Matthew Atem Duot
Profile:
Current City: Perth, Western Australia
Year arrived in Canada: 2019
School: University of Toronto
Academic Programs: BASC., Mining & Mineral Engineering
Occupation: Graduate Mining Engineer
Given your experience with internships and eventual full-time job offer, what tips do you have for new students joining post-secondary institutions on choosing academic programs that lead to gainful employment?
If your plan is to enter the job market with your undergraduate degree, you should be strategic and well-informed about your industry to maximize your chances of securing employment. Not all fields are equal in their demand for fresh graduates, so it is vital to research thoroughly to identify areas of specialization with robust job prospects. Again, know your industry. This includes knowledge of the major employers and the scope of opportunities available. Opportunities mostly go to those people who are aware that they exist.
2. You secured your dream job before your engineering convocation; this is the desirable outcome for most undergraduate students. What strategies did you employ to achieve this goal?
One career strategy that has significantly helped me is the deliberate choice of a career path that is marketable and aligns with my plans, coupled with a good understanding of my specific industry. As a new student, it is important to be very intentional with the choices that you make. Once you make a choice, dedicate substantial time to research and understand most facets of your chosen field. Most importantly, don't underestimate the power of internships. "The first job opportunity is the hardest to get; after that, opportunities find you.
3. Maishacanada.com exists to close information gaps that limit our bright students from achieving their optimal academic and career outcomes in Canada and beyond. Having attended our programs since inception, what role did our platform play in your academic and professional journey in Canada?
It is through Maisha Canada that I got to network with professionals who are already established in my field. By connecting with these individuals, I gained crucial insights into their practical career trajectories and pivotal decisions that shaped their careers. I learned that it is possible to expand your job search scope to other continents. Growth can be benchmarked, observing the career growth of colleagues whom I have a common history with from the platform is a great motivation.
