Sweats to Suits: Job Search Conference

Sweats to Suits is a 2-day in-person conference to support graduating students (3^rd & 4^th year students) and recent graduates from all programs of study, to develop job search skills to support their transition. 

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This in-person conference will help you:

• Learn how to job search in this time and the impact of recent events on the job market.
• Develop an organized job search plan.
• Get advice from employers on creating an outstanding job application and on answering challenging interview questions, including tips on applying through Applicant Tracking Systems and succeeding at video interviews.
• Connect with successful alumni and build your network.
• Develop skills you will need throughout your career.
• Win amazing prizes!

This is a great opportunity to establish meaningful connections with your graduating class, alumni, employers, and the UTM Career Centre team!

Additionally, by attending the two-day conference, you will gain essential skills to effectively develop your job search plan, prepare your LinkedIn profile, practice interview questions, learn how to stand out in the workplace, and more!

 

 

Agenda

 

Win Amazing Prizes!

Attend the conference for a chance to win amazing prizes!

PANELISTS

Keynote Speaker (Day 1)
 

Shelly Norton​
Senior Talent Acquisition Advisor​ | Co-operators

Young Alumni Panel and the Labour Market (Day 1)
 

Aishwarya Nair
Research Analyst​ | Brain/ Spinal Cord Injury | UHN KITE

Honours Bachelor of Science - HBSc, Neuroscience Specialist, Biology Minor, Philosophy Minor

Tayyaba Shahzad 
Job Developer | The Career Foundation.

Bachelor’s Degree, Criminal and Socio-Legal/Political Science

Janae Knott 
Business Analyst | McKinsey & Company
 

Thereasa Gordon​
Learning Support Specialist​ | Humber College

Honors Bachelor of Arts - Honours , double majors in Sociology and Criminology
Thereasa Gordon recently graduated from the University of Toronto, where she earned an Honors Bachelor of Arts degree with double majors in Sociology and Criminology. During her studies, she worked as a Career Assistant in the UTM Career Centre, interned with the City of Brampton Anti-Black Racism unit located within the Equity office, co-created a youth mentorship program called "BIPOC in Steam" as part of a social innovation project at UofT in partnership with a non-profit organization called "Let's Get Together," and volunteered as a Youth Justice Circle Co-Facilitator with The Associated Youth Services of Peel.
Currently, Thereasa works as a Learning Support Facilitator as part of Peer Assisted Learning Support in the Student Learning Services department at Humber College. In this role, she manages the Learning Skills Workshop Series and supports Note Taking Services. She is now transitioning into a new role as an Advising Assistant within the Academic & Career Success Centre department of Student Success and Engagement at Humber College.

Interview Intensive​ (Day 1)
 

Erin Noble​
Human Resources Consultant | University of Toronto

Erin Noble is a part-time Professor at Centennial College and Senior Human Resources Consultant at the University of Toronto. Bridging conceptual frameworks with real life examples has benefited the students in the Introduction of Human Resources Management course that Erin has taught since 2015. Erin has influenced countless students and has maintained and provided guidance and mentorship to many. 

Bobby Gertsakis 
Talent Acquisition Specialist​ | Enterprise

Bobby Gertsakis has been an employee with Enterprise Rent-a-Car for the Past 6 years. He was a former NCAA athlete before starting with Enterprise as a Management Trainee in 2016. He has held 5 different positions with the company over the last 6 years and currently been in my role as a Talent Acquisition Specialist for the past 10 months. Biggest thing He has enjoyed about working for Enterprise has been their teamwork culture and the success they have had with their “promote from within” mentality.” 

Janae Knott 
Business Analyst | McKinsey & Company

Janae Knott is a recent graduate of the Rotman Commerce program of the University of Toronto, graduating with a minor in Economics and Caribbean Studies. Upon graduation, she began working at McKinsey & Company as a Business Analyst in the Toronto Office. She brings knowledge from a range of internship experiences she obtained prior to graduation – notably, as a Research Student in Clinical Nephrology at the Hospital for SickChildren, a summer intern in TD Audit, an intern in TD Asset Management (Performance Team – Investment Risk), and as a Summer Business Analyst at McKinsey & Co.

Outside of working, Janae enjoys walking with her dog, going to the mall,  and hanging out with her family. 

Networking with Alumni and Industry Friends (Day 1)
 

Sourianne Okwo Ebwil​
Senior Analyst, Digital Health Product Strategy | Shoppers Drug Mart (PC Health)
 

Syed Hassan Rizvi
Marketing Coordinator | ESBE Scientific
 

Erin Delaney
Marketing Administrative Coordinator/Office Manager​ | ACCIONA Infrastructure Canada Inc.
 

Considering Entrepreneurship (Day 2)
 

Ignacio Mongrell​
Assistant Director | UTM ICUBE

Chair, Positive Space at UTM
Ignacio is a business professional and entrepreneur originally from Uruguay. After moving to Canada in 2010, he obtained a Master's of Business, Entrepreneurship and Technology from the University of Waterloo. Ignacio gained extensive experience working at the Waterloo Accelerator Centre, where he served as Director of Client Services and led the JumpStart funding program and other strategic initiatives. He also managed various business advisory programs at Haltech Regional Innovation Centre, including the Haltech HEAT™ startup services program, to support the growth of high-potential ventures. Ignacio co-founded and exited a real estate startup called Apartmint. Currently, he holds the position of Assistant Director at ICUBE and Chair of Positive Space at the University of Toronto Mississauga, advocating for LGBTQ2S+ students, staff, and faculty

Arlyne James
Co-founder and CEO | My Dorm Store

Mechanical Engineering​, University of Toronto
Arlyne James is the co-founder and CEO of My Dorm Store, a class project turned start-up with a mission to make the move-in process more affordable and convenient for students. She is currently studying mechanical engineering at the University of Toronto and is pursuing minors in engineering business and sustainable energy. Prior to founding My Dorm Store, Arlyne gained experience working in various industries, including in government, project management, customer service, hospitality, and child life. She has worked on joint projects with the Consumer Product Safety Commission, written a book, acted as a Legislative Page, worked on a successful federal election campaign, and helped to open the first St. Regis in Canada. Volunteering and giving back to her community are a big part of her life.  She has been an active volunteer at SickKids Hospital since 2019 and has held various leadership roles on multiple student committees and community organizations, including the Canada Ireland Foundation, Freehand School of Art, and the Liberals Youth Organization. 

Considering Working Aboard: Exploring Global Opportunities (Day 2)
 

Lucille Yi 
Employment Strategist | UTM Career Centre & International Education Centre: University of Toronto Mississauga 

Lucille Yi is an Employment Strategist with the University of Toronto Mississauga with a specialisation in supporting International Students in finding work and achieving their career goals. She has over 6 years of experience in supporting the transition of global employment access for both internationally trained professionals settling in Canada, and in individuals looking to find work abroad. She has worked in Canada, China and Türkiye. 
 

Gig Economy:​ Creating Multiple Streams of Income​ (Day 2)
 

Mark Adams
Land Development Project Manager​ | Stantec Consulting Ltd.

Real Estate Agent
Mark Adams has worked in the land development industry for over 15 years. He is currently the client account manager for one of the largest retail companies globally, Stantec Consulting Ltd. In pursuit of his passion, he also works as a real estate agent. Throughout his career, Mark has continued to look for opportunities to advance, including pursuing higher education and creating secondary income streams. Mark enjoys spending time with his family, being active, and studying trends in real estate investing.  

Samantha Kaszab​
Tech Industry Professional | PartnerStack (Saas Start-up)​

Event Planner: Kaszab
With more than 10 years of experience, Samantha is a seasoned tech industry professional, having developed global marketing campaigns and events for notable brands such as Microsoft, HP, and AWS. She is currently employed at PartnerStack, a SaaS start-up, while also serving as the Principal Event Planner at Kaszab, her event company. At Kaszab, she offers event services, resources, and solutions for incentive travel programs. 

Miguel DaSilva
Technical Support Assistant | UTM, Career Centre

Customer Service Associate: TD Canada Trust
Miguel is a multi-skilled and creatively curious individual who identifies as a writer. His career path has not been linear, but he has always been able to adapt to changes and create strong connections. He prioritizes searching for opportunities that satisfy his thirst for learning new things. At UTM, he supports all things tech and site administration, and at TD he focuses on understanding financial literacy and providing a human touch to customers' banking experiences. When away from work, he is an editor and writer. He dedicates the rest of his time to taking on new challenges, including learning French, pursuing a Records and Information Manager designation, practicing Jiu-Jitsu, and studying philosophy. He also manages household chores and ensures that he keeps in touch with his mother.

Working in Big Data, Finance and Reporting (Day 2)
 

Sarah Girgis, CPA, CA
Senior Consultant | Deloitte Canada

Graduate Diploma in Professional Accounting (GDipA) - University of Toronto - Rotman School of Management
B.Comm: University of Toronto Mississauga​, UTM Valedictorian, Class of 2019;
Sarah is currently a Senior Consultant in Deloitte's Finance and Performance (F&P) Consulting practice, specializing in Finance Transformation and Performance Management.  Prior to this role, she joined KPMG as an auditor/consultant following her graduation from the University of Toronto's Bachelor of Commerce program as the class of 2019 Valedictorian. When she's not working, Sarah enjoys health and fitness, eating pizza to balance things out, and volunteering at events like this to connect with students. 

Christian Miranda
Manager-Data Quality Management​ | BMO Financial Group

HBA, UTM​ Communications, Culture & Information Technology​
Christian Miranda is a Data Governance and Analytics professional. He is a graduate of the CCIT program. Before entering the world of data, he explored roles in sports writing and marketing. Currently, Christian is helping modernize analytics at BMO. Outside of work, he is a big basketball fan, an avid Google reviewer and an amateur classical pianist. 

Pedro Vicente
Software QA Engineer | BMO Capital Markets

HBA, UTM​ Digital Enterprise Management (DEM) and Computer Science
Pedro is a Software QA Engineer at BMO Capital Markets. In 2022, Pedro graduated from UTM with a specialist in Digital Enterprise Management (DEM). Throughout their undergrad, Pedro completed internships, worked at the UTMSU, participated in UTMSAM, and created some side projects. His most recent and favorite project is a social media mobile app: b-ond.io 

Working in Marketing, Advertising and Technology (Day 2)
 

Ali Angco 
Senior Product Designer | Shopify Inc

BSc in Behaviour, Genetics & Neurobiology, Minor in Biomedical Communications at UTM
Ali Angco is a Senior Product Designer and a UX Educator. At UTM, she completed a BSc with a Behaviour, Genetics, and Neurobiology specialist and a minor in Biomedical Communications. After university, she traded her lab coat for design. Today she leads design for the account security team at Shopify and she teaches UX to other career transitioners at Memorisely. Fun fact - Ali worked at the Career Centre during her undergrad and it's actually where she first discovered the UX design field! Little did she know, she would become one 3 years later. 

Juan Pablo Ariado
Art Director | The Bay

BA in Communication and Media Studies, Minors in Geography and Professional Writing at UTM
Juan Pablo Ariado currently works as a Manager, Art Director for Hudson's Bay (The Bay). A few notable briefs include Raptors Collection 2 and Bay Days. Prior ot Covid, Juan originally focussed on XM creating footprints for clients like Molson, Pepsi, Sportsnet and Rogers to name a few. At UTM, he studied ICCIT and Professional Writing, and used the ICCIT Council as a means to make the most of the program and create meaningful relationships. 

Hassaan Arif Mustafa 
Software System Designer | AMD

Honours in Bachelor of Science (HBSc) in Computer Science at UTM
Hassaan Mustafa is a Developer Advocate @ AMD. For his undergraduate degree, he studied Information Security, a specialization within the Computer Science program. During his time at UTM, he has served as various positions within student clubs, most notably as the Internal Executive of the UTM MSA and as a Project Manager for UTMSAM. Currently, he is working on AMD’s software drivers as part of the Product Solutions team. He leverages his technical expertise, alongside his passion for helping others, to provide AMD’s end-users the best gaming experience possible. Outside of work, he enjoys reading manga, mentoring upcoming graduates, and serving as an ADHD coach. 

Preparing for a Career in Community, Social & Health Services (Day 2)
 

Zahra Syed
Project Manager | SickKids

Honours in Bachelor of Science (HBSc), Molecular Biology Specialist, Chemistry Major
With over three years of Project Management experience, Zahra is an enthusiastic project manager with a proven history of delivering complex, cross-functional, and change-driven enhancements in a healthcare and IT environment. Zahra’s life science background, combined with her IT experience, allows her to bring a multi-faceted perspective to Zahra’s projects.  
Zahra aims to expand her horizons and continue to learn in diverse environments. She is dedicated to building value-based relationships, identifying growth opportunities, and implementing initiatives and projects that drive impact.  
 
Zahra strongly believes in giving back to society, and in this regard, she volunteers some of her time for various charitable causes. 

Priya Supaul
Gender Based Violence Team Lead | HOPE 24x7

Bachelor’s Degree, Social Sciences
Priya is an experienced Child & Youth Care Worker with knowledge in various milieus including mental health, community development, the non-for-profit sector and school support. 

Meera Vijayakumaran
Youth Mentoring Facilitator | TNO: The Neighbourhood Organization

Bachelor's degree, Psychology, Mathematics & Statistics
Meera Vijayakumar is a Program Facilitator, who is passionate about community issues with experience in areas of facilitation, young adult learning, program design, leadership development, diversity & inclusion, and stakeholder management. Coach diverse youths that face multiple barriers with networking and career opportunities. 

Further Education – Medicine, Law, Public Policy and Education (Day 2)
 

Dr. Ammar Hafeez 
Family Medicine Resident | Year 1 at McMaster University

Doctor of Medicine (MD); University of Toronto, UTM HBSc, Life Sciences
Dr. Ammar Hafeez is a first generation immigrant from Pakistan whose family moved to Mississauga two decades ago for better education, healthcare and security. He attended from middle school to high school in Mississauga, and afterwards, graduated from the Life Sciences program at University of Toronto Mississauga with a cGPA of 92% and numerous scholarships/awards.

He was nominated for the 2019 Volunteer of the Year Award by Community Living Mississauga just prior to his acceptance into the UofT Faculty of Medicine MD program where he continued to pursue his aforementioned passions, most notably through his Research involving Depression Screening in Seniors with Parkinson Disease and his published written pieces in Palette Magazine Issues IV-V. 

Debra Olaniyi
Associate Manager, Programs and Services  | Federation of Black Canadians

UTM HBA in Political Science, Sociology and a minor in Women and Gender Studies
Debra is a current law student at the University of Leicester. She has an Honours Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto Mississauga where she double majored in Political and Sociology with a minor in Women and Gender studies. Debra works as an associate Manager, Programs and Services for the Federation of Black Canadians and does EDI/programs consulting for organizations. She is also going to be a summer law student at Bookman Law professional corporation in Toronto.  

As a community advocate with passion in diversity and equity, Debra aims to be the change she wants to see in society and uses her spare time towards creating pathways for others to do the same 

Carmen Cadeau 
Educator  | Peel District School Board

Masters of teaching (MT) at the UofT Ontario Institute for Studies in Education
Empowering students is at the heart of Carmen’s work whether she is working inside or outside of the classroom. As a teacher for the Peel District School Board, she strives to inspire students to be critically-engaged, modern learners by having them take an active role in their education. Over the last nine years, she has had the privilege of working with students of all ages in a variety of educational environments. While completing the Master of Teaching program at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, she worked as a Career Advisor and advised U of T students on career exploration, job search strategies, and pursuing graduate school. Prior to that, she worked at Sheridan College in Continuing Education and in Visitor Services at the Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives. 

Raqshanda Khan
Anti-Money Laundering Analyst   | Royal Bank of Canada (RBC)

Masters of Global Affairs with a specializing in Environmental Studies from the UofT Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy
Raqshanda is a UTM and UofT alumna, currently working as an Anti-Money Laundering Analyst at RBC. She studied political science during her undergraduate years at UTM, and went further on to complete the Master of Global Affairs program at the Munk School, UofT. During graduate school, she specialized in Sustainability, and prior to her role at RBC, worked at UNDP Vietnam in sustainable finance and biodiversity conservation. Her interests lie in sustainable development, climate finance, and building strong public-private partnerships. 

 

Dress Code

• Business casual attire is recommended. For more information on dress codes visit Dress for Success. 
• Medical Mask in high-density indoor spaces when physical distancing is not possible is strongly encouraged. The University is a mask-friendly environment, and we ask everyone to respect each other’s decisions, comfort levels, and health needs.

 

What to Bring

• A notepad and a pen
• A printed copy of your resume (Required for Day 1)

 

How often is this conference offered?

The Sweats to Suits conference takes place annually between the end of April and the beginning of May.

 

Limited Registration

Please note that by registering for this session you are indicating that you have read, understood and agree to our Attendance / Privacy Policies and Photo / Video Release. 

If you require accommodation(s) please e-mail careers.utm@utoronto.ca and we will work with you to make the appropriate arrangements.