Need some advice - Soon to be graduate from a top Canadian University

I am a soon to be graduate from a top Canadian university (non-target school) with a B.Comm. .......................................................

...............AND (drum roll)....................................

I have had trouble over my last year in landing a job. :(

I know I am under-qualified even for prestigious internship positions since I kind of "woke" up and realized what reality is -- only about a year ago. In other words, I was kind of an aloof person and I am paying for it now.

Fortunately, I did wake up in time to become part of a popular student group (or academic council) and landed campus jobs and a R.A. position. (somehow all during my last year). My grades are pretty decent but far from outstanding with only a CGPA of 3.4 / 4.0 I have generally found myself to be good at anything, but not the best at anything (except drawing and illustrations but I can never go down that road). I believe I am more skilled than your average B.Comm. graduate but I am far from the best or the high achievers.

So now I am in a bit of a rut. I sincerely feel I can learn anything and pick it up faster than most of my peers. University books bore me, but outside readings on the same topics do not. I am a quick learner and if asked I will try my utmost best.

All things considered, I am probably best fit for a position in compliance and financial analysis.

So my question to you all is, what are some institutions (in Canada preferably), that I should particularly look over? I have thought of applying to retail stores (for example Walmart sales analyst) but I believe my degree is better suited for other institutions such as banks, finance positions in audit firms or the government.

Any advice, is greatly appreciated , :)

10 Comments
 

Too long.

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ConnorAs soon as I see the word "Canadian," I click the back button.

Actually, it seems as if you hit the "reply" button.

He who makes a beast of himself gets rid of the pain of being a man.
 

What's your major? Are you close to any major cities? Willing to move? etc. Why do you want to work in big 4? in what capacity?

You're really going about this the wrong way, in my opinion. In general these are the steps that lead to some career success. 1) Find out what interests you and what you enjoy. 2) Hustle. 3) Get shit job that is somewhat relevant to your interest. 4) Hustle. 5) Get a little bit better job. 6) Hustle. 7) Get decent job. 8) Hustle. 9) Hustle. 10) Get a pretty good job.

 
Best Response
liveproperWhat's your major? Are you close to any major cities? Willing to move? etc. Why do you want to work in big 4? in what capacity?

You're really going about this the wrong way, in my opinion. In general these are the steps that lead to some career success. 1) Find out what interests you and what you enjoy. 2) Hustle. 3) Get shit job that is somewhat relevant to your interest. 4) Hustle. 5) Get a little bit better job. 6) Hustle. 7) Get decent job. 8) Hustle. 9) Hustle. 10) Get a pretty good job.

I live in Toronto but I do not mind travelling far or relocating. My major is finance and economics. I obviously want to do something in this field, and from what I feel so far, I believe having a junior position in financial analysis would be a big help.

The reason I say big 4 is because to get in such a position in a bank I would have to start as a teller. If I could get into big 4, I would even work for free as long as the training i get is pretty relevant and useful. On the other hand, I am probably at part 2 or 3 of your recommendation (hustle and get a shit job).

Anything else you want to add liveproper?

 

Nope. Seems like you've got a goal: work in big four environment. I would research and find out what credentials make you competitive for a position. Probably want to start pursuing CFA. You're on the right track with starting in compliance and looking to break in. If you already live in T dot that's a huge plus. Maybe you could reach out to alumni from your school who currently work in that environment and see what think about your resume? Check LinkedIn etc. Otherwise, good luck buddy.

 

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