Sylvia Mohanraj

Year of Graduation: 2014

University: McMaster University, University of Toronto

Program: McMaster – BHSc, U of T School of Continuing Studies – Digital Marketing Management, UofT/Emmanuel College – Master of Pastoral Studies

Work Experience: Various graphic designer/administrative positions at McMaster and U of T

Notable Experiences: I did a degree in health science but learned a lot of graphic design skills on the side which led to every well-paid job I’ve held to date. Side skills are important! Especially if they are things you love enough to learn outside of a set/forced schedule 🙂 Now I’m switching careers yet again to study Pastoral Studies and become a register psychotherapist/spiritual care person. Exploring my interests and changing my mind a few times has been sometimes fun, sometimes scary, and ultimately very rewarding.

Words of Wisdom: Keeping your options open, saying yes to opportunities that scare you, and feeding your side interests/projects in small ways over time will help you make better calculated career ‘risks’ later if you ever want to switch fields (and when we are asked to pick a field at 18, it is very normal to switch fields :D). Also learn to sit with self-doubt during those periods of change! It’s normal to feel it and possible to overcome it. Lean on your friends, and keep chugging along 🙂

Contact: sylviamohanraj@gmail.com