Arts & Science students and recent graduates met alumni mentors for an evening of casual conversation and networking at the latest backpack 2 Briefcase (b2B) industry night — and they came away with great advice.
“As you move from backpack to briefcase, the one thing that can really set you apart is being willing to step outside, meet people and connect in real life,” says Julie Chan, the keynote speaker.
The b2B program connects A&S alumni with students to help them make the transition from university to a rewarding career. Industry nights include a keynote address and casual conversations that give students the opportunity to explore their next career steps.
Chan, who earned her bachelor of science degree in 1982 as a member of New College, has made mentoring a top priority throughout her career and stayed connected to the Department of Computer Science. At b2B, she shared a story about coaching a mentee through a job interview, which led him to land a role at his dream company.
“Mentors are a gateway to wider networks; they will know other experts who can help you,” Chan says. “Don’t hesitate to ask for introductions as I did when I was looking for work.”
The keynote address resonated with attendees of the event.
“I really liked Julie’s advice about stepping out and meeting people in person,” says Christina Sun, a second-year studying political science, sociology and environmental studies as a member of Woodsworth College. “It’s good to build those human connections.”
Other alumni mentors offered advice ranging from practical tips on tailoring a resume to more general guidance on navigating the changing landscape of the job market. Some, like Tarish Rajakarier, offered instruction on networking with mentors.
"You network to find opportunities you can pursue. Take advantage of those opportunities and make sure you capitalize on them,” says Rajakarier, who earned his honours bachelor of science in 2022 as a member of Woodsworth College.
There are many reasons alumni mentors took time from their busy lives to volunteer at b2B, but common themes include giving back and contributing to a meaningful program.
“I continue to be so impressed by what the university, and Arts & Science in particular, is doing to help students gain perspective,” says Lauren Della Mora.
Della Mora earned her honours bachelor of science in 2012 as a member of St. Michael’s College. She returned to U of T to complete a master of public health degree at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health. She works in public health, transforming Ontario’s cancer care system and has volunteered as a b2B mentor for the past few years.
“There's been so much improvement in preparing students for what's to come after graduation and giving them access to a wide variety of professionals with different career paths,” Della Mora says. “I get a lot of value from talking to students and helping get them excited and more confident about what their career could look like.”
Many students and recent grads attended the event to converse with specific mentors working in fields that included law, finance, tech, academia, public policy, international relations and more. Others came to get the lay of the land post-graduation and see what careers exist.
“I’m near the end of my undergrad degree, so I wanted to go out there and meet alumni and fellow students who are in the same position as me,” says Edward Phillips, a fifth-year student and member of Innis College.
“It’s exciting to meet all these different alumni and network with different people,” says Chrissy Yang, a second-year student and member of New College. “It feels like a great opportunity for the future.”