Empowering the next generation: How alumni are driving career growth for students this fall
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This month, the Business Career Hub (BCH) has been keeping things vibrant. A place offering career development opportunities, the BCH tailors to each student’s individual needs and program specialization. By hosting activities such as the Ted Rogers Co-op Connect Kick-Off, Mock Interview Week and the Prep Program Networking Extravaganza, this hub is a place for alumni and current students to collaborate.
By hosting activities such as the Ted Rogers Co-op Connect Kick-Off, Mock Interview Week and the Prep Program Networking Extravaganza, alumni have been contributing to the success of current students.
Building bridges through Co-op Connect
Co-op at Ted Rogers School of Management (TRSM) goes beyond classroom learning; it helps students develop industry connections and provides practical experience in a professional setting. The 2024 Ted Rogers Co-op Connect Kick-off, held on September 11 exemplifies this. Aimed at helping students forge stronger relationships within the Ted Rogers community, the event gave students the opportunity to meet senior co-op students and alumni, expand their networks, and prepare for their futures.
Amy Ko (external link) (Marketing Management ‘24) attended the event and reflected on the significance of reconnecting with familiar faces. “Reuniting with them at this event was meaningful, as they played a role in helping me get to where I am today,” Ko recounts. “It was a truly full-circle moment to have the opportunity to give back to the TRSM community by supporting the next generation of co-op students.”
By providing them with a mentor to guide them through the job market, Jordan Lai (external link) (Marketing Management ‘22) sees Co-op Connect as a valuable opportunity for students to stand out in their career paths. Lai reflects back on previous advice that she gave to a student. “I informed my mentee that no experience, whether professional, school-related, or volunteer work, is too small. There are transferable skills that can be used in a new role,” she shares.
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The power of mentorship and mock interviews
Joshua Go (external link) (Human Resources ‘19), Co-op Coordinator at TRSM, emphasizes the importance of alumni involvement in these initiatives. "Co-op Connect allows alumni to strengthen their leadership and develop new skills like conducting interviews. Students also benefit from a safe, supportive learning environment where they can build confidence and become career-ready,” says Go.
With an impressive employment rate of 92.5%, the Ted Rogers Co-op program is booming with success, invaluable hands-on experience and expands beyond learning new skills—and graduates truly are making a remarkable difference this fall. This year’s Mock Interview Week added another layer of support, running from September 23 to 27. In these virtual sessions, co-op students practiced for upcoming job interviews with the guidance of alumni interviewers who have faced similar career milestones.
“Alumni understand the challenges students face and offer advice that is both practical and empathetic... This not only builds students’ confidence but builds lasting and authentic connections in the process.” - Joshua Go
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Connecting students to opportunities with Prep Programs
There are even more ways alumni continue to give back. The Business Career Hub’s Prep Programs are designed to equip students with industry-specific skills and practical experience to help prepare for the job market—and graduates are sharing their expertise, mentoring students and facilitating professional connections.
(PDF file) Coffee Chats (opens in new window) , a part of the Prep Program Networking Extravaganza, took place this September 12th. A two hour networking event facilitated by the BCH, it had a collection of attendees across multiple Prep Programs where students could network with employers from different industries.
Mohammad Shahid (external link) , a 2017 TRSM alumni who currently lives in the US, participated in the Prep Program Networking Extravaganza while in town for business. Shahid views this event as an excellent opportunity for building lasting connections. “BCH has been instrumental in my growth—facilitating lasting connections with BCH staff, interns, and employers,” he highlights. “Even six years after graduating from TRSM, I continue to maintain and cherish these professional relationships, which have evolved into meaningful collaborations throughout my career journey.”
Kat Lo (external link) (Hospitality & Tourism Management ‘19), Talent and Culture Partner at AfterShip, also participated in the event and believes these interactions will help students refine their communication style and increase their comfort level in professional settings. “I hope they left with a clearer understanding of what it takes to excel in their careers, feeling more empowered and prepared to take on future opportunities,” she says.
In hosting these activities, the BCH continues to ensure students are equipped with the skills to meet the changing needs of today’s business world, while serving as a bridge between alumni and students. By sharing experiences, mentorship and opportunities that leave a lasting impact, Ted Rogers alumni are not only giving back - they are shaping the future.