Are you interested to learn more about previous candidates’ experiences in RGOP and where they are now? Please find below various candidate testimonials below where you can hear directly from them about their time through the program and their success stories. These testimonials are a great way for you to gain insight regarding the impact RGOP has had on previous candidates and how it has shaped them into who they are today. You’ll be able to read about the skills & connections they made, and how the program has helped them in their personal and professional lives.
U of T Degree: HBSc Biology & Psychology
What are your thoughts on RGOP?
"I was introduced about the RGOP through one of the team members, Dimitra. I am very thankful to have met her, Jason, and Goppikka who are amazing mentors. I'm glad I joined the program where I got to learn more about myself but I was inspired by the other students and the team's stories regarding job searching and finding their career interest. It gave me hope and optimism that a door will open for me (I know it's cliché, but it's true). Again, I'm grateful for the team providing resources, their positivity and continuous kind support."
Next Steps:
The program helped me gain a work position at Uniqlo Manager Candidate (UMC) where I am being prepared as a business leader.
U of T Degree: BSc. Biology
What are your thoughts on RGOP?
"Self-awareness. Networking. Opportunities. Success. Participating in the RGOP program helped me realize my career aspirations and confidently self-market for multiple positions I never thought existed. During RGOP, I developed skills to flexibly apply to numerous jobs and network, both inside and outside my chosen field. After RGOP, I finally succeeded in landing an incredible job!"
Next Steps:
RGOP has helped me land and incredible opportunity to work in Customer Service at ESBE Scientific, providing me the chance to connect the transferrable skills I gained with my BSc., and apply it to the work I do.
U of T Degree: BSc. Biology, Chemistry & Psychology
What are your thoughts on RGOP?
"Joining the RGOP program was one of the best decisions for my career journey as I got to partake in workshops that allowed me to learn more about myself and meet other recent grads and current student and learn about their stories regarding job searching and finding their career interest. RGOP programming allowed me to learn firsthand from individuals that have excelled in their respective fields and find about their experiences which gave me hope and optimism that maybe a door will open for me. I know it's a cliché but its true as the connections built from RGOP did open and door for me in the marketing world, a career that I would have never even thought about exploring. Again, I'm very thankful for the UTM Career Centre and their team for providing resources and helping me out in any way during and even after the RGOP ended and thus I would urge others to partake in RGOP."
Next Steps:
Through RGOP, I landed an opportunity at ESBE Scientific as a Marketing Coordinator an industry I didn't imagine to launch my career in, having a BSc in Biology.
U of T Degree: BA in CCIT & Sociology
What are your thoughts on RGOP?
“When I joined RGOP, I was very nervous about taking real job interviews. I struggled to showcase myself to the companies I applied to. However, the RGOP staff was always available to help me. For instance, participating in the RGOP events boosted my confidence by teaching me multiple methods for interviews, such as using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, and Result). Moreover, RGOP provided me with a chance to connect with employers at job fairs which enabled me to establish some valuable connections - some of which I still keep in touch with. Even after finishing the RGOP sessions, I continued to practice mock interviews with one of their staff members. Eventually, I received multiple interview opportunities, and I secured my dream job as a UX designer, where my interview style was complimented. I wouldn't have been able to gain these job hunting skills without RGOP's help.”
Next Steps:
Currently, I work as a UX Designer at Aviso Wealth and I am enjoying the opportunities and learnings I am gaining through this position.
U of T Degree: BSc in Anthropology, Sociology & Sociocultural Anthropology
What are your thoughts on RGOP?
“I am and will always be grateful for the RGOP program and the team and students who all worked on it. I learnt so much in such a short amount of time. All the way from the “hard skills” like writing cover letters, tailoring a LinkedIn profile, all the way to resilience, patience, and self-compassion that are essential in the job search process.
I have the continued support of the folks at the Career Centre to thank for helping me find and get the job that I currently have and enjoy. Thank you, RGOP staff, and good luck to fellow grads!”
Next Steps:
Currently I work as a Student Services Hub Welcome Desk Coordinator at the University of Toronto Mississauga, where I am learning new things each and every day.
U of T Degree: BSc in Anthropology & Philosophy
What are your thoughts on RGOP?
"When I heard about this program, I wasted no time in preparing my application for it since I always had a great learning experience from the previous Career Centre events and workshops that I attended (e.g. Sweats to Suits). During my undergrad, I did not have the best focus and interest in looking forward to developing my prospects post-graduation, leaving me in constant stress and anxiety in transitioning from the school to the workplace. RGOP provided me with a comprehensive guide to career development - effective job hunting, career profiling, and professional networking. The in-person workshops, virtual 1-on-1 appointments and the program-ending networking event gave me multiple opportunities to learn, explore and reflect upon my plans/objective for my professional career. I am extremely thankful to the entire RGOP Management Team - Goppikka, Lucy, Dimitra, Jason, Ron, Sheri and Sooin - for making the RGOP possible!"
Next Steps:
Currently, I work at Ace Acumen Academy as a Learning Strategy Advisor and the position provides me valuable experience and learning opportunities towards my goal in having a career in the education/teaching industry.
U of T Degree: BSc. Psychology
What are your thoughts on RGOP?
"I'm glad that this program was made available to me when I was lost during my job search and needed guidance. I was connected to many wonderful, resourceful people in the RGOP Management Team who played a huge part in my job searching process. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the entire team for always being supportive and accommodating to students such as myself."
Next Steps:
Currently, I work at the Community Living North Halton as a Developmental Services Worker and I am enjoying the opportunities and experience I am building through this position.
U of T Degree: BA. CCIT
What are your thoughts on RGOP?
"I am extremely grateful for the Recent Graduate Opportunities Program (RGOP) and the invaluable skills and support it provided me with. Through RGOP, I honed my resume writing skills, mastered essential interview tips, and learned how to position myself as an ideal candidate in the competitive job market. The dedication and accessibility of the program's administrators and career counselors were truly remarkable. The program was impeccably organized, offering me ample opportunities to interact with a diverse range of employers, which greatly expanded my professional network. Thanks to RGOP, I have achieved tremendous growth in my career and can confidently say that it played a pivotal role in receiving my current role."
Next Steps:
Currently, I work at Ontario Finances as a Communication Intern and I appreciate everything I have learned so far and will continue to learn.
U of T Degree: BSc. Forensic Science
What are your thoughts on RGOP?
"The RGOP provided me with guidance in setting career goals and the fundamental skills needed to achieve those goals, as I transitioned from the classroom to the workplace. This program has given me a strong foundation in interviews, resumes, cover letters and networking, so that I can best present my skills and experience to employers. Each workshop not only taught me essential career building skills but also allowed me to practice those skills through interactions with other students in the RGOP, career coaching appointments and mock interviews. All the amazing staff members that are a part of the RGOP truly care about the success of each of the students, and want to help them get ahead in their respective careers. I will truly cherish everything I have learned in the RGOP!"
Next Steps:
Currently, I am working as a Data Management Associate at Axiom Real-Time Metrics.
U of T Degree: BSc. Economics
What are your thoughts on RGOP?
"The RGOP at UTM played an integral role in my professional development. From day one, they have offered comprehensive services and guidance in career exploration, helping me align my passions and interests with potential career paths. The RGOP offers professional development workshops, networking events, and industry-specific resources and their personalized approach has made a significant difference in my career trajectory. I am very grateful to have had such a wonderful resource at UTM."
Next Steps:
I am working towards receiving my CFA designation to strengthen my application when I am searching for a job in the Finance, Management, and/or any business fields.
U of T Degree: BSc. Anthropology
What are your thoughts on RGOP?
“Joining the RGOP program has helped me build a profile through job searching and encouraged me to have an open mind in identifying my career interest and goals. I was able to connect with multiple employers that helped me understand more about their background as well as reflect on how it aligned with my degree and interests. It has opened doors of opportunities for me, which helped me find and settle in with my current job. I am truly grateful for the support that the team has provided for recent graduates in navigating and building their careers."
Next Steps:
Currently, I work at Uniqlo in the Uniqlo Manager Candidate (UMC) position that I obtained through RGOP. I am learning all the ins and outs of the retail world and I am excited for everything that I will continue to learn in this role.
U of T Degree: BA. Sociology
What are your thoughts on RGOP?
“In my last year of university, I felt very confused as to what I wanted to pursue after I finished my bachelor’s degree or even what my career interests were. That is until I reached out to the UTM Career Centre, and I heard about the RGOP program that was being offered. The RGOP program not only taught me how to tell my story to employers and develop job searching skills, but it helped me build my overall confidence in this process. Thank you to the team at the Career Centre for this amazing opportunity!”
Next Steps:
In June of 2023, I started by new position as a Digital Fraud Officer in the Fraud Operations department at RBC Bank that I obtained through RGOP. I am responsible for conducting comprehensive analysis of accounts and creating security fraud reports to fulfil clients' immediate security needs.
U of T Degree: BSc. Biology
What are your thoughts on RGOP?
"RGOP was a refreshing experience and helped me reflect on how I use career development tools and optimize my job search! I also enjoyed the community aspect of the program, as we met weekly and shared engaging discussions. Our lecturer was thorough and had great insight into taking the step forward into the job market. I am grateful for the support from the RGOP team after the program ended. I can always look to the RGOP and the Career Centre for help in my job search and I am very thankful for the tools given to me to further my career search."
Next Steps:
I am currently working full-time as a Camp Administrator for the Muslim Association of Canada. I’m gaining valuable experience in project management and working in an educational environment. I am enjoying it quite a lot!
U of T Degree: BA. Sociology
What are your thoughts on RGOP?
"Like so many other upper year students, I was very anxious about my post-graduation life. I was working very hard on finding a job after graduating but I was unsure of the steps I needed to take. The RGOP program gave me the resources and guidance to succeed in my journey. I’m glad I joined the program where I got to learn more about myself but I was mostly inspired by the other students and the team’s stories regarding job searching and finding their career interest. It gave me hope that a door will open for me (I know it’s a cliché but it’s true). It is so important for students to take advantage of all these resources the university provides. Again, I’m very thankful for you and the team for providing resources and helping out in any way."
Next Steps:
Currently I work full time at RBC as a Fraud Officer and I am learning a lot through this opportunity. Thank you to the RGOP Team for sharing this wonderful job opportunity that I never knew could be a potential career pathway for me.
U of T Degree: BA. CCIT
What are your thoughts on RGOP?
"The RGOP Program is an amazing opportunity for students to learn job searching strategies, make connections, access networking events, and develop the documents required to succeed in their job application process. Life after graduation can feel uncertain, but the RGOP team can help prepare you for the newness of it all. I feel thankful for the team at the Career Centre, who have kept in touch with me after I graduated, and helped with my job search journey. I would definitely recommend it!"
Next Steps:
Currently I am a Digital Marketing Intern at the University of Toronto Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, St. George Campus.