You look familiar. Where do I know you from?
I graduated in business management from Ryerson’s Ted Rogers School of Management and engaged in a lot of extra-curricular activities through student-run organizations. I was involved with the Ryerson University Finance Society (RUFS) and the Human Resources Student Association (HRSA), serving as HRSA President in my last year. You also may have seen me playing basketball on campus at Kerr Hall or lifeguarding at one of the City of Toronto pools.
When you were still in school, what excited you?
Free t-shirts, free food, especially pizza…also the start of each semester.
What do you enjoy most as Career Edge’s Campus Engagement Coordinator?
I help students and grads forge a path on their way to achieve their career dreams. No one would believe me because I LOVE shopping, but money really doesn’t wake me up. Just like how so many people have helped me get to where I am today, I want to do the same.
What impresses you about the people you meet on the job?
How many of them actually spend the time to learn about me, understand what I can do for them, and understand what I can’t do for them. I enjoy learning about jobseekers and students and recent grads so I can find matches, and make recommendations and referrals. I ‘study’ Career Edge’s current postings so if people tell me about themselves and their career goals, I may be able to find a good fit and also provide advice customized for their unique situation based on my prior experience. That’s why I want everyone’s story, and why I appreciate those who take the time to talk and connect with me – it helps me perform better at my job.
If I tagged along your campus visits and your playlist is shuffling, what are we jamming to on the way?
Childish Gambino, Travis Scott, Ed Sheeran, Drake, Dua Lipa
Give us some of your favourites.
Social media? Instagram
IG account? highsnobiety
Movie? The Notebook
Night spots? Warehouse, REBEL, Cube
Guilty pleasure? Sitcoms – Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, FRIENDS, Boy Meets World
Starbucks drink? I have two…
Hot? Marble hot chocolate – half chocolate, half white chocolate
Cold? Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappucino
Instrument? Violin
Pet Peeve? When people stand on the left side of the escalator
Collections? Funko pops, Canadian coins, sneakers, HP wands
City? LA
Inspirations? Kobe Bryant…Michael Phelps…my family
Joshua Go, Campus Engagement Coordinator
It’s Friday night / Sunday afternoon, you’re not on campus, what are you doing?
Fri: Drinks – a Sour Key at Warehouse…or a Marvel movie
Sun: Homemade brunch with the family and playing or watching basketball
I’m graduating soon. What are some skills employers need that I should pick up?
Hard skills, programs, software…analytical skills and critical thinking are very important as well. I’ve been asked so many times if I can create pivot tables and use shortcuts on Microsoft Excel. Employers need these skills and if you don’t have them, you could get left in the dust.
What advice would you give to people who dread networking?
Practice as much as you can. Everyone is told to leave their comfort zone and put themselves out there. I agree – but it can be at your own pace, so practice as much as possible until you’re ready. It’s okay to be shy or feel nervous or anxious, but you do need to be ready eventually. Also, don’t get so caught up in perfection. It’s like Instagram selfies – no one ever posts their first take!
What’s one common mistake jobseekers make?
They don’t research the position. They spend a lot of time learning about the company, but don’t learn what the responsibilities and duties of the position are, and go to the interview unprepared to discuss how they’re the best candidate to fulfill those tasks. Hiring managers want to know if you can get the job done!
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
To learn from my mistakes and not dodge my errors or fears…to trust my gut instinct and not succumb to peer pressure…to do something for myself, not someone else. The heart wants what the heart wants – it’s from a Selena Gomez song.
Want to connect with Josh? Send him an invite on LinkedIn or contact him at jgo@careeredge.ca. And if you’re graduating or have graduated and are ready to launch your career, register at https://www.careeredge.ca/for-job-seekers/ to get started today!