Student Life Events at St. George
Confidence in Career Decision Making
Nov 15, 2023 10:00 AM
to
04:00 PM
800 Bay - Workshop Room A
Registration Deadline: Nov 15, 2023 12:00 PM
Making career decisions can feel challenging and stressful. Confidence in Career Decision-Making will create space for community-members to explore and develop strategies for bolstering personal confidence, hope, and optimism in their individual career decision-making. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about different approaches to decision-making, hear from U of T alumni who have navigated complex decisions, and develop a plan to achieve personal goals in support of healthy careers. Come and connect with peers, engage in facilitated discussions, and collect insights from experienced alumni. Join us to attend any or all sessions throughout the day.
This in person event might be of interest to people who are:
- Feeling nervous, anxious, and curious about moving through career decisions
- Feeling lost, uncertain, or stuck in their career planning or job search
- Experiencing a lack of confidence in their ability to navigate career planning
- Understand their individual decision-making style
- Explore decision-making strategies to manage indecision & uncertainty
- Establish pathways to increase confidence and reinforce hope and optimism in personal career planning
9.30am Registration
10.00am Orientation to Career Decision Making & Your Decision Space
Decision-making is a personal and dynamic process with many different approaches. Explore your individual style, reflect on how you've approached decisions in the past, and learn about new orientations that can help you plan for career decisions with confidence. This session will offer space to explore the variables and priorities that are impacting your career decisions, and we'll practice using an organizational tool to help you understand your decision space and take action.
12.00pm Alumni Panel
Learn from a panel of three U of T alumni who are in the midst of complex career journeys. Hear about how they've approached past decisions and what they've learned through the process. Panel members are: Brittany Rogers, Marketing & Communications Manager, Mahfam Nikoo, Art Therapy Student & Peer Support Worker, and Igor Samardzic, Leading Social Justice Fellowship & Urban Planner.
1.00pm Networking & Lunch
2.30pm Concurrent sessions (attend one):
Session 1: Psychological Capacities in Decision Making
Several factors influence decision-making including social and psychological factors. Psychological factors can include things like perceived control, self-esteem, hopefulness and mental wellness. This session will explore how different mindsets, hope, and optimism can bolster confidence in career decision-making.
Session 2: Moving Through Career Decisions
Making career decisions can inform planning and action towards goal attainment. After arriving at a career decision how can you take action and move forward? This session will offer tools and approaches for understanding, organizing, and activating career decisions with confidence.
Session 3: Career Decisions for International Students / Leveraging International Experience in Career Decisions
In association with the Centre for International Experience (CIE) this session aims to empower participants to drive their future with hope and positivity, leveraging their international experience. This session will also address unique factors that can impact career decision-making for international students, such as immigration status and accessing professional networks in Canada.
Alumni Panel Bio
Mahfam Nikoo (she/her) is an art therapy student, peer support worker, and writer. She is passionate about fostering community through creating meaningful connections and systems of care. Mahfam has a BSc in neuroscience, psychology, and sexual diversity studies from UTSG, and is currently training at the Toronto Art Therapy Institute. She has volunteer experience with LGBT YouthLine and Planned Parenthood Toronto, and works within the emergency department at Mount Sinai hospital to support youth who are navigating struggles with mental health and substance use. Her art and writing explore topics of transformation, duality, cycles, and relinquishing fear.
Brittany Rogers is a Marketing and Communications Manager and adept Content Strategist. She started her journey during high school with an internship at Rogers TV York Region, igniting her passion for storytelling and journalism. It was during her undergrad at UofT that she would land a life changing internship at Narcity Toronto, where she rose from intern to Managing Editor in just a few short years. However, needing a change from the 24-hour content world, Brittany made the choice to shift from editorial to marketing, beginning as a Communications and Marketing Associate at 360°kids Support Services. Today, she excels as the Canada & LATAM Marketing and Customer Engagement Manager at IDP Education, mastering both her professional and personal life balance. Beyond work, Brittany leads a Toronto women's book club, indulges in yoga and dance, and ardently supports and works with local artists. Her story is a testament to adaptability and work-life harmony.
Igor Samardzic is a leading Social Justice Fellowship & Urban Planner. Igor holds a Master of Science in Urban Planning from the University of Toronto's Massey College and an undergraduate degree from Trinity College. Over the last five years, he has passionately addressed a variety of urban issues, bringing together his academic knowledge and practical experience. Currently, he plays a key role at the City of Toronto's Cycling and Pedestrian Unit, driving initiatives to enhance accessibility, urban mobility and safety. In addition to his professional duties, Igor has run for city council, demonstrating his commitment to making a direct impact on his community. He is also deeply involved with numerous nonprofit and grassroots organizations, playing a pivotal role in both their founding and growth, further underscoring his dedication to societal improvement.