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 2021-2022 year, please visit this link.
Adam Edris, CFA
U of T Degree: BA Economics; Political Science
Current Title: Partner, Research Analyst
Current Industry: Financial Services
Current Organization: Albourne Partners
What advice would you give to your younger self?
"Just chill."
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Ammar Hafeez
U of T Degree: MD Program; HBSc Life Sciences
Current Title: Family Medicine Resident
Current Industry: Hospitals and Health Care
Current Organization: William Osler Health System
What advice would you give to your younger self?
"Find a purpose in life that keeps you fulfilled intellectually, emotionally, spiritually and morally. One singular purpose does not have to fulfill all these categories. The important thing is to have a collection of activities/employments/relationships that collectively satisfy all the aforementioned realms. That is the definition of a perfect life."
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Belicia Chevolleau
U of T Degree: HBA Communication, Culture and Information Technology (2020)
Current Title: Social Media Manager
Current Industry: Wellness and Fitness Services
Current Organization: Danielle Binns Nutrition
What advice would you give to your younger self?
"Later is now. Don’t procrastinate because you are scared of failing or imperfection. Start your business, chase your career. Do it now. Do it afraid. All you need to do is start."
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Brandon Cormier
U of T Degree: BS Computer Science (2019)
Current Title: Summer Law Student
Current Industry: Law Practice
Current Organization: Rowand LLP
What advice would you give to your younger self?
"I would tell myself to make sure I am taking advantage of every opportunity available to me, especially working and learning opportunities. There are many resources available through the University, especially for extracurricular and internship opportunities, that can help greatly in connecting you with peers and mentors. Those connections are invaluable as you continue your academic and professional career."
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Christian Miranda
U of T Degree: HBA Communication, Culture and Information Technology
Current Title: Manager, Data Quality Management
Current Industry: Financial Services
Current Organization: BMO
What advice would you give to your younger self?
"Put yourself in a position to learn as much as you can and have fun doing it. Also, invest in Tesla."
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Corine Tchakoute
U of T Degree: HBA Economics; Italian Studies (2014)
Current Title: Campus Recruitment Lead
Current Industry: Civil Engineering
Current Organization: GHD
What advice would you give to your younger self?
"Embrace failures as learning opportunities, prioritize self-care, and be open to new experiences. Pursue your passions fearlessly, stay curious, and seek mentors who inspire growth. Remember that mistakes are part of the journey, and your worth isn't defined by external validation. Believe in yourself, for you have a bright future!"
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David Ferreira
U of T Degree: HBA International Relations (2000)
Current Title: Senior Level Communication and Marketing Manager
Current Industry: Government Administration
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."
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Debra Olaniyi
U of T Degree: HBA Political Science; Sociology; Women and Gender Studies (2022)
Current Title: Consulting and Data Analytics Intern
Current Industry: Business Consulting and Services
Current Organization: Credera
What advice would you give to your younger self?
"Forge meaningful connections, explore uncharted territories, and fearlessly advocate for justice. In every setting, project, or solution, embody the change you desire. Your voice and actions can inspire transformative shifts, so lead by example and be the catalyst for positive transformation in the world around you."
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Ennio Alessandro Palombizio
U of T Degree: HBSc Statistics; Economics; Mathematics (2007); Masters Economics (2009)
Current Title: Senior Economist
Current Industry: Government Administration
Current Organization: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
What advice would you give to your younger self?
"The grass is greener, not on the other side, but where you water it; Be a lifelong learner.
Proactively Plan and Prioritize.
Even introverts can be Active Communicators when it counts but more important is to be Active Listeners.
Finally, seek first to understand, then be understood."
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Fatima Ashfaq
U of T Degree: BA Digital Enterprise Management (2023)
Current Title: Communications Intern
Current Industry: Government Administration
Current Organization: Ontario Finance
What advice would you give to your younger self?
"To my younger self, I'd emphasize the importance of asking for help. UTM offers an abundance of resources, including career support, financial aid, academic advice, and countless extracurricular opportunities. Don't hesitate to tap into these offerings; they'll nurture personal growth, broaden horizons, and lay the foundation for a successful future. Embrace the support available!"
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Fatimah Khan
U of T Degree: HBSc Psychology; Professional Writing and Communication (2017)
Current Title: Pharmacy Graduate Intern
Current Industry: Personal Care Product Manufacturing
Current Organization: Pharmasave Monarch Pharmacy
What advice would you give to your younger self?
"To not be limited by the idea that there is one set career path based on the degree you pursue. There are so many new careers that have emerged that can enable you to combine your passions and interests in ways you never thought possible. Be open and be curious!"
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Hassaan Mustafa
U of T Degree: BS Computer Science (2019)
Current Title: Software System Designer
Current Industry: Semiconductor Manufacturing
Current Organization: AMD
What advice would you give to your younger self?
"Explore your options before committing to a decision. Once you've committed to a plan, see it through till the end. Once you have completed a plan, get feedback on your performance and use it to iterate on yourself. Repeat."
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Heather Riegler
U of T Degree: BASc Mechanical Engineering (2020)
Current Title: Digital Capability Leader
Current Industry: Manufacturing
Current Organization: Procter & Gamble
What advice would you give to your younger self?
"There are going to be many different seasons in your life and career - some will be wonderful, and some will be challenging. Regardless of the season, there is always going to be something you can learn about yourself. Be encouraged that your learning won't stop when you're handed a diploma!"
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Jasleen Dogra
U of T Degree: Bcom Marketing; Economics (2021)
Current Title: Social Media Coordinator
Current Industry: Professional Services
Current Organization: EY
What advice would you give to your younger self?
"Follow your passion. Take the time to understand what you enjoy the most and what defines you. When you do what truly makes you happy and drives you, you’ll be able to invest 100% of yourself and succeed."
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Joey Santiago
U of T Degree: BSc Economics; Psychology (2011)
Current Title: Manager, Data & Analytical Insights
Current Industry: Government Administration
Current Organization: Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions Canada
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."
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Juan Ariado
U of T Degree: BA Communication and Media Studies; Geography; Professional Writing (2011)
Current Title: Art Director
Current Industry: Retail
Current Organization: Hudson's Bay
What advice would you give to your younger self?
"Go for it. Be open, be collaborative. Continue to work with people that will challenge your perspective and push your creativity. Don’t forget the playfulness and passion of it all - that’ll keep you sane and hungry. Find people who like to create and riff - help them showcase their voice too. Remember that experiences provide the colour."
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Mayank Sharma
U of T Degree: BA Digital Enterprise Management (2016)
Current Title: Brand Manager
Current Industry: Food and Beverage Services
Current Organization: Innovative Food Brands Ltd
What advice would you give to your younger self?
"Be patient. Things have a way of working out at the end. Be kind, to yourself and others, work hard, and look for the best, expect the worst, but look for the best. And if it feels like things aren't working out, it's not the end, just a speed bump."
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Mitchell Bonney
U of T Degree: BA Environmental Geography; PhD Physical Geography
Current Title: Remote Sensing Physical Scientist
Current Industry: Government Administration
Current Organization: Natural Resources Canada
What advice would you give to your younger self?
"Take time to stop and think. Time and financial pressures can make it easy to focus on the first thing that comes to mind or take the first opportunity that comes along. However, it is often best to stop and consider all options in day-to-day work and in your career."
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Nina Lecic
U of T Degree: BA Political Science
Current Title: Manager, Legal and Legislative Services/ Deputy Clerk
Current Industry: Government Administration
Current Organization: Town of Milton
What advice would you give to your younger self?
"Never be afraid to ask as many questions as possible. Volunteer. Build a network based on mutual trust and understanding. Reach out to people in your sector, and seek mentors that will help and guide you."
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Nudrat Zehra
U of T Degree: BA Digital Enterprise Management
Current Title: UX/UI Designer
Current Industry: Financial Services
Current Organization: American Express
What advice would you give to your younger self?
"Embrace negative experiences, they result in growth and development. Overcoming rough patches and hiccups propels you towards broader goals and evolving goals means continual progress in your journey. Cultivate resilience and embrace a growth mindset for success."
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Oliver Diaz
U of T Degree: HBSc Anthropology; Philosophy
Current Title: Learning Strategy Advisor
Current Industry: Higher Education
Current Organization: Ace Acumen Academy
What advice would you give to your younger self?
"Trust yourself and fully commit. Oftentimes, you get unnecessarily caught up with your ideas and all of the potential results. Aim for progression over perfection because when all else fails, you live to learn and learn to live - The people who care don’t matter, the people who matter don’t care."
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Omar Osmani
U of T Degree: BA Communication and Marketing
Current Title: Leader Recruitment
Current Industry: Hospitals and Health Care
Current Organization: Trillium Health Partners
What advice would you give to your younger self?
"Care for others meaningfully, laugh openly, help endlessly. Time will fly by, all that will remain are the unforgettable memories you made, so make as many memories as possible."
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Pedro Vicente
U of T Degree: BA Digital Enterprise Management
Current Title: Software QA Engineer
Current Industry: Investment Banking
Current Organization: Investment Banking
What advice would you give to your younger self?
"Nothing endures but change. You can't dislike what you don't know. Good things take time. Resilience is important."
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Rabia Asif
U of T Degree: HBSc Mathematics and Computer Science (2017)
Current Title: Backend Engineer
Current Industry: Food and Beverage Services
Current Organization: Restaurant Brands International
What advice would you give to your younger self?
"Anyone in your position would make the exact same choices as you, so don't look back, don't second guess your self, don't be afraid to take the road less travelled by, just keep focusing on building a future."
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Ray Khan
U of T Degree: HBA Digital Enterprise Management
Current Title: Senior Digital Producer
Current Industry: Banking
Current Organization: Simplii Financial
What advice would you give to your younger self?
"Take every opportunity, and NEVER think you're better than one. Speed often, if not always, trumps perfection. Consistency trumps both. Determine what the 99% are doing to succeed and go beyond that. You are more tolerant of risk in your 20s than you think, so focus and go hard on your dreams and passions in your early career, and when you hit your 30s, you'll have all the clarity and opportunities you need. If you can't get the opportunity you want as an entry-level candidate, create your own opportunities by freelancing or starting your own company."
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Romila Verma
U of T Degree: Masters Degree Environmental Studies (1999)
Current Title: Instructor
Current Industry: Higher Education
Current Organization: University of Toronto
What advice would you give to your younger self?
"Invest in your future now and have fun in the process. This is the time to explore, experiment, and evolve, so your foundation is set for life towards more explorations, experiments, and evolution. Get outside your comfort zone, learn to accept failures, and have faith in yourself."
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Rono Khan
U of T Degree: HBSc Biology; Chemistry (2017)
Current Title: Associate Lawyer
Current Industry: Law Practice
Current Organization: Baker McKenzie
What advice would you give to your younger self?
"I would advise my younger self to be open to new ideas and perspectives, always exercise compassion and empathy with others, and travel at every opportunity. I would also emphasize remembering where he came from, including his culture, history, community and language, and cultivating a strong support network."
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Sarah Gigis
U of T Degree: BCom Accounting; Economics (2019); GDipA (2019)
Current Title: Teaching Assistant
Current Industry: Higher Education
Current Organization: Rotman Commernce, University of Toronto
What advice would you give to your younger self?
"Consistency is the key to success. Goals, especially the larger ones, are rarely (if ever!) accomplished overnight but instead require dedication and active pursuit to meet. Be consistent in the pursuit of your goals and flexible enough to pivot when they require change."
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Sourianne Okwo Ebwil
U of T Degree: HBSc Biology for Health Science; Anthropology (2022)
Current Title: Senior Analyst, Digital Health Product & Strategy
Current Industry: Retail
Current Organization: Shoppers Drug Mart
What advice would you give to your younger self?
"Take ownership of your passions. Don't be afraid to explore what truly excites you, even if it differs from what others expect of you. Invest time and effort in nurturing your interests, as they can lead to fulfilling experiences and personal growth."
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Syed Hassan Rizvi
U of T Degree: HBSc Biology for Health Science; Chemsitry; Psychology (2021)
Current Title: Region of Peel (ROP) Responder
Current Industry: Events Services
Current Organization: Odyssey Medical
What advice would you give to your younger self?
"Embrace failure as a path to self-discovery. Success isn't always linear; dare to tread new, and unconventional paths. Prioritize self-care amid challenges and difficulties, and always trust in your potential. Life will throw challenges at you but believe in yourself and your abilities because a brilliant future awaits you."
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Tasya Nathanael
U of T Degree: HBSc Anthropology; Sociology (2022)
Current Title: Academic Initiatives, Programs Assistant
Current Industry: Higher Education
Current Organization: University of Toronto
What advice would you give to your younger self?
"Lean in to the discomfort, embrace change, and reach out when you need support."
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Tayyaba Shahzad
U of T Degree: HBA Political Science; Criminology
Current Title: Freelance Facilitator
Current Industry: Education
Current Organization: Freelance
What advice would you give to your younger self?
"It's never too early to start getting involved. There are so many youth programs across the GTA! You have a lot to gain from volunteering your free time to building your community. Through opening doors to more opportunities, developing new skills, and exploring your passions, the benefits are endless."
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Timothy Cherian
U of T Degree: BS Psychology; Neuroscience (2022)
Current Title: Undergraduate Assistant
Current Industry: Higher Education
Current Organization: University of Toronto
What advice would you give to your younger self?
"Take your time and have those conversations, nothing wrong with pivoting or considering alternative options. The journey is finding what works for you, everyone isn't going to want to take the same path but everyone has gone through the journey. Take the time find what motivates you."
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Vasthi Seide
U of T Degree: Masters Degree; Social Work (2021)
Current Title: Social Worker
Current Industry: Hospitals and Health Care
Current Organization: The Ottawa Hospital
What advice would you give to your younger self?
"I would tell my younger self that the obstacles and barriers to success are real and not imagined. I would let my younger self know that despite the barriers and obstacles, I should continue to dream big. The big dreams will end up being big wins down the line. I would remind myself to reach out to supports and ignore the fear of asking for help. The journey is long and there are incredible people to help move me along the way. The wins were achieved but they were not achieved alone."
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Yousef El Zohiry
U of T Degree: BA Political Science; Criminiology; Sociology (2019); MBA (2023); Doctor of Law (2023)
Current Title: Associate
Current Industry: Law Practice
Current Organization: White & Case LLP
What advice would you give to your younger self?
"I would tell my past self that your tireless work through discomfort, fatigue, and isolation will pay dividends. Embrace diverse challenges outside of your comfort zone; it will forge a resilient character. Seek mentors worth emulating and learn from their wisdom and experience, it is preparation for the challenges ahead."
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Yufeng Zhu
U of T Degree: BA Computer Science
Current Title: Associate Salesforce Developer
Current Industry: IT Services and IT Consulting
Current Organization: Cloud SynApps Inc.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
'Keep learning, exploring, trying, being specific, improving efficiency, focusing on results, don't fear failure and looking forward."
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Zahra Syed
U of T Degree: HBSc Molecular Biology; Chemistry
Current Title: News Anchor
Current Industry: Radio and Television Broadcasting
Current Organization: Muslim Network TV
What advice would you give to your younger self?
"Don’t be afraid to change course, take risks, and pursue opportunities that matter to you. There is a lot of learning that comes with these growth opportunities. It’s up to you to make the most of it. So, embrace the challenge and don’t be intimidated by what you don’t know. It may end up becoming your greatest strength."
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