Career Coach & Student Advisor

How would you describe the current stage or most recent stage of your career as a Career Coach and Student Advisor?

At this time, I am approximately 6 years into my career as a Student Advisor and a Career Coach. In my full-time role at Fleming College, I’m the first point of contact for students entering the Academic Upgrading program. I meet with them to understand their education and career goals, review their background, and help map out a path that aligns with where they want to go. From there, I support them throughout their entire journey, which includes intake assessments, course planning, transitions into work or post-secondary, and connecting them with services like financial aid or accessible education when needed. I also collaborate closely with other departments across the college and track student progress to make sure they’re staying on track and getting the support they need.

Alongside that, I work as a Career Coach, which is something I’ve built into my evenings and weekends because it’s a huge passion of mine. I work most with early-to-mid-career professionals who are exploring new directions or trying to land their next role. That can include resume writing, interview prep, networking strategies, LinkedIn profiles, or just helping someone figure out what they want to do next. Sometimes I meet with clients for a single session, and other times I support them weekly throughout their job search, acting as both a guide and an accountability partner. What I love most about this career is the people. Every day, I get to have meaningful conversations, ask thoughtful questions, and support individuals at really pivotal moments in their lives, whether they’re starting fresh, going back to school, or making a major career change. It’s incredibly rewarding to see someone grow in confidence and move toward a path that feels right for them.

What was your first ‘real’ job after graduating?

My first “real” job after graduating was as a Youth Employment Advisor and Workshop Facilitator at Watton Employment Services, a community-based Employment Ontario organization that supports individuals with job searching and career development. I had just completed my undergraduate degree and wasn’t entirely sure what direction I wanted to take. I knew I wanted to work with people and make a meaningful impact, but I didn’t see myself in more traditional paths like HR, where many of my peers from Labour Studies were heading. I was more drawn to working directly with individuals – supporting them, advocating for them, and helping them navigate their own career paths. That led me to pursue a post-graduate certificate in Career Development at George Brown College. As part of that program, I completed a practicum at Watton Employment Services, which ultimately turned into a full-time opportunity after graduation. In that role, I worked primarily with youth under 30, supporting them in identifying their goals, understanding their strengths and barriers, and creating actionable employment plans. I also facilitated daily workshops on topics such as resume writing, networking, and interview preparation, and I designed and delivered a three-week program aimed at helping young people secure their first jobs. This experience provided a strong foundation for my career. It allowed me to develop essential skills in client-centered work, such as active listening, goal setting, and adapting my approach to meet the needs of diverse individuals, which continue to shape how I work today.

How did your ideas about career options evolve from the time you entered first year university to your final year and beyond (and what influenced those ideas)?

When I first started at McMaster University, I was actually a Communications major and imagined myself working in fields like public relations, marketing, or advertising. At that point, my understanding of career options was fairly narrow, and I was focused on more traditional, well-known paths. During my first semester, I was lucky enough to be able to take many electives. In high school, I had taken Indigenous Studies courses that I really connected with, so I continued exploring that interest in my first year. At the same time, I needed to fill an elective and ended up enrolling in an evening Labour Studies course, simply because it was the only option that fit my schedule. I went in expecting it to be relatively uninteresting, but it ended up being my favourite class that semester. Learning about Canada’s labour history, the role of unions, and the rights that workers have fought for fundamentally shifted how I thought about work and careers. It opened my eyes to the social, political, and human side of employment, and made me realize I was far more interested in supporting people than working on the organizational or corporate side.

By my second semester, I had completely changed direction and switched into a double major in Labour Studies and Indigenous Studies. I also credit much of this shift to the incredible professors I had in Indigenous Studies and Labour Studies. Their passion, intelligence, and commitment to social change made me genuinely excited to come to class. They challenged me to think critically, encouraged me to advocate for change, and helped me believe that meaningful change is possible. Without their influence, I would likely be on a very different career path today. Looking back, I find it a bit ironic that I entered university unsure of what I wanted to do, changed directions multiple times, and am now working as a Career Coach and Student Advisor supporting individuals who are in that same place of uncertainty. In my first semester, I didn’t even know that roles like career coaching or student advising existed as full-time careers. Now, I spend my days helping others explore possibilities, build clarity, and realize that there are many more paths available to them than they might initially see.

What advice would you give to the next generation of current students about how to make the most of their time in university?

One of the most valuable skills I developed during my time at McMaster University was the ability to think critically. Social Sciences taught me how to take in information, question it, consider potential biases, and seek out credible sources to deepen my understanding. This ability is incredibly important in today’s world, where we are constantly exposed to information from countless sources. Learning how to analyze, research, and form informed perspectives is a skill that extends far beyond the classroom.

My advice to current students is to truly make the most of that opportunity. Engage deeply with your courses, take your assignments seriously, and take advantage of the academic resources available to you – especially access to libraries and peer-reviewed research! These are tools that help you build not just knowledge, but the ability to evaluate and apply that knowledge effectively in the real-world. I would also strongly encourage students to keep an open mind and explore electives outside of their initial interests. Some of the most impactful moments in my own academic journey came from courses I didn’t expect to enjoy. Being open to new ideas and experiences can shift your perspective in meaningful ways – and in some cases, it can completely change your career path!

What have you found particularly useful about the specific degree program(s) you completed at McMaster?

What I found most valuable about my degree programs at McMaster was how they fundamentally shaped the way I understand the world. Beyond building strong skills in critical thinking, research, and analysis, these programs exposed me to perspectives and histories that I likely would not have encountered otherwise. The content I learned often felt like “hidden knowledge” – histories of injustice, resistance, and ongoing advocacy that are not always widely taught or discussed. Gaining a deeper understanding of the experiences of Indigenous peoples and the history of labour movements in what is now Canada challenged my assumptions and expanded my awareness of how systems, institutions, and power dynamics operate. This education didn’t just inform my academic thinking, it truly transformed me as a person. It strengthened my sense of empathy, deepened my connection to my community and the land, and made me more aware of the broader global systems that shape our everyday lives. It also reinforced my belief that meaningful change is possible, and that individuals and communities have the power to advocate for and create that change. Ultimately, my time in the Faculty of Social Sciences didn’t just prepare me for a career, but helped shape my values, my perspective, and my commitment to supporting others. It has made me a stronger advocate in both my professional and personal life, and I truly don’t think I would be where I am today without that foundation.

What skills or knowledge learned in your university courses have you found most useful in your career?

Many of the skills I mentioned earlier, such as critical thinking, assessing bias, and conducting meaningful research, have been incredibly valuable in my career. These skills allow me to support both students and clients in navigating information, making informed decisions, and approaching their goals with clarity and confidence. In addition, my academic background in Labour Studies has had a significant and very practical impact on my work. As a Student Advisor at Fleming College, I work within a unionized environment as a member of OPSEU/SEFPO (shout out to local 351!). My understanding of labour history, workers’ rights, and collective action has shaped how I engage in that space. For example, during a recent five-week strike, I served as a picket captain and spoke with students and community members about the broader context of labour movements in Canada and the role unions play in advocating for fair working conditions. Beyond that, I have continued to stay actively involved in my union by attending regional meetings and provincial conventions, where members come together to discuss priorities and the future of the organization. Without my background in Labour Studies, I don’t think I would feel as confident or engaged in these spaces.

More broadly, my studies in both Labour and Indigenous Studies have shaped my belief that meaningful change is possible. That perspective carries into my day-to-day work. Whether I am supporting students, advocating within my workplace, or coaching job seekers, it reinforces my commitment to helping individuals navigate systems, access opportunities, and create positive change in their own lives and broader communities.

As you reached graduation, did you pursue any post-graduation recruitment programs, associations, internship opportunities, certificates, or similar experiences to help establish your career? If so, how do you reflect on the experience(s)?

After graduating from McMaster University, I took some time to work in a retail role while I explored my next steps. I knew I was interested in working directly with individuals and supporting them in their own career development, which led me to pursue further education. I completed a one-year post-graduate certificate in Career Development in George Brown College. A key component of that program was a co-op placement, which provided me with hands-on experience, allowed me to apply my academic knowledge in a real-world setting, and ultimately led to my first full-time role in the field.

What was the sequence of job types for you after completing your undergraduate degree? For example, did you take survival jobs, or full-time jobs on a short-term contract? Did you immediately start an ongoing full-time position? Did you participate in gig work, consulting work, or entrepreneurship? Or was your first step further education?

After completing my undergraduate degree at McMaster University, I initially took on a minimum-wage retail position while I considered my next steps and explored potential career directions. During that time, I decided to return to school to complete a one-year post-graduate certificate in Career Development at George Brown College, while continuing to work part-time. As part of that program, I completed an unpaid co-op placement at a local Employment Ontario service provider. That experience led directly to my first full-time role in the field as a Youth Employment Advisor, initially on a one-year contract, which was later renewed for a second year. Following that experience, I transitioned into the post-secondary sector, where I have worked in both private career colleges and public colleges, including Fleming College where I am today. Throughout this time, I have also continued to build my work as a Career Coach on a contract basis, supporting clients outside of my full-time role. This combination of full-time employment and independent coaching has allowed me to develop a well-rounded practice and continue growing within the field.

Did you get involved in any on-campus clubs, associations, or leadership roles? If so, how do you reflect on that experience?

While I wasn’t heavily involved in traditional on-campus clubs or associations, one of the most impactful experiences I had during my time at McMaster University was studying abroad. In my third year, I had the opportunity to spend a semester at the University of Copenhagen, which was one of the most memorable parts of my university experience. During that time, I took a mix of courses—some that were more exploratory, such as Nordic mythology and Danish culture, and others that aligned more directly with my academic focus, including international labour relations. While not every course was tied to a specific career goal, the experience as a whole broadened my perspective in a meaningful way. Being immersed in a different country exposed me to new ways of living, different cultural norms, and alternative approaches to social systems. One of the most impactful academic components was a research project where I critically compared Danish and Canadian labour markets and labour rights. This allowed me to explore how different political and economic approaches (such as Denmark’s strong social safety net compared to Canada’s more individualistic model) shape people’s relationships to work and access to social supports.

Reflecting on this experience, studying abroad helped me develop a more global perspective, strengthened my ability to think critically across different systems, and reinforced the importance of understanding context when analyzing social and economic issues. It also pushed me outside of my comfort zone in a way that built both independence and confidence. As a bonus, I met my husband during my time in Europe!

If you’ve been in a role responsible for hiring newly graduated students, what trends are you seeing, and what are you looking for in potential new employees?

While I’m not directly responsible for hiring in my current role, I work closely with job seekers every day as a Career Coach and regularly engage with employers, hiring managers, and recruiters. One of the most consistent trends I see is the emphasis on soft skills. Employers are looking for strong communicators! Individuals who are reliable, adaptable, able to think critically, and who can work effectively as part of a team. Skills like problem-solving, professionalism, and dependability are often what set candidates apart in the hiring process. I always tell clients that while technical skills can be taught on the job (such as learning a specific software, system, or set of procedures) soft skills are much harder to develop and teach. In that sense, the skills developed through programs in the Faculty of Social Sciences such as critical thinking, communication, and the ability to analyze complex information, are incredibly transferable and highly sought after. These are often the “make or break” factors not only in securing a first job after graduation, but also in building long-term career success.

What’s the most valuable or impactful piece of career advice you’ve received that you’d like to pass on?

You don’t have to have everything figured out! You don’t need a perfectly defined career path when you’re graduating high school, and you don’t need one while you’re in post-secondary education either. It’s okay to change your mind, explore different interests, and take courses that genuinely excite you. My own path is a reflection of that – I started in Communications and ultimately graduated with a double major in Labour Studies and Indigenous Studies! In my work as a Career Coach, I see this every day. I support individuals in their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond who are exploring new directions or making significant career changes. It’s never too late to pivot. Careers are not linear, and it’s completely normal to have multiple roles, industries, or even entirely different careers over the course of your life. Rather than focusing on having a fixed plan, I would encourage students to focus on building transferable skills and following their interests. The skills you gain, especially in areas like communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving, will carry with you across roles and industries. Those are the foundations that allow you to adapt, grow, and take advantage of new opportunities as they arise. Ultimately, staying open-minded and giving yourself permission to evolve is far more valuable than having everything mapped out from the start!

Which degree(s) did you complete during your education, either at McMaster, or at another institution? Please add any degree program details you think are relevant to understand your academic path (e.g. specializations, minors, post-graduate certificates, etc.)

• BA (Hons.) Labour Studies & Indigenous Studies – McMaster University
• Post-Graduate Certificate, Career Development Practitioner – George Brown Polytechnic