After TMU - Annie Koshy

How did your degree influence your career choice?

Becoming a teacher had been one of my favourite desires as I was growing up. Having grown up in an academic family being surrounded by teachers was a norm in my life. Toronto Metropolitan University's (formerly Ryerson University) program enabled me to gain the skills and confidence I needed to take my dream and make it a reality. 

What are some skills you developed through university that are applicable to your career?

The following skills really had their foundation in the courses and interactions I had with professors as well as classmates during my studies at TMU:

• Learning the art of communication and becoming an effective communicator  
• Patience 
• Really finding creative ways to teach and learn
• The enthusiasm with which our professors taught us translated for me into the motivation and inspiration that fuelled my learning. 
• When I began my first year, I was a very shy and timid individual. By the time I graduated, I was confident about my skills and abilities. That confidence was developed as a result of the patient and nurturing support throughout my four years. 
• One of my strongest skills is my meticulous organization. This was a skill that I learned through my time at TMU as I juggled course work and placement work. 

What do you wish you could tell your university self?

I would tell my university self to enjoy each moment for the moment and to not let anyone diminish my light. It is not so important to have perfection but to take action and in the process, event with failure, to find oneself progressively moving forward. 

How did your experience at TMU help you find your first position after graduation?

I am so grateful that I was in a program that was in high demand and that I was working in my field before I even graduated. This was a direct result of the relationships built through the placement aspect of the Early Childhood Education program. 

In your experience, what are some attributes of individuals who are most successful in your field?

I have changed my field many times and I think that if you're able to pivot and adapt to change, that is the best lesson to take away.  Nothing is set in stone and being adaptive is a sign of the times. 

If you could start all over again, would you change your career path in any way? Why?

I would absolutely pursue my passion in media and would have done the Broadcasting or Media course at TMU!

What is a typical “Day in Your Work Life” like?

Variety is the spice of life and I am very lucky to be able to choose what I do everyday. The flexibility and the freedom to set my own goals and deadlines actually fuels me to work even harder. The goals become personal and are internalized rather than being forced. For me that has made a world of difference. 

What are the best parts of your work; what are the necessary evils?

The ability to create, coach and mentor people from around the world is something I never imagined would be possible and so easy. It does come with the drawback of having to juggle multiple time zones which can sometimes be challenging. 

What are you most proud of professionally?

There have been so many milestones that I am proud of. The number one in my world is having an Amazon Hottest New Release for over two weeks with my book, How To Be Your Badass Self: A Guide To Using Your Inner Energy For Brand Success.

My second accomplishment professionally is starring in two multi-award winning movies that are impacting the world. 

Both of these accomplishments, of being an author and also being on the ‘big screen’, were dreams in my head.  To see them become a reality has been incredible. 

Has the pandemic impacted your career trajectory and if so, how have you been able to adapt to the “new normal”?

The pandemic has exponentially grown my virtual coaching work. My skill in mentoring those interested in course content creation as well as those interested in improving their personal brand have really been well received. The lockdown enabled me to really focus and complete content and goals for myself.