After school, I decided to trade in the glamour and profit of four part-time minimum-wage jobs for a livable income and a workplace that didn't require a punch card. I landed in Financial Services and never left. I've done computer support, marketing, compliance, product management, and sales. Now, 16 years, 2 family members, and 1 MBA later, I'm, having more fun and work/life balance than ever before.

Philip Cox, Staff Software Developer, IBM
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In high-school, I decided to study Computer Science at University because I "was good with computers",and didn't know what else to take. Since then, I've found out what Computer Science is, and I've managed to make a career out of it. I have never thought that I made a mistake in my choice, and have found a career that I really enjoy.

 

Alon Gurba, Associate Consultant, Infor Global Solutions
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If I were to ask you, what are the chances of a kid who had trouble with grades in high school, who had hard time being accepted to a university, is now ranked at top 3% of York students (GPA) and is now working for third largest ERP software company in the world, supporting databases for clients such as MacDonald's and Toyota? You would have probably told me that it is impossible, and I would have replied that that is the story of my life. If you really want it and willing to work for it, you will make it.

Ron Laudadio, Director, Interactive Division, Ganz
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Ron Laudadio is currently the Director of the Interactive Division at Ganz whose team developed and maintains Webkinz World for kids. Previous to his current position he was a Senior IT Architect and Technical Leader at IBM responsible for many of IBM's largest technical projects in Canada . His career spans a series of technical leadership roles leading foremost technical projects for companies such as Sears, Roots, HBC, Shell, and RBC.

 

Vesela Parapounska, Software Developer, IBM
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I didn't believe that it will ever happen; as a woman and an international student with little programming skills or network, 4 years ago, I was sure that it would be impossible to get into the software industry. But then I learned that it is really me who defines what "impossible" is and also that I can be anything I want to be... Today, I am a software developer at IBM and I love my job. IBM provides me with countless opportunities for my future career and it makes me discover, every day, that anything is possible.

 

Jimmy Talbot, Director of Technology Development, Vizible Corporation
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After graduating from York University in Space Science (Computer Science stream) in 1996, I did my MSc. in Computer Graphics at the University of Toronto . While doing my MSc, I worked at SPAR Aerospace (maker of the Canadarm). In 1999, I joined Vizible Corporation as the first developer, and have been there ever since.