Students about to graduate from Trent may find that their future career paths will not be directly related to their field of study. That was a key message delivered to students who attended the second annual “Life after Trent” networking event held at Peter Gzowski College’s dining hall on March 11.

The informal occasion gave undergraduate and graduate students an opportunity to mingle with nine Trent alumni and learn how they carved out successful careers.

“Students are craving this type of help and it’s a meaningful way for alumni to stay involved and to give back to Trent,” said Brittney Blake, alumni services coordinator. “The alumni selected represent a variety of degrees, and many of them graduated in disciplines which have no bearing on where they’ve ended up.”

Two alumni guest speakers, Maryam Monsef ’03 and Jennifer Gillard ’96, shared their experiences as Trent students, explaining how their careers evolved, and offered advice on how Trent students can prepare themselves for the future. Other alumni who spoke informally with students included Peggy Shaugnessy ’92, Dave Dolejsi ’89, John Alderdice ’90, Linda Viscardis ’76, Maggie Quirt ’91, Barry Laverick ’89, and Drew Ginter ‘89.

Ms. Monsef, who studied psychology at Trent, encouraged students to immerse themselves into the local community, to participate in extracurricular activities, and to make use of resources like the Career Centre. Ms. Gillard, who came to Trent for a Masters degree, advised students to minimize drift and to research what a job is like day-to-day. Both encouraged students to keep their ears open for unusual opportunities that may interest them.

Students who attended “Life after Trent” were grateful for the chance to meet alumni who knew what they were going through and who could offer tips on choosing a career path.

Katherine Smith, who is in her final year of Women’s Studies, said: “Every time I talk to an alumnus, I get good information I can use.”

Laura Doughty, a fourth year International Development Studies student, added: “It’s hopeful to hear that the alumni  didn’t always know what they were going to do and it took some time before they ended up where they wanted to be.”

Alumnus Dave Dolejsi was participating in the event for the second year. He praised Trent for putting on events like these that help students at a critical point in students’ lives.

“This is valuable and important,” Mr. Dolejsi said. “This resource didn’t exist when I was here and, in retrospect, I sorely needed it. I wish I’d had access to a cross-section of professionals who can tell you how to enter a field and how to flourish in that field.”

Yan Ashchin, a business student who was part of the Legacy Project Group that helped organize and promote “Life after Trent,” agreed that it was a needed resource. “I’m graduating this year and it’s stressful when it’s time to decide your career path.”

The Life After Trent event is organized by Gzowski College, the Alumni Affairs Office, the Career Centre and the Trent Legacy Project Group.

Posted on Friday, March 14, 2014.