Do what you love. Be good at it. And the rest will follow. – Unknown
I had transferred to Beedie to study accounting, but I soon realized this field was not the right fit for me. Since I was in the process of working on my upper division courses, it was crucial that I decide which concentration to pursue. I had a few options in mind, but I also had some doubts. I was unsure where each concentration might take me in my career, what job prospects were available, and most importantly, whether I’d enjoy working in those fields.
In April, I received an invitation from the Career Management Centre to apply for “Mentors in Business (MIB),” a six-month program that connects student “mentees” with industry professional “mentors.” The mentors offer career guidance and a unique business perspective, allowing student mentees to learn from their experience and make informed decisions when planning their own career path. Students also have the opportunity to learn the language of business, get focused on their career and gain insider perspectives into their field of choice.
“Sounds like a win-win,” I thought. “I’ll sign up!”
I was curious about exploring career possibilities in Human Resource Management, so I signed up for the MIB program and within a few weeks I was matched with a professional in Human Resources.
The relationship that I built with my mentor opened doors to opportunities. I was exposed to a real-world business perspective that I couldn’t learn in classes alone. With every visit, my understanding of Human Resources expanded as my mentor discussed the diverse career paths in HR, provided direction for where to start building my professional career, and even suggested helpful courses to take so I’d be successful in my chosen area of interest. My initial curiosity coupled with my mentor’s expertise guided me into declaring my concentration in Human Resources Management.
In addition to pairing me with my mentor, the MIB program hosted networking events throughout the program that brought together all of the mentees and mentors. My favourite event was the “MIB Closing Celebration” where I immersed myself in career-rich conversations with industry professionals in accounting, finance, marketing, and many other areas. Networking is not my strong suit, and it took plenty of guts to leap out of my comfort zone. Once I did, I felt more confident engaging with talented professionals and even made some great connections!
My ultimate take-away from the program was the strong business relationship I built with my mentor. Although the program is over, our relationship is just beginning. I also established a sense of direction in my career and can now plan for my professional development in Human Resources Management. That is something incredibly invaluable.
Interested in the MIB program? Visit Beedie Community.
Gurpreet Bhangre is a 4th year Human Resource Management and Marketing student with a passion for astronomy and environmental sustainability. You’ll probably see her gazing at the stars and taking photographs of the Moon. Having recently completed the Mentors in Business program for the Summer 2015 cohort, she encourages undergraduate students to take part in the program to gain industry knowledge in their career areas of interest. Questions? Connect with Gurpreet on LinkedIn or email her at gbhangre@sfu.ca.