York University welcomed Grade 9 students to its Keele, Glendon and Markham campuses for Take Our Kids to Work Day on Nov. 5, offering a full day of job shadowing, campus tours and conversations about career paths.
The annual program encourages meaningful conversations about education, work and personal aspirations by connecting students with parents, guardians or mentors in their workplaces.
To capture the experience, YFile interviewed three York employees and their visitors to learn about their first jobs, future ambitions and the insights they’d share with their younger selves.
Gloria Orchard
Assistant professor, teaching stream, in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at York’s Markham Campus
Q: What was your first job?
A: My first job was at a Zellers store. It was a part-time job during high school, and I worked in ladies' fashion and as a cashier.
Q: Did that job influence your career path in any way?
A: Every job I have had in the past has influenced my career path in some way. My first job was an experience that helped me learn about joining the work force, finding a balance between school and work and building on my communication skills. These are skills I still use in my current position as I continue to balance work and family life.
Q: What would you tell your Grade 9 self about that job now?
A: I would tell my Grade 9 self now that your first job is the beginning of a journey in work and life that will help shape your future career.
Pelagia Orchard
Q: What do you think your first job will be?
A: I think my first job will be working at a store like Michaels or Canadian Tire. I will probably help out with sorting new products and helping customers find what they want.
Q: What kind of work are you curious about?
A: I'm interested in being a scientist. I like insects, so I've considered studying entomology. I think I would really enjoy studying insects and writing reports on them. I am also curious about being a teacher. I would get to use the whiteboard and give kids stickers, but I'd also have to talk to parents and manage students' behaviour.
Q: What did you learn from seeing your host’s job?
A: Going to the University really showed me what it’s like to actually experience it. I got to see all the resources that are available for students and the activities that students get to participate in. There is so much to do at university, both as a student and as a professor.
Dina Rafie
Operations coordinator for housing and hospitality at York's Glendon College
Q: What was your first job?
A: My first job was with York University, where I worked as a work-study housing assistant.
Q: Did that job influence your career path in any way?
A: Definitely. That first role introduced me to how the University operates behind the scenes and gave me a real appreciation for the work that goes into supporting students. It helped me build strong communication and organizational skills and made me realize how much I enjoy being part of the York community. In many ways, it set the foundation for my career path – I started as a student employee, and now I’m still here, just in a different role with more responsibility and impact.
Q: What would you tell your Grade 9 self about that job now?
A: If I could tell my Grade 9 self one thing, it would be that every opportunity matters. Even your first job can open doors you never expected.
Salma Abass
Q: What do you think your first job will be?
A: I think my first job will be as a lifeguard because I’m currently working on my Bronze Cross certification, and I really enjoy it.
It’s something I’m passionate about and would love to do as my first work experience.
Q: What kind of work are you curious about?
A: I’m curious about working in the field of mental health care. I’d like to become a psychiatrist one day, although I’m still figuring things out and exploring different paths since I’m still young and my interests keep changing.
Q: What did you learn from seeing your host’s job?
A: I learned that even though some jobs may seem easy at first, they can be quite detailed and time-consuming.
For example, tasks like making lots of phone calls and writing many emails take more effort and patience than I expected.
Kunjan Rupakheti
Geotechnical lab technician at the Lassonde School of Engineering at York's Keele Campus
Q: What was your first job?
A: I worked as a civil engineering technician in road construction.
Q: Did that job influence your career path in any way?
A: Yes. My first job helped me pave the way for my life after that. I was very interested in nature and human interaction while building infrastructures.
I learned more about geological aspects of engineering and worked on projects related to it.
Q: What would you tell your Grade 9 self about that job now?
A: Work is a portfolio that reflects the real-world results of your knowledge. I saw how what I learned could make a tangible difference in people’s lives through infrastructure development.
A first job helps confirm whether your studies align with your interests, since real-world work often feels different from what you imagine while studying.
Vinayak Rupakheti
Q: What do you think your first job will be?
A: I might work in a restaurant or grocery store to gain experience in customer service and working in a fast-paced environment. This would help me develop time management, decision-making and communication skills. I’d also be interested in a job in the medical field if possible.
Q: What kind of work are you curious about?
A: I have always been deeply curious about doctors and others in the medical field. I find their work fascinating and incredibly meaningful, as it plays such an essential role in improving lives. I want to experience what it feels like to help people in need and make a difference by addressing their health-related problems.
Q: What did you learn from seeing your host’s job?
A: I learned how much time and effort professionals dedicate to their work every day. I also realized how much knowledge and focus are needed to do their jobs effectively. It made me appreciate the passion and commitment required in these demanding fields. I discovered that these professions involve continuous learning, showing that growth and improvement never stop.