Career Conversations Panel Series:
Discovering Careers in International Development
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
2:30–4:30 pm
Harry Crowe Room (Room 109 Atkinson College)
In partnership with the Centre for Student Success, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies and Founders College.
Sponsored by York University Alumni Relations.
About the Event
Interested in a career in International Development? Want to meet York Alumni and other professionals working in the field?
Connect with professionals currently enjoying careers in International Development 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
David Peck
President and Founder, SoChange
Alumnus: BA Philosophy, York University, 2003
David is a public speaker, lecturer, and social entrepreneur. Since earning his Master's degree in Philosophy from the University of Guelph in 2006, he founded SoChange, a groundbreaking organization which works alongside organizations creating integrated social change campaigns and in areas such as fundraising, advocacy, and capacity building. He currently resides in Oakville, Ontario with his wife, Elizabeth, and Spencer and Victoria.
Sara Hassan
Program Officer, TakingITGlobal
Alumna: BA International Development Studies, York University, 2007
Sara Hassan is a Program Officer with TakingITGlobal, an online social network that empowers youth to understand and act on the world's greatest challenges. Since earning her BA in International Development Studies in 2007, she has worked on various youth and education-related development projects. In 2008, Sara was awarded a CIDA internship with Proyecto Aldea Global in Honduras to work as an HIV/AIDS Education Program Coordinator, supporting a cadre of peer educators to design and deliver HIV prevention messages in their communities. Upon completing her MA in Globalization Studies from McMaster University in 2009, Sara spent a year in Zanzibar, Tanzania working with the Aga Khan Foundation undertaking research on education-related youth employment opportunities.
Larissa Strong
Project Manager - Strategic International Initiatives, York University
My sights were set on working in a refugee camp but a fortuitous twist in fate led me to post-secondary education. With over a decade of experience, I remain passionate about young people having meaningful opportunities internationally, understanding their experiences, and applying their new knowledge in their lives. I currently work in the Office of the Associate Vice President International where I manage the York International Internship Program, develop international partnerships for the university, and implement the internationalization strategy of the university through a variety of initiatives.
Muneeb Syed
Coordinator, Community Engagement, UNICEF Canada
Alumnus: BA Public Policy and Management/ Professional Certification in Marketing/ Certfification in International Education, York University, 2008
If you asked me 10 years ago, what I wanted to be “when I grow up” – I probably would have listed 10 things that did not connect to each other at all. All I knew was that I wanted to practice marketing and thought that International Development was “cool”. Thankfully I have been fortunate enough to do just that and somehow have incorporated some of the 10 things I wanted to do when I grew up.
