Archives

headshot of ilham

Ilham Hoque

FacetDescription
Graduation Year

  • HBA 2009 University College

Inside the Classroom

  • Major: International Relations
  • Major: English
  • Minor: Political Science

Alongside the Classroom

  • Constituency assistant intern, Ward 8 Councillor’s Office, Toronto City Hall

Outside the Classroom

Further Education

Career Accomplishments

  • Contract work, City of Toronto
  • English tutor, Kumon Learning Centers, 2009

Finding permanent work was difficult, having graduating amid the Great Recession, even with my years of volunteering, student leadership, on-campus and off-campus work, networking, and informational interviewing.

I had gained practicum experience in this sector through my studies at Seneca College’s SSW program.

  • Education sector:
    • Field placement coordinator, Social Service Worker Program, Humber College
    • Senior academic advisor (counselling, academic policy advising)
  • Published author (children’s picture book): Wonder Walk (Iguana Books, 2019)

Do not be afraid to go on international student exchange if you can. You not only get some wonderful life experiences and can grow, but what amazing memories and a cool story to have for the rest of your life! I do wish I had taken advantage of the international student exchange opportunities; it may have even helped me in getting that first job out of graduation too.

And another thing: get to know your Career Centre well. They hold a vast number of events to help current students figure out how your degree can be applied to that first job out of graduation and throughout your career.

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Aliyyah Ahad

FacetDescription
Graduation Year

  • HBA 2012 Innis College

Inside the Classroom

  • Major: Political Science
  • Major: Sociology

Alongside the Classroom

Outside the Classroom

Further Education

Career Accomplishments

  • Senior advisor, Bermuda Government, Cabinet Office
  • Associate policy analyst, Migration Policy Institute, Brussels
  • Bermuda Government, Brussels Office

Follow your passions and everything else will fall into place! But if you intend to do further education, it’s worthwhile to write an undergraduate thesis. It’s not only useful preparation, it will also allow you to get to know professors who can become excellent references.

And, of course, enjoy yourself and invest in your friendships!

kimberly's headshot

Kimberly Philip

FacetDescription
Graduation Year

  • HBA 2003 Innis College

Inside the Classroom

  • Economics
  • Political Science

Outside the Classroom

Further Education

Career Accomplishments

  • Senior insights manager, Weston Foods, Toronto
  • Country insights leader, IKEA, Toronto
  • Vice president, Hotspex (brand strategy: pharma research), New York City
  • Strategist, Human Branding Inc. (insights: CPG), Toronto
  • Managing director, Market Facts & Opinions (market research: financial services, consumer healthcare, beauty, CPG), across the English Caribbean
  • Trade marketing, Holiday Snacks Limited (new product commercialization, shopper experience), Trinidad & Tobago
In the Media

Your network is your net worth—connect with as many people as possible during your time in university. It is great to learn from different perspectives and your university friends/connections can be a strong support system in your future.

Sharon Lewis

FacetDescription
Graduation Year

  • BA 1989 Innis College
Inside the Classroom

Outside the Classroom

Further Education

Career Accomplishments

  • Film director and producer
    • Brown Girl Begins – debut Afro-futurist feature film
    • Disruptor/Conductor – first feature documentary, about the first openly gay, Black conductor in Canada
    • With Wonder – second feature documentary, about the Christian LGBTQI+ community of colour
    • Recipient of a Canadian Screen Award for Best Direction in 2021
    • Featured in the Emmy-nominated documentary, How It Feels to Be Free
  • Founder, urbansoul inc – production company that is now branching out to produce black women and BIPOC Film and Television projects
  • Previously an actor and CBC host
In the Media

Caitilín O’Hare

FacetDescription
Graduation Year

  • HBA 2008 St. Michael’s College

Inside the Classroom

Outside the Classroom

Further Education

Career Accomplishments

In the Media

“U of T is the perfect place to pursue any interest that your heart desires. Work hard, think outside of the box, and keep your options open – you never know what opportunities will come along!”

Emily Tsui

FacetDescription
Graduation Year

  • HBA 2016 Trinity College
Inside the Classroom

Switched programs from:

Alongside the Classroom

Outside the Classroom

Further Education

Career Accomplishments

In the Media

“Take advantage of all the international opportunities the university has to offer, and make sure to speak with the professors to give you advice.“

Samuel Powers

FacetDescription
Graduation Year

  • HBA 2013 Woodsworth College
Inside the Classroom

Career Accomplishments

  • California Organizing Manager, Need to Impeach
  • Campaign Manager for a United States House of Representatives Congressional Campaign
  • Campaign Manager for a Brooklyn District Attorney Campaign
  • Florida Deputy Organizing Director for Hillary Clinton’s Presidential Campaign
  • Campaign Manager for a Member of Parliament Campaign
  • Regional Field Director for Florida Gubernatorial Race
  • Staffer at the White House Office of Public Engagement
  • Organizer for President Obama’s Re-Election Campaign

” Diversify your extra curricular activities and job opportunities. Use university to develop a strong understanding of what you want to do in your professional life. “

Kristine Sarah Medrero

Kristine Sarah Medrero

FacetDescription
Graduation Year

  • HBA 2017 Woodsworth College
Inside the Classroom

Outside the Classroom

Further Education

Career Accomplishments

“Get involved as early as possible, especially if you’re coming from a different country like me (I grew up and graduated from high school in Hong Kong). Your undergrad degree will become more fulfilling, rewarding, and enjoyable the moment you get involved. Because of all these activities, you will meet so many people that you never thought you’d meet in a million years and you will gain lifelong friends, and connections along the way. However, don’t overwhelm yourself with too many activities. Your academics are ALWAYS your first priority. Learn to prioritise your work better, and always make sure you form personal relationships with your professors and peers. You never know when they’ll come in handy – especially if you plan on pursuing further education. Most importantly, have fun! You only have one undergraduate degree, and you’re pursuing it at one of the top institutions IN THE WORLD, so make sure you make the most out of your four (or more) years here!”

Michael Proulx

Michael Proulx

FacetDescription
Graduation Year

  • HBA 2013 Woodsworth College
Inside the Classroom

Outside the Classroom

  • Several Clubs (Objectivist, Consulting)
  • American Studies Students Society
  • Volunteered at the AGO
  • Goalkeeper for masters program’s soccer team
  • Traveled to Switzerland with a peacebuilding NGO for 2.5 months
Further Education

  • Master of Global Affairs, Munk School of Global Affairs, University of Toronto, 2016. Focused on global markets and institutions.
Career Accomplishments

  • Started a consulting business based on master’s thesis

“Don’t sweat the small stuff – do the work and grades follow. Take every chance to discuss your grades – even good ones – on how you may have done better.”

Sydney Lang

Sydney Lang

FacetDescription
Graduation Year

  • HBA 2016 Woodsworth College
Inside the Classroom

Switched programs from: Philosophy, Political Science

Alongside the Classroom

Outside the Classroom

Further Education

Career Accomplishments

  • Currently a law student and am involved in work around labour law, corporate accountability, and environmental justice.

“Don’t be too focused on what you want to do after U of T – enjoy your time there and learn as much as you can. What comes next will come together naturally, and will be informed by your academic interests, peers, and community involvement. Do work that matters.”