - Senior Development Manager at Concert Properties Ltd. Also a registered professional urban planner. 

Why did you choose to study/play at UBC?
I wanted to have the best of both worlds from an academic and rugby perspective. It's pretty hard to beat UBC's campus setting too. I knew I'd be inspired in the classroom and by my teammates. 

Favourite T-Bird memory: 
Beating Cal at home in my last game at Thunderbird Stadium in 2008. 

Favourite place on campus: 
Main Mall between Koerner and Barber libraries on a bright day. 

What was your first job after graduation? 
I was a forest firefighter in Fort St. John, up in northern BC. 

What advice do you have for current student-athletes? 
Your identity and character does not need to be defined by your time playing varsity sports. You have learned so much about how to be successful in any setting, and those lessons will come in handy every day. Don't turn off your athlete brain! 

What's the best advice you can give to help plan a career? 
Start with passion. As varsity athletes, we achieve success in our chosen sports because we love them. I think you can find success in any field if you can find purpose in the work. Also, go for coffees, first-hand accounts can help you direct your time and energy in the right places. 

Do you have a mentor?  How have they influenced you? 
I grew up in a really community-minded family, played on community-minded teams with countless people who have taught me along the way. Naturally, I've found myself developing new communities with a company that cares deeply about both creating and contributing to the neighbourhoods in which we play, live and work.

Beyond my parents, Don (former UBC rugby player) and Cecile (also UBC alum) who gave me an incredible playbook to live by, I have learned so much at Concert Properties from our team, and especially Brian McCauley, Craig Watters and Kelly Wilson about how to make sound moves professionally, while never losing sight of your core values, and quite simply doing the right thing.  

How and where do you find inspiration? 
Usually a few hours in the back of a soup kitchen in the Downtown Eastside does the trick! Otherwise a walk around a well-used public space or a new neighbourhood.

How have you used your varsity athletic experience in your current career/life?
I think the aspect of what makes a good teammate is one of my most valued lessons that I try to put into practice, and how different skillsets can work together. 

Anything particular to quarantine challenges? 
I love seeing people and talking through ideas. I have a very understanding and patient partner who listens to me no matter what I am going on about. I suspect she is having more challenges than me!

What are your books/movie suggestions? 
I thought Legacy by James Kerr was an excellent read. It had some really valuable lessons in there that I think would resonate with most athletes. I just finished watching The Last Dance, a documentary about the 1997-98 Chicago Bulls, and loved every minute. 

What are your go-to songs and podcasts?
The Donnie Darko soundtrack (INXS, Tears for Fears, Joy Division), The Suburbs by Arcade Fire, and R.A.P. Music by Killer Mike - these albums find their way into just about every one of my playlists. Favourite podcasts are: Conan Needs A Friend or 99% Invisible 

Can you share any new quarantine hobbies/goals? 
Cooking way more. Good life skill to sharpen up on. 

What question would you ask other T-Birds/mentors? 
I would ask them what inspires them, so I'm glad you asked! 

What question do you wish we had asked you? 
Can T-Birds reach out to you for any career advice or for coffee? YES! You can find Hank on LinkedIn.