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My Career Story

Telling a story … may be one of the most personal and intimate things we can do. Through storytelling we can come to know who we are in new and unforeseen ways. We can also reveal to others what is deepest in our hearts, and in the process, build bridges.

Richard Stone | Author, Educator

Upcoming events

My Career Story: Accessibility in the Workplace

My Career Story: Accessibility in the Workplace will feature guest alumni storytellers who will share their tales of their career journeys while touching on their own lived experiences as self-identified persons with disabilities.

  • Explore how U of T alumni have successfully navigated their career journeys while managing their own disabilities.
  • Learn about the types of accommodations and supports our Alumni have advocated for in the current workplace.
  • Ask questions about work-place disclosure and wanting insight on best practices and strategies.
  • Get advice on maintaining a work-life balance while managing disability and striving for career well-being.

Wednesday, October 16, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Hybrid: In-Person (800 Bay Street, 5th Floor) or Online via Zoom (Link will be emailed to registered attendees 24 hours prior to the event)

Register for My Career Story: Accessibility in the Workplace on CLNx.

Featured Alumni for My Career Story: Accessibility in the Workplace
Headshot of Selin smiling.

Selin Kahramanoğlu (She/Her)

Master of Information & Master of Museum Studies 
Royal Ontario Museum, Art Gallery of Burlington 

Selin Kahramanoğlu is a Turkish-Canadian museum and archives professional, an independent researcher, artist, and writer. Through her work, Selin explores the various expressions of culture and the authentic self. Her areas of interest include languages, archaeology, ceremony, visual art interpretation, and material culture study. Completing the Combined Degree Program from the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Information in 2020, Selin earned a Master of Museum Studies and a Master of Information. The faculty and OMA recognized Selin with the “Excellence in Emerging Museum Practice” Award, and she was the first recipient with this achievement. Selin is also passionate about mentoring youth and young professionals on topics related to unique professional development experiences and protecting mental health. She recently completed two terms as Co-Chair of the Group of Ontario Emerging Museums Professionals (GOEMP), focusing on growing accessibility and inclusivity resources for peers and incoming colleagues. Selin proudly completed several independent curatorial initiatives this past summer, including an exhibition with her mentor South African-born artist William Lottering. This past September, Selin finished her contract as the Programming & Outreach Coordinator with the Aurora Historical Society. During her free time, she is usually volunteering, practicing Muay Thai, working on creative writing projects, or spending time with her family in Istanbul.

Taite Lehov  (She/Her) (He/Him)

Master’s Degree, Developmental Psychology and Education 
U of T Accessibility Services 

Taite is the ASD Support Coordinator here at U of T, they work in this role to support the autistic students navigating university life and adapt to new challenges and the seismic life change that is post-secondary education. Before being in this role, Taite completed an M.Ed in Developmental Psychology and Education from OISE and worked for years as a 1-on-1 support worker for high needs children in schools, homes, treatment centers etc.

Growing up as an autistic person in the tiny island nation of Grenada, Taite understands first-hand how challenging it can be when the culture you exist in has no desire or understanding on how to support you. It was during their undergraduate studies Taite first realized the need for a stronger autistic and neurodivergent support systems at the post-secondary level.

There are so many different, unspoken challenges autistic people face entering the workforce and Taite aims to prepare students for these challenges and improve the landscape of post-secondary education so they don’t have to struggle the same way they did.

Headshot of George.

George Alevizos (He/Him)

Bachelor of Arts, Theatre 
Professional Actor, VP ACTRA Union Council Member 

George Alevizos is a professional actor living in Toronto. Being a graduate of the joint Theatre and Drama Studies program with the University of Toronto/Sheridan College, He has gone to work on multiple on camera projects including a guest starring role on the CityTV hit show Hudson and Rex, a recurring role on the CBC Gem TV Show You’re My Hero, an acting role on the Amazon Prime TV Show Gen V, and being featured on CBS’s Star Trek Discovery (among a lot of commercial work). On top of his on-camera roles, he’s gone to work with many live theatre companies in Ontario including Drayton Entertainment, Cahoots Theatre, LemonTree Creations, Shakespeare in the Ruff and EveryBODY on Stage. On top of being an actor, he also serves as an ACTRA Toronto Council Vice President Executive, and an ACTRA National Council Member too (ACTRA is the film and TV union in Canada). Being one of the first graduates in a wheelchair of any professional training program in the country, he is a huge advocate for actors with disabilities in the industry, and will continue to fight until there is proper, and equal representation amongst all minority groups.

My Career Story: International Student Experiences

My Career Story: International Student Experiences will feature guest alumni storytellers who will share tales of their career journeys while touching on their own lived experiences as international students.  We’ll explore the unique challenges, barriers, and opportunities they have experienced while attending U of T, and beyond.

  • Get to know how international student alumni managed to grow roots in Canada.
  • Get advice on how to best navigate graduation, jobs, and Canadian residency.
  • Explore the shared challenges, hopes, and successes of our international student community.
  • Get advice on how to best stay connected with family and friends back home.

Wednesday, November 6, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Hybrid: In-Person (800 Bay Street, 5th Floor) or Online via Zoom (Link will be emailed to registered attendees 24 hours prior to the event)

Register for My Career Story: International Student Experiences on CLNx.

Featured Alumni for My Career Story: International Student Experiences
Headshot of Pooja smiling.

Pooja Gupta (She/Her)

Master of Engineering – Meng, Biomedical/Medical Engineering (2020)
Quality Assurance Associates, Junior Validation Engineer

Pooja Gupta is an international alumni with a multidisciplinary background in Biotechnology and Biomedical engineering. Presently, she is working as a Validation Engineer at Laporte Engineering, an engineering consulting firm. Her current role focuses on delivering engineering services to the pharmaceutical, agri-food, and bio-industrial sectors. Her expertise lies in project lifecycle, from design and engineering to construction. Pooja graduated from University of Toronto with a Master’s in Biomedical engineering.

Before joining Laporte, she worked in Quality Assurance in pharmaceutical manufacturing, gaining skills in quality management and compliance.

Additionally, she is at her best when she is interacting with people. Her passion for connecting with people is evident through her volunteering work, including volunteering and leadership roles in multiple student organizations. She is currently involved with a nonprofit organization which caters to supporting underprivileged youth in the GTA.

In her free time, she enjoys working out, running, reading, and exploring salsa dancing. She is committed to making a positive impact in the society while continuously expanding her personal and professional zones.

Headshot of Youran (Caroline).

Youran (Caroline) Shi (She/Her)

Bachelor of Science – BS, Psychology Research Specialist (2017)
Consumer Insight Analyst, Market Researcher

Youran (Caroline) Shi is an international student from China who earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Toronto and later pursued a Master of Arts in Social Sciences with a concentration in Psychology at the University of Chicago. Currently working as an Associate Market Researcher at an advertising agency, Caroline applies her expertise in behavioral science and data-driven insights to help global businesses connect with their audiences.

With a passion for storytelling and consumer psychology, Caroline has conducted in-depth interviews, surveys, and ethnographic research across industries (e.g., beauty, healthcare, sustainability, automotive, and packaged food), transforming complex consumer data into compelling narratives that inform business strategic decision-making and enhance content effectiveness.

Having navigated her own journey as an international student and professional across various countries, Caroline is passionate about empowering others to overcome challenges, unlock their full potential, and achieve success in both their academic and career journeys.

Caroline deeply values empathy and curiosity, qualities that fuel both her work in consumer insights and her approach to coaching clients. These values allow her to connect meaningfully with others, understand diverse perspectives, and provide impactful insights.

Headshot of Rohitash smiling.

Rohitash Hurla (He/Him)

Master of Business Admin – MBA, Corporate Strategy, Innovation (2019)
Product Manager, Consultant 

Rohitash has an MBA from the University of Toronto – Rotman School of Management and a B.Tech. in Information Technology from the National Institute of Technology. He has 12+ years of experience in building technology products and a passion for creating value through innovation, and is the current Associate Vice President, Payment Products, for People’s Group.

My Career Story is an intimate, informal event where U of T alumni come together to share their own unique career and life stories with students. More than just a panel discussion, we open the space for participants to engage in dialogue, connect as community, and network with both alumni and their fellow peers.

Why is storytelling central to this experience? It’s because stories are a powerful medium which engage us both emotionally and intellectually. They make learning more relatable and memorable. Stories allow us to illuminate our lives and the unique communities we inhabit, whilst helping us to better reveal, comprehend and transform our understanding of each other and our worlds.

  • The first half of the event will be moderated and focus on our 3 keynote U of T alumni guests sharing their own career stories. There will be additional opportunities for participants to ask questions and engage in open dialogue.
  • The second half of the event will transform into an open networking session; allowing our alumni guests to freely engage with participants over light food and refreshments.
  • Additional alumni will be invited as guests to the second half networking session.
  • Our virtual/online audience will receive a full live stream of the event, including time with each alumni guest in the Zoom room to facilitate your questions.

As a participant, you can look forward to:

  • Exploring the role identity plays while navigating one’s career.
  • Learning about the diverse and non-linear career paths of alumni.
  • Gaining insights and advice on how you can build your own career path.
  • Meeting fellow student colleagues and learning from one another’s lived experiences.
Things to Know About Online Events
  • Platform: Online events take place on Zoom. Prepare by reviewing the Tip Sheet for Joining Zoom meetings (PDF).
  • Technology: The session will use PowerPoint slides. Download a PDF of the slides in advance
  • Participation: Being on camera, using your mic, or participating in the chat are all optional. We welcome you to participate in a way that works for you. You are welcome to ask your own questions or simply observe these sessions to learn from ongoing discussions. Participants may be asked to participate in small group break out rooms.
  • Materials: No materials necessary for this event. We encourage you to come prepared with questions and suggest that you bring something to record your thoughts and notes.
  • Privacy: Workshops will not be recorded without the express permission of the participants.
Things to Know About In-Person Events
  • Movement involved: Alternatives to moving around the room are built into the agenda.
  • Participation expectations: Individuals will be sitting in small groups and participate in open discussions.
  • Technology: The session will use PowerPoint slides. The room has one large screen at the front and the facilitator will be using a microphone. Download a PDF of the slides in advance
  • Workshop space: The room is on the 5th floor accessed by elevators. It has large windows along one side of the room and moveable tables and chairs to accommodate mobility devices. Reserved seating can be provided upon request.
  • Materials: You do not have to bring any materials for this event. We encourage you to come prepared with questions and suggest you bring something to record your thoughts and notes
  • Privacy: Workshops will not be recorded without the express permission of the participants.
  • Washrooms: Accessible and all gender washrooms are located on the same floor, near reception.

If you require disability-related accommodations for an event or workshop, please e-mail careerservices@utoronto.ca.

  • Ensure you register! Registration will close by 9 a.m. on the day of the workshop. You will receive the link and instructions for accessing the online session.
  • If possible, please arrive a couple of minutes before the start time as events start on time and you don’t want to miss important information.
  • If you can no longer attend, please cancel your registration to allow others the opportunity to participate.
  • If there is additional capacity, waitlisted individuals will be notified via email prior to the start of the session.
  • Only University of Toronto students and recent graduates (within the past two years) are eligible to attend. Some events may be catered to specific demographics and identities.
  • Need a private space? Use the Campus Online Synchronous Space Finder.

To register on CLNx:

  1. Log in to CLNx.
  2. Click on Events & Workshops.
  3. Click on St. George.
  4. Select Career Exploration & Education. My Career Story events will be posted there.

Watch Using the CLNx: Registering for events for more instruction.

March 2024

My Career Story – Navigating Disability

Alumni:

Ali Kazmi
Product & Training Specialist at IBM
HBA, Political Science and History

Emily Chan
Social Worker at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital
MSW, Mental Health & Health

Dominick Roussel
Co-president of the Anthropology Graduate Student Union (AGSU)
BSc (Hons), Evolutionary Anthropology

If you’re interested in My Career Story, also check out the In the Field and Job Shadowing programs for deeper insight into connecting with alumni.