Get to Know Your MacDonald Search Group Consultant - Meet Jaime Burke

Beverage Alcohol Expert with a Splash of Zen.

Strapping on sneakers in her Olympic Village condo in preparation to run the False Creek seawall, the newest addition to the MacDonald Search Group family, Jaime Burke, remembers a time before the high rises and craft brew. Growing up as the middle child of three in Coquitlam, she is a proud Vancouver native – a rare find in an ever-changing international hub.

“I love what Olympic Village has become, with all of the shops, cafes, and proximity to the city activities,” she said, explaining that she is an extremely active person who does yoga, dances, practices Lagree, plays team volleyball, snowboards, and bikes. “Right before joining MacDonald Search Group, I did a good amount of traveling, but my family and lifelong close friends drew me back, and this is the perfect neighborhood for my lifestyle right now.”

Having attended Centennial Secondary School, many of her tight-knit friendships can be traced all the way back to pre-school. After graduation, she followed her parents’ path to Simon Fraser University, earning her Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing/Communications.

“I had friends in the wine business, which has really blown up in BC over the last couple of decades, so they started me out in merchandising and later I became a sales rep,” Jaime explained. “That was an incredible learning experience. I was able to travel to some of the best wine regions in the world, including France, New Zealand, and Chile, and achieve the WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wine [a globally recognized wine and spirits certification]. The job allowed me to experience new things and help people, which is also what attracted me to MacDonald Search Group.”

Bringing this wealth of knowledge, determination, and community experience to MacDonald Search Group, she found that the supportive culture and family-like atmosphere of the firm helped her strike the work-life balance that she has been looking for throughout her career. Specializing in the beverage alcohol and hospitality industries, she brings together clients with qualified candidates.

Pointing out the tough Vancouver employment market, she embraces the challenge of fulfilling her clients’ needs and consulting them on the realities of the job environment. Being one of the most expensive housing markets in the world, the city has an unemployment rate below the national average and high competition for qualified talent. Jaime helps set her clients’ expectations and provides the best service possible for both clients and candidates.

“One of the things that attracted me to this business is my ability to help clients solve problems by introducing them to quality candidates that fit their criteria,” she said. “As for the candidates, it is incredibly gratifying to tell them that they’ve taken a step forward in their career and to hear the joy in their voices when they’re offered a new job.”