My Story in 30
University can feel overwhelming, but there are students who’ve been there before you and want you to know what they wish they had known in their first year. Listen to the My Story in 30 podcast series as the Fit for Business team interviews upper-year Ted Rogers School students about their real and unfiltered experiences. Learn how you too, can navigate challenges to find success on your university journey within 30-minute episodes.
This is the My Story in 30 Podcast with stories for students like you, by students like you.
Interested in being on our podcast?
This is a great opportunity for you to share your academic, professional, and/or personal experiences to support our first-year students navigate their journey.
To express your interest, please fill out this Google Form (external link) with your TMU email.
From academic success to probationary tales to unexpected test failures, we explore the unique experiences that shape individuals' academic paths. This series highlights services and supports such as Program Advising and Student Success and the International Student Exchange Program students utilized to get the most out of their undergraduate career and succeed.
"From a 1.67 GPA to Dean's List in a year"
Business Technology Management student Hiranniya Yogaratnarajah (Niya) shares her roller-coaster of a journey over the last 4 years. From failing critical courses and being on the verge of academic probation, Niya went from a 1.67 GPA to Dean's list within a year.
"From an 'A' student, to Failing my Courses"
Law and Business Student Rishi Darubra shares his experience about being on academic probation. By changing his mindset and taking the right steps forward with the help of the Program Advising and Student Success, Rishi continued to succeed academically and personally throughout his university journey.
"35% On My QMS Midterm?!"
Baxter Thomas (external link) , a second year Hospitality and Tourism Management student, talks about how the transition from valedictorian to failing his midterm, Baxter explains how he hit the wall of not knowing if he could succeed even when he put in so much effort. He was able to persevere and change his mindset to just keep going and things will get better from there.
No career path is the same. In this series, each episode brings you insightful interviews and personal accounts of professionals from diverse fields, sharing their experiences, challenges, and valuable lessons learned along their career paths.
"Landing my First Job at Fidelity After 100+ Rejections"
Economics and Management Science co-op student Kabeena Kodeeswaran shares with us how she went from 100+ applications for her first co-op term with no responses, to landing a co-op job at Fidelity.
"How Bootcamps got me my First Co-op, then got me Promoted"
Economics and Management Science co-op student Grejdi Meta shares how he showcased specific technical skills to land a role with OTPP. During his time there, Grejdi had heard about an exciting new project that involved Power BI, knowing that the Bootcamps team offered it, he jumped on the opportunity to hone his skills. Tune in to hear Grejdi's secret on how he landed his job, and how he got promoted!
"How your Passion can Fuel your Career"
In this episode of the My Story in 30 podcast, Muhammed Saif (external link) or better known as Saif, a third-year Business Technology Management student, shares how he was able to pursue his passions while building his professional career. He discusses how he found his passions, what keeps him motivated, and how his passions helped lead him to professional opportunities.
In collaboration with the Business Career Hub (BCH), this series features upper-year students sharing their Ted Rogers Co-op journey, tips to support the Co-op application process and more Dive into the narratives of students who share their experience, valuable skills gained, career exploration, and the unique opportunities the Co-op programs offer.
"Building a Cover Letter to make your Application Standout"
Spencer Bulley (external link) , 5th year Economics and Management Science, shared insights on tips to build a strong cover letter. Spencer just finished his last work term with Morgan Stanley Wealth Management where he worked directly with C-suite executives. He has been leveraging the Co-op Program and support from the BCH to succeed in positions from investment banking to real estate transaction advisory. With his extensive experience, he provides students with a cover letter guideline to vividly tell their story to prospective employers.
"Building your Resume: It's Not One Size Fits All..."
Amanjot Malhi (external link) , a fifth year Business Management Co-op student majoring in Human Resources Management, offers insight on how the BCH helped her tailor her resume to jobs to stand out to employers. Her advice to students is to leverage the BCH services earlier and don’t hesitate to have multiple people review your resume. She also shares the secret formula to a great resume, the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, and Result) method and why it is so beneficial to use in your application.
"How Co-op Helped me Navigate my Career"
Maira Di Matteo (external link) , a 5th-year Marketing Management student shares how the TRSM Co-op program helped her gain different experiences, which helped her navigate her career. She discusses experiencing different work environments in your co-op work terms and not being too picky to get a better understanding of what you like and do not like. Through her experience in the TRSM Co-op Program, working in downtown Toronto and Alberta, her work terms have given her clarity on what she wants to do with her career.
This series is about self-discovery and growth which includes stories of personal triumph, resilience, and transformation. Explore strategies, insights, and experiences that inspire you to unlock your potential and navigate life's challenges with confidence.
"Fitting in as an International Student"
Asad Salman (external link) , a second-year international student, majoring in Economics and Management Science, shares his experience of coming to Canada, transferring universities, finding academic success and fitting in as an international student. Asad came to Toronto from Dubai and started his post-secondary life at another university before transferring to the Ted Rogers School of Management after his first-year. Asad got involved with Fit for Business as soon as he arrived at TRSM, and he shares his experiences as a TedPack Leader and his roles in other student groups around TRSM.
"AwardSpring: 15 minutes Changed My Life"
Haniyah Baig, a 3rd year Marketing student and also the Vice President of Marketing at the Ted Rogers Students’ Society, shares her experience with applying for Awards & Scholarships via AwardSpring and how she leveraged her relationships in her application process! She emphasizes how students aren't aware of the numerous scholarships that are available to them and how the application process only takes about 10-15 minutes.
"Finding a Sense of Belonging at TRSM Through Student Groups"
Jamie La graduated from the Accounting program at TRSM and is currently working full-time at PwC. In this episode, Jamie shares how he found a sense of belonging at the school and how he was able to prove himself through student groups. In his first-year, he knew he wanted to get involved in any way possible - leading him to networking events and case competitions to put himself out there. Throughout his university career, he joined 10 student groups including and developed a skillset transferable to the workforce through the Co-op program.
In our Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity Series, we shine a spotlight on the transformative power of embracing diverse perspectives. Listen to the stories of change-makers, advocates, and individuals championing equality, fostering inclusivity, and celebrating diversity.
"Navigating TRSM as a Black student, finding community, support and resources"
In this episode, we speak with Tabitha Nsangu, a 4th year Accounting and Finance Co-op student. She’s currently a Senior Advisor at the Ted Rogers Real Estate Association (TRREA) and working in the investment arm at OMERS for her co-op work term. She speaks on navigating her journey at TMU as a Black student, finding a sense of community, and leveraging the resources the university has to offer to support her journey.
"Finding Confidence as an International Student"
Jasmann Singh Narang (external link) , an international student pursuing Marketing talks about his experience connecting with people in events and the real world. He goes on to give advice on how international students can get themselves out there and build long lasting connections. Jasmann was part of the Top 10 % in his first year and discusses how that recognition and FFB events helped him gain the confidence to go out and speak to people. Jasmann's story provides students insignt into how students can get involved in their first years and begin to start their professional career.
"TRSS Launches EDI Well-being Space"
Husnaa Zamarai and Sheru Yousafzai from the TRSS EDI Committee discuss their award-winning initiative — the launch of the first-ever EDI Well-being Space at the Ted Rogers School of Management. Responding to student calls for a multi-faith room, the committee conducted surveys, research, and collaborations with faculty to make the space a reality. Open since February 2023 on the 7th floor (TRS 1-045), the EDI Well-being Space welcomes all students for prayer, meditation, reflection, or quiet time, supporting overall well-being and inclusivity within the TRSM community.
Hear from upper-year students about their experience in their respective major of the undergraduate programs that the Ted Rogers School of Management offers. Learn more about why they chose their major, their first-year experience, different courses, opportunities and how to get involved, the Ted Rogers Co-op Program, and much more. Click on each program that interests you to learn more.
School of Information Technology Management Episode
Abdullah Bhutta, a student in the a Business Technology Management student, program, talks about his experience in the program. major. Abdullah served as the president Information Technology Management Students’ Association (ITMSA) (external link) for two years, which is the course union for the major. He goes on to share what students can expect from the program, courses, the Ted Rogers Co-op Program co-op program and talks about the advantages of being surrounded by different companies and being close to the financial district.
School of Accounting and Finance
Accounting (external link)
Cayl Baggayan, a School of Accounting and Finance (SAF) student majoring in Accounting shares his unconventional journey.
Finance (external link)
Sinduja Sriskantharajah, a student in the School of Accounting and Finance majoring in Finance shares her valuable and wholesome experience at the Ted Rogers School of Management.
School of Business Management Episodes
- Human Resources Management (external link)
- Law and Business (external link)
- Marketing Management (external link)
- Real Estate Management (external link)
School of Retail Management
Jillien Arrubio, a School of Retail Management student, shares her passion for the program. Jillien started her academic journey in Early Childhood studies but later found that it was not the right fit for her. She transferred faculties into Retail Management at the Ted Rogers School and discusses how her program is based on experiential learning, career pathways, how to get involved and opportunities there are for students to explore the retail industry.
School of Hospitality and Tourism
Libby Worden, a Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) student, talks about why she chose the program. Libby always knew she wanted to help people and enjoys being customer-facing, so she knew the Hospitality program would be the right fit. Although HTM is a small program, she talks about how it feels like a small community within the Ted Rogers School. She is connected with her peers and the professors are supportive and available to students. She talks about how the major is quite interactive and encourages students to go outside of the classroom and get experience in the industry.