Mentor Circles | Breaking into Finance & Banking Careers
Wondering how to stand out in competitive recruitment cycles? Join us for an in-person Mentor Circles session on March 12 at the Alumni Lounge, to connect with industry experts and to learn how to enter and thrive in finance and banking careers. Gain insights on technical skills, networking, and trends shaping the sector, including AI, FinTech and ESG investing.
Alumni Mentors:
Amin Mahdavifar (BCom ’21), Assistant Branch Manager, TD Canada Trust
Amin manages and develops a team of personal bankers who provide investment, credit, and mortgage advice to both personal and business clients. His role includes coaching advisors on advice effectiveness, risk management, and client experience, while ensuring all activities align with regulatory and internal compliance standards. He supports business growth by reviewing business pipelines, managing performance, and handling complex client situations. He also partners with senior leadership to execute branch strategy, develop talent, and maintain strong operational discipline.
Dana Akimzhanova (BCom ’23) Manager, Technology and Operations Finance, RBC
Dana began her career in banking as a customer representative at a TD branch, where she built a strong foundation in client service and banking operations. She then completed four co-op work terms at RBC, gaining exposure to multiple areas of the organization. After graduation, she joined RBC full-time as an Analyst and was later promoted to a manager position.
Matthew Comishen (BSc’19) Sr. Manager, Loyalty Partnerships, RBC
Matthew began his career at Sun Life Financial, focusing on digital health, and helping healthcare professionals grow their businesses. He later moved onto insurance and investments, where he honed an expertise in sales enablement and strategy to support financial advisors and enhance financial services. Transitioning to RBC, he shifted to partnerships where he collaborates cross-functionally with stakeholders to build strategic relationships and drive business growth.
Ryan Young (BA ’06), National Sales Manager at Serenia Life Financial
Ryan is currently the National Sales Manager for Serenia Life Financial. He has held leadership and development roles in the financial services industry since 2015; focusing on training and development, client engagement, coaching processes and programs, recruiting and selection processes and procedures, as well as the development and implementation of Advisor tools and technology. His role oversees the national advisor coaching and development; helping advisors grow their businesses and run more efficient practices.
