Wondering what to do with your communications degree? Want to meet York Alumni and other professionals working in the field?
Connect with graduates from the Communication Studies program who are currently enjoying their careers and get the inside scoop on what it’s really like to work in this field. During this panel, professionals will share their personal stories about breaking into the field, how their career paths took them from graduation to where they are now, what knowledge, skills and experience helped them succeed in their jobs and what types of opportunities are available in the field. The panel will be moderated by one of the Career Centre’s team members and followed by an open forum where students will have an opportunity to ask the panelists their own questions.
Registration is required. You may register for this event on Experience York (you will be able to sign in using your Passport York and register for appointments and events on the system).
Participating Panelists:
Lyan Khazanchi
Communications Manager, TD Bank Group
Alumnus: Honours BA, Communication Studies, 2015
Degrees: Bachelor of Arts, York University
Post-Grad, PRCC, Seneca College
Masters of Digital Marketing, Curtin University
MBA, Australian Institute of Business (in progress)
Current Career: Communications Manager
Throughout my life, I knew that I enjoyed communicating, sharing stories, solving problems and learning new things. I believe that where I am in life now, working in a field I love, and always studying something, is me living my best life. I enjoy working in a field where there are no limits, and there's always something new to uncover each day.
Sandy Couto
Director, Executive Communications & Special Projects, WE Charity
Alumna: BA, Communication Studies & Philosophy, 2008
Tagging samples in a dusty Toronto warehouse, supporting the Ebola outbreak from Amsterdam, and writing on the beach in Barcelona - these are just a few of my career highlights since graduating from York. Today, I manage a team of writers supporting one of Canada's most notable philanthropists. I've worked in different disciplines across several different industries but all of my working adventures share a few common threads - an appetite for new challenges, strong mentors and a nagging sense of imposter sydrome.
Sherine Osbourne
Alumna: Honours BA, English and Communication Studies, 2003
Thanks to my Bachelor of Arts degree I have worked in many industries from health insurance right out of university to owning my own business, to numerous positions within the public service to now Communications and Marketing Advisor. I have also extended my studies to career counselling and broadcast journalism. I am currently completing the Certificate in Technical and Professional Communication at Glendon.
My degree gave me the leverage I needed to join the working world and fuelled my desire for continuous learning and career flexibility.
Adrienne Middlebrook
Coordinator, Marketing & Communications, Greater Toronto Hockey League
Alumnus: BA, Communication Studies, 2013
I'm a communications professional with a specialization in the sports industry. Since graduating from York in 2013, I've worked with a variety of brands to help develop and execute social and communications strategies.
I currently work as a Marketing and Communications Coordinator for the Greater Toronto Hockey League, the largest minor hockey league in the world.
Christine Bernard
Communications Manager, Shaw Communications
Alumna: Honours BA, Communication Studies, 2013
While in school, I had the pleasure of meeting many interesting people within the communications field. All of my mentors told me that I would be successful in communications; I just needed to believe in myself. Years later, I have my Masters in Communications Management, an amazing job with a great company, and tons of experience to share with others.
Manuel Arellano
Manager, Communications and Change Management, Scotiabank
Alumnus: Honours BE (double-major), Communication Studies & Fine Arts Cultural Studies, 2008
My career has always been anchored in two passions of mine: Communications and Latin American culture. Between my first job as a reporter for a Spanish-language newspaper and my currently job at Scotiabank, I completed my master's degree, worked in Peru for six months and currently work in a large-scale project between Canada and Colombia. I am proof that you can really only connect the dots of your career looking back.
