Career Conversations Panel Series:
Discovering Careers in Entrepreneurship & Consulting
October 5, 2010
2:00 – 4:00 pm
Harry Crowe Room (Room 109 Atkinson)
In partnership with the Centre for Student Success and New College, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies. Sponsored by York University Alumni and Advancement Services.
Always wanted to start your own business? Want to meet York Alumni and other professionals working as entrepreneurs or consultants?
Connect with professionals currently enjoying careers in Entrepreneurship & Consulting 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.
Participating Panelists:
Susan Atkinson
Research Assistant
York University
York Alumna: BA Psychology, York University, 2002
I have always been the adventurous type, never really understanding the word 'No' or 'Can't'; this led me to being comfortable with what others call a Take Risks attitude. An opportunity was presented to me to be a partner in a gas and oil company; I said yes immediately, and with my financial background I started a company and experienced the excitement of being an entrepreneur in the corporate world.
Satish Kanwar
Partner
Jet Cooper
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) Co-op Specialist, University of Toronto Scarborough, 2008
I started a company called Jet Cooper in May 2009 after debating the entrepreneurial path for many years. Today, we're a digital experience agency creating smart, relevant and beautiful experiences for a variety of startups, brands and people. Part marketer, entrepreneur and geek, my background includes technology, product and channel marketing. I also organize events in the city such as TEDxToronto, Twestival Toronto and Lean Coffee Toronto.
Robert Martellacci, M.A. EdTech
President & Publisher
MindShare Learning
York Alumnus:
BA Economics, York University, 1984
After a successful university administration career, I was recruited to the private sector where I served as country manager, launching The Learning Company School Divisions, the arm of TLC, a leading educational software publisher that was eventually acquired by Mattel. Then the dot-com's came calling which led to my experience with LearningStation, the first education focused application service provider (ASP). I served as Canadian vice-president, sales and marketing and was also responsible for international markets. My international scope includes Australia, the Middle East, and South America to name a few. I maintain close ties to my alma mater, where I serve on the board of the Institute for Research on Learning Technology. I am also a member of the faculty ice hockey team.
Eugen Spivak
Program Director
CIBC
York Alumnus:
Schulich, Masters of Business Administration (MBA), 2006; BSc Computer Science, 1999
My background is in project/program management and technology where I acted as a consultant, employee, and entrepreneur within a variety of industries. This ranges from the public sector to banking, energy to telecommunications. My goal is to help make others, and as the result myself, more successful! I would like to share my learnings with you, so please do not be shy to ask, and you can always find me on LinkedIn. Best of luck in your undertakings!
