Every year, over 70 alumni volunteer their time to support the career learning of students and recent graduates by participating in career exploration events and programs. We recognize and celebrate these alumni's loyalty and dedication to giving back through the Career Centre Hall of Fame. We invite you to meet some of U of T's many successful alumni who've been in your shoes, read their advice, and get inspired by their career journey.
Are you a current alumnus who would like to get involved with the Career Centre? Reach out to Jason John at jas.john@utoronto.ca or 416-706-0847.
To view our Hall of Fame from the last few years, please visit this link.
Basir Ahmad
U of T Degree: HBA Communication Culture Information Technology (2016)
Current Job Title: Senior Digital Analyst
Current Organization: Cheil Canada
What advice would you give to your younger self?
"Take the opportunity to learn more about your profession through online certificates, marketing trends/strategies and more about application/execution. Continue to network and extend a helping hand."
Find me on LinkedIn
Carter Man
U of T Degree: Master of Engineering (2022), HBSC Applied Statistics (2020)
Current Job Title: Research Associate
Current Organization: Diversity Institute
What advice would you give to your younger self?
"Embrace challenges and don't fear failure; they are key steps toward growth. Prioritize mental and physical health. Cultivate meaningful relationships and pursue passions. Invest in lifelong learning and can spend more time thinking about career path starting from second year. At last, it's okay to ask for help!"
Find me on LinkedIn
Charmaine Ramirez
U of T Degree: BA Political Science and International Development (2015), MEd Leadership, Higher and Adult Education (2021)
Current Job Title: Partnerships Specialist
Current Organization: Northeastern University
What advice would you give to your younger self?
"Try and fail. You’re going to do a lot of different things over the course of your career and life. Always keep learning!"
Find me on LinkedIn
Danielle Elliott
U of T Degree: HBA, CCIT double major with English (2008)
Current Job Title: Director, Canada Marketing & Strategic Events
Current Organization: Salesforce
What advice would you give to your younger self?
"You don't have to know exactly who or what you will be right away. In fact, you may change your mind several times throughout your education and your career - and that's ok! What's most important is having the courage to find out, because what’s meant for you won’t pass you by. When you find something that can both challenge you, and bring you joy everyday - you've arrived."
Find me on LinkedIn
Danyal Syed Ali
Current Job Title: Head of Insights
Current Organization: IKEA Canada
What advice would you give to your younger self?
"Calm down, and work on yourself, the rest will work itself out."
Find me on LinkedIn
David Ferreira
U of T Degree: HBA International Relations (2000)
Current Job Title: Senior Manager for City Marketing, Research and Strategic Initiatives
Current Organization: City of Mississauga
What advice would you give to your younger self?
"Always say ‘yes’ when you’re asked to take on new challenges and opportunities, even if they aren’t exactly what you expected to be doing in your career. It’s the best way to stay curious, keep learning, network and build your personal brand."
Find me on LinkedIn
Ernest Tsang
U of T Degree: HBSc Economics; Statistics (2016)
Current Job Title: Head of APAC Markets Content
Current Organization: Bloomberg TV
What advice would you give to your younger self?
"Make friends with all kinds of people, be patient with progress, stay humble."
Find me on LinkedIn
Farishya Guard
U of T Degree: HBA in Communication Culture and Information Technology; and Human Resources and Industrial Relations (Double Major)
Current Job Title: Implementation Project Manager
Current Organization: ADP
What advice would you give to your younger self?
"Success is a journey not a destination. If you give up believing in a destination you cannot get lost, and it is on this path that you will find yourself. You are exactly where you are meant to be right now."
Find me on LinkedIn
Heather Riegler
U of T Degree: BASc Mechanical Engineering (2020)
Current Job Title: Digital Capability Leader
Current Organization: P&G
What advice would you give to your younger self?
"You don't need to figure everything out yourself when it comes to your career. Lean on your mentors and peers to support you and guide you through big (and small) decisions, especially when you are starting something new!"
Find me on LinkedIn
Isaiah Colthrust
U of T Degree: HBA Digital Enterprise Management (2022)
Current Job Title: Digital Transformation Analyst & Entrepreneur
Current Organization: The Ministry of Digital Transformation of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and WahWeDOing?
What advice would you give to your younger self?
"Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you become - James Clear. No matter how small a step you might take always make sure you're going in a positive direction."
Find me on LinkedIn
Jananee Savuntharanathan
U of T Degree: BBA Management (2018); Master of Urban Innovation (2023)
Current Job Title: Senior Consultant
Current Organization: KPMG
What advice would you give to your younger self?
"Explore, learn, and embrace rejections as they shape you into a better leader. Be kind to yourself, balance work/school and life through a routine and enjoy the process. This learning journey will foster growth, create lasting memories, and most importantly, make the ride enjoyable."
Find me on LinkedIn
Joanna Rutkowska
U of T Degree: HBA Sociology; Criminology; Political Science (2018)
Current Job Title: Program Coordinator
Current Organization: Ontario Public Service
What advice would you give to your younger self?
"If I had the opportunity to connect with my younger self, I would tell her to trust herself more. Stay calm, be present, and trust your future self to handle future problems."
Find me on LinkedIn
Joey Santiago
U of T Degree: BSc Economics & Psychology (2011)
Current Job Title: Manager, Data & Analytical Insights
Current Organization: OSFI
What advice would you give to your younger self?
"You won't believe it now, but your hardest trials today will seem like a cakewalk in five years - so don't lose sleep over it! And the answer to all your career decisions: go with what you'll enjoy the most, and everything else will fall into place."
Find me on LinkedIn
Kasra Vakiloroayaei
U of T Degree: HBSc - Statistics, Math and Economics
Current Job Title: Statistician/Biostatistician
Current Organization: University of Toronto
What advice would you give to your younger self?
"The more data you collect through life experiences, the more informed your next step can be. In more simple terms, continuously take on new experiences and challenges."
Find me on LinkedIn
Katja Tupak
U of T Degree: HBA Criminology, Diaspora Studies (2013), MPP (2015), MEd Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy (2023)
Current Job Title: Psychotherapist
Current Organization: Tupak Psychotherapy
What advice would you give to your younger self?
"Follow your passion rather than a path chosen purely for practical reasons or career aspirations. You can be good in a profession you chose with your mind, but you can excel in a calling you chose with your heart."
Find me on LinkedIn
Krista Kueviakoe
U of T Degree: BHSc Biology
Current Job Title: Bilingual Customer Solutions Representative
Current Organization: CDW
What advice would you give to your younger self?
"Things might not go according to your plans and timelines but trust God through the process."
Find me on LinkedIn
Laura Cocuzzi
U of T Degree: HBA Communication, Culture and Information Technology; Classical Civilization (2006)
Current Job Title: Owner & Consultant
Current Organization: LC Business Innovations
What advice would you give to your younger self?
"Recognize your fears. We often rationalize our thinking and logic based on deep inherited beliefs we may not even be aware of. Many of those beliefs often stem from fear of failure, security, rejection, worth and the list goes on. Your journey through university and beyond will be met with many decisions but remembering to guide yourself with an open mind, listen to that voice within and recognize when something excites you versus creates a fear. Probing into those fear based feelings can often uncover a greatness within you to leap forward into areas beyond your expectations."
Find me on LinkedIn
Marcus Armstrong
U of T Degree: BA Communications, Culture, Information and Technology (CCIT) (2017)
Current Job Title: Freelance Filmmaker / Photographer
Current Organization: Introspective Films
What advice would you give to your younger self?
"Comparison is the death of creativity. Stop worrying about what others are doing or what they might think of your work. Stay focused and stay in your own lane, you will reach your goals at your own pace."
Find me on LinkedIn
Marcus He
U of T Degree: Bachelor of Commerce
Current Job Title: Senior Manager
Current Organization: eBay
What advice would you give to your younger self?
"Have more fun, play more sports. Don’t worry too much about getting a job. Keep doing what you are doing and you will turn out just fine."
Find me on LinkedIn
Mehreen Zaman
U of T Degree: PhD in Health Services Research (2022), Masters in Health Informatics (2013)
Current Job Title: Founder & CEO
Current Organization: myAllergyAid Inc.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
"There is no such thing as failure, only lessons learned."
Find me on LinkedIn
Mustafa Noorani
U of T Degree: BA TCS (2023)
Current Job Title: UX Analyst
Current Organization: Afiniti
What advice would you give to your younger self?
"Keep believing no matter what happens."
Find me on LinkedIn
Nibedita Saha-Chakravorty
U of T Degree: Biological Chemistry
Current Job Title: Early Talent Recruitment Partner
Current Organization: TD Bank
What advice would you give to your younger self?
"Pick up on as many diverse experiences as you can, volunteer, talk with people, and maintain critical relationships. It will be important to find strong mentors and sponsors who have seen a good demonstration of what you can do. Allow yourself to be influenced by experts in the field and be wary of those who provide advice without having "walked the walk"."
Find me on LinkedIn
Nicole Danesi
U of T Degree: Honours Bachelor of Arts; Communication Culture Information Technology (ICCI); Environmental Management (2016)
Current Job Title: Senior Manager, Strategic Communications & Brand
Current Organization: CanadaHelps
What advice would you give to your younger self?
"Relax, enjoy the ride, and build community around you."
Find me on LinkedIn
Omar Osmani
U of T Degree: BA, Major, CCIT Minor: Political Science (2012)
Current Job Title: Lead, Leader Recruitment
Current Organization: Trillium Health Partners
What advice would you give to your younger self?
"Do things you never see your self doing, take risks, life is to short to live safely all the time."
Find me on LinkedIn
Pranavan Kandasamy
U of T Degree: Bachelor of Healrh Studies (2020)
Current Job Title: Account Specialist
Current Organization: OSL Retail Services
What advice would you give to your younger self?
"Continue to be involved, don't be afraid to ask for help regarding academic resources. They are there to guide you and help you."
Find me on LinkedIn
Rono Khan
U of T Degree: HBSc, Double Major in Biology and Chemistry (2017)
Current Job Title: Associate Lawyer
Current Organization: Baker & McKenzie LLP
What advice would you give to your younger self?
"Don't be afraid to speak out for a just cause, even if it makes you unpopular. The dissidents of today are the champions of tomorrow."
Find me on LinkedIn
Sami Eltohami
U of T Degree: HBA Criminology, Political Science, Ethics, Law and Society
Current Job Title: Court and Client Representative
Current Organization: Ministry of Attorney General - Superior Court of Justice
What advice would you give to your younger self?
"Focus on building strong relationships, stay curious, and embrace failures as learning opportunities. Trust your instincts, prioritize self-care, and don’t be afraid to take risks. Every experience shapes your journey, so stay patient and persistent. Your hard work and resilience will pay off."
Find me on LinkedIn
Sarah Girgis
U of T Degree: B.Com; Accounting; Economics (2019) & Graduate Diploma in Professional Accounting (2019)
Current Job Title: Senior Strategy Analyst
Current Organization: Canada Life
What advice would you give to your younger self?
"Do not fear (perceived) "failures". Rejection = protection + redirection. Keep moving and celebrate every win (big or small)!"
Find me on LinkedIn
Shiraz Gill
U of T Degree: Bachelor of Business Administration
Current Job Title: Account Executive
Current Organization: Procter & Gamble
What advice would you give to your younger self?
"Seek out opportunities, keep learning and embrace failure. Don't be afraid to take risks, be resilient and surround yourself with positive influences. Stay curious!"
Find me on LinkedIn
Sidney Bagsit
U of T Degree: HBA Communication, Culture, Information & Technology (2021)
Current Job Title: Communications Advisor
Current Organization: Ontario Health
What advice would you give to your younger self?
"Stop worrying so much. You are much more capable than you give yourself credit for! Don't let your overthinking trap you in your comfort zone."
Find me on LinkedIn
Sofia Mirzazada
U of T Degree: Honours Bachelor of Science (2019) - Biology for Health Sciences and Psychology
Current Job Title: Occupational Therapist
Current Organization: The Hospital for Sick Children & Tripod Fertility
What advice would you give to your younger self?
"Embrace learning, don't be afraid of failure/mistakes, and prioritize your mental wellbeing. Don't forget to surround yourself with positivity and continuously grow from experiences. Your undergrad will go by fast, make the most of the years you have with the people / activities that matter to you."
Find me on LinkedIn
Vivekan Jeyagaran
U of T Degree: BBA Co-op Management; Economics and Strategy (2016)
Current Job Title: Inclusive Market Advisor
Current Organization: MarketShare Associates
What advice would you give to your younger self?
"Center everything you do with hope for a more equitable world; back it up with curiosity, knowledge, and action; and accumulate the skills, knowledge, and exposure you need, to contribute to that vision. Do not relent to the pressures of societal norms, the status quo, and inaction."
Find me on LinkedIn