Want to meet York Alumni and other professionals who are putting their degree to use in a variety of fields?
Connect with professionals currently enjoying careers in a variety of settings and get the inside scoop on what it’s really like to work in these fields. During this panel professionals will share their personal stories about breaking into their 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 their 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:
Rahim Moosa
Founder, DigitalQ
Alumnus: BComm, 2000
With over 20 years of leadership in digital commerce and consulting for global brands such as Apple, IBM, and most recently CIBC, I’m now helping individuals manifest their true potential, to find meaning and purpose at work, and to realize their personal and professional development. As the Founder of DigitalQ, I’m using targeted skills based coaching to prepare others for future opportunities in a new digital economy.
Edyta Drutis
Director of Marketing,
Blanco Canada
Alumnus: Business Administration & Management, 2002
I was born in Poland and came to Canada at the age of 22. I was determined to complete a local university degree as a ticket to my professional career. York University gave me that exact opportunity and acknowledged a portion of my studies from Poland. I finished the degree by taking night school and continuing working full time. During my time at York, I discovered passion for marketing.
Olga Kaminskaya
Director, Capital Marketing Trading, Interest Rate Derivatives Sales,
CIBC World Markets Inc.
Alumnus: BAS Finance, 2011
I started my sales career as a used car sales person. After developing strong interest in financial markets I have applied to York University to complete a business degree in finance. Currently I work in capital markets as a marketer of interest rate derivatives to corporate and government clients.
Tosin Akinwekomi
Director, Change Management, Royal Bank of Canada
Alumnus: BComm, 2007
I've been fortunate in my career to be able to do things that I never thought possible when I was a student. Since graduating, I have worked in the federal government, a boutique consulting firm, two top-tier banks and ran a not-profit. I've found ways to combine my career and my interest in social impact especially with youth - a mix that is very rewarding for me.
Amar Ahluwalia
VP, Head of Strategic Partnerships and Capital Markets, OnDeck Capital
Alumnus: BA Economics, 2010
Collaborative business leader with extensive experience within financial services, across: banking, fintech, asset management, capital markets, advisory, strategy, and corporate development. Amar is an innovative thinker that creates unique and viable solutions for businesses. He has a successful track record in raising capital, launching new products, institutional sales, M&A, developing and executing corporate strategy. Product/domain specialties include: online lending, fixed income & alternative asset data, credit investing, and operating model strategy. Amar pushes boundaries to find new and better ways to get things done. Amar currently leads business development and capital markets for OnDeck Capital (NYSE:ONDK) in Canada. Prior to joining OnDeck, Amar has held senior roles of increasing responsibility across the asset management, advisory, capital markets, and banking. Amar began his career at BMO Capital Markets and holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics from York University. Amar currently serves as an advisor at the Holt Accelerator and FinTech Growth Syndicate, and is a board member at the Canadian Lenders Association.
Brian Ma
Delivery Manager, Scotiabank
Alumnus: BComm BAS, 2006
Degree: BComm
Faculty: Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies
Graduated: 2006
Current Career: Project Delivery Lead for Financial Institutions
Coming out of school with little to no specific skillsets, I entered the workforce as an Inside Sales Rep in the Technology sector. From that I was able to develop the fundamental soft skills required to do most things. These assets were critical in taking me to where I am today as a Technology Project Delivery Lead.
