Cindy Diogo

Name
Cindy Diogo
Grad Year
2006
Degree
BA
Program
English
Philosophy
Sociology
Role / Title
Career Advisor
Industry
Business, Finance & Administration
Organization
Trios College

Q: Briefly describe your current position and responsibilities, including challenges/rewards. How did you go about your job search upon graduating -- what strategies were most successful and why do you think you were hired?

Current Position, Career Advisor/ HR at a private technical college. I find it extremely rewarding helping current students identify their passions and peruse their own career paths. The challenges I often face are keeping students engaged and motivated in their job search. Networking is the most efficient way to land a dream job and I'm finding much success utilizing social networks to reach out to potential employers. I was hired because I was referred into the organization through a college within my personal network whom I had kept in contact with.

Q: List the key positions you have held since graduation, and any post-graduate degrees/diplomas you earned after graduation. If applicable, list any other ways you are involved in your profession or in your community (member of a professional association, involved as a leadership volunteer, etc).

Before my current position I was a technical recruiter and Account Manager for an IT consulting firm. Prior to that, I was an HR Administrator/Recruiter for Canada Border Services Agency a federal division of the government. Paired with my UofT degree I have a post-graduate certificate from Sheridan College for Human Resources Management. I'm currently an active member of the Brampton Board of Trade as well as a number of smaller women in business networking groups.

Q: What personal characteristics/skills are most important for success in your job/field?

Communication and creativity are I believe the most important traits. Communication is most important in my current role because one must effectively persuade organizations to take on our students for employment. Creativity is also essential because when faced with hiring barriers one must find creative solutions to getting in front of employers!

Q: During your university career did any key experiences assist you in making your career choices? If yes, how so? (Internships? Extern Program? Volunteering? Student clubs? Summer job? Mentorship?)

My externship was defiantly a key factor in my initial interest in working with the government. I was lucky enough to work with a division of the government that worked with newcomers.

Q: What have been the keys to your success? What advice would you give to students who wish to pursue a similar career path? If you had the chance to plan your studies and your career path again, what would you do differently (if anything)?

Honestly it might sound a bit cheesy but the maintenance of a positive attitude and being humble enough to ask people for help, advice and mentorship along the way has been my key to success. I would advise students to really spend time learning about what they really enjoy doing and following that path regardless of how daunting that task might be. I would have taken my own advice and I would have continued down the path of perusing my interest and passion in literature and writing!