Dhyana Dave, Shikha Mehta, Joseph Idun, Lindy Ye, Randy James, Karan HazratiGraduates of the Master of Management program are enjoying success even in the pandemic job market. Top, left to right: Dhyana Dave, Shikha Mehta, Joseph Idun. Bottom: Lindy Ye, Randy James, Karan Hazrati.

Despite pandemic, Master of Management grads finding career success

The COVID-19 pandemic has created new challenges for graduates searching for career opportunities, but it is not all bad news.

While the pandemic has precipitated job losses in certain industries, it has created opportunities in others. Recent graduates of the Odette School of Business Master of Management (MM) program have been able to leverage some of these opportunities.

Dhyana Dave and Shikha Mehta, both graduates of the program’s human resources stream, will join the human resources department at e-commerce company Amazon as the organization expands its Canadian operations. Dave compares the job search to a “roller coaster ride” and credits Odette Career Services for its assistance throughout the process. Mehta is also grateful to the career team at Odette who “supported [her] dreams” and notes that a positive attitude was important throughout the job search and interview process.

“Dhyana and Shikha exemplify the calibre and professionalism of our students and alumni,” says professor Chris Fredette, director of the Master of Management program. “Their success in pursuing positions with a world-leading employer in their desired professional fields during these trying times speaks to their determination and their willingness to take full advantage of the academic and career development opportunities afforded by the Master of Management program.”

Of course, they are not alone.

Joseph Idun started his job search at the beginning of the pandemic, when he graduated from the program’s logistics and supply chain stream. Idun was selected into the Accelerated Management Program with a large Canadian third-party logistics provider, beating out candidates from universities across Canada for this role. Idun notes that “job searching during COVID-19 was frustrating,” but that the interview preparation he received from Odette Career Services gave him the edge to land his “dream job.”

Lindy Ye, another graduate from the logistics and supply chain stream, secured a purchasing role with an IT firm based in Toronto. Ye credits being “positive” and “prepared” for her success in navigating the complexities of searching for a position in a pandemic.

Randy James graduated from the international accounting stream, and is now a lending analyst with a leading provider of automotive solutions and services.

“As a 2020 graduate in an immensely unpredictable situation, I always felt supported by Odette Career Services, who assisted and prepared me to become a strong candidate in the Canadian job market,” he says.

Karan Hazrati, also a graduate of the international accounting and finance stream, landed a role with a large insurance provider. Hazrati said he was “impressed with the Odette Career Services’ ability to provide guidance for better job opportunities and motivate students.”

While in the program, MM students participate in customized career programming while having access to dedicated career resources and advising. Most are international students with diverse experiences and skills.

“The current job environment requires graduates who are adaptable and resilient, qualities most international students possess,” says Clementa Stan, the program’s career advising co-ordinator.

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