This is long, so please grab a coffee or tea and enjoy :)

Why Economics

When I was completing high school, I vividly recollect being torn on which career path I wanted to take. I wanted to pursue international law but was also interested in business and at the same time considering the possibilities of working in politics. So, at the end of my grade 12 year, I had narrowed down that I would pursue either political science, economics or international relations. Eventually, I chose to stick with an Economics degree because it provided the opportunity to dive into different sectors. Yet at the same time it opened the window that gave a glimpse into how the country and the world operates. Those two things helped satisfy my hunger to use my work as a way to also contribute to the world around me.

The theories learned from the school of thought can be applied to 3 major sectors; civil society, public sector and enterprise. Beyond the class room however, I wanted to better understand the details and complexities of each of the areas. Within the civil society, I volunteered with local organizations that were assisting new immigrants get settled in Canada. In addition, I participated in Model United Nations conferences by Harvard University and McGill University. One of the resolutions we were working on included disarmament of nuclear weapons. My experience in this sector allowed me to better understand the nuisances in trying to integrate multiple stakeholders. However, it also nudged me towards exploring the roles that governments play in the implementing policies.

Different Paths

Hence after my first semester, I worked for the Government of Saskatchewan as a Ministerial Assistant to the Executive Council. From there I was able to understand the processes of policy making but I decided to switch to the private sector. For a little over a year, I worked for a startup company called Townfolio. Townfolio is a marketplace that connects investors with business ideas all over north America. Working for the company for about a year made me become more fascinated with tech and the start-up world in general. My interest in entrepreneurship led me to being accepted into the Cansbridge Fellowship. The program is a network of high impact leaders and entrepreneurial young professionals throughout the world. Alumni of the program have moved on to work for Google, Microsoft, IBM and so on. Part of the program involves doing an internship in Asia. As a result I am currently working in Shanghai for Zx Ventures eCommerce Team as a summer intern.

Now you’re probably tired of me talking about myself. So, let’s switch gears: How can you pursue unique opportunities that helps you better understand your degree? But first of all I am going to explain why it is important to pursue additional activities with your degree.

Why Should You Do More Than Get Good Grades?

Given a changing labour market, it is key to ensure that as a student, one is getting practical experiences beyond your degree. In today’s world, just having high marks does not guarantee a door into the career path plainly because the labour market is competitive and saturated with talent. The best way to distinguish yourself from a crowd of resumes is to keep the following things in mind. Employers or program coordinators want to see if you have hard and soft skills; those are gained through the other activities that one participates in. This entails both on campus activities and those that are pursued out of interest. Whether it is sports, arts, or even running a failed business idea it is key to communicate four things: why did you start or participate in the said activity, how did the activity challenge you, what did you contribute to the team and lessons you learned. These answers should be evident through the details explained in your resume.

Now to the main tea: Finding Unique Opportunities

Each and everyone have different fields that interests and peaks your interests. So to be relevant, I will share a general approach. There are multiple channels available today that you can use find conferences, networking events, programs, and organizations that might align with your interests. If you’re not sure on the career path you want to follow, do not fret! Getting involved is a great way for you to cross eliminate the fields that you’re both strong in and/or have a passion for.

Channels

    Social Media

• Facebook Closed Groups

                There are various groups you can join on Facebook that lists unique opportunities, applications, tips on getting into different programs. So use the search for more than just stalking strangers! One great one to start with is Applications, Materials, Links, Opportunities, and Connections.

• LinkedIn

                In today’s globally connected world, having a good LinkedIn profile is important. It gives you the opportunity to connect and reach out to people that are in the same field of interest. For instance, if you found a program you want to apply to, LI would be the perfect place to find alumni of the program. Once you do, email or message the and to gain more insight that might not be posted on the website.

• Model United Nations and Youth Opportunities Planet

               Although the website is primarily to find Model United Nations Conferences all over the world it also has a lot of other useful links. It includes but not limited to international conferences, paid & unpaid internships, fellowships etc.

• Major League Hacking

               If you're interested in tech, attending Hackathons is a great way to rapidly develop skills and to also gain exposure to the big companies such as Microsoft, Amazon etc. Tech does not mean you have to be an engineer or a computer scientist! It encompasses several other departments including arts, design, marketing, sales etc as long as you like solving problems. So don’t be shy to participate in a local hackathon such as Med.Hack to get your feet wet.

• Networking Events