The 2026 Sweats to Suits Conference is a three-day career exploration and job search conference designed to help you expand how you think about work, opportunity, and professional growth. Through keynotes, industry insights, practical skill-building, guided networking, and interview practice, you will gain clarity, confidence, and tools to navigate evolving career paths with adaptability and intention.
Join us and take the next step in your career journey!
- DAY 1
Explore emerging industries, hear from regional leaders and alumni, and reframe how your skills translate across sectors while building confidence through guided networking.
- DAY 2
Develop practical job search skills through AI tools, resume feedback, and industry insights, focusing on adaptability, continuous learning, and succeeding in early career roles.
- DAY 3
Practice interviews in a supportive setting, strengthen storytelling and confidence, build community, and reflect on key learnings as the conference concludes with prizes.
Please email careers.utm@utoronto.ca for any questions
If you require accommodation(s) please e-mail careers.utm@utoronto.ca and we will work with you to make the appropriate arrangements.
![“I would recommend [S2S] because there is valuable insight from experienced industry professionals across different domains.” 3rd year student, Environmental Management and Criminology](/careers/sites/files/careers/styles/full_width_m/public/2025-04/S2S%202024%20Testimonial%20%283%29.png.webp?itok=iRiizPvm)
Conference Agenda & Panelist Information
Explore all sessions and panelists in attendance!
Review or checklist on how to prepare for the three-day conference.
DAY 1: Tue, April 28 | 9:15AM - 5:00PM EST
In Person | Maanjiwe Nendamowinan (MN) Building
Breakfast starts at 9:15am
Kick off Sweats to Suits with keynote speakers, who will set the tone around opportunity, adaptability, and regional innovation. Learn how emerging industries, transferable skills, and curiosity can help University of Toronto Mississauga students and graduates navigate the evolving world of work and design meaningful career paths within the region and beyond.
David Kim
Warden, Hart House,
University of Toronto
Key Note Speaker
Dave holds the position of Warden for Hart House at the University of Toronto and has been part of the U of T community for the past 19 years where he has previously worked as Dean of Residence & Director of Student Life with Spaces & Experiences, among other positions. Dave has had a long commitment to equity work through his time as a graduate student (his doctoral thesis was focused on the experience of first-generation students), previous chair of the Positive Space Committee on the St. George campus, and co-chair of the staff working group of the Anti-Asian Racism Working Group. He teaches graduate classes at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education in the Department of Leadership, Higher and Adult Education where he also coordinates a student internship program. Inspired by his first-generation roots, he is a committed mentor at the University and dedicates his time to work that is focused on equity, access and outreach.
Stephanie Dunbar
Invest Mississauga- Manager, Business Investment & Sector Development,
Key Note Speaker
Stephanie has spent 16 years working in economic development and investment attraction, and uses her expertise to lead the Invest Mississauga team responsible for supporting investors in locating, expanding and growing their businesses in Mississauga, creating high-value jobs and strengthening key sectors.
She works within a highly skilled and dynamic team that integrates private sector best practices into the public sector, bringing a results-driven and strategic approach to economic development. Recognized as a subject matter expert, Stephanie has deep expertise in Miller Heiman professional sales methodologies, Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems, budget and project management, and performance measurement.
Learn to spot opportunities and uncover potential career paths in different industries. Areas of Smart Logistics, Advanced Manufacturing, Education and Creative Industries are fast-growing sectors shaping the region’s economy. Let’s explore what these industries do, the roles they hire for, and how your skills can translate across fields you may not have previously considered.
Prarthit
Patel
Deloitte CA - Consultant - Supply chain & Network Operations
Connect on LinkedIn
Smart Logistics
Angelica
Sitko
Region of Peel - Talent Acquisition Coordinator
Connect on LinkedIn
Advanced Manufacturing
Ahmad
Abdelhamid
TikTok - Freelance Content Creator/ Art Director
Connect on LinkedIn
Creative Industries
Networking doesn’t have to feel awkward. Over lunch, you’ll take part in guided networking activities designed to reduce pressure and encourage genuine connection. With light prompts and support, you’ll practice introducing yourself, asking thoughtful questions, and building confidence. This session also offers the opportunity to connect informally with AM and PM panelists in a relaxed, supportive setting.
Maria Jose
Corrales Vela
Scotiabank, Senior Manager Finance Data Analytics, International Banking
Connect on LinkedIn
Financial Services
Sonika
Shriwastav
CIBC, Senior Manager, Environmental Risk Management
Connect on LinkedIn
Financial Services
There is no single “right” path to building a career. In this session, recent alumni share honest stories from Research, Strategy, Human Services, and other fields, highlighting pivots, setbacks, and unexpected opportunities. You’ll gain insight into how early-career professionals navigate uncertainty, reframe their identities, and move forward with confidence when their career path isn’t clear.
Close the day by reflecting on key takeaways, sharing insights, and celebrating participation with prizes. This is a moment to pause, consolidate learning, and recognize growth before heading into Day 2.
Join Ken Chatoor, Director of Research and Strategic Foresight at the Labour Market Information Council (LMIC), for an engaging session exploring how artificial intelligence is reshaping the labour market across industries. Drawing on the latest labour market data and foresight research, Ken will examine emerging trends in automation, evolving skill demands, and the transformation of entry-level roles.
This session will provide valuable insights into which sectors are experiencing the most significant disruption, how early-career opportunities are being redefined, and what this means for students, educators, and employers. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of how to prepare for a rapidly changing world of work and how institutions can better support career readiness in the age of AI.
Ken Chatoor
Director of Research and Strategic Foresight, Labour Market Information Council (LMIC)
Ken brings experience across education, labour market, and equity research supporting evidence-based policymaking. He has published research reports and government evaluations on mental health, Work-Integrated Learning, labour market transitions for graduates, and previously conducted biomedical engineering research at Mount Sinai Hospital and cancer research McGill University. Ken Completed his undergrad at the UTM campus, where he was also a program director at UTM's radio station, CFRE.
In this session, the panel will address common misconceptions about ATS and explore how they really work. From understanding how resumes are reviewed to gaining tips to improve your application, this panel of HR professionals will help you navigate the job application process more effectively. You will leave with practical tips for tailoring your resume, boosting your chances, and standing out in the screening process.
Networking doesn’t have to feel awkward. Over lunch, you’ll take part in guided networking activities designed to reduce pressure and encourage genuine connection. With light prompts and support, you’ll practice introducing yourself, asking thoughtful questions, and building confidence. This session also offers the opportunity to connect informally with AM and PM panelists in a relaxed, supportive setting.
Career growth rarely follows a single path. In this session, professionals will share how building new skills and exploring different industries can expand your career possibilities. You’ll learn how curiosity, adaptability, and continuous learning help future-proof your career and open unexpected doors. If you’re curious about technical roles or want to develop in-demand skills aligned with industry needs, this session is for you.
Starting a new role as a student, intern, or new graduate can bring self-doubt and imposter syndrome. This session focuses on how to succeed in your first 90 days. Navigating workplace culture, asking for support, building credibility, and managing pressure to prove yourself. You’ll gain practical strategies to move beyond survival mode and step into your role with confidence, clarity, and growing competence.
Practice interviewing in a low-stakes, supportive environment while receiving real-time feedback from professionals. Learn how to communicate your story, address gaps or pivots, and speak confidently about your skills, especially when entering a new field.
Wrap up the conference by connecting with fellow students and Career Development Professionals in a fun, supportive, and interactive setting. Through hands‑on activities and guided conversations, build meaningful relationships, share insights, and leave with a stronger sense of community.
Pause to reflect on key takeaways from the conference, share insights with peers, and celebrate your growth. Close the experience with prizes, recognition, and a strong sense of accomplishment.
How to Prepare
Dress Code
Business casual attire is recommended. For more information on dress codes visit Dress for Success.
What to Bring
- A notepad and a pen
- Fully charged devices and phone or laptop chargers
Explore Tip Sheets
How often is this conference offered?
The Sweats to Suits conference takes place annually between the end of April and the beginning of May. Check out Sweats to Suits highlights below!
Check out Sweats to Suits Highlight Video!