Career Exploration Video & Audio
Career Conversations Panel:
Career Conversations with Foreign Language Grads
Recorded March 20, 2012
During this panel, professionals with degrees in various Foreign Languages shared 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.
| Foreign Languages Panel: Full Session |
Panelist Introductions
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!
| Foreign Languages Panel: Mary Barnes Amoroso Intro |
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.
| Foreign Languages Panel: Andreea Ciologariu Intro |
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.
| Foreign Languages Panel: Marcellia Galan Intro |
Leslie Usin Rojas
Teacher, Toronto District School Board
Alumna: BA Health, BA Spanish, BEd Intermediate/Senior, York University, 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.
| Foreign Languages Panel: Leslie Usin Rojas Intro |
Rebecca Smith
Customer Service Representative, Ministry of Government Services
Alumna: BA Spanish, York University, 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.
| Foreign Languages Panel: Rebecca Smith Intro |
Questions & Answers
What has lead to where you are now since you graduated from York? |
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Is there any specific advice you would give to new graduates for finding meaningful work? |
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Can you provide some feedback to professors to better prepare students for the future? |
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Question directed to Mary Barnes Amoroso: can you speak more about the new school you are starting? |
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What advice do you have about customizing a resumé for a specific job you are applying for? |
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What kind of job search strategies have you used to find a job? |
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How do you balance family life with your career? |
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