This episode was recorded as alive session for the Life After University Conference to demonstrate how professionals from various backgrounds have had non-linear career paths and overcome adversity to find success in their careers.

Panelists:
Christina Rinaldi, Professor, Faculty of Education (Educational Psychology) 
Evan Hu, ’87 Eng and Founder, Alto Sante 
Jessica Vandenberghe, ‘00 Eng, ’03 MEng, Asst. Dean Faculty of Engineering, President Elect of the Alumni Association 

Nisha Patel, ’15 BCom and Regional Writer-in-Residence, Strathcona County

WTJ is sponsored by TD Insurance.
Got a question? Email us at: wtj@ualberta.ca
What the Job? is a University of Alberta Alumni Association podcast
Hosted by: Matt Rea
Produced by: Matt Rea and Jennifer Jenkins
Music: Cottages by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Life After University- Non-Linear Career Paths

Robert Gardner ‘86 Education, ‘00 MEd, retired teacher, discusses how to get the most out of your career as a teacher. Gardner has been involved in  curriculum and textbook development and managed to add a lot of variety to his career teaching. This podcast Includes advice about how to avoid politics, burnout and how he managed to get a master’s degree while teaching full time!

Careers in Education

Featuring Kyla Amrhein ‘09 BA, Director for the Edmonton Public School Foundation, who discusses the importance of knowing your impact when you are fundraising and how to make career changing moves and celebrating your accomplishments as a way of keeping yourself moving forward.

Fundraising as a Career: Knowing your impact & celebrating accomplishments

Learn about the wonderful careers of these two stars from Bear Grease, the hit musical- including how they came to the acting profession, their tips for staying grounded and adjusting to life on campus.

If you would like to see Bear Grease performed near you, please visit: https://beargreaselive.com/

WTJ is sponsored by TD Insurance.
Got a question? Email us at: alumcar@ualberta.ca
What the Job? is a University of Alberta Alumni Association podcast
Hosted by: Matt Rea
Produced by: Jennifer Jenkins and Matt Rea
Music: Cottages by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Hit musical actors discuss their paths with Tammy Lamouche('20 BEd, '20 NS) & Rodney McLeod('11 NS)

Nakita Valerio is a community organizer, has been an entrepreneur, ran a school in Morocco, has been the head of an independent research institute and now she is a Religious Studies PhD student. Nakita is clear that she wants to be of service to others and her community; Being truly open to the people she meets and her experiences has led her through a very diverse career journey. In this podcast we discuss how to get involved in a new community even though you may feel awkward, exploring your skills and values, and the journey through trust to finding your passions in your career, even when the way there is unorthodox!

WTJ is sponsored by TD Insurance.
Got a question? Email us at: wtj@ualberta.ca
What the Job? is a University of Alberta Alumni Association podcast
Hosted by: Matt Rea
Produced by: Jennifer Jenkins and Matt Rea
Music: Cottages by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Entrepreneur, Academic, and Community Activist: Nakita Valerio ('09 BA, ‘17 MA) Follows Her Values

Podcast recording in front of a live audience with a panel speaking about how to handle stress as you start your career journey featuring: Pegah Salari ('08 MBA), John Fontaine ('08 BA, '09 MA, '20 PhD), Aggie Mikulski ('91 BCom, '14 MBA) and Phil Wong ('85 BSc).

WTJ is sponsored by TD Insurance.
Got a question? Email us at: alumcar@ualberta.ca
What the Job? is a University of Alberta Alumni Association podcast
Hosted by: Matt Rea
Produced by: Jennifer Jenkins and Matt Rea
Music: Cottages by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

How to Handle Stress as you start Your Career Journey:  live podcast recording

Christine Gertz from the University of Alberta's Career Centre discusses great uses for Linkedin and Silver medal applicants. Silver medal applicants are job candidates who have "everything": great skills, strong resume, appear to have a good interview but don't get a job offer and this issue keeps happening again and again when they are job searching. 

Here is an article Christine and her former colleague Justin Pritchard  wrote about silver medalists: https://universityaffairs.ca/career-advice/responsibilities-may-include/silver-medalist-syndrome-how-to-cope-with-being-the-runner-up-in-a-work-search/

Mini Episode: Career Centre Series

Adam Pinkoski ('16 BKin) Asst. Director of Performance Science for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers speaks about the limitless possibilities of his relatively new field and how he came to work with this incredible group of athletes.
His journey took him from teaching to industrial research. Adam also explores persistence in times of unknown and his thoughts on being the youngest instructor at the UofA to deliver a last lecture.
WTJ is sponsored by TD Insurance.
Got a question? Email us at: wtj@ualberta.ca
What the Job? is a University of Alberta Alumni Association podcast
Hosted by: Matt Rea
Produced by: Jennifer Jenkins and Matt Rea
Music: Cottages by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Cutting Edge of Sports Science in the NFL

Aziz, VP Business Development for Kassian Interior Design and Planning, has been practicing architecture around the world for 30 years. He is also the Chair of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce and a member of the University of Alberta's Alumni Council. In this podcast, he discusses how the architecture improves the human experience, his belief in service not just in his own profession and shares his stories of coming to Canada and studying at the University of Alberta.

WTJ? is sponsored by TD Insurance.
Got a question? Email us at: wtj@ualberta.ca
What the Job? is a University of Alberta Alumni Association podcast
Hosted by: Matt Rea
Produced by: Jennifer Jenkins and Matt Rea
Music: Cottages by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

An International Architect: featuring Aziz Bootwala '12 MBA

AlumLab teamed up with the What The Job? (WTJ?) podcast to bring you a live episode recording Jennifer Jenkins '95 BEd interviewed three amazing alumni on the topic of carving out unique career paths in the bio/life sciences with a focus on consulting.
Panelists:
Janelle Jiminez, ‘11 BSc, ‘16 MSc, ‘22 MBA
Sarah Treit, ‘06 BSc, ‘15 PhD FoMD
Nakita Rubuliak, '19 BSc

WTJ is sponsored by TD Insurance.
Got a question? Email us at: wtj@ualberta.ca
What the Job? is a University of Alberta Alumni Association podcast
Hosted by: Jennifer Jenkins
Produced by: Trevor Rockwell and Jennifer Jenkins
Music: Cottages by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/


WTJ? Live: Consulting Careers in Bio/Life Sciences

Fraud Awareness: a series of mini episodes where we provide tips to young grads about how to protect yourself from fraud brought to you by TD Insurance. This episode includes scams that target international students and those who are new to Canada.

Mini episode: Fraud Awareness Part 3

Our panelists this month discuss their career paths and experiences overcoming common dilemmas that face us as we start our careers and give pointers on how to thrive as you transition from being a student to looking for work and the workforce. 

The panelists are ASSET volunteers and will provide tips on self care and resilience.

The Alumni Student Support & Engagement Team (ASSET) is a group of alumni that are here to support students. With a diverse offering of skills, talents and experiences, ASSET volunteers also know the challenges and stresses of being a student.  ASSET volunteers offer support for students at events and various activities on North Campus and Augustana Campus. 

Panelists:
Ben Dashteshtani ՚12 BSc(Civ E), ՚13 MEng
Shenin Mehnaj ՚21 BSc(NFS)
Melinda McNie , ՚74 BPE, ՚03 MEd
Marcello Troncoso, ՚20 BA

WTJ is sponsored by TD Insurance.
Got a question? Email us at: alumcar@ualberta.ca
What the Job? is a University of Alberta Alumni Association podcast
Hosted by: Jennifer Jenkins
Produced by: Jennifer Jenkins and Trevor Rockwell
Music: Cottages by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/


Live WTJ?: Tips for thriving as you transition from Student to your career

Fraud Awareness: a series of mini episodes where we provide tips to young grads about how to protect yourself from fraud brought to you by TD Insurance. This episode includes some tips and tools to protect yourself from fraud and what happens when you report a fraud.

WTJ is sponsored by TD Insurance.
Got a question? Email us at: wtj@ualberta.ca
What the Job? is a University of Alberta Alumni Association podcast
Hosted by: Matt Rea
Produced by: Jennifer Jenkins and Matt Rea
Music: Cottages by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/


Mini episode: Fraud Awareness Part 4

Ross Prusakowski is the Deputy Chief Economist & Director with Export Development Canada. In this episode, Ross discusses how he moved along his career path from his days at The Gateway to now. Ross explains how he and his team manage work life balance and varying news sources and events as they manage Canada's topics and relationships in this busy and ever changing world.

If you live in the Ottawa area, you may want to join us for Ross' talk to Ottawa Alumni on March 18. Click here for more info and to register: https://www.ualberta.ca/en/events/alumni/alumni-and-donor-reception-in-ottawa.html

From The Gateway to Economist featuring Ross Prusakowski, '07 BA

Listen to this inspiring panel of U of A alumni who have turned their passion for sports into dynamic careers. Hear from:

Natasha Staniszewski, '00 BCom – Former TSN SportsCentre anchor and current media host for the Calgary Flames and Calgary Stampeders
Alysia Rissling, '11 BSc (Kinesiology) – Former Canadian Olympic bobsledder and current Director of Business Development for the WHL and CHL
Andrea Oh, '98 BPE – Former Pandas Varsity Athlete, community innovator, and leader in fostering collaboration and growth
Discover how their experiences in sports shaped their professional journeys and how the skills gained can drive success both within and beyond the sports industry.

Connected Through Sport: Live in Calgary

This month's live panel features Arts alumni Kelly Mellings, Xinting Zhao and Fiwanda Mithrush discussing owning an art's related  business, quitting your day job and working in the music, publishing, arts admin and literature fields.

WTJ? live: Arts Stories Unplugged

This is the first in our four part mini series on starting your own business. This episode discusses steps to take prior to beginning your business plan. 

TD mini episode: Starting your own Business

This is the second in our four part mini series on starting your own business. This episode discusses steps to create a business plan.

TD Mini Episode 2: Creating your business plan

This is the third in our four part mini series on starting your own business. This episode discusses the importance of and how to complete a SWOT analysis.

TD Mini episode 3: SWOT analysis

This podcast was recorded in front of a live audience in March of 2025. The panel discusses unique career paths in the life sciences, with a particular
emphasis on roles in academic administration and features Eric Loo,’07 BSc,’13 PhD; Grant Kemp, ’07 BSc,’13 PhD and Helen Coe,’04 BSc,’10 PhD

WTJ? Live: Academic & Research Administration careers in the Life Sciences

Tyree from the Career Centre shares best practices for beginning and continuing your job search.

uab.ca/CC

Mini-Episode: Job Search Tips

Jia from the Career Centre talks about cultural differences in the Canadian job market.

uab.ca/CC

Mini-Episode: Cultural Differences in the Canadian Job Market

Mykhaylo from the Career Centre shares best practices for preparing for an interview. 

uab.ca/CC

Mini-Episode: Preparing for an Interview

Emily from the Career Centre tells us how to write a great cover letter.

Mini-episode: Cover Letters

On the latest episode of What the Job?, Salima Ebrahim, ’00 BA, branch manager in external and intergovernmental relations with the City of Edmonton, shares her thoughts on cultivating workplace and mentorship relationships. Plus, learn how to balance being intentional while remaining open to new professional possibilities.

Sponsored by TD Insurance

Music: Cottages by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Building Relationships, with Salima Ebrahim, ’00 BA

Christine from the University of Alberta Career Centre talks about how to use LinkedIn effectively in your job search. 

uab.ca/cc

Mini-episode: How to LinkedIn

Christine from the University of Alberta Career Centre returns to the show with some tips on how to effectively negotiate your salary.

The UAlberta Career Centre is a resource for alumni looking for all kinds of career assistance. Check them out at: uab.ca/cc

WTJ is sponsored by TD Insurance.

Got a question? Email us at: wtj@ualberta.ca

Music: Cottages by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Mini-episode: How To Negotiate Your Salary

Will robots take our jobs? Is universal basic income inevitable? In this episode we gaze deep into the not so distant future with author and economist Todd Hirsch, ’89 BA. Listen in and gain insight into how to advance your career in a rapidly changing professional world. We recorded this episode in Calgary at the super-cool planetarium turned art gallery, Contemporary Calgary, right before Todd gave a lecture entitled “The Future of Work.”    

WTJ is sponsored by TD Insurance.

Got a question? Email us at: wtj@ualberta.ca

Music: Cottages by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

The Future of Work, with Todd Hirsch, '89 BA

For many, the idea of networking is downright terrifying. Amy from the UAlberta Career Centre says that doesn’t have to be the case. The key, Amy explains in this episode, is to just be your authentic self. 

The UAlberta Career Centre is a resource for alumni looking for all kinds of career assistance. Check them out at: uab.ca/cc

WTJ is sponsored by TD Insurance.

Got a question? Email us at: wtj@ualberta.ca

Music: Cottages by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Mini-episode:  How to Network

Special Episode: Working From Home With Laurie Wang, '05 BA

As we all adapt to the new “normal” created by the Covid-19 health crisis, many of us are also adjusting to working away from our regular workplaces. In this episode, we’re joined by the Laurie Wang (self-proclaimed Queen of Working From Home), who doles out tips and tricks for how to stay productive and sane while working from your abode.

WTJ is sponsored by TD Insurance.

Got a question? Email us at: wtj@ualberta.ca

Music: Cottages by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Special Episode: Working From Home with Laurie Wang, '05 BA

The doctor is in! Kwadwo Kyeremanteng is a critical and palliative care physician at The Ottawa hospital, but his path to get there wasn’t easy. Dr. K talks about persevering during his tumultuous med-school days, keeping his cool in life and death situations, and how bartending made him a better doctor.  

Listen to Dr. Kyeremanteng on our brand new podcast, The Line:
https://soundcloud.com/ualbertatheline

WTJ is sponsored by TD Insurance.

Got a question? Email us at: wtj@ualberta.ca

Music: Cottages by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Career Resiliency with Dr. Kwadwo Kyeremanteng, ’00 BSc, ’05 MD

What the Job? is an advice podcast on all things jobs. Listen to University of Alberta alumni talk about their career paths and learn tips from the Career Centre on everything from networking to resume writing. 

WTJ is proudly sponsored by our affinity partner TD Insurance.

What the Job?

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