Students got a reality check about life after graduation at the Northern British Columbia Graduate Student Society’s (NBCGSS) Industry Night on January 28. Five professionals from banking, healthcare, and environmental science shared insider knowledge about launching successful careers beyond academia.
The panel featured Travis Stringer (RBC Dominion Securities), Umair Haroon (CIBC), Furqana Khan (Northern Health), and environmental scientists Mostafa Dorosti and Dr. Rahim Jafari (SLR Consulting). Their message was clear: academic excellence alone won’t guarantee career success.
“More than 80% of professional success relies on communication,” emphasized panelists, noting this is especially crucial for international students in diverse workplaces. They urged students to develop soft skills through extracurricular activities, professional committees, and networking events.
The professionals highlighted key differences between university and workplace culture. Unlike flexible academic deadlines, career success demands strong teamwork, openness to feedback, and sharp time management. They advised students, particularly PhD candidates, to gain practical experience through internships and volunteering while completing their studies efficiently.
For job applications, the panel recommended focusing on relevant experiences rather than exhaustive details. They suggested having a 7-10 year career plan to show employers long-term potential. Critical qualities for new graduates include:
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
- Professional reliability and results-oriented mindset
- Ability to learn on the job
- Cultural awareness and adaptability
The evening concluded with students networking with panelists over pizza, getting personalized career advice to help bridge the gap between academia and industry.
