TMU students network with employers on the basketball court

The action at a recent basketball tournament and fundraiser at the Mattamy Athletic Centre went beyond the court –and gave TMU students real career experience.

From May 1-3, the Business Career Hub at the Ted Rogers School of Management partnered with Heart in the Game (external link)  to host a charity tournament benefiting SickKids Research Institute, the TRSM Changemakers Fund and TMU Bold Athletics. BMO served as the title sponsor. 

The event brought together students, alumni and business leaders for real-world networking opportunities in an energetic and fun setting.

“At the Ted Rogers School of Management, we’re always finding new ways to prepare students, and create opportunities,” says Medhat Sedarose, senior manager at the Ted Rogers Co-op Business Career Hub. “Heart in the Game gave us the opportunity to innovate networking, a critical part of career development. This event allowed students to network differently, showcasing not just basketball skills, but transferable workplace skills, while raising funds for three great causes.”

Students competed and volunteered on and off the court, starting with Challenges Night and a high-energy three-point contest.

For fourth-year Law and Business student Suleman Bulbulia, the draw was the charity and the chance to reconnect with colleagues. He previously worked as a project coordinator with the Business Career Hub, an experience he credits with jumpstarting his career. 

“It helped me strengthen my resume and cover letter, and ultimately land my first co-op as a legal assistant with a paralegal firm, which was key to entering the legal field” he says.

On the court, Bulbulia faced off against teams sponsored by BMO, Cameron Stephens and The Gap.

“Because it’s not a formal business environment, it’s more relaxed,” he says. “We’re just playing, competing and connecting.”

Those connections carried beyond the court. 

“I was able to add professionals on LinkedIn and grow my professional network,” says Bulbulia.

Taking a shot

Third-year Business Management student Gabriella Cherepaha heard about the tournament from a friend and quickly stood out in the skills challenges. “It's popping, everyone’s smiling and the energy is really positive,” she says.

For Cherepaha, the event offered a break from the usual academia. 

“I just finished exams, so this is a great way to unwind, connect, support an important cause and play with heart,” she says.

Teaming up for a cause

Fourth-year Business Technology Management student Ibad Alam played and volunteered, helping secure sponsorships and prizes, working with companies through his role with the Ted Rogers Student Society to do so.

The Business Career Hub also helped shape his own career path. He says they helped refine his resume and cover letters, and gave him one-on-one coaching and support every step of the way.

“My first co-op was at Questrade as a client operations intern, and my second at RBC as a business systems analyst,” he says. 

He also has a personal connection to the cause. “My sister was treated at SickKids, so this resonates with me,” he shares.

Making an impact together 

Kanzah Aslam, a fourth-year Human Resources student and incoming president of the Ted Rogers Student Society, volunteered her efforts at the event.

She sees the value in teaming up like this and contributing both to a worthy cause and providing an opportunity for young people to build their futures.

“It’s great to see students, alumni and professionals come together in a fun, low-pressure environment,” she says. “You’re still making meaningful connections, just in a different way.”

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