Career Conversations with Business and Society Grads
In partnership with the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (LA&PS)
Wondering what to do with your Business and Society degree? Want to meet York Alumni and other professionals working in the field?
Connect with Business and Society graduates currently enjoying their careers and get the inside scoop on what it’s really like to work in this field. During this panel, professionals will share their personal stories about breaking into the field, how their career paths took them from graduation to where they are now, what knowledge, skills and experience helped them succeed in their jobs and what types of opportunities are available in the field. The panel will be moderated by one of the Career Centre’s team members and followed by an open forum where students will have an opportunity to ask the panelists their own questions.
Registration is required. You may register for this event on the Career Centre’s online system (you must sign up for an account before you will be able to register for any events on the system).
Participating Panelists:
Shawn Rizvi
Senior Consultant, EY, EY
Alumnus: BA, Business & Society, 2014
If you had asked me at 17 years old prior to starting university if I was going to one day run for MP, volunteer in Africa, backpack across Europe and become a cyber consultant; I would have thought you were crazy. Up until then, I was absolutely set on being a lawyer,.. but here I am. On a daily basis, I get to make a difference. Either through helping business leaders through strategy, complex solutions, managing risk and innovating securely, to mentoring aspiring young professionals; or too being a social activist and serving on boards of organizations that help make a difference, my career had led me to a path where I find value and can create value at every turn.
Stephanie Florio
Co-Founder, EY, Swob Inc.
Alumna: BA, Business & Society, 2012
I always knew I wanted to be an Entrepreneur, I just never knew for what. I worked in advertising for a few years and loved it, but I always knew something else was out there for me. That was until my brother came home with an idea and Swob was born. Turning an idea into a business has been a lot of work, but I’m loving every minute of it.
Kamran Khawaja
Director, Business Development,EXCEL
Alumnus: BA, Business & Society, 2002
Seems a lifetime ago when I was in my last year at York. I benefitted immensely from connecting with a few individuals who shared their experiences and thoughts at that critical time.
I’ve been participating as a mentor for several years now and look forward to continuing to support the participants.
As the senior sales person at Excel, my clients include the major wireless and telecom companies in Canada. It’s an interesting industry that keeps me very busy.
Apollo Ojara
Senior Analyst, Privacy & Compliance, Scotiabank
I started my university studies as an undecided major, like school, my path in life was undecided. My sureness in what I wanted to do grew as my studies became more focused. Once I started to enjoy what I was learning/studying, what I wanted to do in the future became very clear. This is what I hope to pass on-to students who may have the same uncertainty.
Shireen Salti
Legislative Intern,Ontario Legislature Internship Programme
Shireen Salti graduated from York University with an Honours Bachelor Degree in Business & Society where she specialized in law and governance, media and communications. She then pursued her Master of Public Policy, Administration and Law (MPPAL) Degree and the Graduate Diploma in Justice System Administration in the School of Public Policy and Administration (SPPA) at York University. Shireen was the Social Convener of the 2016/17 Graduate Students’ Association of Public Policy, Administration and Law (GSAPPAL). As the Social Convener, Shireen was responsible for the planning and facilitation of GSAPPAL events including socials, conferences and networking opportunities for the MPPAL students. Shireen also represented York University at the 2015/16 Institute of Public Administration Canada (IPAC) National Case Study Competition.
She has worked in a number of roles in the Ontario Ministry of Education, Inclusive Education Branch and the Education Quality and Accountability Office. Her Major Research Paper (MRP) focused on the integration of privately sponsored versus government assisted Syrian refugees in Toronto and was presented at the annual conference of the Canadian Association of Programs in Public Administration (CAPPA) at the University of Manitoba.
Currently, she is one of the ten Legislative Interns in the Ontario Legislature Internship Programme supporting Member of Provincial Parliaments in various work demands such as preparing for question period, facilitating communications, writing briefing notes, drafting private member’s bills, attending committee meetings, engaging with constituents and stakeholders, and researching policy issues of interest to the member.
Ridha Sabir
Project Analyst, Accenture
While I was completing my final semester as an undergrad student, I did not know which direction I wanted to take my career in. However, all the part-time roles I held since I was 16 contributed to my career today. I continuously use my interpersonal skills developed as a student to learn about potential opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Stay curious and you will attract the right opportunities.
Shawn Rizvi
Senior Consultant,Cyber Risk,EY
Degree: Bachelor of Arts, York University
Faculty: LAPS, Business & Society
Graduated: 2014
Current Career: Management Consultant – Cyber Risk
If you had asked me at 17 years old prior to starting university if I was going to one day run for MP, volunteer in Africa, back pack across Europe and become a cyber consultant; I would have thought you were crazy. Up until then I was absolutely set on being a lawyer,.. but here I am. On a daily basis I get to make a difference. Either through helping business leaders through strategy, complex solutions, managing risk and innovating securely, to mentoring aspiring young professionals; or too being a social activist and serving on boards of organizations that help make a difference, my career had led me to a path where I find value and can create value at every turn.
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