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 responsible for managing business & technological projects aimed at increasing our operational efficiency & growth. My biggest reward is that I have been exposed to various unique project initiatives varying in scope and complexity. Each day has something new to learn from, so it never really gets routine. Upon graduating, I first joined an IT consulting company which help build my business knowledge and understand what are the common goals & themes organizations are looking to achieve. It was a great learning ground, and gave me the tools & experience I still leverage today.
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).
- IT Consultant
- Project Manager
- Senior Project Manager
Q: What personal characteristics/skills are most important for success in your job/field?
- Communication
- Rapport Building
- Negotiation
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?)
While I was at UTM, I would take time to pick the brains of my professors, to get their opinion's on current business issues & trends. I leveraged their insight and experience, to help focus what I planned to get out of my education.
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)?
Goal Setting. You can't go anywhere unless you have a plan. Understand what you enjoy doing. If it doesn't feel like work, it won't be. Passion. You need to have passion for what you want to do. Life is to short to do spend most of your time doing something you don't enjoy.