Career Conversations Panel Series:
Career Conversations with Foreign Language Grads
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
2:30–4:30 pm
103 McLaughlin College
In partnership with the Centre for Student Success, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies.
Sponsored by York University Alumni Relations.
(you must sign up for an account on the system before you will be able to register for any events).
About the Event
Wondering what you can do with a Foreign Language degree? Want to meet York Alumni and other Foreign Language graduates currently enjoying exciting careers?
During this panel professionals with degrees in various Foreign Languages will share their personal stories, 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 for graduates with Foreign Language degrees. 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
Mary Barnes Amoroso
Head of Guidance, Lawrence Park Collegiate
Alumna: Bachelor of Arts, Glendon College, York University
I have been in education for the last 32 years at the elementary and secondary levels. My love of Dramatic arts, Theatre and French led me to use Drama techniques to enhance and deepen learning in French, History and Social Science classes as well as to teach Drama in French and English. For the last seven years, I have worked as a guidance counsellor, which is another way to get to know students and help reach their potential. I am on the verge of retirement from my school board, but I am opening a bilingual summer school for students passionate about performing arts. Learning never ceases!
Andreea Ciologariu
Product Manager, Global Trade Consulting, Livingston International
Alumna: BA French Studies/Spanish, York University, 2007 and 2009
After graduating with a degree in languages I worked in a variety of industries, including Healthcare and Telecommunications, and more recently, International Trade. I have been fortunate to be able to apply transferable skills in a variety of roles. I am passionate about jobs with an international scope and I used my language skills extensively to communicate with clients and vendors as well as internal and external partners. My experience is just one of many in which linguistic proficiency facilitated exposure to global, enriching experiences in the private, public and non-profit sectors.
Marcellia Galan
Director Global Learning & Development, Celestica
Alumna: BA Arts, York University, 1986
I am an experienced Senior Human Resources professional with strong business acumen and a proven track record. I am a skilled consultant to Senior Management managing change while maximizing human resource assets of the organization. I have promoted the development and integration of human resources strategies, policies and programs to support achievement of business results. I am adaptable, have delivered results in consumer products, manufacturing, retail and financial services sectors, and have led and managed teams of high performers with a variety of functional responsibilities.
Leslie Usin Rojas
Teacher, Toronto District School Board
Alumna: BA Health, BA Spanish, BEd Intermediate/Senior, 2009
At the age of 17, I cried to my mother that I had no idea what I wanted to do. I went to York and took on psychology to find myself. I chose York because it was close to home and it mean my parents and I did not end up with huge debt. I chose it because it was commute-able and I am glad I made that choice. It not only opened doors for me as a student and allowed me to meet great minds and forge lifelong relationships, it also made me realize that teaching was my calling, not just a subject but a way of living: to be critical thinkers of the world.
Rebecca Smith
Customer Service Representative, Ministry of Government Services
Alumna: BA Spanish, 2011
When I decided what to study in university, I was not thinking about what career I wanted to have after. I knew that I was good at and loved learning foreign languages, and so I based my decision on that. As time progressed, I developed an interest in working for the public service. Fortunately, after graduation I found work in my field of choice. I currently work at a ServiceOntario office, and could not be happier with my job. I will be working on obtaining my master's degree abroad in Human Rights and Intercultural Communication in September. After completion, I hope to work for the Immigration and Refugee Board.
