I did my research on the degree programs that Seneca offers and learned about its excellent faculty and hands on teaching methods. This helped me decide to pursue the Honours Bachelor of Commerce – Human Resources Management (BHRM) degree.

The degree program had a co-op component as well, which really helped me attain valuable experience within the field of Human Resources and Labour Relations. I completed my co-op with the University Health Network (UHN).

The faculty at Seneca were excellent. The professors have a wealth of experience in the field. Their style of teaching incorporates a hands-on approach, which prepares students very well for the real world.

Students understand that attaining a degree from Seneca will give them a competitive advantage in the workplace. Employers recognize and respect the institution. Thus, my classmates chose Seneca for these reasons as well, and I found them to be focused on their career goals.

Seneca has state-of-the-art resources for students to access such as computer labs and libraries. There are programs such as the Student Mentoring in Life and Education (SMILE) program, which further provides students with the support they need. Overall, Seneca’s environment is very student friendly and aids individuals in attaining their academic goals.

I completed a research-based project during my undergraduate studies, which helped me understand the process of working on a thesis. This experience aided me when completing a research-based project during my graduate studies, where I completed a thesis. This process was reflective of the requirements for a PhD program.

Thus, the experience of working on a thesis during my degree program at Seneca will ultimately aid me during the pursuit of a PhD, which I intend to do in the future.

During my undergraduate studies, I led a team of students for an Industrial Relations competition, which was held in Montreal. This really helped me hone my public speaking skills. I have since participated in various events and competitions; most notably, I was a finalist in the Lieutenant Governor’s Visionaries Prize for the Social Cohesion Category in 2017.

Recently, I was a Speaker and Presenter in the Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs (ACBSP), Region 11 Virtual Fall Conference 2021, which focused on ‘Resilience in Education: The Intersection of Challenge and Opportunity’. I represented Seneca College in the conference and presented on “Opportunities for Innovation in Flex Education Environment".

Industrial Relations was a course that stood out to me the most during my undergraduate studies. I thoroughly enjoyed the Industrial Relations and Negotiations courses in my degree program. It really ignited a passion within me.

When I had to decide between a master’s degree in human resources management and a master’s degree in industrial relations, I was more drawn to the latter. I was encouraged by my professors to apply for the program at Queen’s University. I was accepted and was thrilled to have been only one of a handful of students at the time to have attained this opportunity.

Since I was taught by some of the leading experts in the field of Human Resources (HR) and Labour Relations (LR) during the Bachelor of Human Resources Management (BHRM) program, I was armed with practical, as well as theoretical knowledge.

I was able to stand shoulder to shoulder with students from leading universities within Canada, at Queen’s University. Seneca College had also helped hone my work ethic, and I was capable and willing to work incredibly hard to achieve my goals.

Prior to attaining my BHRM at Seneca, I had completed a Business Administration (Marketing) diploma from Centennial College.

The main difference I found in a diploma program, a degree and graduate studies is that the level of difficulty progresses gradually. Thus, the discipline and focus must increase in accordance with this increasing level of difficulty as well.

My studies at Seneca helped me prepare for the challenge. The rewards related to acquiring one’s goals within further education are certainly worth the hard work.

It was an organic academic progression and moving forward from one to another felt natural. My diploma prepared me well for my undergraduate degree, and then the diploma in conjunction with my BHRM prepared me very well for pursuing a master's degree.

Completing one program at a time seemed like climbing a ladder, one step at a time. It helped me stay balanced, it kept me from feeling overwhelmed and I viewed the whole process as a manageable and sustainable progression.

Focus intently on attaining excellent grades during your undergraduate studies. Build strong relationships with your professors, as you may well need their references during the admissions process for graduate studies. Work hard and believe in yourself. Also, try to stay in the moment, and refrain from over-planning.

Have faith that things will work out and that you will have a bright future. When researching graduate schools, find out as much information as possible about the school’s faculty and general approach to graduate studies. Try to get in touch with former or current students and conduct information interviews to help you decide if it is the right choice for you.

Exercise and take time to enjoy nature. It doesn’t have to be hours during the day; even a 10-to-15-minute walk in nature helps calm the mind. Make time for what you enjoy doing; if not during the week, then on the weekends.

Again, it doesn’t have to be for hours; even taking out 10 10 to 15 minutes to do something you enjoy will help you stay balanced. Most importantly, breathe. Everything will be okay. Stay present, and in the moment.

Having worked in Human Resources and Labour Relations within a variety of sectors, in some challenging and dynamic environments, I got an opportunity to teach at Seneca, which I was absolutely thrilled about.

I am currently a faculty member at Seneca and teach within the School of Human Resources & Global Business, and the School of Management & Entrepreneurship. I certainly feel as if I have come full circle.

I intend to work hard, remain disciplined and become a honed professor. I intend to pursue a PhD in the future. I will continue my private practice as an HR, Employee and Labour Relations Consultant (ELR) and LR Consultant.

Other than that, I aspire to stay balanced and focus on my wellbeing so that I can be fully present for my family, friends and students.