Career Blog
“As I am finishing up my undergrad here at the Telfer School of Management, I realize that I have learned so many invaluable lessons that apply not only to just school but to life in general. In short, meet as many people as possible, inside and outside Telfer. You never know who you may connect with and whether they can help you or not in your career goals.
What you put into your experience here is what you will get out. One of the best pieces of advice I can give you is to understand very clearly your values and career goals and let that guide you through your years in Telfer. While doing this, though, remain open to other fields that you may be interested in. Have as much fun as possible and get involved. Good luck to everyone graduating and to everyone I have met that helped enrich my experience through the years!”
– Belal Qayum
4th-year Student (Management Information Systems)
Inspired by Brandon Stanton’s Humans of New York, this weekly feature of the Telfer Career Blog will contain photography of individuals from the Telfer School of Management community and a corresponding narrative that gives us a glimpse into their lives.
“After reflecting on the past 4 years at Telfer, I realize there have been moments where I lost sight of what the purpose was. There is a mentality that’s instilled early in students that it’s simply about getting that piece of paper.
While graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce will look the same on a résumé, what you put into university is what you will get out. Whether it be your understanding of statistical software, your ability to create a presentation and confidently present without saying “um”, or your understanding of micro and macro-economic factors that may affect future business decisions, it differentiates yourself when you are within a workplace.
Therefore, I’d say: make your time at Telfer count. Participate, learn, and find ways to motivate yourself because the classes you are taking are not simply there to get you a piece of paper, but what highly educated individuals who have worked in various industries think will be useful to prepare you for the upcoming future.
Shout out to all the friends I have made through Telfer: it wouldn’t have been nearly as much fun without you!”
– Andrew Gudgeon
4th‑year Finance Student
Inspired by Brandon Stanton’s Humans of New York, this weekly feature of the Telfer Career Blog will contain photography of individuals from the Telfer School of Management community and a corresponding narrative that gives us a glimpse into their lives.
“In 3rd year, I switched majors from Accounting to Human Resource Management. In high school, I didn’t have anyone to look up to when thinking of programs to apply to.
It is Telfer, its online resources and its Career Centre that have helped me to figure out what major was better for me. Even though I considered the change late, I made my switch knowing that this would be the best path for me and that I would be happier in this field. Thank you, Telfer! :)”
– Lovelyn Caparino
3rd-year student in Human Resources Management
Inspired by Brandon Stanton’s Humans of New York, this weekly feature of the Telfer Career Blog will contain photography of individuals from the Telfer School of Management community and a corresponding narrative that gives us a glimpse into their lives.
“Your university experience is what you make it! I’m sure you’ve all heard it before. The amazing thing about that saying is that people often say it, and don’t act on it. But when you DO make your university experience your own, amazing things start to take shape.
In my 5 years at Telfer, I have managed to do all there is to do. I took part in multiple case competitions such as Sympo GH, Jeux du Commerce Central and Happening Marketing (HM), and even managed to grab a few trophies. I have also been in VP positions for TCCT and TMA, and I am now the VP Marketing for the Canadian Association of Business Students (CABS). But the true reason behind my success is simple: someone believed in me. An upper‑year student gave me an opportunity and I ran with it. As a first year, it’s never easy to defy the odds and the negative perceptions. Needless to say, I did not let those perceptions weigh me down. That’s why today I am very passionate about helping our first‑year students to get involved and providing them with all the tools they need to succeed at Telfer. No matter what people’s conception of success is, success is not earned alone and it should definitely be shared.
One thing that’s sure: you will encounter failures on your path. The immediate reaction is to panic and give up, but you should embrace failures. After all, FAIL is the acronym for First Attempt In Learning. So don’t be afraid to fail.
Enjoy your journey!”
– Sarai Castrejon, 5th‑year Marketing student
Telfer Coordinator, HM
VP Marketing, CABS
Inspired by Brandon Stanton’s Humans of New York, this weekly feature of the Telfer Career Blog will contain photography of individuals from the Telfer School of Management community and a corresponding narrative that gives us a glimpse into their lives.
“During university, it’s common for us, students to have big goals and ambitions. Universities can provide a lot of opportunities to help us succeed. However, this can also make things a little overwhelming. Sometimes, in our attempt to achieve a lot, we lose sight of what we value the most. It’s easy to do things because others are doing it, or because we are told that we should be doing it, or even because we think it might look good on your resume.
All of that is fine, but only as long as we enjoy whatever we’re doing. When we get to the point where we aren’t happy, it’s time for us to stop and reevaluate our decisions. At the end of the day, our mental health is far more important than any class, club position, or job. You know yourself best, so find your own way. Don’t do things for the wrong reason. Only do what you love. Only do what makes you happy!”
– Dasser Kamran,
3rd‑year Marketing student,
VP Marketing, Telfer Marketing Association,
Director of Marketing, CASCO
Inspired by Brandon Stanton’s Humans of New York, this weekly feature of the Telfer Career Blog will contain photography of individuals from the Telfer School of Management community and a corresponding narrative that gives us a glimpse into their lives.
“Telfer gives me a unique opportunity to further my studies in French and English and to participate in a mobility Co‑op placement. Thanks to the professional connections I have made and to my ability to communicate in both French and English, I had the chance to travel in Canada during my Co-op placement. I recommend that you participate in the career fairs, if only to practice: you’ll be using those communication skills every day in school and at work. Don’t wait for that “once in a lifetime” interview to try networking!”
– Lauren Saly,
3rd‑year accounting student (Co-op)
Inspired by Brandon Stanton’s Humans of New York, this weekly feature of the Telfer Career Blog will contain photography of individuals from the Telfer School of Management community and a corresponding narrative that gives us a glimpse into their lives.
“Being a 3rd‑year Accounting student, I’m currently doing my first Co-op internship. As you know, the busiest time is upon us, and so I’ve asked myself how I would be able to get through it while keeping in touch with Telfer and honouring my multiple commitments as a member of Casco and the Telfer Student Council, and as a Telfer Career Centre Ambassador.
The one word that came to mind was: SUPPORT. It is often difficult to find people to rely on in stressful times, but I can assure you that in my case, I have found support in my community. When you find yourself in need of support, ask your community and take advantage of the various opportunities available on campus.
When I feel challenged with my classes, I seek the advice of my mentor. A mentoring program is designed to help students find their way academically and professionally. When I’m doubting myself at work, I can count on my colleagues to help me. And when I need to take time for myself, I spend time with my family and the friends I’ve made through my extracurricular activities.
Remember one thing: you are not alone. Life can be stressful and full of obstacles, but do not hesitate to use the various programs and services available to you on campus.”
– Marie Madeleine Kabupu, Director,
Internal Affairs, Telfer Student Council
Inspired by Brandon Stanton’s Humans of New York, this weekly feature of the Telfer Career Blog will contain photography of individuals from the Telfer School of Management community and a corresponding narrative that gives us a glimpse into their lives.
Charlie is a 3rd‑year student at the Telfer School of Management currently studying in Glasgow for the semester. When asked about her experience moving abroad and representing Telfer in Scotland, she replied, “The Telfer International Exchange Program has given me the opportunity to improve my global skills and experience another culture!”
“I am beyond thankful for all of the opportunities I have had since starting at Telfer. Between the Co-op Program, uOglobal, studying abroad, and joining clubs like Enactus, my university experience has been very busy and extremely rewarding. Although I am currently still settling in the university abroad, I have already had many opportunities to learn and expand my network across the ocean. My roommate here in Glasgow is always quick to make sure I am speaking the proper Scottish slang. You wear “trousers” and “tops”, not pants and shirts, you walk on a “pavement”, not a sidewalk, you drink “fizzy drinks”, not pop, and you live in a “flat”, not an apartment.
Despite being away from Ottawa, I am still finding my place and being welcomed by the locals as if I have always been here! I am already missing my Telfer family, but this experience has motivated me to reach out and join the Enactus team of my host university while abroad. The most exciting part of this adventure (apart from the killer travel opportunities) is the fact that the business courses I am taking abroad are not offered at Telfer. I would urge any Telfer student to embark on a similar journey if they have even the slightest interest in having a cross-cultural learning experience!”
– Charlie Gaudet
3rd year student, International Exchange / Enactus Participant
Inspired by Brandon Stanton’s Humans of New York, this weekly feature of the Telfer Career Blog will contain photography of individuals from the Telfer School of Management community and a corresponding narrative that gives us a glimpse into their lives.
“Getting involved will lead to experiences you never thought you were capable of”
“As a 2nd-year student, I am forever grateful to have gotten the opportunity to join the CASCO Charity Organization right from my very first year at Telfer. It has greatly enhanced my university career in so many ways by allowing me to make lifelong friendships and achieve things I didn’t think I was capable of. With the help of motivated student leaders, I’ve gained valuable experience such as exploring my creativity and growing personally. These opportunities have allowed me to strengthen my knowledge of business and marketing through practical experience, something that I couldn’t have done in a classroom.
Working towards our annual charity gala is an incredibly rewarding and humbling feeling because you get to witness a whole year’s worth of effort go into two amazing shows. This year at CASCO’s 20th annual gala, we raised an inspiring $62,000 towards mental health at CHEO!
Getting involved in this organization has provided me with so many opportunities to grow and make an impact on the community alongside an exceptional team of passionate students.” #EhOhCASCO
– Ryan Tu
2nd-year student (Marketing)
and Marketing Director and Dancer, CASCO Charity Organization
Inspired by Brandon Stanton’s Humans of New York, this weekly feature of the Telfer Career Blog will contain photography of individuals from the Telfer School of Management community and a corresponding narrative that gives us a glimpse into their lives.
How has your role as Coordinator for Jeux du Commerce impacted your experience at Telfer and you’re your personal life?
“Being a JDC Coordinator is more than I could have ever imagined. It’s a big role with so many responsibilities, that you gain experience in widely‑different aspects.
For example, you are responsible of 80+ students. You have to get everybody into teams, signed up, ready for the competition, etc. You are also acting as a liaison with the organizing committee, hosting delegation meetings, keeping your group informed, organizing various charity events and giving back to the community through various projects.
Because of the nature of this role, on top of getting A LOT of experience, I was also able to grow my network by meeting with JDC coordinators from other universities as well as with the organizing committee. So you get to know students from across Eastern Canada (Quebec, New Brunswick, etc.)
It can seem like a really big role at times, because so many students depend on you. You have to do your job at the best of your abilities so that in January, all competitors will be able to perform to the best of theirs and to score as high as they can in hopes of winning the Business School of the Year title.
Not only do I get to prep a delegation for the games and for that specific competition, buy I also have the privilege to work on several projects outside of that context, such as charity events for the Ronald McDonald House and a week‑long food drive with the Ottawa Food Bank. I was very proud to help with the organization of these events.
Having participated in JDC since my first year at Telfer, being now able to pass on my knowledge to new students who are experiencing the competition for the first time is an honour.”
– Mira Azzi
5th-year BCom Program (Juris Doctor),
and Jeux du Commerce Coordinator (Telfer Competition Committee)
Inspired by Brandon Stanton’s Humans of New York, this weekly feature of the Telfer Career Blog will contain photography of individuals from the Telfer School of Management community and a corresponding narrative that gives us a glimpse into their lives.