POV: YOU DID IT!

By Stephanie Figueiredo

Dear Future Self,

As I sit here today, reflecting on my journey as a fourth-year student at King's University College, I am filled with a sense of pride and accomplishment. Balancing an internship at TD as an Enterprise Data & Analytics (ED&A) Events and Communications Coordinator while pursuing an honours double major in Human Resources and Finance has been a challenging, but immensely, rewarding experience.

From day one, I knew that I wanted to make the most of my university experience. I was grateful for the support and encouragement I received from my professors – they pushed me to take advantage of the opportunities available to me and learn how to position myself to achieve my goals. Attending King's allowed me to be involved in my community, succeed academically, and still pursue my career goals while balancing my responsibilities.

At TD, I had the opportunity to work on projects where I applied my academic knowledge in real-world situations. I learned about data and analytics, and its crucial role in business decision-making. One of my most meaningful experiences was analyzing event data to identify key trends and opportunities over three major event seasons. I helped optimize future programming and contribute to the success of TD's events. I was even able to be a part of projects that were showcased to the board of directors and senior vice presidents, an experience that I will never forget.

Additionally, I built relationships with external vendors to source high-quality products for events, improving my networking and negotiation skills. My writing improved by working on internal communications –newsletters, presentations, and speaking notes – distributed to 9,000+ colleagues. I took pride in knowing that my writing was helping to inform and engage colleagues across the organization. Finally, I was able to make a lasting impact by upgrading the intern handbook by adding over thirty pages of material, including detailed instructions to improve future learning experiences and transitions between terms. I am proud to have played a role in creating a better experience for future interns, and I am grateful for the opportunity to leave a legacy at TD.

The journey to TD was not without its challenges. I lived outside of Toronto and had to commute biweekly to the city, using the six a.m. Megabus. The early mornings and three-hour-long trips were often tiring, but I was always motivated by the opportunity to learn and grow at my internship. At the same time, my education in Human Resources at King's has been invaluable in shaping my understanding of the importance of people and their impact on a company's success. I have learned about employee engagement, talent management, and the role of HR in creating a positive workplace culture, all thanks to the guidance of my professors at King's.

In the fall term, I balanced my internship with a part-time course load and assumed the elected role of KUCSC BMOS faculty representative. As a strong advocate for building your network, I organized the MEM Social, one of the first backon-campus events in September. With an attendance over one hundred, the day was filled with laughter and wisdom from faculty, alumni, students, and club members. This role allowed me to develop my leadership and communication skills and meet many new people that I have formed longlasting connections with. I learned to manage my time effectively, prioritize my responsibilities, and constantly strive to be the best version of myself. Through it all, I have developed resilience, determination, and a strong work ethic that will serve me well in the future.

Looking forward, I am eager to further my career at TD as a Commercial Banking Associate. I am confident that my experiences and education at King's and TD have equipped me with the skills and knowledge I need to succeed in this role. I hope that this letter serves as a reminder of the incredible journey you have been on and the strength and determination you have shown in overcoming the challenges along the way.

So, here's to you, my future self. Keep pushing yourself, never give up on your dreams, and always remember the journey that brought you to where you are today. I would like to leave you with my top three tips that have helped me till now:

1. Every person you meet can be an opportunity to network and stay connected. Whether it's a classmate, a mentor, or a colleague, take the time to build relationships and keep in touch. You never know when those connections might come in handy.

2. Try to build your experience by volunteering in clubs and organizations that matter to you. This will not only help you develop new skills and make meaningful connections, but it will also allow you to give back to your community and create a positive impact.

3. Always remember your core values and align yourself with them when you work hard. Whether it's integrity, honesty, or passion, make sure that you are living and working in a way that is true to who you are. Try to take a moment to breathe and realign yourself. This will help you stay motivated and inspired, even when the road ahead seems tough.

With gratitude and admiration, Your Past Self