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?
I am currently a Staff Accountant at Ernst & Young LLP in Toronto. My primary work is audit - I perform substantive tests to verify figures presented by companies on their publicly issued statements. My main client is TD Securities (trading segment of TD Bank). One of the greatest rewards of working as an Auditor is how much you learn, especially about the client's business operations.
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).
I am a returning judge for DECA (Provincial business competition).
Q: What personal characteristics/skills are most important for success in your job/field?
Teamwork, leadership, technical knowledge
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?)
Student clubs that I was involved in during my undergraduate career: UTM Muslim Students' Association, Undergraduate Commerce Society, UTM Athletic Council
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)? Find a mentor who is where you want to be in a few years and learn from their experiences.