Issue link: https://publications.tfs.ca/i/1511583
ENTRE NOUS 36 University Counselling Associate Director, Tiia Birkenbaum, speaks with Coryn M., then in Level IV and now in Level V. LE STAGE Students can also gain hands- on work experience through Le Stage Career Internship Program. Paired with an alumni or current TFS parent, students shadow their mentors in the workplace of their choice. For Maxime B., a Level IV student, a placement at the Jane Animal Hospital opened his eyes to the types of work involved. "I was assigned to surgery, checkups, dental, radiology and even disposal," he recalls. "It gave me an opportunity to understand what a profession in veterinary medicine entails and confirmed that I would like to pursue it." Launched in 2022, the program more than doubled last year. 4 3 CAREER SPOTLIGHT SERIES Will it be engineering or law? Arts or political science? One of the best ways to learn about careers is to hear directly from the people involved. Every month, Level III–IV students can join an online meeting where experts discuss their particular field. All sessions are recorded and posted on the university counselling website, creating a bank of resources that can be accessed any time. For recent graduate Martin T. '23, hearing from TFS alumna and Goldman Sachs Managing Director Tanya Baker '98 during a Career Spotlight session was life- changing. This was his first exposure to careers in finance, and, intrigued, he pursued a follow-up conversation with her. "She shared key behind-the-scenes insights on the educational background and networking skills needed to succeed on Wall Street," he recalls. This turned out to be vital in defining Martin's career path and decision to study at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he's now pursuing a dual degree program in management and technology. 2 A WEBSITE OF THEIR OWN Anyone starting a university search knows it can feel overwhelming. To ease students and families through the process, the counselling team created a comprehensive website. Chock full of resources, scholarship and program information, it also includes book recommendations and podcasts. "Finding the right fit for each student is a critical part of the process," says Ms. English, "so we encourage students to explore all aspects of what is important to them – the programs offered, location, weather, overall size of the school, where they might thrive and what they're looking for in their social life." The website provides a one-stop information hub that students can go back to again and again.